The lizard genus Anolis (Polychrotidae) is essentially ubiquitous in the West Indies, with most species confined to one island bank. However, human-mediated transport of materials, plants, and animals has introduced species across natural boundaries, sometimes with deleterious effects on native anoles. Among the most recent introductions is Anolis sagrei on St. Vincent. We investigated the distribution of introduced populations and evaluated possible effects on perch heights of native anoles (A. griseus and A. trinitatis) at a site where all three species occur. We found little evidence that A. sagrei has affected either native species. Perch heights of A. trinitatis in the presence of A. sagrei were comparable to those found in habitats where A. sagrei did not occur. However, we suggest continued monitoring of this exotic on St. Vincent to evaluate potential long-term impact on native species and to determine whether any effects will extend beyond heavily altered low-elevation sites.
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1 July 2008
Invasive Anolis sagrei on St. Vincent and Its Potential Impact on Perch Heights of Anolis trinitatis
Michael L. Treglia,
Alexander J. Muensch,
Robert Powell,
John S. Parmerlee
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Caribbean Journal of Science
Vol. 44 • No. 2
2008
Vol. 44 • No. 2
2008
Anolis griseus
Anolis sagrei
Anolis trinitatis
invasive
St. Vincent