Long-term structural habitat use of male individuals of two native and one introduced Anolis (Iguanidae) species on the north coast of Jamaica

This study compares the perch heights and densities of male Anolis grahami, A. sagrei and A. lineatopus at four localities near Ocho Rios, Jamaica during the spring of 1983, 1987, 1994, 1996, 1998 and 2000. This is the first report of an Anolis perch height study sampling the same study area for a period of almost two decades. The finding of stability over the long-term in this system lends validity to numerous short-term studies. Data analyses included assessment of perch height and densities. Mean perch heights were signifi-cantly different among species during the study. However, there was still significant overlap in this niche dimension in many years of the study. Anolis sagrei is an invader that has integrated into the Anolis community at this locality. Implications of these findings are discussed regarding reasons for coexistence and potential competition between these species.