Page 94 - Reptiles & Dinosaurs (Britannica Illustrated Science Library)

90 HUMANS AND REPTILES REPTILES AND DINOSAURS 91

Fewer Each Time TURKS AND

HIERRO
GIANT JAMAICA CAICOS ROCK
RACER
any species of reptiles are at serious risk of extinction—mostly because of habitat loss caused LIZARD Alsophis ater IGUANA
by human activities. The most threatened species with the fewest resources for recovery are Gallotia Cyclura
M those native to islands, which are unable to emigrate or adapt to rapidly changing conditions. simonyi carinata
Urban growth, deforestation, and water contamination are among the principal forces that Status Critical Status Critical Status Critical
have created this critical situation. Conscious of the problem, many countries have Habitat Canary Islands Habitat Jamaica Habitat Bahamas
developed legislation to protect reptiles, but it is not always effective. Maximum Size 2 feet (60 cm) Size 2.8 feet (85 cm) Size 14 inches (36 cm)
This lizard inhabits the rocky outcroppings This reptile-eating snake inhabits the Since the 1970s, nearly 13 subpopulations
of El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands. mountains of Jamaica. It is not venomous, of iguanas have disappeared. Only one
Over recent decades, it was estimated that and it is known for its great speed. Since important species of this family of iguana
only 200 specimens remained, although 1994, it has been considered at critical remains, living in an area of 5 square
the exact number is unknown. Its main risk of extinction because of habitat loss. miles (13 sq km) on a privately owned
ARUBA GOLDEN cause of extinction is habitat loss and lack Very few wild specimens have been island. Its main threats come from
ISLAND FER-DE-LANCE of food rising from competition with goats. sighted. Some experts believe that it may predators introduced by humans and from
already be extinct.
habitat loss caused by urbanization.
Today these lizards are protected, and their
RATTLESNAKE Bothrops numbers are recovering in preserves.
Crotalus insularis
unicolor
Status Critical Status Critical
Habitat Aruba Habitat Brazil
Size 3 feet (95 cm) Size 2.6 feet (80 cm)
This rare, little-known species of This viper inhabits just one small island on
rattlesnake inhabits an area of Aruba of the Brazilian coast, only 106 acres (43 ha)
roughly 30 square miles (76 sq km). Its in size, called Queimada Grande.
current status as a critically endangered Deforestation is its main threat. Although
species is mostly due to the loss of its the snake's population is stable, the loss of
ecosystem. Between 1993 and 2004, only its natural habitat places it in critical
185 specimens were sighted in the wild. danger of extinction.
Arikok National Park is currently developing
programs for the snake's conservation.

ARUBA ISLAND
RATTLESNAKE CAPE DWARF CHINESE
Crotalus unicolor CHAMELEON ALLIGATOR
Bradypodion Alligator
pumilum sinensis
FIJI CRESTED
Status Critical Status Critical
IGUANA
Brachylophus Habitat South Africa Habitat China
vitiensis Maximum Size 8 inches (20 cm) Maximun Size 6 feet (2 m)
BULGARDAGH FIJI This alligator inhabits the deep waters of
VIPER CRESTED This tiny, active chameleon is native to the Yangtze River in China. Although its
South Africa. As recently as a decade ago,
Vipera IGUANA it was commonly seen in thickets, in population is healthy in captivity, it is
bulgardaghica Brachylophus Habitat Loss gardens, on plantations, and among crops. almost extinct in the wild. Today the
vitiensis However, this species is currently at risk Chinese government is developing a
because of urban expansion. It is now only reintroduction program. Nevertheless, its
Status Critical Status Critical found on natural preserves. future is uncertain.
THE LOSS OF HABITAT CAUSED BY HUMAN ACTIVITIES
Habitat Turkey Habitat Fiji
IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF REPTILE EXTINCTION.
Size 2.6 feet (80 cm) Size 2.5 feet (75 cm)
This venomous, rodent-eating snake lives The status of this species was last reviewed
mostly in Anatolia. There its main threats in 2003. It is distinguished by its rapid color
are illegal trafficking and other human changes and by the spiny crests on its back.
activities. Although awarded protected It inhabits coastal forests, and its greatest
status in the region's animal preserves threat is the introduction of goats to Fiji's
since 1994, it remains at serious risk of islands. Since 1981, the island of Yaduataba
extinction. has served as a primary sanctuary
dedicated to its conservation. Nevertheless,
the species continues to decline.