Natural History and Conservation of the Sand Dune Lizard (Liolaemus multimaculatus)

KACOLIRIS FEDERICO

Iguana

Año: 2007 vol. 14 p. 2 - 9

Coastal environments represent about 8% of the Earth’s surface, and they are considered among the most threatened environments on the planet. Five species of lizards occur in the coastal sand dunes in Buenos Aires province and the northern coastal region of Río Negro province, Argentina. However, only the populations of L. multimaculatus occur exclusively in these habitats, whereas the other four species have wider geographic distributions. This species is highly adapted to life in the sand. Its sand-swimming ability and cryptic coloration attest to the close evolutionary ties between this lizard and the coastal dunes. Its situation is even more critical given the severe alterations experienced by the coastal habitats in Buenos Aires Province. Since 2004, a Sand Dune lizard conservation project was performed. The main goals of this project are: (1) Locating, assessing, and monitoring the status of wild populations, and (2) providing the general public with clear information about its circumstances, and taking action to promote conservation strategies for this species in particular and the sand dunes in general. This is accomplished by means of two interrelated programs. Gaining knowledge is the first stage of a process that can lead to a greater awareness of the difficulties faced by this species in particular and its environment in general. The second stage is the initiation of definitive actions that promote rational and sustainable use of these habitats at personal, institutional, and governmental levels. These natural habitats can be enjoyed without altering them or affecting the plants and animals that have coexisted for such a long time. These goals can be realized if humans become aware of the current situation and sensitive to other realities beyond our own. The preservation of the natural world is our responsibility.