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Pinpointing and preventing imminent extinctions

2005; National Academy of Sciences; Volume: 102; Issue: 51 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1073/pnas.0509060102

1091-6490

Taylor H. Ricketts, Eric Dinerstein, Tim Boucher, Thomas M. Brooks, Stuart H. M. Butchart, Michael Hoffmann, John F. Lamoreux, John C. Morrison, Mike Parr, John D. Pilgrim, Ana S. L. Rodrigues, Wes Sechrest, George E. Wallace, Ken Berlin, Jon Bielby, Neil Burgess, Don R. Church, Neil A. Cox, David Knox, Colby Loucks, Gary W. Luck, Lawrence L. Master, Robin D. Moore, Robin Naidoo, Robert S. Ridgely, George E. Schatz, Gavin Shire, Holly Strand, W. W. Wettengel, Eric Wikramanayake,

Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies

Slowing rates of global biodiversity loss requires preventing species extinctions. Here we pinpoint centers of imminent extinction, where highly threatened species are confined to single sites. Within five globally assessed taxa (i.e., mammals, birds, selected reptiles, amphibians, and conifers), we find 794 such species, three times the number recorded as having gone extinct since 1500. These species occur in 595 sites, concentrated in tropical forests, on islands, and in mountainous areas. Their taxonomic and geographical distribution differs significantly from that of historical extinctions, indicating an expansion of the current extinction episode beyond sensitive species and places toward the planet's most biodiverse mainland regions. Only one-third of the sites are legally protected, and most are surrounded by intense human development. These sites represent clear opportunities for urgent conservation action to prevent species loss.