Anolis pogus male on pandanus root in hotel garden surveying his territory (J.Burgess)
It has been widely published that Anolis pogus is only found in high elevation on the island of St Martin. While it is true, it is very common and in high densities at these higher elevations and more mesic environments, however I observed this species at lower elevations and even only meters from the beach. I came across this species several times (by accident) while making my way around the island, even in downtown Phillipsburg. Mongoose certainly take their toll on this ground, bush, and trunk “generalist” and there were many areas on the island where neither A. pogus nor A. gingivinus are easily observed. I do not agree with the assumption that this species is excluded by competition by the larger species as both species were observed in great numbers in these areas where both are present. This species certainly deserves another look at its ecology.
- Fabric Poster! - January 31, 2018
- Jamaican Twig Anole Observations - December 24, 2013
- Anolis Pogus Observations - November 23, 2012
Robert Powell
I’ve commented several times in various publications that A. pogus is anything but limited to higher elevations. I also have found them repeatedly at or near sea level. However, I do think they are proportionately more abundant at higher elevations or in artificially mesic situations (e.g., hotel grounds, gardens). I agree that another detailed look is warranted, maybe with moisture and temperature as factors.
Skip (James) Lazell
I do not remember them being at all restricted to higher elevations, but just most abundant in moist habitats. They certainly coexist with gingivinus and niche-segregate.
Reynold Boyce
I’m not too long back from Saint Martin/St.Maarten where I travelled around looking for Anoles to photodocument. In fact, I just stumbled upon this website in my quest to discern the differences between the slides I have on Anolis pogon and A. gingivus both of which I found with a general brown base colour. The basic differences appear to be in their dorsal & lateral markings. Ecologywise I was tempted to assert that pogus exist mainly in the northern, higher elevation Saint Martin area while gingivinus exist mainly in the southern coastal St.Maarten habitats. I photodocumented the former in Lottery Farm area and the latter on the saltpond island housing the University campus. Given the fact that different species tend to occupy different habitat niches I find Messes Burgess’ & Powell’s observation very intriguing. Hoping for further clarification.