Demography of fan-throated lizard, Sitana ponticeriana (Cuvier) in a cotton field in Dharwad District of Karnataka State, India
Shanbhag, B.A.; Radder, R.S.; Gramapurohit, N.P.; Dheeraj, K.V.; Ammanna, V.H.; Pandav, B.N.; Saidapur, S.K.
Current Science 85(9): 1363-1366
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0011-3891 Document Number: 255027
The demographic studies on Sitana ponticeriana show that the species is abundant in Gabbur village. The lizards exhibited a diurnal variation in their activity pattern (basking, foraging, seeking refuge, etc.). They were active in the morning hours when air temperature was <=33°C and census yielded maximum numbers (45±2.19 in 18,748 sq m or 1.9 ha area). The study provides a pilot index as well as a reliable and accurate methodology for population survey of the lizard. The pilot index is essential for any large scale monitoring project and population trend analysis in future.