List of data deficient reptiles facts for kids

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) keeps a special list of animals that need our help. As of September 2016, they listed 910 different types of reptiles as "data deficient." This means there isn't enough scientific information about them to know if they are safe or if they are in danger. About 18% of all the reptile species that have been checked are on this list.

When a species is "data deficient," it's like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. Scientists don't have enough details about how many of these reptiles exist, where they live, or what threats they face. This makes it hard to protect them. Sometimes, even parts of a species (called "subpopulations") can be data deficient. For reptiles, two such groups have been identified.

This article shares some examples of these mysterious reptiles. It's important to remember that these are just a few examples, and there are many more species that scientists are still trying to learn about!

Turtles and Tortoises: Reptiles with Shells

Turtles and tortoises are famous for their protective shells. But even some of these ancient reptiles are a mystery to scientists.

Turtle and Tortoise Species with Missing Data

Here are some examples of turtle and tortoise species where we don't have enough information:

Turtle and Tortoise Subpopulations Needing More Study

Sometimes, a whole species might be well-known, but a specific group of them in one area is not. This is the case for the Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Two of its groups are "data deficient."

Lizards: Diverse and Mysterious Reptiles

Lizards are a huge group of reptiles, and many of them are still not fully understood. There are 419 lizard species that are considered "data deficient."

Anguids: Lizards That Look Like Snakes

Anguids include slowworms, glass lizards, and alligator lizards. Some of them look like snakes because they have no legs!

Chameleons: Masters of Disguise

Chameleons are famous for changing their colors and having eyes that can look in different directions at the same time.

Anoles: Agile Tree Dwellers

Anoles are small lizards often found in trees and bushes, especially in warm parts of the Americas.

Gekkonids: Geckos with Sticky Toes

Geckos are well-known for their amazing ability to climb walls and ceilings thanks to their special toe pads.

Skinks: Smooth and Shiny Lizards

Skinks are a very large group of lizards, often with smooth, shiny scales and short legs, or sometimes no legs at all!

Worm Lizards: Underground Explorers

Worm lizards are unique reptiles that spend most of their lives underground. They often have no legs and look like large worms.

Dragon Lizards: Agamas and Their Relatives

This group includes many lizards known for their spiky scales and often impressive displays.

Monitor Lizards: Large and Active Hunters

Monitor lizards are known for being large, active predators. They are found across Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Snakes: Slithering Secrets

Snakes are another large group of reptiles, and 480 snake species are listed as "data deficient." This means almost half of the data deficient reptiles are snakes!

Blind Snakes: Living Underground

Blind snakes are small, burrowing snakes that spend most of their lives underground. They have tiny eyes, often covered by scales.

Vipers: Venomous Hunters

Vipers are a family of venomous snakes found all over the world. They are known for their long, hinged fangs.

Dipsadids: Diverse New World Snakes

This is a very large family of snakes, mostly found in the Americas. They include many different types, from ground snakes to tree snakes.

Elapids: Cobras, Kraits, and Sea Snakes

Elapids are a family of venomous snakes that include cobras, mambas, and many sea snakes. They have fixed fangs at the front of their mouths.

Colubrids: The Largest Snake Family

Colubrids are the largest family of snakes, with many different kinds found all over the world. Most are not venomous, or have mild venom.

Keelbacks: Water and Land Snakes

Keelbacks are a group of snakes often found near water, though some live on land. They get their name from the raised ridge (keel) on their scales.

See also

• Lists of IUCN Red List data deficient species
• List of least concern reptiles
• List of near threatened reptiles
• List of vulnerable reptiles
• List of endangered reptiles
• List of critically endangered reptiles
• List of recently extinct reptiles