International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 91-103 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 94 3 Climate Change and Its Potential Impacts on Reptiles 3.1 Temperature changes Rising temperatures significantly impact reptile physiology and behavior due to their ectothermic nature. Increased temperatures can affect metabolic rates, reproductive success, and survival. Reptiles such as lizards may exhibit changes in activity patterns, with some species showing reduced activity during the hottest parts of the day to avoid overheating. Additionally, elevated temperatures can influence sex determination in species with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), leading to skewed sex ratios and potential population declines (Biber et al., 2023). Studies on the rainforest sunskink (Lampropholis coggeri) show high trait lability driven by acclimation and local adaptation. This suggests that some tropical ectotherms may rapidly shift climate-relevant traits to cope with rising temperatures (Llewelyn et al., 2018). Sea turtles adjust their nesting timing and site selection in response to changing temperatures. These behavioral adaptations help buffer the effects of temperature on embryo development and hatchling survival, although the effectiveness of these responses under extreme conditions remains uncertain (Du et al., 2023). 3.2 Precipitation patterns Altered precipitation patterns due to climate change can lead to changes in habitat suitability for reptiles. Increased rainfall may expand suitable habitats for some species, while prolonged droughts can reduce water availability, impacting species dependent on moist environments. Changes in water levels in wetlands can affect amphibious reptiles, altering their breeding and foraging habitats (Dayananda et al., 2021). Changes in rainfall patterns impact the distribution and abundance of amphibious reptiles. For instance, fluctuations in water levels can alter breeding sites for species such as the crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus), affecting their reproductive success and population dynamics (Zhang et al., 2022). Desert reptiles, like the Australian arid zone skink (Liopholis kintorei), face increased surface activity with climate warming. Their burrow systems provide significant thermal and hydric buffering, highlighting the importance of behavioral adaptations in mitigating climate impacts (Moore et al., 2018). 3.3 Extreme weather events Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts pose severe threats to reptile populations by causing direct mortality, habitat destruction, and long-term ecological changes. These events can lead to population declines and disrupt ecosystem dynamics (Winter et al., 2016). Hurricanes’ strong winds and floods can destroy nests and juveniles, leading to the death of new generations. Droughts can deplete water sources and reduce vegetation, making it difficult for reptiles to find food and water. Additionally, extreme weather events can alter predator-prey relationships, increasing predation pressure. The combined effects of these factors can result in long-term population declines and may lead to local extinctions of certain species, severely impacting the balance and functionality of ecosystems. Island reptile populations are particularly vulnerable to cyclones, which can cause significant mortality and habitat loss. The impact on endemic species, such as those in Madagascar, can be devastating due to their limited ranges and specialized habitats (El-Gabbas et al., 2016). Heatwaves can lead to mass mortality events in reptiles, particularly in species with low thermal tolerance. For example, high temperatures have been shown to cause significant mortality in populations of the common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) in urban heat islands (Hall and Warner, 2018). 3.4 Sea level rise Sea level rise threatens coastal and marine reptiles by inundating nesting sites, altering coastal habitats, and increasing salinity in estuarine environments. These changes can reduce the availability of suitable habitats for nesting and foraging, impacting species such as sea turtles and estuarine crocodiles (Dayananda et al., 2021). Additionally, sea level rise leads to coastal erosion, further diminishing the nesting grounds essential for the reproduction of these reptiles. For example, sea turtles depend on specific beach conditions for successful egg incubation, and erosion can expose nests to higher risks of flooding and predation.
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