NATURAL HISTORY OF THE BLACK IGUANA Ctenosaura similis (SQUAMATA: IGUANIDAE) IN ISLA CONTOY, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO
The genera Iguanaand Ctenosaurabelong to the Iguanidae family, and populations of most species of these genera have decreased due to anthropogenic effects. The natural history of most species of this family is poorly known, including Ctenosaura similis. Therefore, this study documents some ecological aspects of the species, such as its feeding habits, and habitat and microhabitat use in a population on Isla Contoy in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The data showed that even though C. similisis distributed throughout the island, individuals more commonly use human construction (buildings) of Parque Nacional Isla Contoy (PNIC) and mangrove areas. Microhabitats most used by all age classes and sexes were rocks and trees. The diet of the species is omnivorous; however, the frequency of prey type consumed changes with the age of the individuals (hatchlings, juveniles, and adults), as well as with the season of the year. The practice of cannibalism by some individuals is also reported, as well as coprophagy and scavenging. This work provides general information on the life history of C. similis, complementing the scarce information that is currently available.
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Sede Bogotá - Facultad de Ciencias - Departamento de Biología
2020
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| Online Access: | https://revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/actabiol/article/view/79707 |
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