Agonistic and mating behaviour of the endemic lizard Trachylepis atlantica from the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil

The skink Trachylepis atlantica is endemic to the Fernando de Noronha archipelago. Although this species abundant in archipelago, it increasingly threatened by invasive species, predation, and anthropic interference. However, little known about its natural history. Here we report on territory use, male-male combat, mating behaviour of freeranging T. atlantica. During dry season, observed two bouts male combat copulations, which suggests some seasonality. In displays ritualised agonistic with escalated aggressiveness that include - i) visualisation, approaching or following, ii) visual display, iii) bite body confrontation, iv) dominance. Adult males were always alert invaders within their territories. After resident showed scars heads resulting from encounters. courtship, immobilisation, mating.