Body size and microhabitat affect winter survival of hatchling Psammodromus algirus lizards

Abstract

To examine factors related to overwinter survival of Psammodromus algirus hatchlings, we performed a capture-mark-recapture study of a cohort of hatchlings. In this work, we examine the effects of body size, vegetation structure of the home range, tail condition, sex, and estimated hatching date on hatchling survivorship to the next spring. Results of a logistic regression analysis showed that survival was associated with larger body size (SVL), higher cover, and earlier hatching date. Tail condition and sex were not associated with overwinter survivorship.