1 in 6 Mediterranean Mammals are Facing Extinction

Posted by Roberta Goli Sep 25, 2009

It never fails to put a frown on my face when I read a title like the one above. One in six Mediterranean mammals face extinction due to destruction of habitats, climate change and agriculture according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of nature). Of the 320 mammals studied recently, it was found that:

• 3% were critically endangered
• 5% were endangered
• 8% were vulnerable

What does that mean exactly? Well an animal that is critically endangered means that it is at high risk of extinction, and endangered animal may face high risk of extinction in the future, and a vulnerable animal is on that is at a medium risk of extinction.

Species at risk in the Mediterranean include large herbivores such as deer and smaller herbivores like the rabbit as well as some carnivores. Included among the endangered are the Mediterranean Monk Seal and the Iberian Lynx. 27% of the mammals studied had a declining population and 8 species including the common hippopotamus and the fallow have become extinct in these areas already.

The biggest threat is the destruction of habitats. While we can’t move all the humans out, accepting these animals, preventing hunting; restoration of habitats and food chains; and protection of threatened species would help the survival rates of these mammals.

Whales and dolphins were not included in the study conducted by over 250 mammal experts.

Source: Endangered Mediterranean Mammals Highlight Intriguing Region and One in Six Mediterranean Mammals Face Extinction.