ENDANGERED SPECIES

Plant or animal species whose numbers are so few that it is at risk of becoming extinct. Officially designated endangered species are listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Endangered species are not a new phenomenon; extinction is an integral part of evolution. The replacement of one species by another usually involves the eradication of the less successful form, and ensures the continuance and diversification of life in all forms. However, extinctions induced by humans are thought to be destruc tive, causing evolutionary dead-ends that do not allow for succession by a more fit species. The great majority of recent extinctions have been directly or indirectly induced by humans; most often by the loss, modification, or pollution of the organism's habitat, but also by hunting for `sport´ or for commercial purposes.

According to a 1995 report to Congress by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, althoughseven of the 893 species listed as endangered under the US Endangered SpeciesAct 1968-93 have become extinct,40% are no longer declining in number.

In February 1996, aprivate conservation group, Nature Conservancy, reported around 20,000 native US plantand animal species to be rare or imperilled.

According to the Red Data List of endangered species, published in 1996 by the IUCN,25% of all mammal species (including 46% of primates, 36% of insectivores, and 33% of pigs and antelopes), and 11% of all bird species are threatened with extinction.

An example of an endangered species is the Javan rhinoceros.There are only about 50 alive today and, unless active steps are taken to promote this species' survival, it will probably be extinct within a few decades.