Short-term impact of a small wildfire on the lizard Psammodromus algirus (linnaeus, 1758): a Before-after-control-impact study (squamata: sauria: lacertidae)

Abstract

In Mediterranean environments, wildfires are key in modelling landscapes, ecological succession and the dynamics of species and communities. however, in recent years, wildfires have increased in number and extent, resulting in a conservation concern. still, it is generally thought that reptiles are usually not harmed by wildfires, or even may be benefited. here, the authors used a Before-after-control-impact design to examine the effect of a small wildfire (16 ha) on the abundance of a lizard, Psammodromus algirus (linnaeUs, 1758). The findings suggest that the local population crashed as a result of the wildfire, although juvenile lizards quickly recolonized the burnt area from adjacent sites. almost a year after the fire, an adult P. algirus was detected in the burnt area. Therefore, the present study highlights that even a very small wildfire may negatively impact a Mediterranean lizard.