Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Use of forest ride verges in Southern England for the conservation of the sand lizard Lacerta agilis L.

1988; Elsevier BV; Volume: 45; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0006-3207(88)90058-4

1873-2917

Susan Dent, Ian F. Spellerberg,

Entomological Studies and Ecology

Three areas in forest plantations provide habitats for the lizard Lacerta agilis: open unplanted spaces, areas where planting has recently taken place and ride verges. The last seem to offer the greatest potential for habitat management. Features of the verge which are important components of the L. agilis habitat are the nature of the ground vegetation and the soil characteristics, the width and/or area and the amount of sunshine received by the verge. These features have been researched and analysed, providing information on which to base management. Analysis of the amount of sunshine received on verges led to the development of a sunshine index which can be used in a model to estimate when tree growth will make the verge unsuitable for L. agilis. Recommendations are made for the management of forest ride verges for L. agilis.