Structure et dynamique d’une population de Lacerta taurica taurica Pallas

A population of Lacerta t. taurica Pall, has been studied from 1967 to 1972 in the Oltenia region of Romania, where it inhabits sandy areas with short grass cover. Lacerta taurica grow mainly between their first and second hibernation period, the growth rate slowing down afterwards. During winter the lizards grow very slowly. Age categories can be based upon body length. The average population density was 100 lizards/ha, and the average standing crop biomass 360 g/ha. Yearly survival rate varies with age : 70-75 % between the first and the second winter, 86 % between the second and the third winter and 88-93 % for lizards over three years of age. Mortality rate is higher in younger individuals spending winter in poorly sheltered dens. Sex-ratio in the population is probably 50:50, but the number of males apparently increases during the breeding season, as females remain for a longer time in their hibernation shelters, and also in autumn when females enter first their wintering retreats.Cruce Mihai. Structure et dynamique d’une population de Lacerta taurica taurica Pallas. In: La Terre et La Vie, Revue d'Histoire naturelle, tome 31, n°4, 1977. pp. 621-636