International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 91-103 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 92 new suitable habitats, providing insights into how reptiles may adapt or be threatened by changing climatic conditions (Carter and Janzen, 2021). Identifying knowledge gaps is crucial for guiding future research. This review will highlight areas where data is lacking, such as the physiological responses of reptiles to climate change, the interaction between climate and other anthropogenic pressures, and the need for more comprehensive, long-term studies. Future research directions will be proposed to address these gaps and improve conservation strategies for reptiles (Dayananda et al., 2021). 2 Current Status of Reptile Diversity 2.1 Global distribution of reptiles Reptiles inhabit a variety of biogeographic regions across the globe, including tropical rainforests, temperate forests, deserts, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal areas. Each region supports a unique assemblage of reptile species, adapted to local climatic and ecological conditions. For example, tropical rainforests in the Amazon Basin and Southeast Asia host a high diversity of reptiles, including numerous species of snakes, lizards, and turtles. These ecosystems provide a variety of microhabitats and abundant food resources, which are essential for supporting diverse reptile communities (Aguilar-López et al., 2021). In contrast, arid regions such as the Sahara Desert and the Australian Outback are home to reptiles that have evolved specialized adaptations to survive extreme temperatures and scarce water resources. Species such as the horned lizard (Phrynosoma spp.) and various geckos exhibit behaviors and physiological traits that allow them to thrive in these harsh environments. Coastal and wetland habitats, like the mangroves of Southeast Asia and the Everglades in the United States, support reptiles such as crocodiles, sea turtles, and water snakes, which rely on these ecosystems for breeding, foraging, and shelter. Hotspots of reptile diversity are regions that support exceptionally high numbers of species and often include many endemics. Notable hotspots include Madagascar, Australia, Southeast Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean. Madagascar, for instance, is renowned for its unique reptile fauna, with over 90% of its species found nowhere else on Earth. This includes chameleons, geckos, and snakes that have diversified in isolation over millions of years (Nordstrom et al., 2022). Australia is another significant hotspot, harboring about 10% of the world's reptile species. The continent’s diverse habitats, ranging from tropical rainforests in Queensland to arid deserts in the interior, support a wide variety of reptiles, including skinks, monitors, and venomous snakes. The recent comprehensive assessment of Australian squamates highlighted the importance of this region for reptile conservation. Southeast Asia and Central America are also critical areas for reptile diversity. The rainforests and islands of Southeast Asia are home to numerous species of snakes, lizards, and turtles, many of which are threatened by habitat loss and overexploitation. Central America, particularly regions like the Selva Zoque in Mexico, hosts a rich reptile fauna that includes many endemic species (Aguilar-López et al., 2021). 2.2 Key factors influencing reptile diversity Reptile diversity is significantly influenced by habitat preferences and ecological niches. Different species are adapted to specific environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and availability of prey. For example, arboreal lizards like chameleons and geckos thrive in forested environments where they can exploit vertical spaces and abundant insect prey. In contrast, terrestrial species such as tortoises and ground-dwelling lizards are adapted to life on the forest floor or open grasslands (Meiri and Chapple, 2016). The Liolaemus genus in South America is a prime example of ecological diversity. These lizards inhabit a wide range of environments, from lowland deserts to high-altitude Andean regions, exhibiting various adaptations to their specific habitats. This diversity in ecological niches allows for the coexistence of multiple species within the same geographic area, contributing to high local diversity (Figure 1) (Olave et al., 2017). Life history traits, such as reproductive strategies, growth rates, and lifespan, play crucial roles in shaping reptile diversity. Species with different reproductive strategies can occupy various niches and reduce competition. For instance, some lizards exhibit oviparity, laying eggs that hatch outside the mother’s body, while others are viviparous, giving birth to live young. These reproductive strategies are often adapted to specific environmental conditions. Viviparous species, for example, are more common in colder climates where eggs might not develop
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