Meeting Abstract
The direct and indirect effects of deforestation, coupled with general anthropogenic climate change, are increasing global temperatures at an alarming rate. It is important, therefore to understand the physiological response of organisms to different temperatures in order to predict future effects of an elevated thermal environment on their populations. Among the organisms experiencing the acute effects of deforestation is the giant Hispaniolan galliwasp, especially among populations in Haiti. This lizard is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN because of habitat destruction and urbanization. Here we quantify metabolic rate and Q10 at four ecologically-relevant temperatures and establish optimal temperatures using maximum locomotor performance. Our research shows that this species may be especially vulnerable due to their relatively low thermal optima and metabolic response to higher temperatures.
