- Climate change
- Ecosystem services
- Ecosystems and habitats
- Fragmentation
- Genetic resources
- Green infrastructure
- Invasive species
- LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity Projects
- Land use change
- Overexploitation
- Pollution
- Protected areas
- SEBI - Streamlining European Biodiversity Indicators
- Species
- Tipping points
Reptiles
Reptiles are found in all continents but Antarctica ; the number of reptiles is about 8800 (reptile-database 2009). All reptiles are cold-blooded and their skin is covered with scales as opposed to feathers or fur. They range in size from tiny geckos measuring less than 2 cm in length to saltwater crocodiles that can reach 5.5 m in length and weigh more than 1,000 kg. Most reptile species lay eggs (oviparous); the embryo develops inside the egg and outside the mother’s body, without a larval stage.
As ectothermic (cold-blooded) species, reptiles regulate their body temperature by moving into warmer or cooler environments in order to achieve optimal body temperature for different processes such as digestion or development of embryos. The habitat of reptiles varies greatly and includes the open sea, coral reefs, mangroves, freshwater habitats and many terrestrial
The European reptiles are lizards, snakes as well as turtles and tortoises. According to IUCN the number of European reptiles is 151, whereof 141 occur in the EU Member States. 19,4% of the European reptiles are threatened, with 4.3% critically endangered. The populations of 42% of the reptiles are declining. The only group known to have a higher proportion of declining species is amphibians (59%). The majority of European threatened reptiles are endemic (IUCN 2009).
Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation represent the greatest threats to European reptiles. Being ecotherimc species reptiles are often dependend on habitats with open areas. Therefore agricultural abandonment and decline of traditional cultivation and animal husbanddry is a serious problem for reptiles in many parts of Europe.
87 reptiles (thereof 52 are endemics) are identified as of European interest and therefore covered by the Habitats Directive. The conservation status of these species has been assessed as unfavourable for 40% of the cases; for 42% the conservation status is unknown.
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