The annual Red List is the most comprehensive guide to the world’s endangered species. It is compiled on the back of the work of thousands of scientists, and it documents 47,677 different species at risk, providing information on those most endangered and those that have become extinct.

It is a shocking reminder of just how much impact human activities are having on the biodiversity of the world, and should be a wake-up call for us all.

Amphibians Fare the Worst

Of all the groups of animals, it is the amphibians that seem to be facing the biggest threat. Out of 6,285 amphibians on the list, 1,895 of these are in serious danger. The list also documents 5,490 mammal species, 79 of which are extinct in the wild, 188 of which are critically endangered and 449 of which are endangered.

Reptiles are also under increasing threat. There are 293 new reptiles on the list since last year, and 1,677 of the total number are threatened, with 469 facing extinction and 22 thought to be extinct.

A Third of Species at Threat

The list reveals that over a third of all the species on the list are now threatened with extinction. Of the 47,677 at risk, 17,291 of these are thought to be threatened. This includes 21% of mammals, 30% of amphibians, 70% of plants and 35% of invertebrates. It’s clear from these startling figures that if more is not done then we could well see a mass extinction within the next few decades.

Kihansi Spray Toad

Kihansi Spray Toad

One species to get special attention in the report was the Kihansi Spray Toad. This tiny toad is now thought to be extinct in the wild, even though it was only discovered in 1996. It is only found at the Kihansi waterfall in Tanzania, and as recently as June 2003 there were about 21,000 of them. Now, following the construction of a dam and the effects of a deadly fungus, they are thought to be extinct in the wild.

Plants Also Faring Badly

Although it is the animals on the list that may provoke the biggest reaction, there are now 12,151 plants included. These include the Queen of the Andes that is found in Peru and Bolivia. This nine-foot giant only seeds once every 80 years and then dies. It is now under increasing threat from climate change and the increase in cattle numbers.

More Needs to be Done

Conservationists are saying that not enough is being done to protect the biodiversity of the planet. It is clear that we are running out of time and that harmful human practices are leading to the extinction of thousands of species.

Mark Wright, the conservation science advisor at WWF-UK, said that “the continued and unprecedented loss of species must not be accepted as just a sad reality we can do nothing about. Biodiversity loss is an alarming indicator of the general health of our planet and of the well-being of our own species. We must act to halt this decline.”

International Union for Conservation of Nature

The Red List is available on the IUCN website.

1 – Don’t Buy Souvenirs Made from Animals

A powerful advertisement by WWF

Most people probably know that they should steer well clear of ivory products, but might not realise that poachers also pose a massive threat to other African species. For example rhinos may be hunted for their horns; gorillas, leopards and other animals are hunted for their skins; and marine creatures are harvested to sell as souvenirs.

One of the best ways that you can help conservation in Africa is to make sure that you never buy this type of souvenir. This includes steering clear of the meat of these animals in exotic restaurants, both in Africa and elsewhere.

2 – Donate to a Cause

There are lots of charities out there dedicated to conservation in Africa. This includes international charities such as the World Wildlife Fund or the Born Free Foundation, as well as smaller local charities.

Even a small donation to one of these charities can make a big difference. Next time it’s a friend’s birthday, why not adopt an animal as a gift for them? You’ll receive a great gift pack to give them as part of their present, and you will both be a little happier knowing that you are helping an animal somewhere in Africa. Check out one of our favourite charity the David Sheldrick Trust in Kenya for more information on how to adopt an orphaned baby elephant or rhino. www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

David Sheldrick Trust

3 – Get Involved

If you don’t want to just donate money to a wildlife conservation charity, why not actually get involved yourself?

There are lots of charities which offer volunteers the chance to go and spend some time helping on a wildlife conservation project in Africa. Not only will you be helping the conservation cause, but you will get the experience of a lifetime. Projects vary from a week up to several months and are a great way to spend a gap year or a sabbatical as they give you something that is absolutely priceless.

Drop us an email and we can give you details of some of our recommended organizations in Africa and you too can start making a difference!