Endangered species around the world

Wildlife species and populations across the globe are declining at an alarming rate. Here are the facts:

• Over the last 40 years, habitat destruction, overexploitation and climate change have resulted in the loss of half the world’s wild animal population.

• Scientists estimate that we’re losing species at 1,000 to 10,000 times the normal rate. Instead of one to five species going extinct each year, dozens of species are becoming extinct each day.

• According to a recent study, insect populations have decreased by more than 75 percent worldwide over the last 28 years. Note that 80 percent of wild plants rely on insects for pollination, and 60 percent of bird species depend on insects for food.

• About 40 percent of the world’s bird species are in decline, and one in eight are threatened with extinction.

• Lizard populations are especially vulnerable to global warming. A recent study predicts that if current climate trends continue, 40 percent of all lizard populations will be extinct by 2080.

• Primates — our closest animal relatives — are under threat. Around 60 percent of the world’s 504 primate species may soon become extinct, and around 75 percent have declining populations.