The Effect of Anthropogenic Disturbance on the Ecology and Physiology of Dhubs (Uromastyx aegyptius) in Kuwait

The Effect of Anthropogenic Disturbance on the Ecology and Physiology of Dhubs (Uromastyx aegyptius) in Kuwait The Effect of Anthropogenic Disturbance on the Ecology and Physiology Of Dhubs (Uromastyx aegyptius) in Kuwait Land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, commonly referred to as desertification, is increasingly becoming the defining feature of dryland ecosystems. As of 2000, more than 250 million people were directly affected by desertification and roughly one billion people within 40% of the global land area are at risk (Kundu & Dutta 2011). Therefore, it is crucial to fully understand the causes of desertification and its impacts on the local human population as well as the natural ecosystems. With such information, we can better develop effective mitigation strategies to promote coexistence of human societies and the native species. This study will examine the adaptations that enable dhubs to manage thermal, energy, and water constraints associated with their desert environment, as well as the extent to which current measures to protect habitat in Kuwait is benefitting dhub ecophysiology. The studys end goal is to provide vital information to improve protection and conservation plans in order to increase the chances of dhub persistence in Kuwait. Our hypothesis is that anthropogenic disturbances are negatively affecting the ability of dhubs to maintain energy and water balances, but that preservation of habitat with the resulting return to a more healthy ecosystem promotes the likelihood of the species persistence in Kuwait.