Lizards hear wildfires
In 2021 we described that some lizards can detect wildfires by smelling the smoke, and in this way they can react quickly, e.g., by moving to a safe place [1]. Specifically we performed that study with the mediterranean lizard Psammodromus algirus, from eastern Spain. In a recent paper, we suggest that some lizards are able to recognise wildfires by their sound! [2]. This study was performed with another mediterranean lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis (western fence lizard), from southern California.
References
[1] Álvarez-Ruiz L, Belliure J, Pausas JG. 2021. Fire-driven behavioral response to smoke in a Mediterranean lizard. Behavioral Ecology 32: 662–667. [doi | oup | data:dryad | pdf] – blog
[2] Álvarez-Ruiz L, Pausas JG, Blumstein DT, Putmanb BJ. 2023. Lizards’ response to the sound of fire is modified by fire history. Animal Behaviour 196: 91–102. [doi | sciencedirect | pdf]
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