Endangered Mammals

Elephants

• African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)

The african elephant is classified as a member of the order Proboscidea (Elephants) and is a member of the family Elephantidae. The male stands up to ten feet high to its shoulder, and weighs up to six tons. The female is slightly smaller, and weighs up to four tons. It is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least 50% of the african elephant population over the last three generations based on an index of abundance. Hunting of the african elephant is now banned in several countries, but poaching for ivory still exists.

• Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)

The asian elephant is classified as a member of the order Proboscidea (Elephants) and is a member of the family Elephantidae. It stands up to ten feet high and twenty feet long. It weighs up to 10,000 pounds. The asian elephant is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least 50% of the asian elephant population over the last three generations based on an index of abundance and a decline in area of occupancy. The Asian elephant has four subspecies: the Indian, Ceylon, Sumatran, and Malaysian elephants.

Whales

• Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis)

The right whale is classified as a member of the order Cetacea (Whales) and is a member of the family Balaenidae. It grows up to sixty feet long, and is twelve to eighteen feet long at birth. It weighs up to sixty tons as an adult. The right whale is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 250 mature right whales and an estimated continuing decline of at least 20% within two generations. The right whale was once the most hunted of all whales, and is now protected by law.

• Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)

The blue whale is classified as a member of the order Cetacea (Whales) and is a member of the family Balaenopteridae. The male blue whale grows to about eighty-two feet long, and the female grows to about eighty-five feet long. It weighs up to 285,000 pounds as an adult. The blue whale is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least 50% of the blue whale population over the last three generations based on direct observation, an index of abundance, and actual levels of exploitation. The blue whale is the largest mammal to have lived on the earth, but it feeds on some of the smallest marine organisms: plankton.

• Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

The fin whale is classified as a member of the order Cetacea (Whales) and is a member of the family Balaenopteridae. It grows up to eighty feet long. The fin whale is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least 50% of the blue whale population over the last three generations based on direct observation, an index of abundance, and actual levels of exploitation.

Primates

• Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia)

The golden lion tamarin is classified as a member of the order Primates and is a member of the family Callitrichidae. The golden lion tamarin's head and body are about one foot long, and the tail is slightly shorter. It weighs about one and a half pounds. The golden lion tamarin is classified as a critically endangered species due to the fact that it only exists in severely fragmented subpopulations consisting of no more than fifty mature tamarins each, and that there has been continuing decline in the golden lion tamarin population. The golden lion tamarin is one of the most endangered of all mammals.

• Hybrid Spider Monkey (Ateles belzebuth hybridus)

The hybrid spider monkey is classified as a member of the order Primates and is a member of the family Cebidae. The hybrid spider monkey grows to almost two feet long, not including the tail. It weighs from ten to fifteen pounds. The hybrid spider monkey is classified as an endangered species due to the fact that it only exists in severely fragmented subpopulations, and that there has been continuing decline in the hybrid spider monkey population. The hybrid spider monkey is known for its ability to use its tail as an extra limb.

• Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)

The aye-aye is classified as a member of the order Primates and is a member of the family Daubentoniidae. The aye-aye is about the size of a rabbit, and is brown. It is a nocturnal animal. The aye-aye is classified as an endangered species due to a projected reduction of at least 50% of the aye-aye population over the next ten years based on levels of exploitation and a decline in area of occupancy. Also, the aye-aye has an estimated population of less than 2500 and an observed continuing decline in the form of severly fragmented subpopulations. The aye-aye builds nests out of twigs to hide during the day. It can be found on the African island of Madagascar.

• Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla)

The gorilla is classified as a member of the order Primates and is a member of the family Hominidae. The male gorilla grows to about six feet high, and weighs up to six hundred pounds. The female gorilla grows to about five feet high, and weighs up to two hundred pounds. The gorilla is classified as an endangered species due to the projected gorilla population declining to at the highest 50% due to a decline in area of occupancy. The gorilla is the largest and most powerful primate alive, but is a peaceful and sociable animal.

Carnivores

• Red Wolf (Canis rufus)

The red wolf is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Canidae. The red wolf is classified as a critically endangered species due to the estmation that its population consists of less than fifty mature red wolves.

• Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis)

The amur leopard is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to a reduction of at least 80% of its population over the past three generations because of a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurance, or quality of habitat. The amur leopard population is also estimated to be less than 50 mature individuals. Amur leopards can be found in eastern Asia.

• Anatolian Leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana)

The anatolian leopard is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 250 mature individuals and a continuing decline in numbers of mature individuals and population structure in the form of severely fragmented populations. Anatolian leopards can be found in Turkey.

• Asiatic Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus)

The Asiatic cheetah is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 50 mature individuals and a continuing decline in numbers of mature individuals and population structure due to the fact that all Asiatic cheetahs are in a single population. Asiatic cheetahs can be found in Iran.

• Florida Cougar (Puma concolor coryi)

The Florida cougar is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. It is also known as the Florida panther and the Florida Puma. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 50 mature individuals. Florida cougars can be found in the United States.

• Iberian Lynx (Lynx Pardinus)

The iberian lynx is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 2500 mature individuals and an extimated continuing decline of at least 20% of its population within two generations. Iberian lynx can be found in Portugal and Spain.

• Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia)

The snow leopard is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of no more than 2500 snow leopards and the fact that it has no subpopulation numbering more than 250 mature leopards. Snow leopards can be found in eastern Asia

• Texas Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis albescens)

The Texas ocelot is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 250 mature individuals. The Texas ocelot can be found in Mexico and the United States.

• Tiger (Panthera tigris)

The tiger is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. The male tiger grows up to ten feet long from its head to the tip of its tail, and weighs up to 575 pounds. The tiger is classified as an endangered species due to the projected tiger population declining to at the highest 50% due to an index of abundance and a decline in area of occupancy. The tiger consists of eight subspecies, distinguished by the colour of their coat.

• Marine Otter (Lutra felina)

The marine otter is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Mustelidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to the marine otter population declining because of the levels of exploitation and a decline in its area of occupancy. Marine otters can be found in South America.

• Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

The giant panda is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Procyonidae. The male giant panda stands up to five feet tall, and weighs up to 265 pounds. The female giant panda is smaller and weighs less. The giant panda is classified as an endangered species due to the fact that it only exists in severely fragmented subpopulations consisting of up to 250 mature adults, and that there has been continuing decline in the area of habitat. The giant panda feeds mainly on bamboo, even though it is classified as a carnivore.

• Lesser Panda (Ailurus fulgens)

The lesser panda is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Ursidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 2500 mature individuals and a continuing decline in numbers of mature individuals because of severly fragmented populations. Lesser pandas can be found in southern Asia.

Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals

• Cuvier's Gazelle (Gazella cuvieri)

The Cuvier's gazelle is classified as a member of the order Artiodactyla (Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals) and is a member of the family Bovidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to a severely fragmented population estimated to number less than 2500 mature individuals. The Cuvier's gazelle can be found in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.

• Western Giant Eland (Tragelaphus derbianus derbianus)

The western giant eland is classified as a member of the order Artiodactyla (Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals) and is a member of the family Bovidae. The western giant eland is one of the largest antelopes in Africa. It can stand up to six feet high at the shoulder. It weighs up to 1,500 pounds. The western giant eland is classified as an endangered species due to a population estimated to number less than 2500 mature individuals, an estimated continuing decline of at least 20% within 2 generations, and a continuing decline observed by the fact that all individuals are in a single subpopulation. The eland has long spiraled horns and tufted, cattlelike tails. It can be found in western Africa.

• Wild Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus)

The wild Bactrian camel is classified as a member of the order Artiodactyla (Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals) and is a member of the family Camelidae. The wild Bactrian camel's shoulder height is about six feet, and it grows up to twelve feet long. It weighs up to 1,500 pounds. The wild Bactrian camel is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least 50% of the wild Bactrian camel population over the last three generations based on a decline in area of occupancy and actual levels of exploitation, and due to severely fragmented subpopulations numbering no more than 250 mature camels. The wild Bactrian camel is the only truly wild two-humped camel in the world.

• Manipur Brow-Antlered Deer (Cervus eldi eldi)

The Manipur brow-antlered deer is classified as a member of the order Artiodactyla (Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals) and is a member of the family Cervidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to a continuing decline in area of occupancy and the fact that there are no more than 250 mature Manipur brow-antlered deers and they live in a single population. These animals can be found in India.

Odd-Toed Hoofed Mammals

• Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)

The black rhinoceros is classified as a member of the order Perissodactyla (Odd-Toed Hoofed Mammals) and is a member of the family Rhinocerotidae. The black rhinoceros grows up to twelve feet long and six feet high. It weighs up to three thousand pounds. The black rhinoceros is classified as a critically endangered species due to a reduction of at least 80% of the black rhinoceros population over the last three generations based on direct observation, an index of abundance, and a decline in area of occupancy. The black rhinoceros is the most aggressive species in the rhinoceros family, and can charge at speeds up to thirty miles per hour.

Marsupials

• Broom's Pygmy-possum (Burramys parvus)

The Broom's Pygmy-possum is classified as a member of the order Marsupialia (Marsupials) and is a member of the family Burramyidae. It is also known as the mountain pygmy-possum. The Broom's pygmy-possum is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated extent of occurrence that is less than 5000 km², a severely fragmented population, and a projected decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurance, quality of habitat, number of subpopulations, and number of mature individuals. The Broom's pygmy-possum can be found in Australia.

• Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii)

The northern hairy-nosed wombat is classified as a member of the order Marsupialia (Marsupials) and is a member of the family Vombatidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to an estimated extent of occurrence that is less than 100 km², a severely fragmented population, a projected decline in quality of habitat, and an estimated population of less than 50 mature individuals. The northern hairy-nosed wombat can be found in Australia.

Rodents

• Short-tailed Chinchilla (Chinchilla brevicaudata)

The short-tailed chinchilla is classified as a member of the order Rodentia (Rodents) and is a member of the family Chinchillidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to an estimated population decline of at least 80% over the past ten years based on a decline in area of occupancy and levels of exploitation. The short-tailed chinchilla can be found in South America.

Edentates

• Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus)

The giant armadillo is classified as a member of the order Edentata (Edentates) and is a member of the family Dasypodidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population decline of at least 50% over the past ten years based on a decline in area of occupancy and levels of exploitation. The giant armadillo can be found in South America.

Endangered Birds

Screamers and ducks

• Crested Shelduck (Tadorna cristata)

The crested shelduck is classified as a member of the order Anseriformes (Screamers and ducks) and is a member of the family Anatidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 50 mature crested shelducks. The species can be found in eastern Asia.

• White-winged Duck (Cairina scutulata)

The white-winged duck is classified as a member of the order Anseriformes (Screamers and ducks) and is a member of the family Anatidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 2500 mature white-winged ducks, an estimated continuing decline of the population, and a severely fragmented population. The white-winged duck can be found in southern Asia.

Kingfishers, hornbills, and allies

• Marquesan Kingfisher (Todirhamphus godeffroyi)

The marquesan kingfisher is classified as a member of the order Coraciiformes (Kingfishers, hornbills, and allies) and is a member of the family Alcedinidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to a severely fragmented population and a projected decline of mature marquesan kingfishers.

• Rufous-lored Kingfisher (Todirhamphus winchelli)

The rufous-lored kingfisher is classified as a member of the order Coraciiformes (Kingfishers, hornbills, and allies) and is a member of the family Alcedinidae. The rufous-lored kingfisher is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least 50% of the rufous-lored kingfisher population over the last three generations based on a decline in area of occupancy, and a projected decline of at least 50% over the next three generations based on the same reason.

Eagles, hawks, and vultures

• California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)

The California condor is classified as a member of the order Falconiformes (Eagles, hawks, and vultures) and is a member of the family Cathartidae. It is classified as aa critically endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 50 mature individuals. The California condor can be found in the United States.

• Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus)

The Mauritius kestrel is classified as a member of the order Falconiformes (Eagles, hawks, and vultures) and is a member of the family Falconidae. The Mauritius kestrel is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 250 mature Mauritius kestrels.

Passerines

• Hawaiian Crow (Corvus hawaiiensis)

The Hawaiian crow is classified as a member of the order Passeriformes (Passerines) and is a member of the family Corvidae. The Hawaiian crow is classified as a critically endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 50 mature Hawaiian crows.

• Cochabamba Mountain-finch (Poospiza garleppi)

The cochabamba mountain-finch is classified as a member of the order Passeriformes (Passerines) and is a member of the family Emberizidae. The cochabamba mountain-finch is classified as an endangered species due to the existence of only a single population numbering no more than 2500 mature adults, a decline in area of habitat, and an estimated decline of at least 20% over the next ten years.

• Gouldian Finch (Chloebia gouldiae)

The gouldian finch is classified as a member of the order Passeriformes (Passerines) and is a member of the family Estrildidae. The gouldian finch is classified as an endangered species due to the fact that it only exists in severely fragmented subpopulations, and that a continuing decline is projected in the number of subpopulations and the number of mature adults.

Parrots

• Blue-bellied Parrot (Tridaria malachitacea)

The blue-bellied parrot is classified as a member of the order Psittaciformes (Parrots) and is a member of the family Psittacidae. The blue-bellied parrot is classified as an endangered species due to the fact that it only exists in severely fragmented subpopulations of no more than 250 mature parrots each.

Cranes, rails, trumpeters

• Whooping Crane (Grus americana)

The whooping crane is classified as a member of the order Gruiformes (Cranes, rails, trumpeters) and is a member of the family Gruidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 250 mature cranes. The whooping crane can be found in Canada and the United States.

Endangered Fish

Acipenseriformes

• Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii baerii)

The Siberian sturgeon is classified as a member of the order Acipenseriformes and is a member of the family Acipenseridae. It is classified as an endangered species due to a projected reduction of at least 50% of the Siberian sturgeon population over the next ten years based on actual levels of exploitation.

• Alabama Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus suttkusi)

The Alabama sturgeon is classified as a member of the order Acipenseriformes and is a member of the family Acipenseridae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to a reduction of at least 80% of the Alabama sturgeon population over the last ten years based on a decline in area of occupancy and actual levels of exploitation, and a projected decline of at least 80% over the next ten years based on the same reason.

• Chinese Paddlefish (Psephurus gladius)

The Chinese paddlefish is classified as a member of the order Acipenseriformes and is a member of the family Polyodontidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to a projected reduction of at least 80% of the Alabama sturgeon population over the next ten years based on a decline in area of occupancy and actual levels of exploitation.

Clupeiformes (Herrings)

• Alabama Shad (Alosa alabamae)

The Alabama shad is classified as a member of the order Clupeiformes (Herrings) and is a member of the family Clupeidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to a severely fragmented population and a continuing decline in the number of mature adults.

Cypriniformes

• Silver Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus)

The silver shark is classified as a member of the order Cypriniformes and is a member of the family Cyprinidae. The silver shark is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least e0% of the silver shark population over the last ten years based on direct observation and a decline in area of occupancy.

• Clanwilliam Redfin (Barbus calidus)

The clanwilliam redfin is classified as a member of the order Cypriniformes and is a member of the family Cyprinidae. The clanwilliam redfin is classified as an endangered species due to the fact that its estimated area of occurence is less than 5000 km², it is known to exist at no more than five locations, and continuing decline is projected for extent of occurence and area of habitat.

• Wild Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The wild common carp is classified as a member of the order Cypriniformes and is a member of the family Cyprinidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to a projected reduction of at least 80% of the wild common carp population over the next ten years based on a decline in area of occupancy and introduced pollutants, parasites, or other threats.

Why Save Endangered Species?

Plants and animals hold medicinal, agricultural, ecological, commercial and aesthetic/recreational value. Endangered species must be protected and saved so that future generations can experience their presence and value.

Medicinal

Plants and animals are responsible for a variety of useful medications. In fact, about forty percent of all prescriptions written today are composed from the natural compounds of different species. These species not only save lives, but they contribute to a prospering pharmaceutical industry worth over $40 billion annually. Unfortunately, only 5% of known plant species have been screened for their medicinal values, although we continue to lose up to 100 species daily.

The Pacific yew, a slow-growing tree found in the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest, was historically considered a "trash" tree (it was burned after clearcutting). However, a substance in its bark taxol was recently identified as one of the most promising treatments for ovarian and breast cancer.

Additionally, more than 3 million American heart disease sufferers would perish within 72 hours of a heart attack without digitalis, a drug derived from the purple foxglove.

Agricultural

There are an estimated 80,000 edible plants in the world. Humans depend upon only 20 species of these plants, such as wheat and corn, to provide 90% of the world's food. Wild relatives of these common crops contain essential disease-resistant material. They also provide humans with the means to develop new crops that can grow in inadequate lands such as in poor soils or drought-stricken areas to help solve the world hunger problem. In the 1970s, genetic material from a wild corn species in Mexico was used to stop a leaf fungus that had previously wiped out 15% of the U.S. corn crop.

Ecological

Plant and animal species are the foundation of healthy ecosystems. Humans depend on ecosystems such as coastal estuaries, prairie grasslands, and ancient forests to purify their air, clean their water, and supply them with food. When species become endangered, it is an indicator that the health of these vital ecosystems is beginning to unravel. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that losing one plant species can trigger the loss of up to 30 other insect, plant and higher animal species.

The northern spotted owl, listed as threatened in 1990, is an indicator of the declining health of the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest. These forests are the home to over 100 other old-growth dependent species, which are at risk due to decades of unsustainable forest management practices.

Pollution off the coast of Florida is killing the coral reefs along the Florida Keys, which serve as habitat for hundreds of species of fish. Commercial fish species have begun to decline, causing a threat to the multi-million dollar tourism industry, which depends on the quality of the environment.

Commercial

Various wild species are commercially raised, directly contributing to local and regional economies. Commercial and recreational salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest provides 60,000 jobs and $1 billion annually in personal income, and is the center of Pacific Northwest Native American culture. This industry and way of life, however, is in trouble as salmon decline due to habitat degradation from dams, clearcutting, and overgrazing along streams.

Freshwater mussels which are harvested, cut into beads, and used to stimulate pearl construction in oysters form the basis of a thriving industry which supports approximately 10,000 U.S. jobs and contributes over $700 million to the U.S. economy annually. Unfortunately, 43% of the freshwater mussel species in North America are currently endangered or extinct.

Aesthetic/Recreational

Plant and animal species and their ecosystems form the basis of America’s multi-billion dollar, job-intensive tourism industry. They also supply recreational, spiritual, and quality-of-life values as well.

Each year over 108 million people in the United States participate in wildlife-related recreation including observing, feeding, and photographing wildlife. Americans spend over $59 billion annually on travel, lodging, equipment, and food to engage in non-consumptive wildlife recreation. Our national heritage of biological diversity is an invaluable and irreplaceable resource. Our quality of life and that of future generations depends on our preservation of plant and animal species.

source : http://www.endangeredspecie.com

Overexploitation

A species that faces overexploitation is one that may become severely endangered or even extinct due to the rate in which the species is being used. Unrestricted whaling during the 20^th century is an example of overexploitation, and the whaling industry brought many species of whales to extremely low population sizes. When several whale species were nearly extinct, a number of nations (including the United States) agreed to abide by an international moratorium on whaling. Due to this moratorium, some whale species, such as the grey whale, have made remarkable comebacks, while others remain threatened or endangered.

Due to the trade in animal parts, many species continue to suffer high rates of exploitation. Even today, there are demands for items such as rhino horns and tiger bones in several areas of Asia. It is here that there exists a strong market for traditional medicines made from these animal parts.

Habitat Destruction

Our planet is continually changing, causing habitats to be altered and modified. Natural changes tend to occur at a gradual pace, usually causing only a slight impact on individual species. However, when changes occur at a fast pace, there is little or no time for individual species to react and adjust to new circumstances. This can create disastrous results, and for this reason, rapid habitat loss is the primary cause of species endangerment. The strongest forces in rapid habitat loss are human beings. Nearly every region of the earth has been affected by human activity, particularly during this past century. The loss of microbes in soils that formerly supported tropical forests, the extinction of fish and various aquatic species in polluted habitats, and changes in global climate brought about by the release of greenhouse gases are all results of human activity.

It can be difficult for an individual to recognize the effects that humans have had on specific species. It is hard to identify or predict human effects on individual species and habitats, especially during a human lifetime. But it is quite apparent that human activity has greatly contributed to species endangerment. For example, although tropical forests may look as though they are lush, they are actually highly susceptible to destruction. This is because the soils in which they grow are lacking in nutrients. It may take Centuries to re-grow a forest that was cut down by humans or destroyed by fire, and many of the world's severely threatened animals and plants live in these forests. If the current rate of forest loss continues, huge quantities of plant and animal species will disappear.

For more information please visit this site : http://www.endangeredspecie.com

HUMAN POPULATION GROWTH AND THE ACCELERATING RATE OF SPECIES EXTINCTION

By Gary W. Harding, Research Scientist

In recent years, some prominent economists have argued that there is no upper limit to human population growth, that finiteness in resources is meaningless, and that prosperity can be had by all. Biologists have predicted for decades that a population crash is inevitable a few generations after the ecosystem's carrying capacity for humans is exceeded (1). Some believe that we may have already exceeded it. Although this carrying capacity is unknown, it is undeniable that non-renewable resources will eventually be used up; that renewable resources have been and will continue to be plundered until they no longer exist; that pollution will take its toll; and that population growth cannot reach a state where there is a mass of humans expanding out from Earth at the speed of light.

Economists verses Biologists

Economists point to past dire predictions from the biologists that didn't come true to justify their position. Eventually, they say, "market forces" will determine how big the population gets. We have run out of resources in the past and have always found something else to replace them. However, economists ignore the quality of life issue; biologists usually discuss this topic in terms of significant diminution.

We live in a complex world, both economically and biologically; too complex to comprehend with our current knowledge. Neither economists nor biologists understand it. Thus, both the economist's belief in perpetual growth and the biologist's predictions of doom lack credibility.

We Live in a World Determined by Human Need

Having appeared on the scene, homo sapiens is as much a part of the natural processes of nature as any other animal. Compared to most, the species has been remarkably successful. Recent economic systems have played a significant roll in this success. At the same time, unanticipated interactions among the members of the ever increasing human population make economic predictions unreliable. However, without getting embroiled in controversy about details, there are some general economic principles that we do understand.

Economics is Driven by Short-Term Self Interest

Humans are torn between self interests and group interests. If we define the ultimate group interests as those of society as a whole, then there is clearly a conflict between the two. The focus of this conflict rests with the pursuit of short-term personal gain, which is opposed by the requirement for long-term group survival. The net balance between these two factors determines the nature of economic (and political) systems.

Current economic systems provide a basis for many more humans to live than could possibly be supported in a subsistence way of life. That is, current population levels depend upon non-renewable, as well as renewable, resources for their existence. However, these systems also provide an opportunity for a few individuals to pursue self interest at the expense of the many. To avoid anarchy and subsequent collapse, society lays down both personal and economic rules for acceptable conduct. Over time, these rules change as the acquisition of wealth and power by the few feeds upon itself. The many pay the price not only economically and socially, but environmentally as well.

We all understand the concept behind the laws of supply and demand. Most have failed to notice, however, that recent economic innovations have repealed these laws. Supply, demand and price can be economically manipulated in the short term, with no concern about the long term consequences (e.g. chromium). Increased demand can be artificially created by economic forces which appeal to the population's short-term interests (e.g. advertising). Resources which are in fact scarce, particularly considering long-term need, can be made to appear abundant (e.g. oil), at least in the short term.

The "short" in short-term is getting shorter. Among the population, instant gratification is the rule of the day. Easy credit has played a significant role in the dominance of this attitude in some societies. Thus, "buy now - pay later" has contributed to a substantial decline in societal group interests. The result has been a proliferation of subgroups, each competing with the others to satisfy its own self interests. As the number of these subgroups increases even more rapidly than the population, the societal group becomes paralyzed as it attempts to solve its problems.

We Live in a Biological World

It is true that humans are animals and therefore, subject to the laws of nature like any other animal. These laws involve intertwining of uncountable closed-loop feedback systems. If we mess with one, unexpected feedback consequences pop up in others. Without getting embroiled in controversy about details, however, there are some general biological principles that we do understand.

Mass Extinction and Evolution

Mass extinctions, in which from 40% to 95% of all plant and animal species died out, have occurred several times in the distant past. One occurred about 225 million years ago which ushered in the age of reptiles. Another, about 65 million years ago, spelled the end of reptile dominance and led to the age of mammals. The cause of these past events is hotly debated, but the proposed explanations all have geologic (volcanoes), cosmic (asteroids), climatic (hot verses cold), and pathogenic (diseases) bases.

Following each mass extinction, there was a rapid radiation of new species. Once in existence, most species remained relatively unchanged for millions of years until they, in turn, scummed to extinction. Other species were molded, in a Darwinian sense, by adaptation to minor fluctuations in the ecosystem. Some animals, like the horse, also got much bigger.

Extinction does not require that every member of a species disappear within a short period of time. All that is needed is a decline to a level where population maintenance is no longer viable. Such a species may hang on for thousands of years on the road to extinction.

What is different about the current rash of extinctions is that its cause is the massive and widespread impact on the ecosystem of a single animal. The generation of new species requires enough time for adaptation to take place. The rate of ecosystem change is now so rapid that the species which might otherwise have survived a mass extinction may not be able to adapt to the new world.

In nature, the rule for survival of species (in warm climates) has always been "small is good - big is bad". The opposite holds true only in very cold environments, where larger animals fare better. Small animals are the ones that survive mass extinctions; big ones generally do not. There were never very many of the largest animals that ever lived (some dinosaurs, elephants, rhinoceroses and whales) and those who made a living as predators were indeed rare. At various times in the past, vast herds of large herbivores roamed the savannas of Africa and the plains of North America. However, 80 million wildebeest and 60 million bison don't even come close to the vast number of humans.

Human Population

An astonishing fact was reported in the news recently. "With the possible exception of the rat, humans are now the most numerous mammal on earth"! Few have recognized the significance of this statement. Something like this has never happened in the nearly 600 million year history of life on our planet. The population of a large animal has never before reached such dominance in the ecosystem.

How did human population manage to grow so large in spite of the natural forces against large animals that should have prevented it? One can point to the development of his large brain and erect posture which freed his hands. But, there is more to it than that. At the end of a severe ice age, about 65,000 years ago, it has been argued that there were only about 10,000 individuals who managed to make it through the tough times. By 50,000 years ago, as a result of good climates and fortuitous migrations, the survivors had precipitated population mini-explosions all around the planet (2).

Population Growth Surges

Many of us have seen graphs of human population growth with its enormous acceleration in the last 200 years. However, if one plots human population on a log-log scale, it is apparent that this population growth occurred in three surges (3). The first coincided with the use of tools, fire and the cultural revolution that homo sapiens brought through the ice ages. The second occurred with the agricultural revolution about 10,000 years ago. The last matches the rise of the industrial (and medical) revolution a mere 200 years ago. It is the latter which has produced the enormous spurt we have recently experienced. The most significant aspect of this graph is that the time between surges has shortened dramatically. If past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior, we are soon due for another surge.

The relation between innovation and population growth is embedded in the log-log population graph. There was rapid growth at the start of each surge. Then, growth rate slowed as people adapted to the precipitating innovations. Each surge increased the population more than 10 fold. We may be nearing the end of the present surge; growth rates are starting to decline. After the initial spurt, subsequent innovations did not maintained the growth rate. The only significant innovations were those that produced the next surge. Surge subsequent innovations may have played a role in the decline of population growth rate as the surge came to a close. If those innovations enhanced overall standards of living and longevity for some, average family size may have gone down. An example would be the demographic transition during the present surge as some countries have industrialized and applied medical technology. However, most innovations have not reach a majority of the population. If they had, they might have been significant enough to precipitate another surge.

The activities of 5.6 billion humans, with many more to come, portend ominous consequences for the future of life as we know it. Already, there has been a significant increase in green-house gases, particularly carbon dioxide associated with fossil fuel burning. The predicted impacts of global warming upon climate, if true, are very disturbing. If the ozone layer is really being depleted (recent measurements do not reflect a natural fluctuation), the detrimental impact of increased ultraviolet light on plants and animals could be devastating. Potable water is hard to come by and getting harder. Plants and animals are becoming extinct at an alarming rate. It is this last item that may forebode the worst consequences for humans.

Frogs are Dying

All around the Earth, populations of most species of frogs and toads are declining. Not only are the adults dying, but a majority of their eggs are not hatching and most of the few hatched polliwogs are dying as well. A number of species of frogs and toads have already become extinct; more than would be expected at previous rates of species loss over the past few centuries. Meanwhile, a very few species of frogs and toads are thriving. Scientists are scrambling to find the reasons why.

WHO CARES!!, you say. We all should! This is why. The frog is the "miner's canary" for our environment. Frogs and toads have passed through numerous mass extinctions for nearly 300 million years. What has made them such robust survivors is their remarkable skin. It is permeable to water and air borne substances such as oxygen. Frog skin is a complex chemical factory as well. It produces a protective coating to prevent desiccation. The skin of several species of frogs and toads produces potent antibiotics and predator repelling toxins.

Frog skin is vulnerable to ultraviolet light. Frogs may, therefore, be the first casualty of ozone-layer depletion. Because its skin is so permeable, the frog is also sensitive to air, water, and soil pollutants. Dying frogs may indicate that the worldwide concentration of pollutants has reached a lethal level for them. If frogs go, can we be far behind?

Can the Merry-Go-Round Go Round and Round

What will be the basis for another human population growth surge? One can think of several possibilities including: a global economy, an information revolution, and an energy revolution. Whatever it is, it must have a major impact upon survival and reproductive success. A significant element in past surges has been innovations in energy use (fire, beasts of burden, fossil fuels). Thus, the development of an abundant and inexpensive energy source would have a profound effect. On the other hand, could the ecosystem survive such a development and the consequential surge in the number of humans?

Mother Nature May Have a Nasty Surprise in Store for Us

Biologists have long argued that the human population would eventually have to decline, due to significant increases in the death rate. In addition to mass starvation, they predicted that a lethal pathogen could evolve and be spread around the world in a matter of hours through our transportation system. What they had in mind was something like a killer-flu. What occurred was even worse than they could possibly have imagined - a virus which is close to 100% fatal, takes ten years to kill it's victims, and has that much time to be transmitted to new hosts in every corner of the Earth as well as evolve new forms. An effective vaccine is 5-10 years away, if it can be produced at all.

Evidence is now accumulating that, among vertebrates, male fertility is declining. This could be part of the reason for the loss of frogs. Sperm counts have dropped to nearly zero in some populations of alligators and, in a few areas, as many as 20% of human males are functionally sterile. In alligators, a likely cause has been found and the same problem has been verified in humans. It turns out that some of the chemicals released into the environment by humans are estrogen-like when ingested or absorbed into the body. A small excess of estrogen in males, significantly reduces sperm counts and this is extremely difficult to counteract.

Consider the implications of this phenomenon. At the very least, mother nature has provided a self-limiting mechanism for the human population by not only increasing the death rate, but also by ultimately decreasing the birth rate. At the very worst, if nearly all human males become sterile due to self-generated environmental pollution, we could be on the road to extinction in short order. After all, the ultimate cause of extinction for any species is:failure to reproduce. Hopefully, the irony here will not escape us.

source : http://www.earthportals.com/extinct.html

Top 10 extinct animals in the world

List of extinct plants

Here is the list of extinct plants, you can click the link to get more information~~~
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_extinct_plants

List of extinct animals

There is some information about extinct animals, please click the link to know more~~
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_extinct_animals

Reason for Animal Extinction

Animals form an integral part of the nature's ecosystem. Nature has blessed all to thrive and prosper. But, man being the intelligent of them all took undue advantage to race ahead, and thrust his supremacy over others. Rapid expansion of human population combined with the need for growth has created a situation even beyond the control of human beings.

Deforestation and encroachment of lands have led to habitat loss for many animals. It is the most important reason for animal extinction. Tropical Rainforests are inhabited by a large number of animals. Huge demand for forest resources has led to the establishment a large-scale lumbering industry. Clearing of tropical forests for timber resources, for extraction of petroleum and mineral resources, for cash-crop plantations, and subsistence farming has destroyed the natural habitats of native animals.

Habitat loss reduces the health of the ecosystem, and causes a decline in the numbers of the native species. It is believed that elimination of 90 percent of habitats will lead to the reduction in the number of species by 50 percent.

Moreover, adaptability in new environment is difficult for the relocated species. They become susceptible to demographic problems and environmental changes. Some catastrophic events and genetic disorders add to their problems.

Poaching and wildlife trade in animals and their body-parts have become a reason for extinction of many animals. Tiger bones and horns of rhinoceros are believed to possess healing properties, which are widely used in making traditional medicines in China. Elephants across the world are hunted for their ivory-tusks, which are in great demand in the international market. Animals in Africa are killed for bush meat (consumption of meat of wild animals) trade whereas several animals are captured to be kept as pet.

Furthermore, fur trade was very popular in Europe and the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. Heavy demand in fur-products led to the killing of animals on a large-scale for their pelts. It is estimated that, in late 1960s, pelts of more than 10,000 Leopards, 3,000 Cheetahs, 15,000 Jaguars, and 200,000 Ocelots were being imported legally in the United States and Europe every year.

Biomedical research has also promoted trade in animals. Animal testing has created a demand for them, which are brought by the biomedical research companies for executing their further research on drugs.

Climatic changes have immensely affected the living beings. Global warming caused due emission of greenhouse gases and depletion of ozone layer has threatened the existence of one and all. Frogs are considered to be a vulnerable species due to global warming. The disappearance of Golden toad in Costa Rica is a classic example of animals threatened with climatic changes.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, introduction of non-native species into the new habitats have threatened the existence of native species. The introduction of goats and other non-native animals in the Galapagos Islands endangered the Galapagos tortoise. The goats fed upon the tortoises' food supply, and the tortoise eggs were eaten by the newly introduced pigs, dogs, and rats.

Therefore, the endemic species of animals have become vulnerable to habitat loss caused by human factors.

Species Extinction

W H Y S H O U L D W E C A R E?

Living organisms keep the planet habitable. Plants and bacteria carry out photosynthesis, which produces oxygen. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, which canhelp in the fight against global warming.

The monetary value of goods and services provided by natural ecosystems (including gas regulation, waste treatment, and nutrient recycling) is estimated to amount to some 33 trillion dollars per year – nearly twice the global production resulting from human activities.

Many species are of immense value to humans as sources of food, medicines, fuel and building materials. Between 10,000 and 20,000 plant species are used in medicines worldwide.

Currently about 100 million metric tons of aquatic organisms, including fishes, molluscs, and crustaceans, are taken from the wild every year and represent a vital contribution to world food security.

Meat from wild animals (wild meat) forms a critical contribution to food sources and livelihoods in many areas particularly in countries with high levels of poverty and food insecurity. A huge range of species are involved including monkeys, tapirs, antelopes, pigs, pheasants, turtles and snakes. The diversity of nature helps meet the recreational, emotional, cultural, spiritual and aesthetic needs of people.

C A N E X T I N C T I O N B E S T O P P E D?

It takes huge efforts at all levels, from individual to global, to halt species extinction, a constant input and analysis of data on species, their habitats and threats.

The tools in the conservation arsenal are many and varied and include:

• Effective management and restoration of habitats and ecosystems (including establishment of protected areas and protected area networks)

• Enforcement of key agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on Migratory Species, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

• Creating incentives and finance for conservation

• Equitable sharing of costs and benefits

• Assessment of biodiversity and related social and economic factors

• Captive breeding and reintroduction, including seed banks

• Conservation information management and communication

• Limiting the use of pesticides, herbicides and other chemical pollutants

• Training and technical capacity-building.

source : http://www.countdown2010.net/documents/Extinction_media_brief_2004.pdf

Species Extinction

T H E “ S I X T H W A V E ”

The rapid loss of species that we are witnessing today is estimated by some experts to be between 100 and 1,000 times higher than the “background” or expected natural extinction rate (this is a highly conservative estimate: some studies estimate current extinction rates as 1,000–11,000 times background rates). Unlike the mass-extinction events of geological history, the current extinction phenomenon is one for which a single species - ours - appears to be almost wholly responsible. Such a deteriorating situation is being referred to as “the sixth extinction crisis”, after the five known extinction waves in the Ordovican, Devonian, Permian, Triassic and Cretaceous Periods.

The frequently asked question of “how many species have gone extinct in the last 100 years” is difficult to answer because of problems in recording contemporary extinction events. Decline and eventual extinction may take place over many years, or even centuries in the case of very long-lived organisms like some of the large mammal and tree species.

The final stages of extinction are seldom observed except those caused by extreme events such as the excessive hunting of the passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) or the mass extinction of native snails in French Polynesia and Hawaii following the introduction of the predatory snail (Euglandina rosea) to Pacific Islands. Since 1500 AD, 844 extinctions have been recorded.

P R O F I L E S I N R E D

The 2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species tells us that the global extinction crisis is as bad, or worse, than we believed.

A total of 15,589 species of plants and animals are known to face a high risk of extinction in the near future, in almost all cases as a result of human activities. This includes 32% (one in three) of amphibian species, 24% (one in four) of mammal species, 12% (one in eight) of bird species, 25% (one in four) of conifers and 52% of cycads (an ancient group of plants).

Indonesia, India, Brazil and China are among the countries with the most threatened mammals and birds, while plant species are declining rapidly in South and Central America, Central and West Africa, and Southeast Asia.

The IUCN Red List highlights the plight of a range of animals and plants, from the Pemba flying fox to the King Pilly pine.

Aders duiker (Cephalophus adersi). This antelope which occurs in Kenya and Tanzania moved from Endangered to Critically Endangered since 2003 because of substantial population declines caused by declining habitat and illegal hunting.

The state of the world’s threatened bird species is worse than ever. Since 1994 the number of bird species threatened with global extinction has risen to 12%. Of the new total, 1,175 (99%) are at risk of extinction from human activities.

Sao Tome free-tailed bat(Chaerephon tomensis). This bat has moved up the threatened scale from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. It is known to occur in only two sites, despite extensive searches. Its coastal forest and savanna habitats are being destroyed through tourism and agricultural development.

The number of threatened reptiles increased from 253 in 1996 to 304 in 2004. The number of Critically Endangered species has increased from 41 to 64 and Endangered from 59 to 79 species.

St Helena olive (Nesiota elliptica). Listed in 2003 as Extinct in the Wild, this symbolic species is now Extinct. The last known tree surviving in the wild died in 1994 and the only known plant still in cultivation died in November 2003. No other live material (plants, seeds or tissues) remain in local or international collections.

A total of 8,321 threatened plants are listed. This is around 2% of the world’s described plants, but as only approximately 4% of the world's described plants have been evaluated, the true percentage of threatened plant species is much higher.

Giant Hispaniolan galliwasp (Celestus warreni). Moving from Near Threatened to Critically Endangered, this lizard is thought to have declined by at least 80% over the last 20 years. It is threatened by habitat loss, especially deforestation for agricultural activities (planting crops and creating pastures). The galliwasp is also killed by local people who mistakenly consider it to be venomous. Galliwasps are also killed by dogs, cats and mongooses.

A C A T E G O R I C A L T H R E A T

Almost all the factors that have led to the extinction of species in the modern era continue to operate, many with ever-increasing intensity. While these factors vary in intensity and relative importance in the three major biomes (the land, inland waters and the seas), certain common threads emerge.

Major threats to ecosystems and biological diversity (biodiversity) are:

• Habitat loss and fragmentation

• Over exploitation (extraction, hunting, fishing etc.)

• Pollution

• Invasions of alien species (e.g. cats and rats on Ascension Island)

• Global climate change (changes in migratory species patterns, coral bleaching, etc.)

Habitat Loss and Degradation is the most pervasive threat to birds, mammals and amphibians, affecting 86% of all threatened birds, 86% of the threatened mammals assessed and 88% of the threatened amphibians.

Exploitation, including hunting, collecting, fisheries and fisheries by-catch, and the impacts of trade in species and species' parts, constitutes a major threat for birds (30% of threatened birds), mammals (33% of threatened mammals),amphibians (6% of threatened amphibians), reptiles and marine fishes.

Alien Invasive Species are a significant threat, affecting 326 (30%) of all threatened birds, and 212 threatened amphibian species (11%). The commonestcause of extinction of bird species since 1800, especially those on islands, is theintroduction of alien invasive species such as the black rat.

source : http://www.countdown2010.net/documents/Extinction_media_brief_2004.pdf

Species Extinction

A N A T U R A L - A N D U N N A T U R A L - P R O C E S S

The world is, and always has been, in a state of flux. Even the land beneath our Feet is constantly on the move. Over hundreds of millions of years, continents have broken apart, oceans appeared, mountains formed and worn inexorably away.

These processes continue, barely discernible over a single human life-time. With geological change come changes in living things: species, populations, and whole lineages disappear, and new ones emerge.

The entire basis of organic evolution is underpinned by the appearance of some species and the disappearance of others; extinction is therefore a natural process

According to the fossil record, no species has yet proved immortal; as few as 2-4% of the species that have ever lived are believed to survive today. The remainders are extinct, the vast majority having disappeared long before the arrival of humans

E X T I N C T I O N S A N D H U M A N S

Extinctions caused by humans are generally considered to be a recent, modern phenomenon. However, humanity's first significant contribution to the rate of global extinction may have occurred during the past 100,000 years, when North and South America and Australia lost 74 to 86% of the genera of "megafauna" - mammals greater than 44 kg

In Australia, where the earliest human remains are dated to approximately 64,000 years, the great majority of the 22 identified genera of large land animals disappeared between 30,000 and 60,000 years ago.

In the Americas, almost 80% of large-bodied genera became extinct. Extraordinary creatures, such as sabre-toothed cats, mammoths, giant armoured glyptodonts and giant ground-sloths, all disappeared some time between 11,000 and 13,000 years ago, coinciding with the dates of the first clear evidence of a human presence there.

Island megafaunas - like giant birds known as moas in New Zealand, the dodo on Mauritius, giant lemurs and the extraordinary elephantbird in Madagascar, or large rodents and ground-sloths in the Caribbean - survived until much more recently than the continental faunas. All seem to have disappeared within a few hundred years after the arrival of humans - in the case of the moas within the last 300 years.

source : http://www.countdown2010.net/documents/Extinction_media_brief_2004.pdf

Extinction

Definition

A species becomes extinct when the last existing member of that species dies. Extinction therefore becomes a certainty when there are no surviving individuals that are able to reproduce and create a new generation. A species may become when only a handful of individuals survive, which are unable to reproduce due to poor health, age, sparse distribution over a large range, a lack of individuals of both sexes (in species), or other reasons.

source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extinction