Wildfires are reshaping ecosystems across the globe, and the animal inhabitants are responding in surprising ways. New research reveals that a common Mediterranean lizard, Psammodromus algirus, rapidly lightens its coloration after wildfires to better reflect heat, a crucial adaptation for survival in the altered landscape. This remarkable ability allows the lizards to cope with the increased temperatures following the loss of vegetation, though researchers caution that this flexibility has its limits.
The study, published in the Journal of Zoology in 2025, highlights the resilience of some species in the face of increasing environmental pressures. As wildfires develop into more frequent and intense due to climate change and human activity, understanding how animals adapt is critical for conservation efforts. This research offers a glimpse into the immediate responses of wildlife to these dramatic shifts in their habitat.
Lola Álvarez-Ruiz, a researcher at the Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Desertificación in Spain and lead author of the study, explained that the findings suggest a rapid response to post-fire conditions. “Our findings suggest that some species have the ability to adjust rapidly to postfire conditions, but this flexibility has limits,” she stated in an email to Advanced Science News.
Lizards, being ectothermic – relying on external sources for body heat – are particularly vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. Vegetation plays a vital role in regulating temperatures, and its removal by fire can create harsh conditions. Researchers wondered if lizards in the Iberian Peninsula, a region prone to wildfires, would exhibit physical changes to endure these altered circumstances. The team focused on five areas affected by wildfires between 2018 and 2020, observing landscapes ranging from recently burned to those recovering for up to two years.
Over 190 lizards were photographed in both burned and unburned areas, allowing the researchers to track changes in coloration over time. The results showed a clear pattern: lizards in recently burned areas were significantly lighter in color – a gray-yellow hue – compared to their olive-brown counterparts in unburned areas. As vegetation regenerated, the lizards gradually darkened again. This color change is believed to help the lizards reflect more sunlight, reducing heat absorption in the exposed environment.
Interestingly, the study as well revealed that size plays a role in this adaptation. Larger lizards were more likely to change color in burned areas. Álvarez-Ruiz explained, “Smaller lizards have a higher surface-to-volume ratio, which means they heat up and cool down faster and can rely more on behavior, such as quickly moving between sun and shade. Larger, adult lizards have a lower surface-to-volume ratio and retain heat for longer, so overheating may be a bigger risk for them.”
The Psammodromus algirus typically inhabits areas with low shrubs, which generally regenerate within two years, coinciding with the observed reversion to darker coloration. While the study establishes a correlation between color change and habitat recovery, further research is needed to confirm the direct link between color and heat absorption. The team plans to measure body temperature changes in the lizards to validate this connection and investigate the metabolic costs associated with the color change – whether it impacts growth or reproduction.
Álvarez-Ruiz emphasizes that fire is a natural element in many ecosystems, and plants and animals have evolved with it. However, she notes that the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, driven by climate change and human activity, are creating unprecedented challenges. “What makes fires dangerous today is the rapid change in fire regimes driven by climate change and human activity. Understanding how animals respond to fire helps us identify both their resilience and their limits in this new context.”
As wildfire seasons continue to lengthen and intensify, understanding the adaptive capacity of wildlife will be crucial for effective conservation strategies. Further research into the physiological mechanisms behind these adaptations, and the long-term consequences for lizard populations, will be essential for predicting and mitigating the impacts of a changing climate.
What other surprising adaptations might animals be developing in response to environmental changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
