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ZSL publishes list of threatened reptiles
The Mary River turtle is ranked at number 30 on the reptile EDGE list.

Madagascar big-headed turtles top the EDGE list 

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has published a list of reptiles that are heading for extinction unless urgent action is taken, in a bid to help focus conservation efforts.

Madagascar big-headed turtles topped the list of 100 Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) reptiles.

Other species included on the list include the world’s largest sea turtle, the leatherback, at number 85; the Mary River turtle at number 30 and the gharial, a freshwater crocodile that was once common across much of Asia, but is now confined to a handful of rivers in northern India and Nepal.

ZSL first established lists of evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered (EDGE) species in 2007. Lists were previously created for amphibians, birds, corals and mammals, but now attention has turned to reptiles.

The latest ranking highlights 100 species that are a conservation priority. Each species is given an EDGE score based on the risk of extinction and how isolated or unusual that species is on the ‘tree of life’.

The reptile list is backed by a study published in PLOS ONE.

Commenting on the findings, ZSL’s EDGE of Existence programme manager, Dr Nisha Owen, said: “When EDGE launched in 2007, our vision was to shine a light on those species that, if they were allowed to go extinct, would effectively take an entire branch of the Tree of Life with them.

“Over the intervening decade, our EDGE Fellows have worked to save everything from pangolins and echidnas, to the Chinese giant salamander and Philippine Eagle.

“We’re delighted to now be expanding the programme to embrace reptiles as well, highlighting a whole additional class of Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered wildlife while also empowering a new generation of field conservationists striving worldwide to secure their protection.”

Image © ZSL Chris Van Wyk

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."