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One-Quarter of Mammal Species Imperiled: Survey

Deforestation, climate change among culprits threatening 1,141 types of beasts

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Oct 6, 2008 2:17 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Nearly 25% of the world’s mammal species face extinction, the Guardian reports, and 3% are critically endangered. The stark conclusion, based on research conducted over 5 years in 130 countries, paints an especially bleak picture for marine mammals, the highly regarded Red List says. "We are threatening the future of wildlife and nature and denying our children the chance to experience what we have experienced," said the WWF's chief scientist.

Deforestation, fisheries and climate change are to blame for damaging the habitats of 1,141 threatened species, scientists say. There are only 100 Iberian lynx left, and the Yangtze river dolphin may already be extinct, thanks to pollution and fishing nets. "For mammals there is no bailout plan," the study's director says. "There is no long-term conservation strategy."

A Chinese white dolphin jumps out of the water off of Hong Kong in this file photo. The Yangtze river dolphin is probably extinct because of pollution, scientists say.
A Chinese white dolphin jumps out of the water off of Hong Kong in this file photo. The Yangtze river dolphin is probably extinct because of pollution, scientists say.   (AP Photo/Vincent Yu, FILE)
This undated file photo provided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service shows a gray wolf.
This undated file photo provided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service shows a gray wolf.   (AP Photo/U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, File)
A Tasmanian devil growls at the Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark.
A Tasmanian devil growls at the Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark.   (AP Photo/John McConnico, File)
Marine mammals get caught in fishing nets and collide with shipping vessels, scientists say.
Marine mammals get caught in fishing nets and collide with shipping vessels, scientists say.   (AP Photo/Murad Sezer)
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Survey is the most thorough in over a decade
Washington Post

Marine mammals face biggest threat
Times (UK)

Hundreds could die within our lifestimes
BBC

See which animals face extinction
IUCN

 
endangered species • extinction • mammals • South Asia • river dolphin • white dolphin • threatened species • marine mammals • environmental damage • Southeast Asia

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