Year-to-Year Variation in Clutch Size of Island and Mainland Populations of Holbrookia propinqua (Reptilia, Lacertilia, Iguanidae)

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Abstract
Year-to-year variation in clutch size and the relationship of precipitation and clutch size was compared between island and mainland populations of H. propinqua. Clutch size showed a positive correlation with SVL [snout-vent length] in both populations, but the population with the smaller mean SVL (mainland) had significantly larger clutches. Mean clutch size of island females did not vary significantly among years and there was no correlation between rainfall and clutch size. There was significant variation in clutch size between years in the mainland population and mean clutch size was largest in the year having the highest winter rainfall. Interpopulation difference in mean clutch size may primarily reflect genetic adaptations to differing selective regimes, while year-to-year variability (or lack of variability) may reflect differences in interspecific food competition.

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