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Extinction ImminentThe Guatemalan beaded lizard is endemic to the arid, desert region of the Motagua valley in southeastern Guatemala and is one of the most endangered animals in the world. This animal was first seen by scientists in 1984, formally described in 1988 and a decade later was thought to be extinct in the wild. In 2002 a few individuals were found and limited natural history and ecology studies obtained the first, sparse data on their lives in the wild but most of this creatures life history remains a mystery. What Happened?What were the some of the factors that have led to the decline of the Guatemalan beaded lizard? First, beaded lizards live in desert environments and the Motagua Valley is a small sliver of desert habitat, isolated on all sides by massive cloud-forested mountains and rainforest valleys. Thus, it seems these Guatemalan lizards have had a historically limited range and have evidently existed in total isolation on this tiny island of desert habitat for many thousands of years. Further, deforestation for cantaloupe, tobacco and milpa (feed corn) farming has reduced the suitable habitat for this lizard to about 40,000 acres (roughly the size of Disney World in Orlando) and it has been estimated that this is enough habitat for at most 150-200 individuals. These numbers are similar to some of the most endangered island iguanas. Being a venomous creature has not helped this lizard; many negative myths and attitudes surround this animal. For example, it is thought by the local inhabitants, that if your shadow crosses or touches a lizard you will begin to slowly waste away and eventually die. Due to these myths, until recently, lizards have been killed on site. Lastly, the rarity of this sub-species in particular and the popularity of beaded lizards and gila monsters as captives in general has led to exploitation for the animal collection market. It has been estimated that approximately 35 individuals were captured and sold abroad during the decade of the 1990s. Is there any hope? Due to the recent re-discovery of the species and to the two natural history studies performed with support of an interested NGO, Zootropic, the government of Guatemala has shown interest in protecting this as animal and its habitat. In addition, Zootropic has launched an education campaign targeting the villagers in lands surrounding beaded lizard habitat. This program has already visited over 25,000 children and adults and since 2004 no reports of lizard being killed or sold have been reported. Studies are needed and planned to answer basic questions concerning critical habitat needed by this animal. This will be the main data needed to guide land preservation decision to best help this creature. There are also about 9 animals in captivity spread between as many institutions. A breeding facility in the Motagua valley needs to be constructed and any young animals attempted to be reintroduced in the protected habitat. How you can help
As stated in this brief report there are probably no more than 200 individual Guatemalan beaded lizards left on earth. Your help is desperately needed to save these unique creatures. Wayne Hill and the National Reptile Breeder?s Expo have agreed to support the conservation effort for the Guatemalan beaded lizard. All proceeds from this year?s annual auction will go to the "Project Heloderma" fund. This is a hugely important, and we thank Wayne for his generous support of this project. To make this auction a success we need auction items. Monies collected for this fund will only go to efforts to save the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard. This fund will be used specifically fund conservation research projects, raise awareness within its home range about its plight and build an in country breeding facility. If YOU would like to help by contributing auction items please send to: Wayne Hill If you would like to make cash donations please make checks payable to Brad Lock and send to: Brad Lock |