Australia's lizards and snakes disappearing faster than previously thought

A groundbreaking review by Monash University researchers has unveiled that approximately 127 Australian terrestrial lizard and snake species, making up over 13% of the country's reptile population, are now facing an elevated risk of extinction—a figure nearly double that of previous estimates. Published in Pacific Conservation Biology, this comprehensive assessment brings together leading experts to evaluate the conservation status of these species, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and conservation efforts.

The findings underscore that many species remain inadequately assessed due to a lack of thorough evaluation, with those classified as Data Deficient being five and a half times more likely to be threatened compared to those with sufficient data. Furthermore, species yet to undergo formal evaluation are three times more likely to face extinction.

Professor David Chapple, the lead author and a professor at Monash University's School of Biological Sciences, emphasized that Australia is still lagging in meeting the conservation needs of its unique reptile fauna, which constitutes around 10% of the world's lizard and snake diversity. The review identifies climate change, intense bushfires, habitat destruction, invasive predators like cats and foxes, invasive grasses, and emerging diseases as the primary drivers of the declining reptile populations.

The researchers have also outlined 11 recommendations to bolster conservation initiatives nationwide. Senior author Jules Farquhar noted the review's implications for the evolving nature of conservation challenges, stressing that the threats to Australia's reptiles are becoming more severe and complex.