Reptiles

doi:10.1017/9781108758826.008

Seven - Reptiles

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 April 2023

Philip Bowles

Edited by

Norman Maclean

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Norman Maclean: Affiliation:
University of Southampton

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Summary

Reptiles, despite being among the largest and most ecologically important vertebrate groups, have until recently received less research attention than other terrestrial vertebrates and their conservation has been hampered by a lack of both data and interest. Around 20% of reptile species are thought to be at risk of extinction (rising to 50% in turtles), but population trends for most species are not known with certainty and the IUCN Red List does not yet have complete coverage for this group. Reptiles are at particular risk from habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species and overharvesting. They are thought to be especially sensitive to climate change, the effects of which are probably underestimated due to data limitations. The impacts of a recently identified emergent disease in snakes are unclear but may become a significant driver of future declines. Conservation successes among reptiles are scarce, but notable achievements include population recoveries in most crocodilian species since the 1970s and successful control of invasive species that threatened many island reptiles, particularly in New Zealand. There is a pressing need to better understand the ecology and conservation needs of most reptiles, and to increase their representation in conservation planning.

Keywords

Reptile Turtle Crocodile Lizard Snake Tuatara Alligator

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: The Living Planet
The State of the World's Wildlife
, pp. 132 - 152
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108758826.008 [Opens in a new window]
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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