Temperatures Lower than Preferred Ones Maintain DNA Integrity and Sperm Quality of Lepidophyma gaigeae (SQUAMATA: XANTUSIIDAE)

The global increase in temperature has directly impacted the environment and reproduction of ectothermic organisms, leading to defects in processes that intervene in sperm quality and maturation. The present study evaluates the effect of temperature on sperm quality of the lizard <i>Lepidophyma gaigeae</i> in the surroundings of Landa de Matamoros, Querétaro, México. As a species under special protection, only 12 male individuals were captured in December 2020 with 4 exposed at (1) preferred temperature (Tpref) at 24 °C; (2) low temperature (LT) at 21 °C; (3) either individuals without treatment (Control) with fluctuating temperature of the habituation site, to compare the effect on the viability, concentration, and integrity of DNA, as well as the presence of the cytoplasmic droplet (CD). Sperm viability decreased by approximately 50% in organisms exposed to Tpref, accompanied by a significant reduction in concentration. Likewise, the CD evaluation showed a retention percentage of 30% at the cauda level, while the LT and Control groups showed 5% in this terminal area of the epididymis. The percentage of sperm with intact DNA was also decreased in the Tpref group compared to the LT and control groups. These findings highlight how thermal environments impact reptilian reproduction, reinforcing not only what has already been found in these species in recent years, but also the repercussions that it presents in the medium- or long-term exposure in these organisms at an ecological level, as well as the consequences with the potential damage and even infertility, in case of prolonged exposition to preferred temperatures.