Conservation of European Reptiles and Amphibians

This work on the conservation of European reptiles and amphibians is published for the IUCN and the EEC to mark the European Year of the Environment and has been prepared by the European Reptile and Amphibian Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. It is the result of analysis by researchers in this field and concludes with an action plan outlining the most urgent and important measures that need to be taken. Approximately 90 species of reptile and 45 species of amphibian that occur in Europe are discussed here, many of which are among the most seriously threatened species of animal in Europe. Some of the most threatened species are endemic to Europe, often to tiny areas, and their long-term survival is, therefore, in considerable doubt. Reptiles and amphibians are suffering from habitat destruction, disturbance, and collecting for the pet trade. Many species of amphibian are also threatened by pollution of their breeding sites.