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Ecology of Heloderma

Ecology of Heloderma

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Group of hatched gila monsters
Gila Monsters have been on the earth for about 100 Million years. Fossil sculls and bone findings of their ancestors prove their distribution in the USA, Europe and Asia (Ref. 6, 7, 80). They can be considered "living fossils". They did not have to die, like many other animal species because of their perfect adaptation to the changes of their surroundings. Their strategies of survival are still quite fascinating:
  1. Foraging

    In the natural habitat, Heloderma are satisfied with 3 to 4 feedings in spring. This is a sufficent energy supply for a year (Ref. 8).
    Gila Monsters demonstrate an astonishing memory and have a well developed sence of smell to locate any useful prey (Ref. 9). By permanent flicking with their forked tongue, prey is located. They have very good hearing and can detect very minor noises in their vicinity. There is discussion that they can locate their prey, e.g. young mice, rats, rabbits or birds by noise.

  2. Thermoregulation

    The Gila-Monster is a reptile (ectotherm) that has adapted to specific biotopes. This is absolutely necessary for their "surviving" (growing,digestion,reproduction,etc.) With evolution their preferred body temperature has been determined at any time. They are known to be very efficient with their energy reservoir. E.g. 90% of their prey is energetically stored (Ref. 10). It is possible for Heloderma to survive in dry desserts and scanty habitats. To protect themselves against high water loss, they live about 90% of their life underground in sandy or rocky crevices. Close to 37° C their loss of body water increases dramatically. They now are able to decrease their body temperature up to 2° C by an activated evaporation via the cloaca (Ref. 11). The lizards are moving to different shelters every 4-5 days up to the beginning of the summer season. By doing so, they always optimize a suitable microhabitat for survival (Ref. 12). In the hot season, Heloderma often inhabit the same shelter for weeks at a time. Foraging is done at a body temperature of 24°-34°C. Their favourite body temperature ranges from 29°-30°C (Ref. 2) and gravid females prefer a little higher temperature. They can survive short time exposure of minus 3,8°C (supercooling limit) and 44°C (critical thermal maximum) (Ref. 13).


  3. Examples of the Heloderma summer shelters:

    Heloderma summer shelter Heloderma summer shelter Heloderma summer shelter Pack rat "fortress"
    Heloderma catch for research Heloderma in situ Heloderma in the wild Cave in the wild
    Heloderma catch for research Heloderma in the shelter Heloderma summer shelter Heloderma in hiding place



  4. Activity

    Heloderma begin hibernation in October but have already reduced their activities to about 10% in early September. Frequently, they inhabit the same shelters every year. They also can submit themselves to long journeys. The lizards hibernate at temperatures from 9-15°C. However, temperatures do variate from shelter to shelter and month to month. At the beginning of March, they show up again on the surface to slowly warm up in the morning sun to start a new cycle of activity. Gila Monsters are especially active from April to June, predominantly in the late morning. At this time mating occurs. On their foraging journeys (Ref. 1) they cover distances about 250m per hour (Ref. 8). In summer, their activities are strongly reduced and extend over the entire day depending on weather conditions. In the monsoon season (end of July/August) they are mainly nocturnal (Ref. 14,15). They become active shortly before a monsoon. They were considered as messengers for the desired monsoon rains by the Indian tribes.

  5. Average temperatures of selected areas (towns) in ARIZONA and NEVADA, which are the main distribution of Heloderma suspectum as follows:

    temperatures in Las Vegas
    temperatures in Kingman
    temperatures in Phoenix
    temperatures in Bisbee

    For additional areas or locations, please click here www.wunderground.com

  6. Average precipitation of selected locations in ARIZONA and NEVADA as follows:

    precipitation in Las Vegas
    precipitation in Kingman
    precipitation in Phoenix
    precipitation in Bisbee

    For additional areas or locations, please click here www.wunderground.com

  7. These tables of temperatures and precipitation are important for the surface activities of Heloderma suspectum. There is no correlation between surface temperature and humidity and the conditions in the micro climate of their shelters or egg depositing sites.

  8. Enemies

    In the field Heloderma has a longevity of over 20 years (Ref.1). Natural enemies are: birds of prey, coyotes, snakes and pets. Most life threatening are humans because of habitat destruction (Ref. 16,17). This includes extensive road construction, thus many Heloderma are run over by automobiles and trucks.


    Destruction of habitat near Anthem, AZ Coyote Bird of prey Snake (Kingsnake)
    >> video sequence <<
    Destruction of habitat
    near Anthem, AZ
    Coyote Bird of prey Snake
    (e.g. Kingsnake)

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