Review of methods used for demographic and trophic studies of Neotropical lizards
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v18i1.6606Keywords:
trophic ecology, demographic ecology, lizards, neotropics, sampling methodologiesAbstract
Introduction: Studying the demographic and trophic ecology of lizards from the Neotropic is challenging due to the complexity of tropical ecosystems. This systematic review critically analyzes the methods used in these studies. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, I searched JSTOR, SciELO, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library for studies published from 1980 to 2023. Results: I selected 33 studies: 26 on trophic ecology, five on demographic ecology, and two on both. Brazil had the most studies. Random-walk surveys and manual capture were the most common techniques. Population studies frequently used invasive marking, particularly toe clipping. Most trophic studies used stomach-content extraction or dissection. Overall, 8 418 of 11 399 sampled individuals were euthanized, including threatened species. Conclusions: Non-lethal alternatives, such as stomach flushing and injectable elastomer marking, should be used whenever possible. Careful sampling design can further reduce capture and mortality while maintaining data quality, improving the balance between research and conservation.
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