Turtles now world’s most endangered vertebrates – Over half of species threatened with extinction

By Matthew McDermott, New York, NY
28 February 2011 Turtles and tortoises may not get the same sort of attention as the cuddlier and fuzzier animals of the world, but a new report from the Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group of the IUCN shows that these reptiles are in fact the most endangered group of vertebrate animals. Over half of the world’s 328 turtles and tortoises are threatened with extinction. That breaks down thusly: Of the total 328 species there are 263 freshwater and terrestrial turtles and 58 tortoises; 54% of these are threatened. The world’s seven sea turtle species were not covered in this report. Of these threatened species, 17 of the 25 most-endangered are found in Asia. As for the main reasons for turtles becoming so threatened–keep in mind that threatened with extinction is different than being classified as endangered, critically endangered, etc.–the report lists a host of causes similar to those causing other species to become threatened: Unsustainable levels of hunting for both food and medicinal use, collection for the pet trade, pollution and habitat loss. …

Turtles Now World’s Most Endangered Vertebrates – Over Half of Species Threatened With Extinction