Exploring gaps, biases, and research priorities in the evidence for reptile conservation actions

With over 10,000 species, reptiles exhibit an extraordinary range of life histories and inhabit a wide variety of environments. However, many are at risk of extinction with 21% listed as threatened by the IUCN - there is an urgent need for effective conservation action. A recent study, which examined the 700+ studies in the Conservation Evidence database of reptile conservation, reveals significant gaps in the scientific evidence supporting reptile conservation. It shows that numerous species, especially those in underrepresented regions, and facing greater extinction risks, are understudied. The research also exposes biases in conservation action research, with a disproportionate focus on species listed as "least concern" rather than those facing more serious threats. To ensure meaningful conservation outcomes, future research and evidence generation must be strategically directed towards the areas and species most in need.

Speight, O., Morgan, W.H., White, T.B., Sainsbury, K.A., Bouskila, A., Rotem, G., Smith, R.K., Sutherland, W.J., Watson, M.J. & Christie, A.P. (2025) Exploring gaps, biases, and research priorities in the evidence for reptile conservation actions. Conservation Biology, e70073. http://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.70073