International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 91-103 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 98 North American snake species, such as those in the Mojave and Sonoran Desert ecoregions, are also affected by climate change. Citizen science data has been instrumental in assessing these impacts, showing that rising temperatures are leading to shifts in species distributions and changes in community composition (Barrows et al., 2016). African chameleons are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to their specialized habitat requirements. Studies have shown that changing climate conditions, such as increased temperature and altered rainfall patterns, are likely to reduce the available suitable habitats for these species (El-Gabbas et al., 2016). 5.2 Habitat-specific case studies Forest fragmentation due to climate change and human activities significantly affects reptile communities. In the Mediterranean basin, the response of reptiles to fire varies with forest type, with species in cork oak forests showing resilience to fire, while those in pine plantations are more adversely affected (Chergui et al., 2019). Desert reptiles are highly vulnerable to increased temperatures. Experimental warming studies on the viviparous lizard (Eremias multiocellata) from the Inner Mongolia desert steppe show that heat stress leads to oxidative stress and immunosuppression, indicating high vulnerability to climate warming (Han et al., 2020). Reptiles inhabiting wetlands, such as those in Sri Lanka, face threats from changing precipitation patterns that affect water availability and habitat conditions. Research highlights the need for targeted conservation strategies to address these challenges (Dayananda et al., 2021). Tropical rainforests reptiles also experience significant stress due to climate change. Changes in temperature and humidity disrupt these ecosystems, affecting reptile behavior and reproduction. Tropical lizards, for example, exhibit altered activity patterns in response to increased temperatures, leading to reduced feeding opportunities and increased predation risks. Fragmentation of rainforest habitats further isolates populations and limits genetic diversity. 5.3 Species-specific case studies Sea turtles, such as the green sea turtle, are significantly affected by climate change, particularly through temperature-dependent sex determination and sea level rise. Studies on West African populations predict an increase in female hatchlings and loss of nesting areas due to rising sea levels, which could ultimately lead to population declines (Patrício et al., 2018). Anole lizards exhibit a range of responses to climate change based on their microhabitats. Research on thermal adaptation shows that these lizards can exhibit considerable plasticity in their thermal traits, allowing them to persist in changing environments, although their long-term survival may still be threatened by extreme heat events (Bodensteiner et al., 2020). Additionally, anole lizards have been observed to shift their activity patterns, seeking cooler microhabitats during the hottest parts of the day to avoid thermal stress. This behavioral adaptation can mitigate some immediate effects of rising temperatures, but it may also lead to changes in predator-prey dynamics and interspecies competition. The varied responses of reptiles to climate change highlight the importance of habitat diversity in conservation efforts. For instance, maintaining a mosaic of microhabitats within protected areas can provide reptiles with the necessary refuges to cope with extreme weather conditions. Moreover, conservation strategies should consider the genetic diversity within reptile populations, as genetic variation can influence the ability of species to adapt to changing climates. Studies have shown that populations with higher genetic diversity are more resilient to environmental stressors, suggesting that efforts to preserve and enhance genetic diversity could be crucial for the long-term survival of species like anole lizards and sea turtles. In summary, while some reptiles like anole lizards demonstrate a degree of adaptability to climate change, the overarching threat to their long-term survival, particularly due to extreme events and habitat loss, remains significant. Conservation strategies must integrate habitat protection, behavioral research, and genetic studies to create robust approaches that can support the resilience and persistence of these species in a rapidly changing climate. 6 Conservation Strategies and Management Implications 6.1 Adaptive management approaches To enhance the resilience of reptile populations in the face of climate change, various adaptive management approaches can be implemented. These strategies include habitat restoration, assisted migration, and ex-situ
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