Scientists have been warning for years about shrinking amphibian populations, but now some researchers are saying that reptiles could be in even worse straits. Reptiles are in decline globally and a number of species face extinction, according to an article published in the journal Bioscience. For example, most species of sea turtles in warm oceans are declining — the estimated worldwide population of leatherback turtles nesting on beaches in 1980 was 115,000, compared to only 34,500 in 1995. Degradation and loss of habitat are likely the biggest causes of the reptile downswing; other contributing factors include invasive species, pollution, climate change, and the capturing of reptiles for pets, traditional medicine, or food.
