The Real Meltdown: At least 25% of mammal species at risk of extinction

clipped from news.bbc.co.uk At least 25% of the world's mammal species are at risk of extinction, according to the first assessment of their status for a decade. The Red List of Threatened Species says populations of more than half of mammalian species are falling, with Asian primates particularly at risk. This year's Red List looks at 5,487 mammals, and concludes that 1,141 are currently on the path towards disappearance. This may be an under-estimate, the authors caution, as there is not enough data to make an assessment in more than 800 cases. The true figure could be nearer to one- third. The report's authors said the current concern with financial matters must not be allowed to obstruct the decline in the Earth's natural systems.