REFERENCE OF STRUCTURE AND ABUNDANCE OF THE GREEN LIZARD (LACERTA VIRIDIS LAURENTI, 1768) POPULATIONS ON THE TERRITORY OF THE NNP «DNIESTER CANYON»

Abstract

Reliable information about the species composition of the fauna, way of life, abundance, distribution, and breeding features is not only the initial data for in-depth zoological, evolutionary and ecological research, but also the source for nature conservation activity based on the analysis of the state of wildlife resources.
The European green lizard (Lacerta viridis Laurenti, 1768; Reptilia, Squamata) is one of the most vulnerable species of reptiles in the domestic herpetofauna. Therefore, it is the object of ecological research aimed at studying population structure, biotopic distribution, including within the protected natural areas and areas that are undergoing significant anthropogenic transformation.
The work is based on field studies conducted in April August 2018 and data from the regular phenological observations of the Dniester Canyon National Nature Park.
The current status of the European green lizard population (Lacerta viridis Laurenti, 1768) within the territory of Dniester Canyon National Nature Park has been investigated. The abundance and spatial distribution of the species populations in different biotopes have been studiedon the basis of long-term phenological observations according to the program of the Chronicle of Nature of the National Nature Park and the authors’ research. The data of the species occurrence on the territory of the Park for the last six years is given. The abundance of the European green lizard populations under different biotopical conditions and the main factors influencing the studied parameters have been analyzed.
The European green lizard has been found to be a stenotopic species that favors only 2-3 biotopes, so it is highly vulnerable due to distortion of specific stations. Besides, L. viridis is the dominant species of reptiles on the Dniester slopes, its tributaries, streams, gullies and ravines.
The biotopes inhabited by this species can be grouped into three main types:
1) slopes of hills and ravines with thick-growing grassand bushes of hawthorn and dog rose (settlement density 30-50 inhabitants/km);
2) areas related to broad-leaved forests and mixed forests glades, outskirts of forests, forest roads (20-50 inhabitants/km);
3) steep slopes of gullies, steep bank slopes with limestone outcrops with herbaceous and shrubby vegetation (6-11 inhabitants/km).
The spatial distribution of L. viridis communities in the region is predominantly aggregative and exists in several different forms, which is related to the configuration of favorable plots, the nutritive base and interspecies relationships.