Observação do comportamento e adaptação do lagarto Anolis sagrei em jardins em meio urbano na cidade de Orlando, Flórida, EUA

Abstract

Urbanization causes profound changes in natural ecosystems, modifying habitat structure and favoring species capable of exploiting anthropogenic environments. In this context, Anolis sagrei stands out for its high ecological plasticity and broad capacity to adapt to urban environments. The present study aimed to observe the behavior and adaptation of Anolis sagrei in ornamental gardens located along International Drive, in the Sand Lake neighborhood, Orlando, Florida (USA), evaluating habitat use and the factors that may favor its persistence in these environments. Field observations were conducted in June and December 2024, early March and November 2025, and February 2026, with approximately five sampling days during each field campaign and observation sessions lasting an average of one hour, predominantly conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Climatic conditions varied among field campaigns, encompassing the beginning of summer in June, the beginning of winter in December, the end of winter in March, the transition between autumn and winter in November, and the coldest winter period in February. Data were obtained through direct observations, photographic records, audiovisual recordings, and field notes. The results showed that the species predominantly used hedges as shelter, refuge, and perches, alternating its occupation between ornamental vegetation and sun-exposed paved areas for thermoregulation. It was also observed that gardens subjected to automated irrigation and covered with organic ground cover (mulch) provided favorable conditions for the maintenance of microhabitats used by the species. During the study, an opportunistic event of nocturnal feeding activity was recorded at 8:55 p.m. on November 6, 2025, when two individuals were filmed capturing insects probably attracted by artificial LED lighting. Although A. sagrei is recognized as a predominantly diurnal species, this record suggests high behavioral plasticity in response to a localized increase in food availability. The results reinforce the importance of ornamental gardens as microhabitats capable of supporting populations of small vertebrates in urbanized areas and contribute to expanding knowledge of urban ecology and lizard adaptation to anthropogenic environments.