The result of the IUCN's research is the annual IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (www.redlist.org), which includes the names of thousands of species around the world facing different levels of threat. It also lists species that have become extinct in the past year. The following represents a handful of those on the 2004 Red List – species in danger of disappearing altogether, unless we all do something to help.
Least Concern
From the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species:
The Harlequin Toad, once abundant in Costa Rica and Panama, is now Critically Endangered. Its population began to decline in 1988 and, by 1996, the toad was believed extinct, until a small population was rediscovered in 2003. The decline of the toad may be a result of a fungal disease caused by extreme climatic events like drought.
The Palila is an Endangered Hawaiian finch. The species was abundant on the island until the beginning of the 20th century, but is now restricted to a very small range which continues to decline due to overgrazing and the invasion of introduced weeds.
The Dlinza Forest Pinwheel is a Critically Endangered snail known only in the Dlinza forest, South Africa. Although the forest is protected under KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, it's a very small area within an urban location and there's concern the species may be negatively impacted by extreme weather conditions and climate change.
Verreaux's Sifaka Lemur, native to Madagascar, is assessed as Vulnerable. This lemur's forest habitat is being cleared for timber, firewood and charcoal production, resulting in a fragmented habitat. The species is also hunted in some areas of the island.
The Painted Terrapin is a Critically Endangered turtle found in Thailand, Malaysia and Borneo. Painted terrapins are exploited for their eggs, which are sold for human consumption in Asia. The disruption of breeding sites also threatens the species.
The Fabulous Green Sphinx Moth was listed as Extinct in 1996 but, in February 1998, a single male was attracted to a light trap in Kauai. Further individuals have been trapped, but the species is still listed as Endangered.
The Seychelles Scops-owl went from Critically Endangered to Endangered due to new evidence its extremely small population is stable and possibly increasing. Upland forests have increased in extent over the last 40 years following the reduction of the cinnamon, coconut and logging industries.
The Comoro Black Flying Fox, the largest and rarest bat in the Comores, is Critically Endangered. Its habitat is declining rapidly as a result of deforestation and cyclones, which destroy roosts and feeding sites and directly kill some bats.
The Anegada Ground Iguana was once distributed over the entire Puerto Rico Bank, but today is confined to the island of Anegada in the British Virgin Islands. The iguana is susceptible to predation by humans and their dogs and cats. It is listed as Critically Endangered and a reintroduction program is currently in place.
The Dragon Tree on the Archipelago island of Soqotra, Yemen, has a fragmented distribution and is failing to regenerate in some areas, making it Vulnerable. The tree grows best in areas affected by mists, low cloud and monsoon drizzle. A major cause of its decline is likely to be climate change (the Archipelago is gradually drying out), exploitation of Dragon's Blood (a resin from the bark) and felling trees for beehive wood.
The Hawaiian Crow became Extinct in the Wild after the last two known wild individuals disappeared from Hawaii in 2002. Habitat alteration, collecting and shooting, introduced and native predators, and disease-carrying mosquitoes have contributed to the crow's decline. Some individuals remain in captive breeding facilities and a reintroduction plan is being developed.
The Largetooth Sawfish is an Endangered species in Indo-West Pacific waters. Its distinctive "beak" is highly sought after, but is also responsible for fish becoming entangled in fishing nets. Virtually all known populations have experienced very serious declines.
The Scimitar-horned Oryx used to be common in northern Africa. Hunting for its meat, hide and magnificent horns and habitat loss have caused major declines in the species and, by the end of the 20th century, none were known to remain in the wild. Currently listed as Extinct in the Wild, the Oryx is part of a major captive breeding and reintroduction program.
The Channel Islands Fox, Critically Endangered, is restricted to six of the California Channel Islands off the coast of southern California. The population has recently declined by 80% due to predators and the introduction of canine diseases like canine distemper virus.
The Yellow-eared Parrot is Critically Endangered because its known habitat range, already small, continues to be lost and degraded. Currently, it is known only to remain in the Central Andes. While conservation action is addressing some key issues, the future of this species remains uncertain.
The St Helena Redwood, a tree endemic to St. Helena, is Extinct in the Wild. After settlers arrived on the island, the species was exploited for its timber and bark, which was used for tanning hides. By 1718, the species was extremely rare. Further losses occurred when flax plantations began in the late 1800s. By the mid 20th century, only one redwood survived – this single tree is the source of all the Redwoods known in cultivation today.
The Slender Loris from Sri Lanka is Endangered because its habitat has been severely reduced. Between 1956 and 2003, Sri Lanka lost more than 50% of forest cover to human activities.
The Black-footed Ferret, currently listed as Extinct in the Wild, is one of North America's rarest mammals and depends on an endangered ecosystem for survival. The population declined throughout the 1900s and, in 1985, the last known free-ranging population collapsed due to an outbreak of canine distemper. Through a successful captive breeding and reintroduction program, however, Black-footed Ferrets are making a comeback.
Extreme Sports
