Arboreal Space Use of Plestiodon japonicus in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu Island, Japan

This study investigates arboreal behavior in the scincid lizard, Plestiodon japonicus, focusing on populations in mainland Japan. Previous research suggested that the population on the Danjo Islands uses trees for basking, but whether this behavior is widespread or a specific adaptation to the islands remained unclear. To explore this, camera traps were set up in a forest in Kumamoto Prefecture from June 2022 to October 2023, recording lizard behaviors. Climbing behaviors were observed at two sites, with five climbing events recorded over 9,570 camera-days. The lizards moved smoothly along tree trunks, with speeds comparable to arboreal lizards like Anolis. The current findings may provide a reliable record of a specific aspect of the species' broader habitat use.