Question

Which of the following would likely be best to help protect sungazer lizards?

a) Deforestation of their habitat
b) Increased tourism in their area
c) Controlled habitat conservation
d) Introduction of foreign species to their habitat

Answer 1

Controlled habitat conservation is the best option to protect sungazer lizards, as it preserves their natural habitat and ensures their survival, while deforestation, increased tourism, and introduction of invasive species could negatively impact their environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

To help protect sungazer lizards, the best action among the options provided would be c) Controlled habitat conservation. This approach involves managing and maintaining their natural habitats to ensure the species can survive and thrive. It may include actions such as preserving existing habitats, restoring degraded ones, and implementing measures to mitigate threats from human activities.

Deforestation and the introduction of foreign species typically lead to a decrease in biodiversity and can have detrimental effects on native species. Tourism, unless very carefully managed under a conservation-focused model, might also have negative impacts. Instead, controlled habitat conservation directly addresses biodiversity protection by preserving the lizards' natural environment, which is crucial for their ongoing survival. Moreover, habitat conservation often incorporates ecosystem productivity and addresses potential threats, such as the introduction of invasive species, habitat fragmentation, and the alteration of natural disturbance regimes.