Habitat selection by the lizard Lacerta lepida in a mediterranean oak forest

We studied habitat selection by Lacerta lepida in an open, degraded Mediterranean Quercus ilex -forest using two different methods. First, the frequency of lizard observations in distinct habitat types was compared with habitat availability. Although lizards were seen in a wide range of habitats, a preference for sites with a complex vertical vegetation structure was evident. We also quantified structural features of the habitat at sighting spots of adult lizards. Both univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that lizards preferred sites with a relatively high coverage of high (> 2 m) vegetation, but with some low (<50 cm) vegetation, and where some rocks were present.