Es Colomer, a Unique Population of the Lilford’s Wall Lizard, Podarcis lilfordi (Squamata: Lacertidae)
2025
Ana Pérez-Cembranos | Valentín Pérez-Mellado
Es Colomer Island is occupied by a melanistic population of the Lilford&rsquo:s Wall lizard, Podarcis lilfordi. Adult males are larger than females, with longer tails, and higher values of body mass, pileus length, head heigh, head width, hindleg length and number of dorsal scales. Adult sex ratio is balanced or slightly skewed towards males. At the summit of the islet, body condition was found to be significantly better than in almost vertical slopes. We found a higher proportion of digit amputations in adult males, probably due to frequent male&ndash:male interactions, promoted by high lizard density. During a 2024 survey, we recorded the highest known density of the Lilford&rsquo:s Wall lizard. The prevalence of mites and blood parasites was 100%. The frequent intraspecific interactions, shown by the proportion of males with digit amputations, could be the source of the higher prevalence and susceptibility to blood parasite infections. The diet of lizards from Colomer is omnivorous, including several prey groups, as well as carcass remains from birds and mammals, and even conspecifics. Lizards from Colomer are an excellent example of the effects of extreme environmental conditions, with high population densities, strong intraspecific competition, the widespread presence of external and blood parasites, the extensive use of the scarce resources, and the opportunistic use of unpredictable resources in masting years, such as the fruits of the joint pine.
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