International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 91-103 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 93 properly outside the mother’s body (Meiri and Chapple, 2016). Other important life history traits include body size, clutch size, and frequency of reproduction. Larger species, such as the Komodo dragon, have different ecological requirements and roles compared to smaller species like geckos. Reproductive traits, such as the number of eggs laid per clutch and the frequency of reproduction, can also influence population dynamics and resilience to environmental changes (Meiri and Chapple, 2016). Figure 1 the distribution of different lizards in the Andes region of South America (Adopted from Olave et al., 2017) Image caption: The main map displays various geographical features, with colored circles representing the locations of different species. Each color corresponds to a specific species, and the circle sizes are proportional to the average snout-vent length (SVL) of each lineage. The phylogenetic tree on the left shows the evolutionary relationships between the species, divided into two main clades (C1 and C2). The legend in the lower right lists the species names and their corresponding colors, such as L. hermannunezi (red) and L. loboi (yellow). An inset map provides broader geographical context, highlighting the specific area covered by the main map, with arrows and an “N” marking the orientation (Adapted from Olave et al., 2017) 2.3 Threats to reptile diversity Habitat loss and fragmentation are the most significant threats to reptile diversity. The conversion of natural landscapes for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure projects leads to the destruction of habitats that reptiles depend on. This fragmentation of habitats can isolate populations, making it difficult for reptiles to find mates, forage, and avoid predators. For instance, deforestation in Southeast Asia and the Amazon Basin has severely impacted the habitats of many forest-dwelling reptiles, leading to declines in populations and local extinctions (Nordstrom et al., 2022). Pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation further threaten reptile populations. Chemical pollutants, such as pesticides and industrial runoff, can contaminate water and soil, affecting the health and reproductive success of reptiles. Invasive species, such as rats, cats, and predatory birds, pose significant threats by preying on native reptiles and competing for resources. Overexploitation, driven by the pet trade, traditional medicine, and consumption, leads to the decline of many reptile species. For example, the trade in live reptiles has led to significant declines in populations of many species, including turtles and lizards, across their native ranges.
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