A fifth of reptiles and almost a quarter of amphibians in Europe are threatened with extinction on the continent, according to the European Commission.
By Louise Gray, Environment Correspondent The first European Red Lists of threatened species for the two groups of species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) shows 23 per cent of amphibians and 21 per cent of reptiles are at risk of dying out. Most of the pressure the species in danger face comes from human destruction of their habitat, climate change, pollution and the presence of invasive species. The studies, released on International Biodiversity Day, also show that more than half of frog, toad, salamander and newt species (59 per cent) in Europe are suffering declines in their populations. And 42 per cent of reptiles are in decline, the IUCN said. The reports on the status of amphibians and reptiles show they are more at risk of extinction than European birds and mammals. Dr Helen Temple, programme officer for the IUCN Red List unit, said: “Natural habitats across Europe are being squeezed by growing human populations, agricultural sprawl and pollution. “That is not good news for either amphibians or reptiles.” …
Reptiles in Europe more at risk of extinction than birds and mammals
