Have you heard the news? Habitat loss, overhunting, and unsustainable development are wiping out the world’s greatest treasure: Wildlife.
The animals and plants that call this planet their home haven’t got a chance if humans keep it up. Wildlife destruction is happening faster than current conservation efforts can replenish - or even stabilize - most endangered species numbers.

Now, the 2009 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species figures are in - and the news isn’t good.

From lowest to highest, take a look at this list of 10 countries with the greatest number of endangered species, according the 2009 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species:

10. Philippines

Total 2009: 682
Total 2008: 641
9. India

Total 2009: 687
Total 2008: 659
8. Brazil

Total 2009: 769
Total 2008: 738
7. Australia

Total 2009: 804
Total 2008: 788
6. China

Total 2009: 841
Total 2008: 816
5. Mexico

Total 2009: 900
Total 2008: 897
4. Indonesia

Total 2009: 1126
Total 2008: 1087
3. Malaysia

Total 2009: 1166
Total 2008: 1141
2. United States

Total 2009: 1203
Total 2008: 1192
1. Ecuador

Total 2009: 2211
Total 2008: 2208
 
Is there hope for endangered species in a modern world?
Will education and the power of information overcome the damage done by human greed and ignorance?

Let’s hope so. Otherwise, you can look forward to some embarrassing moments explaining to your grandchildren why there are no more tigers in India, no more elephants in Africa, and no more California condors in California.

Source: GO Media - Written by Rhishja Larson - Image: Wikimedia Commons

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