首页|Hibernation cell construction by the viviparous lizard Zootoca vivipara
Hibernation cell construction by the viviparous lizard Zootoca vivipara
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NSTL
The viviparous lizard (Zootoca vivipara) has a Eurasian distribution that extends further north than any other lizard species, crossing the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia and Siberia, reaching to at least 71° N. To survive cold winter conditions, viviparous lizards hibernate in suitable shelters where they remain torpid until warmer weather prevails. The lizard has evolved some remarkable physiological adaptations to survive freezing winters and consequently can endure subzero temperatures in either a supercooled or a frozen state (Costanzol et al., 1995) but the lizard's choice of hibernaculum is also relevant to its survival. However, Beebee and Griffiths (2000) noted in relation to this species in Britain that, "We still know little about the hibernacula, but they are probably frost free refugia below ground or beneath large rocks or woodpiles." In a subsequent study of Z. vivipara hibernation in Siberia, Berman et al. (2016) report that all hibernating lizards were in various distinct cavities: burrows of the dung beetle Anoplotrupes stercorosus, tunnels left behind by decomposed roots, etc. No hibernating lizards were found in areas with loose soil. They concluded that the presence of small and stable cavities may be a necessary condition for hibernation. Furthermore, they suggest that relatively dry soil is required, as lizards survived hibernation at sub-zero temperatures in soil at 15 % moisture content (m.c.) but under experimental conditions all died at 70-80 % m.c.
NSTL
