Meet Gila, the venomous desert dweller

The Gila monster is a venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It spends most of its time underground and is known for its distinctive appearance and venomous bite, which is not fatal to humans. The Gila monster preys on small animals and their eggs using its acute sense of smell. Despite its toxic bite, the species is threatened by habitat loss due to development, and its population numbers are uncertain.

Explain the significance of the Gila monster's venom.

What impact has human development had on Gila monster populations?