Lizards and Snakes (squamate reptiles) are the most diverse vertebrate group in Australia, with approximately 1000 described species, representing about 10% of the global squamate diversity.
Features: First assessment of the conservation status of the Australian squamate fauna in 25 years, including analysis of the changes in conservation status over the past 25 years Complete assessments of the 986 Australian squamate reptile species recognized as at 2017 and draft assessments for those species described between the 2017 workshops and 31st August 2018Describes six key recommendations to imp.
This Action Plan represents an essential resource for research scientists, conservation biologists, conservation managers, environmental consultants, policy makers from Commonwealth and State/Territory governments, and the herpetological community.
Six key recommendations are presented to improve the conservation management and plight of Australian squamates.
Notably over this period, the first known extinction (post-European settlement) of an Australian reptile species occurred - an indication of the increasingly urgent need for better knowledge and management of this fauna.
This has resulted in an increase in the proportion of the Australian squamate fauna that is considered Threatened.
There has also been an increase in the range and magnitude of threatening processes with the potential to impact squamates.
Over the past 25 years there has been a substantial increase in the number of species and families recognized within Australia.
Conservation assessments are provided for 986 species of Australian Lizards and Snakes (including sea snakes).
The Action Plan for Australian Lizards and Snakes 2017 provides the first comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of Australian squamates in 25 years.
Squamates are a vital part of the Australian ecosystem, but their conservation has been hindered by a lack of knowledge of their diversity, distribution, biology and key threats.
Lizards and Snakes (squamate reptiles) are the most diverse vertebrate group in Australia, with approximately 1000 described species, representing about 10% of the global squamate diversity
