Gardel’s sand-dune lizard (Liolaemus gardeli) Case Study

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MBZF Grant 232532000
Reptile

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.

Grant document

MBZF Grant 232532000 - located in Uruguay, South America

Case Study Video