Will climatic changes affect the Vietnamese crocodile lizard? Seasonal variation in microclimate and activity pattern of Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis
In: Amphibia-ReptiliaCologne Zoo, Riehler Straße 173, 50735 Cologne, Germany
Current address: Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, CITES Scientific Authority, Konstantinstraße 110, 53179 Bonn, Germany
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Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 10072, Vietnam
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Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 10072, Vietnam
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Abstract
Climate change is considered to negatively affect vertebrate biodiversity. Lizards in tropical regions are considered particularly vulnerable due to their narrow temperature tolerances. The crocodile lizard Shinisaurus crocodilurus, an ecologically specialized semiaquatic species, is under the risk of extinction due to habitat loss and overharvesting. It is only found in isolated relict populations in southern China and northern Vietnam. Data on the thermal niche of the species are crucial to assess its vulnerability to climatic changes. We developed a backpack system with temperature data loggers for S. crocodilurus in order to monitor the lizard’s temperature preferences in its natural habitat in Vietnam. We found that S. crocodilurus vietnamensis preferred a mean ambient temperature range of 24 ± 1°C (min-max: 22-31°C) at natural habitat sites, a far lower temperature amplitude compared to the recorded ambient temperature range at habitat sites. In its natural habitat, S. crocodilurus vietnamensis avoided in particular high temperatures, indicating the importance of constantly cool streams and intact vegetation for the provision of shade and shelter. We further provide first insights into the seasonal variation in microhabitat use and activity of S. crocodilurus vietnamensis based on data from individuals kept in outdoor enclosures under natural climatic conditions in Vietnam, collected daily over a period of eight months. Our results aim to aid further conservation measures for the species, such as the identification and protection of core habitat sites and sites for restocking, as well as to adjust and improve conservation breeding programs for the species.
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Will climatic changes affect the Vietnamese crocodile lizard? Seasonal variation in microclimate and activity pattern of Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis
In: Amphibia-ReptiliaCologne Zoo, Riehler Straße 173, 50735 Cologne, Germany
Current address: Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, CITES Scientific Authority, Konstantinstraße 110, 53179 Bonn, Germany
Search for other papers by Mona van Schingen-Khan in
Current site
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PubMed
Cologne Zoo, Riehler Straße 173, 50735 Cologne, Germany
Search for other papers by Leon Marian Fynn Barthel in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Dung Thi Kim Pham in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 10072, Vietnam
Search for other papers by Cuong The Pham in
Current site
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Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 10072, Vietnam
Search for other papers by Truong Quang Nguyen in
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Cologne Zoo, Riehler Straße 173, 50735 Cologne, Germany
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Search for other papers by Michael Bonkowski in
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Abstract
Climate change is considered to negatively affect vertebrate biodiversity. Lizards in tropical regions are considered particularly vulnerable due to their narrow temperature tolerances. The crocodile lizard Shinisaurus crocodilurus, an ecologically specialized semiaquatic species, is under the risk of extinction due to habitat loss and overharvesting. It is only found in isolated relict populations in southern China and northern Vietnam. Data on the thermal niche of the species are crucial to assess its vulnerability to climatic changes. We developed a backpack system with temperature data loggers for S. crocodilurus in order to monitor the lizard’s temperature preferences in its natural habitat in Vietnam. We found that S. crocodilurus vietnamensis preferred a mean ambient temperature range of 24 ± 1°C (min-max: 22-31°C) at natural habitat sites, a far lower temperature amplitude compared to the recorded ambient temperature range at habitat sites. In its natural habitat, S. crocodilurus vietnamensis avoided in particular high temperatures, indicating the importance of constantly cool streams and intact vegetation for the provision of shade and shelter. We further provide first insights into the seasonal variation in microhabitat use and activity of S. crocodilurus vietnamensis based on data from individuals kept in outdoor enclosures under natural climatic conditions in Vietnam, collected daily over a period of eight months. Our results aim to aid further conservation measures for the species, such as the identification and protection of core habitat sites and sites for restocking, as well as to adjust and improve conservation breeding programs for the species.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 950 | 333 | 56 |
| Full Text Views | 21 | 4 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 47 | 7 | 1 |
