Thermoregulation in a saxicolous population of the lizard Urosaurus ornatus from the northern Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico

What is it about?

The Ornate Tree Lizard is typically found using trees; however we studied the temperature relationships of a population that exclusively uses rocks. We found that the lizards in this population are able to regulate their body temperature even if the thermal environment is not good. We also found that even though the lizards in this population use rocks, their body temperatures are similar to those who live primarily in trees. In addition, our results suggest this population may be prone to declines due to climate change and global warming.

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