Impact of Human Actions
Human actions is the leading cause towards the Greater Short- Horned Lizard being listed as an endangered species according to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) (Government of Canada, 2014).
Habitat Destruction: Habitat destruction is the leading cause to the decrease in the population of Greater Short- Horned Lizard. This is because majority of Greater Short- Horned Lizards habitats are being destroyed by human presence (Government of Canada, 2014). The land where Greater Short- Horned Lizards are located is being used for oil and gas development, road development and mineral development cites (Government of Canada, 2014). As a result of the presence of humans invading the habitat of the Greater Short- Horned Lizard, these organisms are forced to find a new home, which results in a decrease in population because majority of these creatures are unsuccessful finding a new habitat that is similar to their old habitat that was destroyed (Government of Canada, 2014).
The increase in Canadian population is causing a decrease in the Greater Short-Horned Lizard population, as Lizards habitats are being destroyed and occupied by humans. People are using the land for residence and the construction of roads, towns and cities.
Fragmentation is also an issue causing the Greater Short-Horned Lizards to be endangered. This is an issue for this species because these lizards habitats are being broken up by agricultural practices and the development of cities. This disrupts the lizards ability to move around and changing their habitat location (Government of Canada, 2014). If these organisms are unable to move around and find new locations that they could survive in during climate changes, than this species will not be able to survive.
Climate Change: The change in climate has also caused a decrease in the population of the Greater Short- Horned Lizard. The preferred climate for this particular organism is from about 60-80 degrees F. Reproduction periods for the Greater Short-Horned Lizard are between the months of May and June, as these months are warmer (Government of Canada, 2014). However, with the decrease in temperature there is a smaller time frame in which this organism can reproduce, which will causes a decrease in the population. Additionally, it is normal for a female Greater Short- Horned Lizard to leave her babies immediately after birth, as they are able to function and survive on their own, however the weather conditions are too cold, these creatures will not survive (Government of Canada, 2014).
Additionally, with the decrease in temperature, more and more members of these species are traveling south (to the United States), decreasing the population size in Canada (Government of Canada, 2014).
Irradiation of Ants: Humans view ants as pests and will decrease the ant population by using bug replants and poisonous materials to decrease the population of ants ( Horned Toad, 2015). This would cause a decrease in the population of the Greater Short- Horned Lizard because ants are their primary food source.
Habitat Destruction: Habitat destruction is the leading cause to the decrease in the population of Greater Short- Horned Lizard. This is because majority of Greater Short- Horned Lizards habitats are being destroyed by human presence (Government of Canada, 2014). The land where Greater Short- Horned Lizards are located is being used for oil and gas development, road development and mineral development cites (Government of Canada, 2014). As a result of the presence of humans invading the habitat of the Greater Short- Horned Lizard, these organisms are forced to find a new home, which results in a decrease in population because majority of these creatures are unsuccessful finding a new habitat that is similar to their old habitat that was destroyed (Government of Canada, 2014).
The increase in Canadian population is causing a decrease in the Greater Short-Horned Lizard population, as Lizards habitats are being destroyed and occupied by humans. People are using the land for residence and the construction of roads, towns and cities.
Fragmentation is also an issue causing the Greater Short-Horned Lizards to be endangered. This is an issue for this species because these lizards habitats are being broken up by agricultural practices and the development of cities. This disrupts the lizards ability to move around and changing their habitat location (Government of Canada, 2014). If these organisms are unable to move around and find new locations that they could survive in during climate changes, than this species will not be able to survive.
Climate Change: The change in climate has also caused a decrease in the population of the Greater Short- Horned Lizard. The preferred climate for this particular organism is from about 60-80 degrees F. Reproduction periods for the Greater Short-Horned Lizard are between the months of May and June, as these months are warmer (Government of Canada, 2014). However, with the decrease in temperature there is a smaller time frame in which this organism can reproduce, which will causes a decrease in the population. Additionally, it is normal for a female Greater Short- Horned Lizard to leave her babies immediately after birth, as they are able to function and survive on their own, however the weather conditions are too cold, these creatures will not survive (Government of Canada, 2014).
Additionally, with the decrease in temperature, more and more members of these species are traveling south (to the United States), decreasing the population size in Canada (Government of Canada, 2014).
Irradiation of Ants: Humans view ants as pests and will decrease the ant population by using bug replants and poisonous materials to decrease the population of ants ( Horned Toad, 2015). This would cause a decrease in the population of the Greater Short- Horned Lizard because ants are their primary food source.
http://www.californiaherps.com/lizards/habitats/pdouglasiihabitat9082.jpg
http://greglasley.com/images/SA/Short-horned-Lizard-0008.jpg
http://inhabitat.com/the-worlds-love-of-coffee-is-causing-the-destruction-of-natural-habitats-and-ecosystems/
http://greglasley.com/images/SA/Short-horned-Lizard-0008.jpg
http://inhabitat.com/the-worlds-love-of-coffee-is-causing-the-destruction-of-natural-habitats-and-ecosystems/