Monogamy in lizards

Monogamy is relatively rarely reported in taxa other than birds. The reproductive system of many lizard species appears to involve multiple mating partners for both the male and the female. However, short-term monogamous relationships have been reported in some lizard species, either where the male defends a territory that is only occupied by a single adult female, or where males stay with females for a period of time after mating, apparently to guard against rival males. There are a few reported cases of more prolonged monogamous relationships in lizards, with the Australian sleepy lizard, Tiliqua rugosa, the best studied example. Adult males and females of this species form monogamous pairs for an extended period before mating each spring, and they select the same partner in successive years. The paper reviews possible functions of monogamy in this and other lizard species, and suggests that the additional perspective from studying lizards may enrich our overall understanding of monogamous behaviour.