- December 20, 2024
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In first grade, my class had a recommended reading list. My parents encouraged me to complete the list, and by the end of the year, I had one book left to read, and I took it home to finish. I remember laughing at the book’s jokes while eating macaroni and cheese. The book starred a group of talking animals, including a snake.
Since then, I’ve adored reptiles, especially snakes. I didn’t know it at the time, but that book sparked in me a love for herpetology. Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians, such as frogs, turtles, lizards, newts, toads and snakes. But many of these animals are being killed, and their homes are being destroyed.
Even the oddest-looking creatures need protection from the harm humans have caused. I want to highlight three special and underrated reptiles who are all endangered or critically endangered. With knowledge of these species, we can find ways to help them.
MARY RIVER TURTLES
The Mary River Turtle is a freshwater turtle found near the Mary River in Australia. It breathes underwater using unique glands in its reproductive organs and can stay beneath the surface for three days.
These turtles mostly eat plants, seeds, fruit and insect larvae. Mary River Turtles have algae growing on their bodies resembling a big green mohawk.
Mary River Turtles take longer to reach maturity, so they don’t reproduce as rapidly as other animals. They’re also prey for foxes and fish when they’re in the younger stages of their life cycle. Humans build dams that cut off the turtles’ resources. Poachers steal their eggs for profit, and they were kept as pets for decades.
Mary River Turtles are one of the most endangered reptile species in Australia because of these natural and manmade causes.
EARLESS MONITOR LIZARDS
If a dragon stepped out of a storybook, it would closely resemble Earless Monitor Lizards. They live in Borneo, an island in Asia, and can grow up to 1.6 feet long. These lizards do their hunting at night and camouflage themselves with dirt that sticks to their scales. They use their tails to anchor themselves to stones in the water during floods.
Many aspects of them are unknown, and herpetologists have dubbed these lizards “The Holy Grail of Herpetology.”
Despite their natural adaptations, they’re endangered because of human involvement. Earless Monitor Lizards are harassed by hunters who want their leather-like skin. In addition, habitat loss has caused the population to dip. Many of the lizards’ homes were destroyed by deforestation and the oil industry.
LEAF SCALED SEA SNAKES
Between 1989 and 2002, the Leaf Scaled Sea Snakes disappeared from human eyes. They weren’t seen again for about 15 years.
Leaf Scaled Sea Snakes live in shallow Australian waters. Increased ocean pollution and warmer temperatures are some of the many difficulties they face. This species of venomous sea snake doesn’t breed often, so its population is small to begin with. It was believed to be extinct before scientists discovered a small group of them in 2015. Leaf Scaled Sea Snakes are currently listed as critically endangered.
THERE IS STILL HOPE
Humans have hurt the planet for centuries. Today, most people have realized we need to show kindness to the world we live in. Conservation groups have found ways to compost and recycle. Others organize beach clean-ups or volunteer at rescue centers. Scientists are working to grow the populations of endangered species.
None of us is perfect, but we all can find little ways to help the Earth. All animals need protection. No more species will go extinct if we take the time to care about them.
