22 species critically endangered, including the Tarzan's chameleon, the bizarre-nosed chameleon, and the limbless skink.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which was published today, lists 40 percent of the reptiles on Madagascar as threatened and 22 species as Critically Endangered, including the Tarzan's chameleon (Calumma tarzan), the bizarre-nosed chameleon (Calumma hafahafa), and the limbless skink, (Paracontias fasika). While these reptiles have made it onto the IUCN list, the organization points out that new conservation areas have been designated on Madagascar that will help to conserve a large number of reptiles that are on the list. Reptiles that are listed, according to the IUCN have been generally overlooked in conservation efforts on Madagascar but will now be given more attention in future conservation plans.
In addition to the reptiles, the IUCN has listed 26 recently discovered amphibians to the Red List. The Blessed Poison Frog (Ranitomeya benedicta), is listed as vulnerable while the Summers' Poison Frog (Ranitomeya summersi), is listed as endangered. The IUCN says these frogs are the victim of habitat loss and the international pet trade.
In non-reptile related news, the Western Black Rhino has been listed as extinct.
Pease visit the IUCN Red List website for a full listing of all animals on the list.
