Comparative ecophysiology of two sympatric lizards. Laying the groundwork for mechanistic distribution models

Distribution modelling usually makes inferences correlating species presence and environmental variables but does not take biotic relations into account. Alternative approaches based on a mechanistic understanding of biological processes are now being applied. Regarding lacertid lizards, physiological traits such as preferred body temperature (Tp) are well known to correlate with several physiological optima. Much less is known about their water ecology although body temperature and evaporative water loss (Wl) may trade-off. Two saxicolous lacertids, <em>Algyroides marchi </em>and <em>Podarcis hispanica </em>ss are sympatric in the Subbetic Mountains (SE Spain) were they can be found in syntopy. Previous distribution modelling indicates the first species is associated with mountains, low temperatures; high precipitation and forest cover whereas the second one is more generalistic. Here, we perform two ecophysiological tests with both species: a Tp experiment in thermal gradient and a Wl experiment in sealed chambers. Although both species attained similar body temperatures, <em>A. marchi </em>lost more water and more uniformly in time than <em>P. hispanica</em> ss that displayed an apparent response to dehydration. These results suggest that water loss rather temperature is crucial to explain the distribution patterns of <em>A. marchi</em> in relation to <em>P. hispanica</em> ss, the former risking dehydration in dry areas no matter what temperature is. Ecophysiological traits represent a promising tool to build future mechanistic models for (lacertid) lizards. Additionally, the implications for their biogeography and conservation are discussed