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Dryad

Thermal ecology and thermal landscape of Sauromalus varius

Data files

Mar 20, 2025 version files 81.45 KB

Abstract

Dataset shows data on the thermal ecology and thermal landscape of the piebald chuckwalla, Sauromalus varius, an herbivorous reptile living on a hot desert island in one of the warmest areas in the world. Data was collected during the warmest period of the year (July 2023). We recorded field body temperature (Tbfield), voluntary thermal limits (the voluntary maximum body temperature), the onset of thermal stress responses (e.g., panting), and critical maximum temperature (CTmax) at which righting response was lost.

We also determined thermal landscape available to the iguanas on the island. Temperature dataloggers registered temperature every 30 min during six days in the hottest month of the year. Temperature was determined for air temperature (at 150 cm above the substrate) and in the sun (30 cm above the substrate), and for microhabitats available to the iguana: substrate temperature in the sun and shade, under plants, under rocks, and in caves.