Effects of vegetation loss on a sand dune lizard
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Published source details
Attum O.A. & Eason P.K. (2006) Effects of vegetation loss on a sand dune lizard. Journal of Wildlife Management, 70, 27-30.
Published source details Attum O.A. & Eason P.K. (2006) Effects of vegetation loss on a sand dune lizard. Journal of Wildlife Management, 70, 27-30.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Cease livestock grazing: Grassland & shrubland Action Link |
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Cease livestock grazing: Grassland & shrubland
A site comparison study in 1999–2000 in grazed and cultivated semi-stable sand dunes in Zaranik Protected Area in North Sinai, Egypt (Attum et al. 2006) found that excluding livestock grazing increased Be’er Sheva fringe-fingered lizard Acanthodactylus longipes abundance. Fringe-fingered lizards were more than three times as abundant in ungrazed fenced (29 individuals/site) compared to unfenced grazed sites (9 individuals/site). Lizards spent less time moving and were observed further away from the nearest vegetation in ungrazed fenced compared to unfenced grazed sites (60 vs 38 seconds, 105 vs 55 cm). Lizards were sampled in three sites protected by fences in a protected area and three unfenced sites subject to grazing and low-impact watermelon farming. All sites were 50 m x 50 m. Sites were sampled two to four times monthly, between September 1999 and September 2000. Lizards were visually observed for three minutes and captured for measurement and marking when possible.
(Summarised by: Guy Rotem, Katie Sainsbury)
