World Species Survey - More Animals Endangered and in Decline
World Species Survey details gloomy outlook for many animal species.In early October of 2008, the results of a global species survey, conducted by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, were released. The numbers are startling:
- At least a quarter of mammal species are headed toward extinction in the near future.
- Nearly 80 percent of the primate species in southern and southeastern Asia are immediately threatened.
- At least 22 percent of reptile species are at risk of extinction.
- Perhaps 40 percent of North American freshwater fish are threatened.
- In Europe, 45 percent of the most common bird species are rapidly declining, and so are the most common bird species in North America.
But perhaps these figures are a bit too abstract. Here’s a more precise way to look at the present state of bio-diversity on Earth.
