The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species for 2008 just published.
The Red List 2008 is obviously a very extensive report that includes the species list endangered, extinction, extinct in the wild to those who fall under the classification of data is not enough.
A look at some selective of results:
– 20% + of the reptiles are struggling to survive
– 20% + of mammals, including marine mammals, also are in danger of extinction
– Of the nearly 50,000 species listed (fauna and flora), over 35% are threatened.
But there are some things that are worth highlighting:
Bad news sells and sells surprisingly shocking news.
In this Red List species would are extinct or critically endangered and those that show a deterioration in his condition. It is a good and bad news for endangered species as a whole.
This is good news for those who are under fire, but bad news for those who "seems" to be holding. Those species that can now be be classified as the least affected may be critical later in danger of extinction.
A very rapid and selective, highlighting the report is to analyze some statistics:
1. Mammals: 37 species have shown an improvement. 144 shall have deteriorated (17 have gone to the status of Critically Endangered).
2. Birds: 2 species have shown an improvement. 24 have worsened.
3. Reptiles: Without improvements, report damage only. There are six reptiles, they have all gone to criticism.
4. Amphibians: An improvement while 7 have deteriorated (4 Critical).
So in this group we have 40 improvements, and 181 have deteriorated.
Makes you wonder.
Species worldwide are at risk due to many factors, in fact, many human factors created. Among them are:
– The loss of habitat due to human settlements, agricultural expansion;
– Hunting and poaching for skins and meat;
– The depletion of food sources;
– Habitat degradation from overgrazing;
– Climate change;
– And many others.
The general message we should take from this, other than to acknowledge the efforts of the IUCN, is that all species deserve our attention, and this is really reflects the respect and attention from caring for the environment.
Although the number of improvements may seem small, and perhaps are in the general sense, There is an enormous amount of effort behind these results.
In the long run, that's what it is. While you do not run out of time.
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