Gardel’s sand-dune lizard (Liolaemus gardeli) Case Study
Home > Biodiversity Nature & People > Conservation Philanthropy > Grants > MBZF Grant 232532000
Continent: South America
Country: Uruguay
Grant Amount: $14,000
Awarded Date: October 13, 2023
Laura Verrastro
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, setor 4, predio 43435, sala 107
Porto Alegre
Rio Grande do Sul
91510000
Brazil
Tel: +55 51 33087716
Mob: +55 51 980230597
Conservation of the microendemic and recently-discovered lizard (Liolaemus gardeli; Squamata, Liolaemidae) in South America
Conservation of the microendemic and recently-discovered lizard (Liolaemus gardeli; Squamata, Liolaemidae) in South America. The region encompasses an area of relict dunes within the Tacurembó River basin. Liolaemus gardeli is a newly discovered lizard species, described for a very restricted distribution and endemic to a single locality, this species occurs in dunes with sandy soils and patches of herbaceous vegetation.
1) Generate distribution, demographic and genetic information of the newly-discovered Liolaemus gardeli to base a robust assessment of its conservation status; 2) and conduct conservation activities of environmental education with local schools and engage government and private entities to propose a conservation planning for the species and its habitat. Specifically: 1. Search for additional populations of L. gardeli in the sandbanks of the Tacuarembó River basin, Uruguay. 2. Estimate the population size of L. gardeli, including parameters such as the number of adults, sexual dimorphism, and sex ratio. 3. Assess genetic variability and population structure, examining gene flow between individuals in the sand-dune patches where the lizard is found. 4. Organize a workshop with experts and government agencies to map the main threats to the species and assess its conservation status based on the information generated. 5. Implement environmental education activities in nearby schools, raising awareness about the importance of conserving endemic species and sand dune environments. 6. Establish contact with government agencies and forestry companies to propose the development of monitoring policies and the creation of permanent conservation areas in the Tacuarembó River basin, specifically focused on preserving the relictual sand dunes.
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