Reptile extinctions mirror those of amphibians, say scientists

The severe global extinction crisis facing amphibian populations around the world may be mirrored in reptiles like snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles. A scientific study cites evidence that recent scientific research into amphibian declines far outweighs research into reptile declines, even though both groups of species may be facing a similar extinction threat. In May 2008, studies commissioned by the European Commission and carried out by IUCN, found that Europe's reptiles and amphibians were in similar degrees of trouble. 22.9% of Europe's native amphibian species were categorised as threatened with extinction, and 19.4% of reptiles. The study also reported that 4.3% of reptile species in Europe were listed as Critically Endangered, the most serious of the Red List categories. This is double the number of amphibians in the same category. "It is increasingly clear that amphibians are not alone in facing a major biodiversity crisis," said lead author Professor Trevor Beebee of the University of Sussex. "Other groups of ‘cold blooded' vertebrates, notably reptiles and freshwater fishes, are in the same boat."

Source: Wildlife Extra News, October, 2009
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/reptile-research.html#cr