A quarter of mammals are in danger of extinction

2008/11/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Biologia
• Zoologia

A quarter of the terrestrial and marine mammals are in danger of extinction, according to the latest report of the International Organization for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In general, the population of half of mammals is decreasing significantly. In addition, some species are suffering a great decline, including the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). In fact, this species has suffered a decline of 60% in the last decade.

Obtaining accurate data is impossible in all species. However, the report notes that between 21% and 36% of mammals are in danger of extinction. The main threats that mammals face are deforestation, habitat loss, and hunting. In addition, the report indicates that this decline will continue to the extent new threats such as pollution arise. The most dramatic population decline is occurring in Southeast Asia. There, 79% of mammals are in danger.