One major factor contributing to the endangered status of the Gila monster is the illegal pet trade. Native American cultures revere them and they are highly sought after and sold for thousands of dollars on the black market.
Loss of Habitat:
Urbanization and the encroachment of human activities, such as the development of residential areas and commercial spaces, disrupt and destroy the natural habitats of gila monsters. They require certain terrain conditions such as rocky desert terrains.
Unsustainable Collection:
Some individuals capture wild Gila monsters for scientific research, and this can strain their populations if done unsustainably or without proper controls. Additionally, the collection of Gila monsters by individuals who take more than permitted by hunting and conservation regulations harms wild populations.