Summary
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1.
The mating system and social behavior of the tree-dwelling lizard Liolaemus tenuis (Iguanidae) were studied in two parks in Santiago, Chile, and in one in San Felipe, during the breeding seasons of 1976 and 1977.
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2.
It was found that the degree of polygyny increases with tree diameter. Since there is always one male per tree and several females can share a tree. Evidence is presented in support of the hypothesis that trees could be a scarce resource.
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3.
The number of juveniles per male and per female was found to increase with tree size.
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4.
Evidence is exhibited that the polygyny pattern in L. tenuis is the product of the different tolerances of the adult residents against individuals of their own sex.
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5.
Females resident on trees were organized in dominance orders. Their aggressive behavior would set an upper limit to the number of females that can inhabit a tree. The importance of social behavior in the breeding success of females resident on trees is discussed.
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Manzur, M.I., Fuentes, E.R. Polygyny and agonistic behavior in the tree-dwelling lizard Liolaemus tenuis (Iguanidae). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 6, 23–28 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00293241
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00293241