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Behavioural adaptations and related utilization of habitat by the endemic lizard Calotes
nigrilabris was studied utilising line transects and quadrates for a period of one year from
January to December 2016 in the grasslands of Horton Plains National Park (HPNP), Nuwara
Eliya District. A total of 108 transects, each 200 meters in length, were laid and traversed to
collect data. Lizard census were carried out by placing 1x1m quadrates along transects. The
distance between transects exceeded 200m. Quadrates were placed taking each lizard sighting
as the centre of quadrate. A total of 303 lizard-occupied quadrates were examined throughout
the study. The maturity stage of each lizard encountered was determined. At each lizard
occupied quadrate, perch type, perching plant, perching height and perching light level was
recorded. An ethogram was developed and focal animal sampling was conducted dividing the
day into four time periods; morning, mid-day, evening and night. Activity level was
determined considering the number of lizards that could be visually observed. Behavioural
patterns varied in the temporal and spatial scales indicating a clear resource partitioning
between different maturity stages. The most preferred perch type of C. nigrilabris was tree
branches (55.12±11.97) and preferred perch plant varied significantly between maturity stages
(Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.05). Adult males preferred Rhododendron sp. while adult females
preferred Ulex sp. Sub-adults utilized both these plants. Juveniles mostly utilized
Rhododendronsp. And the fern Pteridium sp. Hence, there was a resource partitioning in the
spatial scale. Perch light and perch height of lizards varied in the temporal scale during the
day. Perch height varied significantly between different maturity stages of C. nigrilabris
(ANOVA, F=21.93;p<0.05). Lizard activity increased gradually from 06:00 to 09:00 h and
highest activity was recorded between 09:00 and 10:00h (11.56±5.59). There was a significant
variation of activity patterns within each time period considered (Kruskal-Wallis Test,
p<0.05). Four different prominent behaviors were observed in each time period morningbasking (27.15±13.27)%, mid-day-alert (42.778±11.756)%, evening-resting (53.78±13.74)%,
night-sleeping (85.74±5.78)%].The results of this study indicate that C. nigrilabris is well
adapted for the utilization of grassland habitats of HPNP. For that, it shows behavioral
adaptations which varies within maturity stages which results in more efficient and effective
resource use. Therefore, this study provides important insights for conservation and
management of C. nigrilabris by critically evaluating the differing requirements of different
life stages of this species. It will also help the conservation of the natural habitat as well.
