IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Of the total of reptile species found in the Mediterranean, 47 (13%) are currently threatened with extinction; about 4% are classified as Critically Endangered, 6.2% as Endangered, and 3.1% as Vulnerable. One species considered to be Extinct was thought to be spotted recently in the Canary Islands, the giant lizard from La Palma Gallotia auaritae.

The eastern Mediterranean region has a great diversity of reptile species due to its characteristic arid lands. There are a few areas where concentrations of species at risk can be found; the most notable are Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, extending to the northern part of Sinai in northeast Egypt. Species of particular concern in this region include Testudo werneri, Cyrtopdion amictopholis, Acanthodactylus beershebensis, Lacerta fraasii, L. kulzeri and Montivipera bornmuelleri.

Habitat loss and degradation are having by far the largest impact on both threatened and non-threatened species. Over-exploitation is the next biggest impact. Human disturbance, pollution and invasive alien species are also significant threats. Many species, especially snakes, are persecuted, and vehicle collision is causing mortality in several snake and turtle species, though not at levels which would qualify them as globally threatened.

The results are detailed in the report: "The Status and Distribution of Reptiles and Amphibians of the Mediterranean Basin" (eds. N. Cox, J. Chanson and S. Stuart), prepared in partnership with Conservation International and with the financial support of the Mava Foundation.