Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Wildlife Populations Plunging

One of 'great extinction episodes in history' unfolding: report

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted May 16, 2008 8:25 AM CDT

(Newser) – Humanity is rapidly wiping out the planet's species, sending wildlife populations plunging, the BBC reports. Pollution, habitat loss, and overfishing have cut wildlife numbers as much as a third since 1970 and wipe out 1% of species each year. One of the "great extinction... Read full story »

COMMENTS

Read the comment policy

You need to Log in to Newser to comment. Don't have an account yet? Sign up now!

There are no comments

A snapshot of the day's best news stories.

View Larger Grid

All Today Yesterday Pick a Date

What's Popular Now on Facebook

Cops Shoot Naked Guy Eating Man's Face on Highway

Japanese Artist Serves Up Own Cooked Genitals

BBC (Source Grid »)

Extinction 'worst since the dinosaurs'
Independent (UK)

Wildlife campaigners say tipping point is near
Scotsman (UK)

The WWF's Living Planet Index
WWF

World • Green

endangered species • environment • wildlife • extinction • biodiversity • threatened species • World Wildlife Fund • animal

More Newser Stories

'Extinction Crisis' Threatens 40% of Species

Watchdog group sees serious danger to one in four mammals

(NEWSER) - More than 16,000 species are in serious danger of extinction, including one in four mammals and one in three amphibians being monitored by a global conservation group. With 40% of 40,000 surveyed species facing the highest levels of threat, “We’re at code red,” a top conservationist says of the World Conservation Union's annual list, the Guardian reports. More»

A Third of America's Bird Species in Trouble

Development sending large numbers of native species into decline

(NEWSER) - Almost a third of America's bird species are in peril from habitat destruction and other threats, according to a federal report released yesterday. The study, which may spur the Obama administration to increase regulation in some areas to protect the animals, found that 67 of America's over 800 bird species are endangered and 184 more are threatened or in serious decline, the Wall Street Journal reports. More»

Endangered Species May Get Bush Brush-Off

Internal memo reveals plan to reduce protection

(NEWSER) - The Bush administration is quietly rewriting the rules on enforcing the Endangered Species Act, drafting changes that some environmentalists say will fatally weaken protections for threatened wildlife. A 117-page internal proposal obtained by Salon would limit which animals could be effectively protected, cut back on the size of habitats preserved, and shift enforcement from the federal government to the states. More»

20% of Species Risk Extinction

Amphibians in special danger

(NEWSER) - A whopping 20% of the world’s species are on the brink of extinction, according to a new study unveiled at the UN Biodiversity Summit in Japan. The Red List of Threatened Species now includes a staggering 41% of amphibians, with the heaviest losses coming from Southeast Asia, where habitats are rapidly being destroyed as forests are cleared to grow food and biofuel crops, the BBC explains. More»

Snakes Headed the Way of the Dinosaur?

Snakes may face fate similar to that of frogs and fish

(NEWSER) - After more than 150 million years on earth, snakes may be slithering toward extinction. A new study shows snake populations plummeting around the world, with an especially sharp and mysterious drop in 1998. Researchers who tracked 17 snake populations in Africa, Europe, and Australia were "alarmed" to find 11 had declined markedly since 1998—some by up to 90%, BBC reports. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Wildlife Populations Plunging

One of 'great extinction episodes in history' unfolding: report

endangered species • environment • wildlife • extinction • biodiversity • threatened species • World Wildlife Fund • animal

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

'Extinction Crisis' Threatens 40% of Species

Watchdog group sees serious danger to one in four mammals

A Third of America's Bird Species in Trouble

Development sending large numbers of native species into decline

Endangered Species May Get Bush Brush-Off

Internal memo reveals plan to reduce protection

20% of Species Risk Extinction

Amphibians in special danger

Snakes Headed the Way of the Dinosaur?

Snakes may face fate similar to that of frogs and fish

About Us

Site

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?