Eco-physiological implications of conservation of dhubs (Uromastyx aegyptius) in Kuwait
Results of this study showed that while body mass and body condition consistently diminished as the active season progressed, they were both greater in protected habitats compared to non-protected habitats, regardless of season. Dhubs surface activity and total body water decreased while evaporative water loss and body temperature increased as the active season progressed and ambient temperature got hotter. Total body water was also significantly affected by habitat protection.
Overall, this study revealed that, while habitat protection provided more vegetation, it had little effect on seasonal changes in surface activity. While resource availability in protected areas might allow for larger dhub populations, unprotected areas showed similar body morphometrics, activity, and body temperatures. By developing an understanding of how different coping strategies are linked to particular ecological, morphological, and phylogenetic traits, we will be able to make more accurate predictions regarding the vulnerability of species. By combining previous studies pertaining to conservation of protected species with the results of my study, a number of steps in ecosystem management are recommended to help in the preservation of dhubs in the Kuwaiti desert.
- Author (aut): Al-Sayegh, Mohammed
- Thesis advisor (ths): DeNardo, Dale
- Committee member: Angilletta, Michael
- Committee member: Smith, Andrew
- Committee member: Sabo, John
- Committee member: Majeed, Qais
- Publisher (pbl): Arizona State University