The use of a lacertid lizard as a model for reptile ecotoxicology studies - Part 1 Field demographics and morphology

At the European level, lacertid lizards have been proposed as potential model species for reptile ecotoxicology. We studied demographic and morphological aspects of natural field subpopulations of Podarcis bocagei inhabiting similar agricultural habitats which were either regularly exposed to pesticides, or not. Parameters examined in this study included population size and density, sex ratio, adult body size, fluctuating asymmetry in femoral pores and parasite prevalence. In general, we detected few statistically significant differences between the exposed and reference subpopulations. Although field situations are ecologically complex and factors other than pesticides may be acting, the absence of observable effects on field subpopulations is probably indicative that lizards are coping or compensating for this level of exposure.

► Lacertid lizards present themselves as sentinel organisms of pesticide exposure.
► Lizards in corn agriculture are exposed to numerous herbicides.
► Lizard population demographics and individual morphologies were examined.
► There were few significant differences between subpopulations.
► Lizard subpopulations are likely compensating for the toxic effects of pesticides.