This document summarizes a study that investigated the influence of ambient temperature on the escape behavior of Striped Skinks near Lake Naivasha, Kenya. The study hypothesized that skinks would allow for shorter approach distances by predators at increasing temperatures. Continuous focal sampling was conducted at 8 sites, recording the ambient temperature, distance an observer could approach before the skink escaped, and distance to cover. A marginally negative correlation was found between escape distance and ambient temperature, as predicted, but Spearman's rank correlation coefficient found the relationship to be statistically insignificant. The conclusion is that ambient temperature showed no significant correlation with escape behavior in this study.

1. Determining the influence of ambient temperature on escape behaviour in
Striped Skinks (Mabuya striata) near Lake Naivasha, Kenya.
Simon O’ Carroll
so309@exeter.ac.uk
University of Exeter Cornwall Campus,
Penryn, TR10 9EZ
HYPOTHESIS
“Ambient temperature correlates
with skink escape behaviour.”
It was predicted that for INCREASING
temperatures, skinks will allow for
SHORTER approach distances by
predators.
• The ability to escape from predators is crucial to an
individual’s survival.
• Reptile locomotor capacities vary with temperature,
affecting their ability to escape[1], which increases their
risk of predation.
• To minimise the likelihood of capture, predator
approach distances increase as temperature
decreases[2,3].
INTRODUCTION
• Continuous focal sampling was used at 8 different
sites around Base Camp and along the edge of Lake
Naivasha (n=39).
• The observer would approach the skink from behind
until it escaped.
• Ambient temperature and distance between
observer and individual (Escape Distance) were
recorded at each site, as well as Distance to Cover.
• Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ) was used
for analysis of non-parametric data.
METHODS
References
1. Cooper, W.E. (2000) Effect of Temperature on Escape Behaviour by an Ectothermic Vertebrate, the Keeled Earless Lizard (Holbrookia propinqua).
Behaviour, 137(10), 1299-1315
2. Rand, A. S. (1964) Inverse relationship between temperature and shyness in the lizard Anolis lineatopus. Ecology, 45, 863–864.
3. Rocha, C. F. D. & Bergalo, H. G. (1990) Thermal biology and flight distance of Tropidurus oreadicus (Sauria
Iguanidae) in an area of Amazonian Brazil. Ethol. Ecol. Evol. 2, 263–268.
4. Stakowich, T. & Blumstein, D.T (2005) Fear in animals: a meta-analysis and review of risk assessment. Proc. R. Soc. B, 272, 2627–2634
Image Sources: Google Images
• A marginally negative correlation was observed
(Figure 1), as was predicted.
• Spearman’s coefficient also denotes a negative
correlation, but was found to be statistically
insignificant (ρ=-0.11, df=13, p>0.05).
• Distance to cover, measured in body lengths, had no
significant correlation either (ρ=-0.05, df=13, p>0.05).
RESULTS
Figure 1 - Scatter plot of Escape Distance plotted against Ambient Temperature
(Spearman’s coefficient= -0.11, df=13, p>0.05)
CONCLUSION
Ambient temperature shows no
significant correlation with escape
behaviour[4].
Confounding variables to account for:
 Predator habituation?
 Unusual weather patterns?