Ontogenetic Habitat Use and Density of the Green Lizard (Lacerta bilineata) in Contrasted Landscapes in France and Italy

Habitat modification is a major factor in the decline of reptile populations. The degree has been shown to be directly related intensity habitat modification. Farming practices and urbanization are just two factors involved indicating that development minimize or cancel anthropogenic impacts urgently needed prevent further declines. This requires knowledge population ecology reptiles both disturbed pristine habitats. In this paper, we describe aspects green lizard (Lacerta bilineata) forest–pasture relatively mosaic central Italy fragmented western France. Italy, niche overlap was very high between males females but low juveniles. For male female abundances, general linear models showed adult abundances increased with increase Rubus bushes, whereas juvenile abundance Spartium bushes. Contingency table analysis juveniles were also much more frequently observed grasslands than adults either sexes. ontogenetic structural pattern likely due intraspecific competition avoidance, interference, cannibalism. persistence same patterns across years demonstrates temporal stability pattern. Over length study period, densities stable Italian population, higher by around five times hedgerow hedgerow, monthly presence uneven, greatest number sightings June July. Overall, our provided no support for notion abundance/density should lower modified compared unmodified habitats, clearly revealed careful management hedgerows crucial conservation species agro-forest ecosystems.