The legendary alligator snapping turtle is one of 53 United States reptiles proposed for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Among the other reptiles proposed for listing are the green salamander, Southern hog-nosed snake, Florida pine snake, and Carolina gopher frog. The reptiles' populations are in steep decline because of habitat destruction, pollution, global warming, and invasive species.
Five of the threatened reptiles live in Alabama which has drawn the support of Harvard biologist and Pulitzer-winning author Edward O. Wilson for the listing. Wilson calls the reptiles part of America's "natural heritage," asserting that future generations will condemn our irresponsibility if we fail to protect rare and beautiful wildlife.
Tell the US Fish and Wildlife Service that you support the listing of 53 reptiles in 45 states under the Endangered Species Act.
We the undersigned support the Center for Biological Diversity's request to list 53 reptile species under the Endangered Species Act.
With reptiles underrepresented on the ESA, it makes perfect sense to list them. Reptiles are not only important to overall ecology, they are also indicator species. That means they tell us about the health of our overall environment. The news from these species is not good. Their populations are in steep decline through 45 states.
We urge you to protect these important reptiles--which include the legendary alligator snapping turtle!
