# The micro-niche explains allotopy and syntopy in South American Liolaemus (Iguania: Liolaemidae) lizards

## TL;DR

This study explores how microclimatic conditions influence the distribution and coexistence of Liolaemus lizard species in Argentina.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach to understanding lizard distribution by analyzing microclimate data across four distinct sites.

## Key findings

- Liolaemus irregularis inhabits all four sites, while other species coexist in syntopy or occupy sites in allotopy.
- Microclimatic factors like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and soil type significantly influence lizard presence and interactions.
- Each site's unique combination of environmental conditions supports different species distributions and coexistence patterns.

## Abstract

Species distribution models have been established as essential tools for projecting the effects of changing environmental conditions on species distribution across space and time. The microclimatic niche denotes the environmental conditions within a habitat at a small scale or localized area. These conditions have a direct influence on several ecological traits and on species distribution as these conditions determine which organisms can survive and/or reproduce. This study examines the microclimate data from four sites located in Northwestern Salta Province, Argentina. Four South American Liolaemus lizard species were found to inhabit these four sites in allotopy or syntopy, with Liolaemus irregularis inhabiting all four sites. Liolaemus irregularis is the sole Liolaemus species inhabiting Site 1; L. irregularis inhabits Site 2 in syntopy with L. multicolor; L. irregularis inhabits Site 3 in syntopy with L. yanalcu; and L. irregularis inhabits Site 4 in syntopy with L. albiceps. To characterize the four sites, a microclimate model was generated for an interval from 10 AM to 6 PM every day, for 10 years. The sites exhibited some differences in the combination of climatic and soil characteristics. Site 1 was characterized by low relative humidity, high temperature, high wind speed, and Cambisol soil type. Site 2 had high relative humidity, low temperature, moderate wind speed, and Andosol soil type. Site 3 had high relative humidity, high temperature, low wind speed, and Cambisol soil type. Site 4 had high relative humidity, low temperature, moderate wind speed, and Regosol soil type. Temperature, humidity, wind speed, soil type, and species diet influenced the presence of lizard species at each site. It is evident that microenvironmental conditions profoundly influence lizard distribution and biological interactions.