Vegetation Refuges of a Sand Lizard Assemblage in Temperate Coastal Sand Dunes

Natural refuges constitute a fundamental resource in the habitat of any given species. Consequently, the knowledge of those elements that are used as protection from predators is a priority for conservation. We studied the antipredatory mechanisms of an assemblage of sand dune lizards, determining whether refuge sites are random or whether particular types are chosen depending on their availability. We also compared the frequencies of the use of refuge sites with the use of perch sites by individuals at initial detection. Liolaemus multimaculatus used sites under rocks, either as refuges or as perches, and sites under sub-shrubs (Senecio bergii) and clump herbs (Spartina ciliata) as refuge only. Liolaemus gracilis used sites under creeping herbs (almost exclusively Panicum racemosum) and sub-shrubs (Senecio bergii) as refuge and perch sites more frequently than expected. Liolaemus wiegmannii only used sub-shrubs (mainly Melilotus indicus but also Achyrocline satureioides and Senecio bergii) both as refuge and perch sites. We show that lizards of Costa Bonita select certain types of native psammophytic grassland plants as refuge. Most of the plants used as refuge are also used as perch sites.