From the dodo to the Tasmanian tiger, many majestic creatures have gone extinct over the centuries. Now, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) warns that 48,646 animals could be on the verge of extinction.
The IUCN has updated its Red List, showing that three Arctic seal species are now closer to extinction. The report also finds that 61% of bird species globally are in decline – a big increase from 44% in 2016.
However, there is also positive news. The green sea turtle has experienced an increase of about 28%, thanks to decades of conservation action.
“The Red List update sheds light on the urgent challenges and powerful opportunities ahead,” said Dr. Grethel Aguilar, Director General of IUCN.
"While species like arctic seals and many birds face increasing threats, the recovery of the green turtle shows that conservation works when we act with determination and unity."
Most endangered species
Three species of Arctic seals have moved closer to extinction:
Hooded Seal – listed as Endangered
Bearded seals and harp seals – listed as Near Threatened
These animals face various pressures, including ships, noise, oil and mineral extraction, hunting, and bycatch in fishing. However, climate change is the greatest threat.
“Every year, the retreating ice in Svalbard shows how endangered arctic seals are, making it harder for them to breed, rest and feed,” said Dr. Kit Kovacs, co-chair of the IUCN Seal Specialist Group.
Birds and the biodiversity crisis
61% of the world's bird species are in decline, particularly in Madagascar, West Africa and Central America. The main cause is habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and deforestation.
“Three in five birds are in decline, showing how deep the biodiversity crisis is and how urgent it is for governments to act,” said Dr. Ian Burfield, Global Science Coordinator for BirdLife.
Positive news: green sea turtle
Since the 1970s, the green sea turtle population has increased by about 28%, thanks to efforts to protect females as they lay their eggs. This is a powerful example of how coordinated global conservation can stabilize and restore long-lived marine species.
New disappearances
Unfortunately, six species have been moved to the "Extinct" category, including:
The Christmas Island mosquito
Thin itch
Southeastern striped bandicoot
An opportunity for change
The report is released just a month before the UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil.
Dr. Aguilar emphasizes the importance of urgent action to protect biodiversity, stabilize the climate, and build a future where people and nature thrive together. /GazetaExpress/
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