World's reptiles at risk of extinction

Many lizards are under threat, including the mountain horned agama of Sri Lanka

Almost a fifth of the world's reptile species are at risk of extinction, according to scientists.

Research led by the Zoological Society of London found that the future of 19% of the world's reptiles are threatened. Conservation experts also confirmed that 47% are vulnerable and highlighted the possible extinction of three species. The figures are based on a random sample of 1,500 of the world's reptile species. "It's essentially an election poll set up - using this sample to give an example of how reptiles are doing as a whole," explained Dr Monika Bohm, lead author of the study published in the journal Biological Conservation. The study was made in conjunction with 200 experts from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Species Survival Commission.