New Delhi, Oct 06: At least 25-36 percent of mammal
species are facing the threat of extinction due to habitat
deterioration, global warming, pollution and illegal trade in
wildlife, according to a global study on mammals released
on Saturday.
The study, conducted by over 1800 scientists from 130
countries paints a gloomy picture for sensitive eco-systems,
which include Western Ghats in India, tropical Andes and
Cameroonian Highlands, where more than 79 percent of the
mammal species are under threat.
Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and harp seal (Pagophilaos
groenlandicus) are among the species facing threat due to
climate change.
Depleting forest cover and pollution has adversely
affected the habitat of over 40 percent species.
The reducing number of mammals in Southeast Asia is
being driven by illegal wildlife trade raising concern among
global researchers.
"Curtail the trade of endangered species. It would do an
amazing amount of good for stabilising the situation in
South-east Asia, which is biodiversity hot spot," said Andrew
Smith, one of the researchers from Arizona University.
The researchers say that overall conservation status of
mammals is likely to deteriorate further in the near future,
unless appropriate conservation measures are put in place.
The latest Red List of mammal species released at the
International Union for Conservation of Nature World at
Barcelona today show that 1141 species of the total 5487
mammals species face the threat of extinction. The findings
were also published in the latest edition of "Science".
The results show that 188 mammal species are facing
highest threat category of "critically endangered". Scientists
say 29 species have been listed as possibly extinct.
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, October 06, 2008, 00:00