Home range size and overlap and their relationship to food abundance in the desert iguana, Dipsosaurus dorsalis
Herpetologica
1976
Journal Article
32
4
405-412
Dipsosaurus dorsalis
Home range size of adult desert iguana lizards, Dipsosaurus dorsalis,was studied during June and July of 1975, in Thousand Palms, Riverside County, California, USA. The mean home range size of males (1,462 m2) and females (1,558 m2) for combined pre-storm and post-storm sightings was not significantly different. Home range size was correlated positively with body size and the number of sightings. A 5-day sandstorm occurred 16-21 June which greatly reduced the leaves and flowers of native plants in the study area. Home range size and overlap prior to and after the storm were compared. Home range size of 12 lizards, with four or more observations each for the two periods, was significantly larger after the storm. Home ranges of males prior to the storm did not overlap, although overlap was extensive after the storm. Home range overlap did not occur in females. Factors effecting home range size and overlap and their relationship to social structure are discussed.