Habitat destruction by collectors associated with decreased abundance of rock-dwelling lizards

Matthew J. Goode, William C. Horrace, Michael J. Sredl, Jeffrey M. Howland

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Declines in biodiversity caused by habitat loss have been well documented on large spatial scales, however, effects of habitat loss on small scales have received little attention. Some common methods of reptile collection, primarily for commercial harvest, result in destruction of cracks, crevices, and other cool, moist microhabitats in desert rock outcrops. We developed a method for identifying habitat destruction associated with reptile collecting. We surveyed lightly and heavily disturbed areas near Phoenix, Arizona to determine if microhabitat loss caused by collectors was associated with decreased relative abundance of reptiles. Of four diurnal lizard species studied, relative abundance of two rock-dwelling species was negatively correlated with level of microhabitat destruction, whereas relative abundance of one ground-dwelling species and one habitat generalist species was not. Habitat destruction caused by collectors may have negative effects, not only at the individual level, but at the population and community levels as well. We recommend regulation of commercial trade in reptiles; disallowing collecting activities that cause habitat damage; increased law enforcement; and educational programs directed primarily at novice collectors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)47-54
Number of pages8
JournalBiological Conservation
Volume125
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2005

Keywords

  • Collecting methods
  • Commercially valuable reptiles
  • Habitat destruction
  • Lizards
  • Rock outcrops

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Nature and Landscape Conservation

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