Padrões de Atividade e Utilização de Micro-Habitat em Lagartos do Gênero Tropidurus em Espaço Urbanizado de Natal, Brasil

This study analyzed sun exposure, substrate type selected, and various behaviors exhibited by the lizard Tropidurus during thermoregulation. Observation entailed thirty days in an urbanized area of Centro de Biociencias/ Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. Their behavior was recorded using a scan sampling route and an instantaneous record method at three different time intervals (9am to 10am, 12am to 1pm, and 3pm to 4pm). Significant differences were seen with sun exposure (p = 0.027), with most lizards remaining in shadowed areas, where the animals preferentially remained standing (p < 0.001). We were also able to observe more lizards in the following substrates: tile, wall, rocks, and bricks (p < 0.001). In addition, the animals were in these substrates more frequently from 12am to 1pm (p = 0.004).