Fine-scale analysis of habitat occupancy by Kura lizard (Darevskia portschinskii) and its daughter parthenogenetic form (Darevskia dahli)

Two species of rock lizards, the parthenogenetic D. dahli and sexually reproducing portschinskii , coexist in a rocky outcrop an area ca. 1 ha, vicinity Tbilisi, Georgia; location has been well-known since middle 1960s. The population density lizard is five times higher than that sexual breeder. We studied distribution active lizards space time over three consecutive years, during spring autumn activity periods, to explore spatial temporal differences between on fine scale. influence temperature, humidity, quantitative characteristics surface distance from permanent water source . Darevskia was less dependent more evenly distributed Despite potential competitive interactions, did not avoid each other microhabitat scale, suggesting observed ecological are caused by niche shift. More individuals breeder parthenogen were found suboptimal habitats. This feature may increase evolutionary success long-term perspective.