Although conservation efforts have been ramped up—five percent of formerly endangered species are facing recovery—the report cautions that better results are needed and that humans, whether directly or not, are to blame for many of the ills facing mammals. For instance, 78 percent of marine mammals are now endangered due solely to accidental deaths (like by being caught in fishing nets not meant for them or being hit by ships) and 40 percent of mammals are threatened because of damages to their habitat. Agricultural expansion, rapid economic development and sharp population growth, are among some the main factors behind why Asia has the most endangered species at 79 percent. In the meanwhile, hunting puts approximately 17 percent of mammals groups at risk. The facts are bleak, and the damage in some cases may be irreversible, but it’s perhaps another telling reminder that we need to take action on a global scale before it’s too late. Via National Geographic
