By Shirley Farmer 
A study published last Tuesday in the New York Times revealed that turtles and alligators with unique characteristics are also most at risk. scientific journal nature. Buying these animals is one of the main risk factors for reptiles: “Global trade in these species is the third most important threat to their functional diversity, affecting mainly turtles for use as pets and crocodiles for the trade for their skins,” concluded the study from the University of Oxford. The disappearance of these animals could endanger their entire habitat.
To Azul, Oxford University part scientist Molly Grace and one of the study’s authors estimates there will be a “significant loss of functional diversity” for these animals. According to Grace, the concept captures “the diversity of roles that species play in ecosystems – whether they are predators or prey, engineers environmental system [que têm a habilidade de modificar os habitat e recursos]Or specialists or specialists [se comem uma variedade de alimentos ou uma dieta limitada]The researcher adds that ecosystems with “more species that play unique roles are more resilient to human threats,” related to human hands.
The study showed that the species of turtles and crocodiles most at risk of extinction are precisely those with unique characteristics. Due to their unique life strategies and functions, the loss of these animals can have a significant impact on their ecosystems. The processes carried out by these unique species are essential to animals and plants and cannot be guaranteed by other animals.
The findings presented by the team of scientists highlighted that if all species of turtles and crocodiles are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)IUCN) With the disappearance of endangered species, about 13% of unique life strategies have been lost.
Life strategies, especially unique to species at greater risk of extinction, are consistent with the way “how does an organism divide its resources and energy between its survival, reproduction and growth”, and differs between species and sectors that they choose to spend more of and less of their efforts, explains the researcher of environment and conservation. Thus, some species can bet on faster maturation and produce many litters, while others mature more slowly, with fewer litters, which can extend their life expectancy.
Owning a turtle as a pet is not a good idea.
In the press release in which the study was presented, the authors expressed an uncompromising stance regarding trade in these species. They state that “People who are concerned about the disappearance of turtles and crocodiles should avoid purchasing products made from them [produtos de pele de crocodilo] And specifically with turtles, they should not be considered pets.”
It’s “simple” to keep turtles and crocodiles as pets, Grace cautions. However, he makes some points that having one of these animals as a household companion is “not a good idea.” “if it was classify They are imported from a faraway country, which is likely not native to the country where you live. If the animal is released or escapes, it could cause negative impacts on the local ecosystem,” warns the biologist.
Another problem Grace raised was the fact that “the rarer or more endangered a species is, the more valuable it is to collectors, which can encourage unsustainable removal of animals from their habitat, leading to extinction.” It also warns of the fact that reptiles need completely different conditions and care than mammals. He concludes, “If the person buying the animal is not aware of the needs of his species, the animal may suffer.”
What about crocodile skin?
Molly Grace (who works in the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford) also offers another perspective on the marketing of crocodile skin. The idea presented by the researcher refers to a part Posted on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) blog in March 2019.
The authors of the article entitled Is ban exotic skins bad for reptiles?He states that there is ample scientific evidence to suggest that banning the sale of wild animals denies value Biodiversity It in turn encourages illegal trade and undermines local incentives to protect animal herds.” They add that “the trade in reptile skins is mostly legal, sustainable, and verifiable” and that “in many countries, people tolerate and conserve dangerous animals — such as crocodiles and snakes — and their habitats, Because the income from use outweighs the cost of living with them.”
Depending on the function it performs, the disappearance of a species can have a cascade of impacts on its ecosystem. The researcher cites the example of the American alligator, which “digs depressions in the wetlands, and when the areas dry up in summer, these lakes conserve water, providing a refuge for fish and aquatic invertebrates.” Thus, the extinction of this reptile also had ramifications for the habitat of other animals in its ecosystem.
human consequences, such as habitat loss, Climate changePollution, illegal hunting and unsustainable wildlife trade have exacerbated species extinction.
According to the article published in natureAbout half of all turtle and crocodile species are classified as globally threatened by the IUCN. Therefore, “there is an urgent need to understand and know which species are most threatened, and why, to make informed efforts on how to save them,” they say in the article’s press release.
Researchers call for the protection of these endangered species with unique lifestyles, not only to prevent their disappearance, but also to ensure that their habitats function.
Text editing by Claudia Carvalho-Silva