19% of the world’s reptiles are estimated to be threatened with extinction according to a study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Zoological Society of London. Reptiles include snakes,lizards, crocodiles, or turtles and tortoises. But some species are at more risk than others. For example,freshwater turtles alone are at a 50% risk of extinction. Reasons vary, but include the normal suspects such as climate change and loss of habitat.A recent study also estimated that some 100 million sharks are being killed each year — an unsustainable rate, or given how long some species take to mature and reproduce. Much of the demand is driven by Chinese rising affluence and demand for shark fin soup in the mistaken belief it has various health benefits.
This small update to the biodiversity loss page has further details.
Read full article: Loss of Biodiversity and Extinctions
Source: globalissues.org