Conservation Status
Urban sprawl and habitat destruction has adversely affected Gila monster numbers. As a result, Gila monsters are protected by Arizona and Nevada state law; it is illegal to "harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect the Gila Monster." In 1952, they became the first venomous animal to be given legal protection. Gila monsters are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. In 1963, the San Diego Zoo became the first zoo to successfully breed Gila monsters in captivity.
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