Island reptiles in danger: 30 percent threatened with extinction!

Island reptiles in danger: 30 percent threatened with extinction!

What is going on in nature on our islands? Despite the limited area of ​​only seven percent of the earth's surface, they are a true paradise of biodiversity. Around a third of the approximately 12,000 known reptile species have found their home here. These include fascinating creatures such as the Galapagos giant tortoise and the Komodo dragon. Unfortunately, things look bleak: around 30 percent of reptiles on islands are threatened with extinction, which is well above the global average of twelve percent. Kleine Zeitung reports that only about seven percent of scientific studies since 1960 have covered threatened island species, which urgently needs to change.

What threatens these unique habitats? Much of the danger comes from human activities. Agricultural expansion, deforestation and pollution are putting enormous strain on island ecosystems. Invasive species, such as introduced cats, also have devastating effects. These pose a serious threat because many island reptiles have not developed effective defense mechanisms against mammalian predators. A cat that can eat more than 90 lizards a year on an island should be seriously considered. The Principe emerald snake, a critically endangered island species, also needs urgent attention as there is little data on its lifestyle.

Invasive species and their dangers

What are the dangers of invasive species? According to the WWF, there are over 37,000 alien species worldwide, of which more than 3,500 are classified as invasive. These species can establish themselves in the new area and thus threaten native animal and plant species as well as the stable ecosystems. In Germany in particular, 1,015 neobiota species have already been registered that have settled in nature. Although not all neophytes and neozoa are invasive, they can still seriously disrupt the balance in nature, especially in times of climate change. WWF warns of an increased spread of non-native species, which is favored by the warming of our planet.

How is the current state of biodiversity on islands assessed? Researchers such as Prof. Severin Irl from Goethe University have found that over 50 percent of all endangered species live on islands. Shockingly, three quarters of all documented extinct species were island dwellers. In an essay in “Global Ecology and Conservation,” the scientists emphasize the dramatic situation of island ecosystems and the need to take protective measures.

Measures for the future

What needs to be done to give our islanders a chance of survival? Scientists advocate a complete inventory of species on the islands. This is the only way to develop suitable nature conservation concepts. Collaboration between national institutions, local communities and non-academic sources can make a big difference. Involving the local population is crucial in balancing nature conservation and people's needs. Concrete measures are necessary to protect acutely threatened species and their habitats in order to ensure the survival of our fascinating island creatures. Uni Frankfurt shows that the focus must be on preserving this unique biodiversity.