Red list update (with SL statistics)

SOS on fast disappearing species

Latest update of Global Red list highlights the alarming levels of extinction

By Malaka Rodrigo

The 2011 update of the Global Red List of Threatened Species that was released on June 16 highlights the prevailing crisis. According to the latest report 707 species are already extinct, 64 extinct in the wild and 3,801 critically endangered on a global scale. The loss of biodiversity has become one of the world’s most pressing environment crises, with many species falling to critically low levels. Many species are becoming extinct unnoticed, and the number of species classified as Critically Endangered (those facing the most severe risk of becoming extinct) are increasing, the report states. Read Full Article: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110619/News/nws_19.html Sri Lanka situation The Global IUCN Red List also includes review of conservation status of many species that inhabit Sri Lanka. Globally assessed species occurring in Sri Lanka as per the latest update indicate 22 Extinct, 137 Critically Endangered and 164 Endangered. However, this global assessment took to account only 2065 species in Sri Lanka.