Reptiles at risk of dying out

Scientists recently say that more than 20% of the world’s reptiles (爬行動物are in danger of going extinct (絕種). The main threat to reptiles is the loss of their natural homes due to increasing human activities.

Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates(脊椎動物). Vertebrates have backbones. They have dry skin covered with scales or bony plates and usually lay soft-shelled eggs. They include lizards, snakes, turtles, and crocodiles. 

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN國際自然保護聯盟) Red List of Threatened Species, about one-fifth of evaluated reptiles on Earth are threatened with extinction (絕種). The situation is particularly worse for turtles. More than 60 % of the world’s turtles are threatened or already extinct. Besides, more than half of crocodiles are threatened with extinction, too. 

One primary reason behind this was the destruction of their natural homes by human activities, such as logging(伐木), deforestation(大面積砍伐森林), expansion of farmlands, and urban development(城市發展). Crocodiles and turtles also face threats from hunting. Reptiles living in forests are more at risk than those living in deserts. Climate change is a threat, too, particularly on low-lying islands. 

Scientists are calling for urgent conservation (保育) action for these animals. They say reptiles have long been overlooked in conservation. One reason might be that reptiles to many people are less attractive and adorable than furry and feathery creatures like pandas and parrots.

Despite their low publicity(關注)profile, reptiles play an important role in the balance of life. They are good for people because they help control pests such as insects and rodents(嚙齒動物)like rats. 

What’s needed to save reptiles from extinction? One of the easiest ways to help wildlife is to preserve the environment in which the animals live. 

Bogadek’s Burrowing Lizard

Endangered reptiles in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a high diversity(多樣化)of reptiles. The reptiles in Hong Kong comprise 12 species of turtles, 25 species of lizards and 53 species of snakes. Among these, only Bogadek’s Burrowing Lizard(鮑氏雙足蜥), Hong Kong Tree Gecko(香港半葉趾虎)and Hong Kong Blind Snake(香港盲蛇)are endemic(特有)to Hong Kong. Bogadek’s Burrowing Lizard is listed as Endangered in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 

Hong Kong is also very important to the breeding (繁殖)and survival of the endangered sea turtles. The sandy beaches at Sham Wan and Lamma Island, for example, are the only site in Hong Kong and one of the few sites in South China Sea at which green turtles nest(做窩)from time to time. The green turtle is the second largest turtle on earth and the only species that has breeding records in Hong Kong. The number of green turtles nesting in Sham Wan is small and there would only be nesting once in several years. Living in Hong King is not easy. Green turtles are in the news from time to time for being killed by ship propellers (螺旋槳), ghost nets and marine debris(碎片;殘駭). The protection of its increasingly small population is therefore very important. Green turtles are currently under the protection of the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. Hunting, possession, selling or export of green turtles (including their nests and eggs) are prohibited. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment(監禁)for one year, and all items will be confiscated.

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