Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Pinpointing and preventing imminent extinctions
Author(s)
Ricketts T.H., Dinerstein E., Boucher T., Brooks T.M., Butchart S.H.M., Hoffmann M., Lamoreux J.F., Morrison J., Parr M., Pilgrim J.D., Rodrigues A.S.L., Sechrest W., Wallace G.E., Berlin K., Bielby J., Burgess N.D., Church D.R., Cox N., Knox D., Loucks C., Luck G.W., Master L.L., Moore R., Naidoo R., Ridgely R., Schatz G.E., Shire G., Strand H., Wettengel W., Wikramanayake E.
Published
2005
Publisher
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Published Version DOI
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0509060102
Abstract
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. © 2005 by The National Academy of Sciences of the USA.
Keywords
Amphibia; article; biodiversity; bird; conifer; forest; genetic conservation; geographic distribution; mammal; nonhuman; priority journal; reptile; species extinction; taxonomy; Animals; Biodiversity; Conservation of Natural Resources; Geography; Amphibia; Aves; Coniferophyta; Mammalia; Reptilia
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB12276