Search
Close this search box.
Ozzie News
Search
Close this search box.

Your last chance to save Earth as we know it

Urgent assistance is being sought by an international consortium consisting of over 8,000 scientists to save Earth’s 100 most at-risk animals, plants, and fungi.

Although nature has perpetually functioned under the principle of survival of the fittest, the growing demand for space by humanity is exacerbating pressures on the natural world.

A rising human population, along with factors such as urban expansion, deforestation, pollution, and climate change, has led the report to attribute habitat loss as a significant cause driving many species of flora and fauna toward extinction.

The 100 species identified, hailing from 48 different countries, are the most vulnerable to complete extinction if protective measures are not implemented.

This list includes species ranging from the Jamaican rock iguana—originally thought to be extinct but now surviving in two small populations—to Madagascar’s suicide palm, which exhausts itself after producing small yellow flowers on a stem reaching up to 5 meters (16 feet) long.

While many on the list, such as Ethiopia’s liben lark and Seychelles sheath-tailed bat, may not be as recognized as iconic species like lions or whales, each one contributes uniquely to the planet, and their loss would be irrevocable.

The document titled ‘Priceless or Worthless?’ emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced protections for all the species, or they may face extinction by 2020.

This 124-page document is set to be unveiled at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in South Korea this week, aiming to elevate the conservation of these ‘worthless’ creatures in the global NGO agenda.

According to Professor Jonathan Baillie, conservation director at ZSL, ‘More than half of the 100 most endangered species are receiving little to no attention.’

He added, ‘The conservation movement and donor community are increasingly adopting a ‘what can nature do for us’ mindset, measuring the value of species and habitats based on the benefits they provide to humans.’

This trend has posed significant challenges for conservationists striving to safeguard the most endangered species on the planet.

Baillie questioned, ‘Is there a right for these species to survive, or do we hold the power to drive them to extinction?’

Report co-author Ellen Butcher from ZSL remarked, ‘Each species on the list is unique and irreplaceable.’

‘If they become extinct, no amount of funding can resurrect them. However, immediate action could provide them a fighting chance for survival.’

She stressed, ‘This requires society to endorse the moral and ethical stance that all species possess an inherent right to exist.’

The IUCN stated that the report aims to elevate the conservation of creatures deemed ‘worthless’ within the agenda set by NGOs globally.

‘A multi-billion dollar fund is required to prevent extinction and should be sourced by governments,’ the report stated, without specifying a currency.

It highlighted the necessity of measures such as expanding protected areas or implementing hunting bans.

Baillie expressed concerns that society has increasingly assessed plants and animals based on the economic benefits they offer, including food, medicine, or tourism.

‘It is essential to maintain appreciation for the incredible diversity of life on Earth as the central message, with utilitarian arguments serving as supplementary points,’ he noted.

In 2010, governments committed to a plan aimed at protecting life on Earth, which included the goal: ‘By 2020, the extinction of known threatened species has been prevented and their“`html
The conservation status, especially for the species experiencing the most significant decline, has shown improvement and sustainability.

According to the IUCN, every species holds intrinsic value.

‘While the importance of certain species may not be readily apparent, each one plays a role in maintaining the planet’s healthy ecosystem,’ stated Simon Stuart, Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission.

Included in the list of the 100 most endangered species are others like the Cayman Islands ghost orchid and the Javan rhino.

The recovery of the humpback whale, now estimated at 60,000, has been supported by the implementation of a hunting ban.

Thanks to captive breeding efforts, Przewalski’s horse, which once faced near extinction, has increased to over 300 individuals in the wild, spanning from Ukraine to China.

The pygmy three-toed sloth (Bradypus pygmaeus) faces a grim future, as Escudo Island, located 17 km off the coast of Panama, is the sole habitat for these diminutive sloths.

At half the size of their mainland relatives and weighing approximately as much as a newborn, pygmy sloths are recognized as the smallest and slowest sloths globally, remaining classified as Critically Endangered.

Likewise, the saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) ranks as one of the most endangered mammals in Southeast Asia. Dubbed the Asian unicorn due to its scarcity, the population of this antelope has dwindled to possibly only a few tens of individuals.

In the UK, a limited area in Wales is the only known habitat for the vividly colored willow blister (Cryptomyces maximus). Currently, populations of this spore-releasing fungus are declining, and a single disastrous event could lead to their complete extinction.

Professor Baillie remarked: ‘If we consider these species invaluable, it is time for the conservation community, together with governments and industries, to demonstrate to future generations that we truly value all forms of life.’

The report emphasizes that while assigning monetary value to nature is essential for conservationists, the broader significance of species facing extinction must not be overlooked.

Comprehensive list of species:

 

 

“““html

“““html

“““html

“`

<1,000 (2010 est)

“““html

“““html

Scientific Name Common Name Category Population Threats to Survival Action Required
Abies beshanzuensis Baishan Fir Conifer 5 mature individuals Agricultural expansion and fire Ex-situ conservation and reintroduction, along with the establishment of a protected area
Actinote zikani butterfly Unknown, one population remaining Habitat degradation driven by human pressures Protection of habitat and Mikania obsoleta (host plant)
Aipysurus foliosquama Leaf scaled sea-snake sea-snake Unknown, two subpopulations remain Unknown – likely degradation of coral reef habitat Assess the causes behind population decline and develop suitable management plans
Amanipodagrion gilliesi Amani Flatwing butterfly <500 individuals est. Increasing population pressure and water pollution leading to habitat degradation Protection of habitat
Antilophia bokermanni Araripe Manakin bird 779 individuals (est 2010) Destruction of habitat due to agricultural expansion, recreational facilities, and diversion of water Formal protection of the remaining habitat alongside the conservation of springs and streams
Antisolabis seychellensis Seychelles earwig earwig Unknown (declining) Threats from invasive species and climate change Management of habitat to prevent further invasions by introduced plants
Aphanius transgrediens freshwater fish Unknown (declining) Competition and predation from Gambusia, along with road construction Raise awareness within national conservation groups and governments, monitor and conserve current springs, create an action plan for lost springs, and maintain captive populations
Aproteles bulmerae Bulmer’s Fruit Bat bat 150 individuals (est) Hunting activities and cave disturbances Protection of Luplupwintern cave with strict enforcement against hunting
Ardea insignis White bellied heron bird 70-400 individuals Habitat degradation stemming from hydropower development Establish a captive rearing and release program, eliminate harmful uses of riverine habitats, and mitigate adverse effects of hydroelectric projects
Ardeotis nigriceps Great Indian Bustard bird 50 -249 mature individuals Loss and modification of habitat due to agricultural practices Create protected areas and community reserves while realigning the Indira Ghandi Nahar Canal Project
Astrochelys yniphora Ploughshare tortoise / angonoka tortoise 440-770 Illegal collection for the international pet trade Implementation of legal protection and management of protected areas
Atelopus balios Rio pescado stubfoot toad toad Unknown (declining) Chytridiomycosis and habitat loss due to logging and agricultural expansion Conservation of the last remaining habitats
Aythya innotata Madagascar Pochard bird approximately 20 mature individuals Habitat degradation caused by slash-and-burn agriculture, hunting, fishing, and invasive fish species Official protection of current breeding sites, habitat restoration, and creation of a release program for captive-bred individuals
Azurina eupalama Galapagos damsel fish pelagic fish Unknown (declining) The presumed disappearance of this species from the Galapagos is thought to be linked to oceanographic changes related to the 1982 / 1983 El Nino, attributed to climate change. Conducting surveys to determine the species’ existence in Los Lobos Islands.
Bahaba taipingensis Giant yellow croaker pelagic fish Unknown (declining) The primary cause is over-fishing driven by the value of the swim-bladder in traditional medicine, with costs surpassing that of gold in 2001. Creation and enforcement of suitable protective measures in Hong Kong and legal protections in China.
Batagur baska Common Batagur/ Four-toed terrapin turtle Unknown (declining) The illegal export and trade from Indonesia to China contribute significantly to its decline. Implementation of CITES Appendix I restrictions and measures to control illegal trade.
Bazzania bhutanica liverwort Unknown (declining) Degradation and destruction of habitat caused by forest clearing, overgrazing, and development activities. Initiating area protection to avert future damages to the remaining habitat.
Beatragus hunteri Hirola antelope < 1000 individuals The species faces habitat degradation, loss due to competition with livestock, and poaching. Formation of protected areas and community conservancies, along with enhanced management and protection of wild populations.
Bombus franklini Franklin’s Bumble Bee bee Unknown (declining) Threats arise from diseases spread by commercially bred bumblebees, alongside habitat destruction and degradation. Safeguarding habitats that provide sources of nectar and pollen.
Brachyteles hypoxanthus Northern muriqui primate < 1,000 individuals The species suffers due to habitat loss and fragmentation resulting from extensive deforestation and selective logging practices. Protecting habitats and allocating resources for the execution of the national action plan.
Bradypus pygmaeus Pygmy sloth sloth <500 individuals Illegal logging of mangrove forests for firewood and construction, as well as hunting, has led to habitat loss. Enforcement of protection measures in the Isla Escudo de Veraguas nature sanctuary alongside awareness campaigns.
Callitriche pulchra freshwater plant Unknown (declining) Habitat exploitation by livestock and local modifications to the pool affect the species. Providing alternative water sources for livestock, involving locals in pool protection, and documenting the remaining water bodies on Gavdos.
Calumma tarzan Tarzan’s chameleon chameleon Unknown Agricultural practices are resulting in habitat destruction. Supporting emerging community conservation projects and habitat protection efforts.
Cavia intermedia Santa Catarina’s guinea pig guinea pig “““html

40-60 individuals Effects from habitat disturbance and potential hunting; limited population impact Enforcement of protected area regulations and controlled access to the island
Cercopithecus roloway Roloway Guenon primate Unknown Bushmeat hunting and habitat loss Preservation of habitat against logging and agricultural conversion
Coleura seychellensis Seychelles sheath-tailed bat bat <100 mature individuals (estimated 2008) Predation from invasive species and habitat degradation Control of invasive plants, management of non-native predators, and legal habitat and roosting site protections
Cryptomyces maximus fungus Unknown (declining) Limited habitat availability Ongoing protection of existing populations and habitat regeneration initiatives
Cryptotis nelsoni Nelson’s small-eared shrew shrew Unknown (declining) Loss of habitat due to logging, cattle grazing, fire, and agriculture
Cyclura collei Jamaican iguana iguana Unknown (declining) Habitat destruction and predation by non-native species Translocation to islands free of predators and enforcement of legislation to protect Ironwood Forests
Dendrophylax fawcettii Cayman islands ghost orchid orchid Unknown (declining) Destruction of habitat due to infrastructure expansion Creation of protective legislation for Ironwood Forests
Dicerorhinus sumatrensis Sumatran rhino rhino <250 individuals Horn hunting for traditional medicine purposes Bolstering anti-poaching efforts and continuing captive breeding programs
Diomedea amsterdamensis Amsterdam Island albatross bird 100 mature individuals Diseases and accidental capture in long-line fishing Measures to prevent disease spread and promote best-practice in fisheries throughout the species’ range
Diospyros katendei tree 20 individuals, one population Agricultural pressures from communities, illegal logging, habitat degradation from gold mining, and small population size Legal protection enforcement, field surveys for further identification, and ex situ conservation in botanical institutions
Dipterocarpus lamellatus dipterocarp (tree) 12 individuals Habitat degradation and loss due to logging and industrial plantation establishment Restoration of Sianggau Forest
Reserve and re-introduction of species to previous range
Discoglossus nigriventer Hula painted frog frog Unknown (recent rediscovery in 2011) Predation by birds and restriction of range caused by habitat destruction Restoration of habitat
Discorea strydomiana Wild Yam yam 200 individuals Collection for medicinal purposes Develop a strategy for sustainable use and establish ex situ populations
Dombeya mauritiana flowering plant Unknown (declining) Degradation and destruction of habitat due to encroachment by invasive alien plant species and cannabis cultivation Control of invasive plant species, protection of habitat, and reintroduction of propagated individuals
Elaeocarpus bojeri flowering plant <10 individuals Small population and habitat degradation Currently, trees are being closely monitored for determining threats and addressing them
Eleutherodactylus glandulifer La Hotte Glanded Frog frog Unknown (declining) Destruction of habitat due to charcoal production and slash-and-burn agriculture Protection of habitat
Eleutherodactylus thorectes Macaya Breast-spot frog frog Unknown Destruction of habitat due to charcoal production and slash-and-burn agriculture Habitat protection
Eriosyce chilensis Chilenito cactus <500 individuals Collection of flowering individuals Protection of plants through the construction of a fence and signage indicating their threatened status
Erythrina schliebenii coral tree flowering tree <50 individuals Limited habitat and small population size heightening vulnerability to stochastic events Complete establishment of Forest Reserves and ongoing propagation efforts, including ex situ conservation
Euphorbia tanaensis semi-deciduous tree 4 mature individuals Illegal logging and degradation of habitat due to agricultural expansion and infrastructure development Enforcement of legal protection within the Witu Forest Reserve, which has diminished due to civil insecurity
Eurynorhynchus pygmeus Spoon-billed sandpiper bird <100 breeding pairs Trapping during wintering and land reclamation. Maintenance of critical intertidal staging posts and reduction of trapping on wintering grounds.
Ficus katendei tree (ficus) <50 mature individuals Habitat degradation due to agricultural activities, illegal tree felling, and alluvial gold digging Protection measures against encroachment and habitat degradation, alongside community development initiatives in regions bordering the reserve; ex-situ conservation efforts in arboreta and botanic gardens
Geronticus eremita Northern Bald Ibis bird 200-249 mature individuals Hunting, as well as habitat destruction and degradation Safeguarding critical breeding and roosting locations
Gigasiphon macrosiphon flowering tree 33 mature individuals Habitat degradation and timber extraction tied to agricultural encroachment and development, along with seed predation by wild pigs Implementation of protection in reserves, along with the creation of a management plan to address water loss due to hydroelectricity projects
Gocea ohridana mollusc Unknown (declining) Habitat degradation resulting from rising pollution levels, sedimentation events, and water extraction Adoption of transboundary agreements to enhance habitat management
Heleophryne rosei Table Mountain ghost frog frog Unknown (declining) Invasive plants and water abstraction leading to habitat degradation Continued habitat protection, the execution of management plans, and the integration of activities across various sites
Hemicycla paeteliana mollusc Unknown (declining) Destruction of habitat caused by overgrazing and tourist trampling Habitat conservation, control on goat populations, and restrictions on tourist access to the area
Heteromirafra sidamoensis Liben Lark bird 90-256 individuals Declines in habitat due to agricultural expansion, excessive grazing, and fire suppression Grassland restoration initiatives, which encompass sustainable land management practices, scrub removal, and the reinstatement of fire regimes
Hibiscadelphus woodii hibiscus Unknown Habitat degradation linked to invasive plant species and free-ranging ungulates Conduct surveys on the steep terrain for more individuals. Control invasive species in the remaining suitable environment to facilitate species reintroduction if additional individuals are discovered
Hucho perryi (Parahucho perryi) Sakhalin taimen salmonid Unknown (declining) Overfishing (both sport and commercial bycatch) and habitat degradation due to damming, agricultural practices, and other land uses. Increase conservation measures in Russian and Japanese rivers and enforce fishing regulations
Johora singaporensis Singapore Freshwater Crab crab Unknown Degradation of habitat characterized by a decline in water quality and availability Conserve the remaining habitat and initiate the establishment of ex-situ populations
Lathyrus belinensis sweet-pea The destruction of habitats is caused by urbanization, over-grazing, conifer planting, and road widening To protect habitats, manage grazing, cease conifer planting, and engage in occasional sampling for ex situ seed conservation
Leiopelma archeyi Archey’s frog frog declining, though the exact number remains unknown Threatened by Chytridiomycosis and predation from invasive species Sustaining existing conservation initiatives
Lithobates sevosus Dusky gopher frog frog An estimated 60-100 individuals (as of 2003) Fungal disease and limitation of habitats caused by climate change and altered land use Ensuring habitat protection and managing the population to hinder disease spread
Lophura edwardsi Edward’s pheasant bird Population status remains unknown Threats include hunting and habitat loss Intense law enforcement, habitat rehabilitation, and developing a captive breeding program
Magnolia wolfii magnolia Status is uncertain but declining Challenges include species isolation and poor regeneration rates Conservation of the remaining population and investigation into potential ex-situ conservation methods
Margaritifera marocana mussel <250 individuals (2010 est) Habitat degradation and disruption arising from pollution and development projects Mitigate the impact of hydroelectricity construction and agricultural withdrawal through habitat protection
Moominia willii mollusc < 500 individuals Threatened by invasive species and climate change Safeguarding habitats and managing invasive species
Natalus primus Cuban greater funnel-eared bat bat <100 individuals (estimate from 2005) Suffer from habitat loss and human interference Safeguarding Cueva La Barca and its vicinity
Nepenthes attenboroughii Attenborough’s Pitcher Plant carnivorous plant Status unknown Endangered due to poaching Creation of protected areas and enforcement of existing legal protections
Neurergus kaiseri Luristan newt newt <1000 mature individuals Threatened by illegal collection for the pet trade Implementation of protective measures
Nomascus hainanus Hainan Gibbon primate < 20 individuals Endangered due to hunting Confiscation of guns in the Bawangling population area and habitat preservation
Oreocnemis phoenix Mulanje Red Damsel butterfly Status is uncertain but declining Habitat destruction and degradation attributed to drainage, agricultural expansion, and forest exploitation Strict enforcement of habitat protection
Pangasius sanitwongsei Pangasid catfish freshwater fish Unknown (declining) Overfishing and collection for aquarium trade Protection from overfishing and collection
Parides burchellanus butterfly < 100 individuals Given the pressure from human populations, habitat degradation and range restriction occurs Protection of galley forest habitat
Phocoena sinus Vaquita porpoise <200 individuals and declining Incidental capture in gillnets Ban on the use of gillnets across the species’ range
Picea neoveitchii conifer Unknown (declining) Forest destruction Ex-situ conservation and re-introduction; establishment of protected areas
Pinus squamata Qiaojia Pine Conifer < 25 mature individuals Small population size and limited distribution Ex-situ conservation and re-introduction; establishment of protected areas
Poecilotheria metallica Peacock Parachute Spider spider Deforestation, firewood collection, and civil unrest lead to habitat loss and degradation Ensure habitat protection, raise community awareness, and include in national Wildlife Protection Act and trade legislation
Pomarea whitneyi Fatuhiva monarch butterfly 50 individuals Predation by introduced species, specifically Rattus rattus and feral cats Increase management of introduced species and explore translocation options, either to another island or by creating a larger controlled area on Fatu Hiva
Pristis pristis Common Sawfish sawfish Unknown (declining) Exploitation has eliminated the species from 95% of its historical range Further research needed to determine current distribution, threats, and management strategies
Prolemur simus Greater bamboo lemur primate 100-160 individuals Destruction of habitat due to activities like slash-and-burn agriculture, mining, and illegal logging Protect habitat and promote reforestation in the Ivato and Karlanaga areas
Propithecus candidus Silky Sifaka primate 100 -1,000 individuals Hunting and disruption of habitat Continue and expand measures to stop hunting and establish protected areas
Psammobates geometricus Geometric tortoise tortoise Unknown Destruction and deterioration of habitat, alongside predation Create additional reserves and manage fire regimes
Pseudoryx nghetinhensis Saola saola (bovid affinities) “““html

Unknown Habitat destruction and hunting Enhance habitat protection and enforcement efforts
Psiadia cataractae flowering plant Unknown Destruction and degradation of habitat due to invasive species and development projects Implement effective area protection and persistent control of invasive alien plant species, particularly grasses, alongside replanting with nursery-grown plants
Psorodonotus ebneri Beydaglari Bush-cricket cricket Unknown Loss of habitat and climate change Create a bioacoustic monitoring scheme, establish a conservation action plan, form a nature reserve, manage habitat effectively, and conduct research on population size, distribution, and ecology
Rafetus swinhoei Red River giant softshell turtle turtle 4 known individuals Hunting for consumption and habitat degradation due to pollution and wetland destruction Implement education and awareness programs, in addition to captive breeding initiatives
Rhinoceros sondaicus Javan rhino rhino < 100 individuals Hunting for traditional medicine and limited population size Enforce protection laws and consider establishing a captive breeding program
Rhinopithecus avunculus Tonkin snub-nosed monkey primate < 200 individuals Hunting and habitat loss, known only from a few small habitat records (less than 10 km²) Establish a conservation area in Khau Ca, Ha Giang province, and enhance law enforcement to diminish hunting pressure
Rhizanthella gardneri West Australian underground Orchid orchid < 100 individuals Agricultural land clearance (96% habitat lost), climate change, and salinization Protect the two supporting organisms in situ and safeguard seed stocks along with the fungal partner in the seed bank
Rhynchocyon spp. Boni Giant Sengi sengi Unknown (declining) Severely restricted distribution and habitat, security challenges, and increased human population due to oil development Formal protection of the Boni-Dodori forest and finalization of formal identification
Risiocnemis seidenschwarzi Cebu frill-wing damsel-fly Unknown (declining) Destruction and degradation of habitat Designate the area as ‘Critical Habitat’ to limit human access
Rosa arabica flowering tree Unknown (declining) Overgrazing by domestic animals, climate change and drought, medicinal plant collection, and limited range Safeguard individuals from exploitation
Salanoia durrelli Durrell’s Vontsira small carnivore (vontsira) Declining (unknown) Loss of habitat Enhanced management for Lake Alaotra protected region
Santamartamys rufodorsalis Red-crested tree rat rat Unknown Urban development and coffee farming causing habitat loss Mapping species range surveys and continued protection at known sites
Scaturiginichthys vermeilipinnis Red-finned blue eye freshwater fish 2,000 – 4,000 individuals Introduced species predation Control of the invasive Gambusia holbrooki and reintroduction of S.vermeilipinnis
Squatina squatina Angel shark shark Declining (unknown) Benthic trawling impacts Protect habitats of the Canary Islands and nearby continental shelf from trawling
Sterna bernsteini Chinese crested tern bird < 50 mature individuals Destruction of habitat and egg collection Protecting breeding sites, increasing legal protections, and raising awareness at colonies
Syngnathus watermeyeri Estuarine Pipefish (River Pipefish) pipefish Declining (unknown) Dams altering river flows and flood events into estuaries Creation of a freshwater reserve, pollution management, and water use regulation
Tahina spectabilis Suicide Palm palm 90 individuals Agricultural developments, logging, and fire-related habitat loss Setting up a protected area and a management plan
Telmatobufo bullocki Bullock’s false toad toad unknown Habitat destruction from energy projects Cessation of hydroelectric development and habitat protection
Tokudaia muenninki Okinawa Spiny Rat rat Declining (unknown) Loss of habitat and predation by feral cats Conduct range mapping surveys, protect remaining habitats, and implement feral cat control
Trigonostigma somphongsi Somphongs’s rasbora freshwater fish Declining (unknown) Habitat damage from farmland conversion and urbanization Restoration of wetlands
Valencia letourneuxi freshwater fish Declining (unknown) Destruction of habitat, water abstraction, and aggressive interactions with Gambusia Habitat protection and control measures for Gambusia
Voanioala gerardii Forest Coconut palm < 10 individuals Deforestation and harvesting of palm hearts Protection of remaining individuals and habitats along with public awareness initiatives
Zaglossus attenboroughi Attenborough’s Echidna echidna unknown Logging, agricultural encroachment, shifting cultivation, and local hunting causing habitat degradation Increase awareness of the species’ cultural significance, establish sustainable management practices, and carry out further surveys

 

It’s quite unbelievable… don’t you think?
by David Livingstone

“`

Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news directly in your email inbox.