Island reptiles face extinction crisis while scientists focus elsewhere

A new study reveals a troubling paradox in conservation science: reptile species living exclusively on islands face extinction rates more than double those of their mainland relatives, yet they receive a fraction of the research attention needed to save them.

The comprehensive review, which analyzed nearly 12,000 reptile species worldwide, found that roughly one in five reptiles are confined to islands. Of these island-dwelling species, an alarming 30% are currently threatened with extinction—compared to just 12% of mainland reptiles. Despite this elevated risk, island reptiles were the subject of only 6.7% of published research between 1960 and 2021, with nearly half of these vulnerable species having no dedicated studies at all.

“Reptiles are particularly effective island colonizers due to their ability to endure long periods without food or water,” explains Ricardo Rocha, study co-author from the University of Oxford. These species have evolved crucial roles in island ecosystems worldwide, yet they’re consistently overshadowed by more charismatic animals like birds and mammals when it comes to research funding and attention.

The research gap has serious consequences for conservation efforts. “Current research levels are insufficient to meet the needs of defining informed conservation strategies for a large number of threatened species,” warns lead author Sara Nunes from the University of Porto. Without adequate scientific understanding of these species’ behaviors, habitats, and threats, conservationists lack the foundation needed to develop effective protection strategies—leaving many unique island reptiles on a path toward extinction.