One in five reptiles is threatened with extinction

Image source, Ophiophagus Hannah

According to the first comprehensive assessment of more than 10,000 species across the world, one in five reptiles is threatened with extinction.

Scientists are calling for urgent action to save crocodiles and turtles.

They say that reptiles have been overlooked because they are less charismatic than fur and feathery creatures.

31 species have gone extinct.

Problems getting funding for the work took more than 15 years to complete.

Dr Bruce Young of the international nature organisation, NatureServe, said that reptiles to many people are not charismatic and that there has been a lot more focus on more furry, feathery species.

Image source, Ignacio Hernandez

The balance of life is dependent on the cold-blooded vertebrates.

According to Prof Blair Hedges of Temple University in Philadelphia, US,tiles are good for people because they help control pests.

The scientists hope to help slow the slide towards oblivion of reptile species such as the gharial, or fish-eating crocodile, by publicising the plight of them.

There is a chance that the measures put in place to protect rare birds and mammals also protect the reptiles that share the same land.

Image source, Johannes Els

• 21% of reptile species are threatened (1,800 individual species); which is higher than for birds, but lower than for mammals and amphibians

• More than half of crocodiles and almost two thirds of turtles are threatened with extinction

• Reptiles are threatened throughout the world, but particularly in southeast Asia, West Africa, northern Madagascar, the northern Andes and the Caribbean

• Habitat destruction from the expansion of farmland, urban development and logging is a big factor pushing reptiles to the brink. Crocodiles and turtles also face threats from hunting

• Reptiles found in forests are more at risk than those living in deserts and savannahs

• Climate change is a looming threat to reptiles, particularly on low-lying islands

• If we were to lose all reptile species at risk of extinction, 15.6 billion years of evolution would be wiped from the planet.

Image source, Ij Avila

The study authors spoke at a news conference about the need for a new worldwide agreement to stem extinctions.

Neil Cox said that negotiations at the upcoming summit on biodiversity in China will be important for trying to turn the tide on the issue.

The hope is that we can reverse the extinction catastrophe.

The final version of the draft UN Convention on Biological Diversity will be negotiated at the COP15 summit, which is expected to take place at the end of August.

Image source, Joey Markx

The outcome will determine how the world will address the challenges of reducing the extinction risk threatening more than one million species, eliminating billions of dollars of government subsidies and restoring degraded habitats.