Open AccessFirst reproductive evidence for the Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus) in Nebraska
Author(s) -
Keith Geluso
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
transactions of the nebraska academy of sciences and affiliated societies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2379-8688
pISSN - 0163-9013
DOI - 10.32873/unl.dc.tnas.42.2
Subject(s) - hatchling , reproduction , lizard , biology , grassland , archaeology , geography , ecology , hatching
The Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus) reproduces across parts of northern and central Kansas, but its distribution extendsinto southern Nebraska. In Nebraska, not a single aspect of reproductive activity has been reported for this species in the state.Herein, we report on the first documentation of reproduction in Nebraska. On 22 September 2021, we captured two hatchling SlenderGlass Lizards at the Ash Grove Wildlife Management Area in Franklin County, Nebraska. We calculated that those individualslikely hatched around the first week of September. Presence and reproduction of Slender Glass Lizards at the study site likelywas associated with ungrazed grasslands. Although Slender Glass Lizards were listed as extinct in the state prior to 2009 due to alack of sightings for decades, a few recent observations have been reported in southern counties bordering Kansas. In Nebraska,additional surveys and studies are required to better understand the distribution and requirements for this species of conservationneed in the state.Keywords: Grassland, hatchling, Nebraska, Ophisaurus attenuatus, reproduction, Slender Glass Lizard