These reptile taxa were selected because they are endemic to Japan and threatened in the wild. The
species are all classified as threatened species in Japan’s Red List and in the IUCN Red List, the
Miyako Grass Lizard being categorized as Critically Endangered in the former. Capture of the other
four species has been prohibited, but research on international trade in these species has been limited
until now. Box 1 contains descriptive details for each species.