author(s)
WLR Keerthirathna and WAD Mahaulpatha

abstract
The pigmy lizard (Cophotis ceylanica) is an endangered and rare lizard species endemic to Sri Lanka, yet no studies exist on its microhabitat preferences. Therefore, the present study was carried out in the Cloud Forests of the Horton Plains National Park (HPNP) with the aim of addressing this knowledge gap in their ecology. Microhabitat variables were measured placing 1x1 m quadrates marking the point of each lizard sighting as the center and microhabitat details including perch plant characteristics, soil characteristics and environmental parameters were recorded. Highest number of individuals were seen on Sarcococca brevifolia (1.167±0.937) plant species. Total of 78.13%, C. ceylanica were observed perching on branches rather than on trunks or leaves. Highest percentage of pigmy lizards (48.87%) was recorded in the branches where the moss cover was between 50% - 75% and the lowest of 12.50% was recorded where the moss cover was less than 25%. Highest percentage of 71.88% of C. ceylanica were recorded perching in the height category of 2-3 m of perching plants. No individuals were recorded up to 1m from ground level. Most of the pigmy lizards (71.87%) were recorded where branch diameter was between 1- 2cm. C. ceylanica preferred microhabitat where mean ambient temperature was 20.36±3.68 °C and mean substrate temperature 16.89±2.67 °C. Relative humidity ranged from 61.40% to 100.00. The mean number of C. ceylanica encountered at different sampling time periods of the day varied significantly. Mean number of encounters were greater in Mid-Day time period and the lowest number of individuals were recorded in Evening time period. C. ceylanica showed prominent behaviors in each time period. Highest average time percentage was spent for resting (47.22%) in the morning, for basking (38.88%) in the mid-day and for sleeping (50.00%) in the evening. Courtship was only observed in evening time period. Overall results show that very few time is spent by C. ceylanica for locomotion and feeding. With these very important findings this study highlights the need for further studies on this endangered species to ensure its survival.