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THE MORPHOLOGY, REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND HABITAT UTILISATION OF THE EXOTIC INVASIVE LIZARD, THE BROWN ANOLE (ANOLIS SAGREI), IN
TAIWAN
by
Gerrut Norval
submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of
MSC
In the subject
NATURE CONSERVATION
at the
University of South Africa
Supervisor: Dr. Kerry Slater
Co-supervisor: Prof. Leslie R. Brown
Page i
Summary
Surveys and vegetation analyses were used to determine the known distribution and the
characteristics of the habitat utilised by Anolis sagrei in Taiwan. Sampled lizards were
used for morphological comparisons, and to investigate the reproductive biology of this
species in Taiwan.
The results of this study indicate that the distribution of A. sagrei in Taiwan is extensive
(≥237 ha) in Chiayi City and County (southwestern study site) and scattered (≥8 ha) in
Hualien City and County (eastern study site). These lizards were mostly found in open
sunny degraded man-made habitats.
Although some variations were noted in the comparisons between the A. sagrei collected
from the two study sites, it was concluded that the two populations likely have the same
founder population.
The reproductive biology study indicated that photoperiod and the associated
temperatures determine the reproductive cycles in A. sagrei. It also demonstrated that
reproduction in this species is energetically demanding.
Key Terms
abdominal fat weight cycle; Anolis sagrei; brown anole; habitat preference; human
commensal; income breeder; invasive species; liver weight cycle; lizard; photoperiod;
reproductive biology
Page ii
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