One in five vertebrate species are at risk of extinction

One in five species of invertebrates, ie, complex organisms such as mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, is in danger of collapsing. Says a group of 174 scientists from several countries in a special edition of 'Science Express', the online edition of the journal Science. The prestigious publication presents the work that qualifies as the most comprehensive analysis on the state of biodiversity. And the result is hopeless. 20% of vertebrates are included in the IUCN Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). And the trend is increasing and the Vertebrate species in extinction.
According to experts, the current death rate of species is between 10 and 1,000 times higher than what is known as the extinction of background, ie the average rate of disappearance observed in the fossil record.
Scientists say that life is generally declining. The paper led by Michael Hoffmann, University of Cambridge (UK) offers categorical data and the Vertebrate species in extinction. .
There are approximately 25,000 vertebrates included in the Red List. For biological groups, which are worst are amphibians, with 41% in the list. Then come the mammals, with 25%, 22% reptiles and birds with 13%. In the aquatic environment are on the red list 33% of the cartilaginous fishes and 15% of bony fish.


Vertebrate species in extinction

But despite the dark situation, use their article to note that conservation efforts such as the declaration of protected areas or the enactment of laws take effect. And that suggest that, in not taking such measures the number of species could be up to 20% higher. Conservation is useful, come to say. Invest more in it because it works and the Vertebrate species in extinction.
But there are many aspects to improve. The sociobiologist Edward O. Wilson summed up the lashes of biodiversity: habitat destruction, invasive species, pollution, human overpopulation and high consumption of resources and hunting. A challenge that scientists summarized by the acronym HIPPO, and the English words of fronts (Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Pollution, Population, overharvesting) and the Vertebrate species in extinction. .