While laboratory tests allow for control over more variables, the behaviors of animals are likely different in the wild; thus, it is important to verify that lab-measured behaviors also have ecological relevance. The open field test is a classic tool used to measure exploratory behavior for a range of taxa. We examined the correlation between exploration measured in the lab with wild movement patterns using the eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) as a model system. We measured exploratory behavior of lab-reared juveniles in three repeated trials before releasing them for a mark-recapture study at a well-established field site marked in a grid. Then, we analyzed the location data using a GIS to investigate the relationship between the lab behaviors and the movement of the recaptured juveniles.
Results/Conclusions
Indices of exploration from the lab were repeatable over a three-day period, with no significant differences among the three trials (p = 0.64) . Of the 90 lizards that were released, a total of 15 were recaptured and moved an average of 30.05 ± 24.23 m. Interestingly, all of the recaptured lizards traveled in an up-slope direction from the release point. The laboratory measured behavior positively correlated with the distance moved in the wild (p = 0.01). Additionally, the more massive juveniles at the time they were released traveled significantly greater distances (p < 0.01). These results indicate that the open field test may be a useful estimate of wild exploratory behavior in juvenile lizards. Further research should investigate movement patterns over longer periods of time, and also the effects of slope and vegetation on the movement of these small animals.