Biological and ecological aspects of xantusia sanchezi, an endangered lizard in an oak forest in the state of jalisco, Mexico

Abstract

Xantusia sanchezi is an endangered species that is endemic to Mexico and is known only from the states of Jalisco and Zacatecas.We studied a population from a locality known as Huaxtla, in the municipality of Zapopan in the state of Jalisco. Sampling was conducted over a period of 7 months in an area of 1.5 hectares of grassland and oak forest with boulders. Collected data included: body measurements (total length, snout-vent length, tail length, head length, head width, head height, femur length, and femoral pores), sex, weight, habitat and average temperature and humidity. Habitat characterization was made using a coverage analysis. A total of 29 individuals were captured with 7 re-captures. This work provides the first data on the biology and ecology of this species, which is known in Jalisco from only a small area under tremendous threat due to urban development. habitat, biometric, feeding.