For citation:
Polynova G. V., Polynova O. E. Population density dynamics of the Phrynocephalus mystaceus mystaceus (Reptilia, Agamidae) intrapopulation group on the Sarykum sandy massif during the breeding season. Current Studies in Herpetology, 2025, vol. 25, iss. 3, pp. 202-205. DOI: 10.18500/1814-6090-2025-25-3-4-202-205
Population density dynamics of the Phrynocephalus mystaceus mystaceus (Reptilia, Agamidae) intrapopulation group on the Sarykum sandy massif during the breeding season
Our study of the Phrynocephalus mystaceus mystaceus (Pallas, 1776) intrapopulation group on the Sarykum sand massif was carried out during the breeding seasons (1st ten days of May) in 2021 – 2024. In this part of the habitat, the species forms local groups with a very high population density (from 72.9 to 95.7 ind. / ha). Apparently, this is due to the island position of the population on the Sarykum. The group maintains a stable number of the sedentary parts, which is supported by the mechanism of dynamic balance between the numbers of sedentary mature and immature individuals. The lower the number of mature residents, the higher the chance for immature lizards to gain a foothold within the group. The flow of migrating individuals is obviously determined by the total population size. The numerical fluctuations are greater in immature lizards.
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