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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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