Diet of the rough Acanthodactyl (Acanthodactylus boskianus) in the coastal habitats of the Gabes region
Keywords:
Acanthodactylus boskianus, Diet, Stomach contents, Habitat, GabèsAbstract
The knowledge of the diet of animals in their natural environment is a prerequisite for understanding their biology and ecology. Thus the aim of this study was to describe the diet of the Bosk’s Fringe-toed lizards Acanthodactylus boskianus, one of the most common lizards in the coastal habitats in Gabès region (southern Tunisia). In this area, this lizard species occurs in coastal dunes as well as in inland sandy habitats. So, we wished to compare the diversity of preys consumed by this lizard in both habitats: beach vs. backshore. Analysis of the stomach contents of 47 lizards showed a diet composed of various invertebrates, but that varied among habitats. In particular, we found that lizards living in sandy beaches included in their diets littoral preys, mostly Talitres (amphipods). Overall, our results confirm the alimentary opportunism of A. boskianus. They also emphasize the role of interface between the marine and terrestrial food chains played by this lizard species in the coastal ecosystems of the Gulf of Gabès. This last observation suggests that this lizard could also play a possible role in the transfer of pollutants (mainly heavy metals) discharged into the sea by the Gabès-Ghannouche industries of phosphate treatment from the sea to the terrestrial environment.
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