Combining spatial ecology, landscape genomics, and GIS habitat modeling to improve management and conservation of Gila Monsters (Heloderma suspectum) in Nevada
Gienger, C. M.
Stalker, Jocelyn B.
Department of Biology, Center of Excellence for Field Biology
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, Tennessee, USA
Jones, Jason L.
Nevada Department of Wildlife
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Hromada, Steven J. .
Nussear, Kenneth E.
Department of Geography, Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology
University of Nevada – Reno
Reno, NV, USA
Vandergast, Amy G. .
Wood, Dustin A.
U.S. Geological Survey
Western Ecological Research Center, San Diego Field Station
San Diego, California, USA
Tracy, C. Richard
Department of Biology, Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology
University of Nevada - Reno
Reno, Nevada, USA
Gila monsters (Heloderma suspectum) are among the rarest and most secretive animals in Nevada. As a result, we currently lack basic information to assess species status and how the species will be affected by changes in habitat (i.e. development, degradation, fragmentation) and climate. Gila monsters are known to occupy much of eastern Clark County and southern Lincoln County in Nevada, but due to rarity, our knowledge of the extent of this species is likely incomplete. We investigated the multi-scale habitat requirements for Gila monsters across southern Nevada (Clark County) and assess how connectivity among populations may influence potential for species persistence. Information from field surveys and radio-telemetry were combined with estimates of habitat connectivity and genetic diversity to provide spatially-explicit models of population persistence and identification of areas with the greatest management need. These models suggest how Gila monster occurrence and persistence is likely to change in the future, given the scenarios for continuing development, environmental alteration, and climate change.