Reproductive behavior in liolaemus manueli (Reptilia, Liolaemidae) and its relevance in an ex situ conservation program

Abstract

In this note we report the first case of courtship, mating and birth of Liolaemus manueli in captivity. Specimens were captured near their Terra typica, as a product of human intervention in the area, and were deposited in a terrarium for later release. However, in the following days we observed courtship behavior and copulation in a pair of individuals of this species. According to these observations we discuss the potential of an ex situ conservation program for this species, since their natural habitat is strongly threatened.