First record of carcass use as a refuge in lizards: The phyllodactylid gecko Homonota darwinii (Boulenger, 1885) in Argentina

Abstract

These first records of the use of S. Magellanicus carcasses as refuge by H. d. darwinii contribute to the natural history knowledge of the species, particularly their habitat use. Overall, we suggest that the use of carcasses as a refuge may be mainly related to thermoregulation, but in balance with defence against predation, desiccation, and food acquisition, although these associated factors should be further investigated. In addition, the records presented here also represent the first records relating the use of carcasses as a refuge for lizards in general, which suggests that other species of this group may also have the potential to exhibit this behaviour. The present study further emphasises the importance of migratory seabirds as penguins in the Patagonian ecosystem, as their carcasses not only offer extra food for scavengers, but also act as shelter for smaller species. And thereby highlights the importance for conservation action of such charismatic species, especially those considered as “umbrella species” that can favour the protection of other species of a given location, region, or ecosystem. Finally, our contribution demonstrates that more attention should be given to alternative shelters in field studies, since species considered saxicolous, such as H. d. darwinii, can also take refuge in other environmental elements.