Sandy soil reptiles, once considered able to withstand against global warming, now face an increased risk of extinction and substantial habitat loss due to climate change.
This stark revelation stems from a detailed study on ten lizard and snake species across three South American biomes.
Contrary to earlier beliefs that rising global temperatures would benefit these reptiles, Brazilian researchers have revealed a more alarming reality.
The findings reveal the unforeseen vulnerabilities of these creatures. This challenges the notion that warmer climates would expand their suitable habitats.
“We concluded that climate change will modify the geographical distribution of reptiles and lead to the extinction of some species. That’s the opposite of the usual prediction,” said Júlia Oliveira, lead author of the study.
The research was a significant part of Oliveira’s master’s project at the State University of Maranhão (UEMA). It feeds into a broader study titled “Evolution and biogeography of the herpetofauna: patterns, process, and implications for conservation in a scenario of environmental and climate changes,” coordinated by Professor Thaís Guedes.
“The species we studied have the peculiarity of being adapted to sandy soil habitats, which confers traits such as reduced or absent limbs, reduced eyes, and raised rostral scales,” Guedes explained. Initially seen as beneficial, these unique adaptations now suggest imminent danger for the species amid fast-changing climate conditions.
The study’s detailed analysis of the South American Diagonal of Open Formations paints a grim future for sandy soil reptiles. Additionally, by blending current climate data with future projections, the researchers revealed the likely habitat loss and extinction risks faced by these reptiles.
The study challenges past views on the resilience of these reptiles to climate change and calls for updated conservation approaches.
“Some of the species for which we predict major losses and even extinction wouldn’t even be endangered according to the current criteria used in this kind of threat assessment. The criteria must be changed for the next assessment,” said Oliveira, highlighting the need for revised conservation criteria.
The experts recommend establishing and expanding protected areas to meet the species’ current and future needs. However, despite the creation of 27 new protected areas in the last six years, less than 16% suit the targeted reptiles. This fact highlights the inadequacy of current conservation efforts in the face of shifting climate dynamics.
The findings present a stark warning but also provide hope by identifying potential new habitats for the reptiles. This dual perspective underscores the critical need for incorporating future climate scenarios into conservation planning. It ensures the survival of sandy soil reptiles in a rapidly changing world.
Reptiles that inhabit sandy soil environments have evolved unique adaptations to thrive in these conditions. Sandy soils, characterized by loose granular structures, are often found in deserts, beaches, and certain forested areas.
These environments pose challenges such as limited water availability, extreme temperature fluctuations, and loose footing for movement.
Examples of sandy soil reptiles
Sand Viper (Cerastes cerastes)
Found in the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East, this viper is well adapted to sandy environments. Its coloration blends perfectly with the sand, and it can bury itself in the sand to ambush prey.
Gopher tortoise (Gopherus genus)
Native to the southeastern United States, the gopher tortoise digs extensive burrows in sandy soils. These burrows provide shelter for the tortoise and numerous other species.
Fringe-toed lizards (Uma notata)
These lizards have specialized scales on their toes that help them move quickly across loose sand, resembling snowshoes. They inhabit desert and sandy areas in North America.
Horned lizards (Phrynosoma)
Adapted to desert and arid environments with sandy soils, horned lizards have a flat, rounded body and colors that mimic their surroundings, offering camouflage against predators.
Reptiles living in sandy soil environments exemplify the remarkable adaptability of life. Each species has developed a set of traits that allow it not only to survive but to thrive in conditions that might initially seem inhospitable.
The study is published in the journal Arid Environments.