IUCN Red List Update: 22,000 Species Threatened with Extinction

First Posted: Jun 24, 2015 10:00 AM EDT

More and more species are becoming at risk for extinction. The IUCN Red List now includes 77,340 assessed species, of which 22,784 are threatened with extinction.

"This IUCN Red List update confirms that effective conservation can yield outstanding results," said Inger Andersen, IUCN Director General, in a news release. "Saving the Iberian Lynx from the brink of extinction while securing the livelihoods of local communities is a perfect example. But this update is also a wake-up call, reminding us that our natural world is becoming increasingly vulnerable. The international community must urgently step up conservation efforts if we want to secure this fascinating diversity of life that sustains, inspires and amazes us every day."

Following six decades of decline, the population of the Iberian Lynx increased from 52 mature individuals in 2002 to 156 in 2012. The species has now moved from being Critically Endangered to Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Other species, though, are facing increased threats. The African Golden Cat has moved from Near Threatened to Vulnerable, and the New Zealand Sea Lion has moved from Vulnerable to Endangered.

It's important to note that 85 percent of all species described on the IUCN Red List are threatened mostly by the degradation of habitat. Illegal trade and invasive species are also causing population declines.

With that said, no new species have been listed as Extinct. However, 14 species have been assessed as Critically Endangered and possibly Extinct. These include a tree endemic to Haiti and ten species of orchid endemic to Madagascar.

It's important to take efforts to protect these species as declines continue. These latest findings reveal that conservation can make a huge difference when it comes to these animals.

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TagsIUCN Red List, Endangered species, Extinction, Extinct, Species, threatened species list