The Herpetological Journal

pp.43-47

Authors: José C. Brito, Fausto Brito E Abreu, Octávio S. Paulo, Humberto D. Rosa And Eduardo G. Crespo

Abstract: The geographic distribution of the endemic Iberian lizard Lacerta schreiberi in Portugal was determined through extensive field surveys. Subsequently, a logistic regression model which predicts the probability of occurrence, based on environmental variables, was developed. We found that L. schreiberi is more widely distributed than previously thought, through most of central/northern Portugal, including the coastal zone and extending into low altitude zones. New isolated populations were also detected and the area occupied by three previously known southern isolates was enlarged. The model indicates that the distribution of L. schreiberi is largely explained by environmental parameters such as insolation, evapotranspiration, rain, humidity and soil-drainage. Values of probability of occurrence greater than 0.50, as determined by our model, correspond with the actual presence of the species.