Almost one-fifth of the world’s reptiles are currently threatened with extinction.
A recent study assessed 1500 species for extinction risks. From the 19% found to be in danger, 12% were classified as Critically Endangered, 41% as Endangered and 47% Vulnerable. Three of the species listed as being Critically Endangered are believed to be possibly extinct.
Tropical regions were listed as the main source of concern for reptile numbers, largely due to the destruction of natural habitats by logging and the development of rural agriculture.
Freshwater turtles are at the greatest risk, with between 30-50% believed to be close to extinction.Read more at Zoological Society of London