Establishing conservation priorities for reptiles in the South of the Pampas Ecoregion of Argentina

Abstract

Reptile populations are declining worldwide, making their conservation crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Conservation efforts must go beyond establishing Protected Natural Areas, particularly in urbanised regions or areas impacted by human activity. This study aims to identify conservation priorities for reptiles in the Tandilia Mountains, a grassland ecosystem of Argentina. Seven patches of native grassland within the Tandilia Mountains were selected, evaluated and ranked using four metrics: biodiversity value, human pressure, available habitat and exotic vegetation. Several conservation actions were proposed based on these metrics. In the central region, actions such as developing sustainable grazing programmes, habitat restoration, land expansion, policy changes and raising awareness are necessary. For grassland remnants in the northern sector, the best strategy is to expand the existing Natural Reserves, while in the southern sector, habitat restoration is the priority. Our results confirm and build upon previous studies that identified insufficient protected surface area to safeguard reptile biodiversity within the current Protected Area system in Tandilia. This study highlights the need for diverse conservation actions tailored to specific landscape scenarios. Furthermore, our findings underscore the importance of integrated conservation planning and provide a foundation for future research and actions to ensure the long-term viability of native reptile populations in the Tandilia Mountains. Protecting reptiles in the Tandilia will also contribute to preserving the biodiversity that interacts with them. These insights aim to guide decision-makers, government agencies and conservationists in safeguarding these unique ecosystems.