Species on the Edge of Survival – Guide to nature in need

August 25, 2011

Species on the Edge of Survival – The ultimate guide to nature in need

Background: Why is the Javan Rhino one of the world’s most threatened large mammals? What efforts are underway to help conserve the 47 remaining Floreana Mockingbirds of Ecuador? Why is there a dramatic decline in the Globosa Mangrove? You can find answers to these and many more questions in a unique anthology, Species on the Edge of Survival, published by Collins.

The book features a selection of 365 plants, animals and fungi listed on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. Each profile includes a description of the species, its conservation status, geographical range and conservation action that is needed to protect it. This is accompanied by a striking photograph of the species. The book is a must-read for all nature lovers, young and old. Environmental enthusiasts and anyone who is concerned about the state of the world’s wildlife will find it a useful guide to our planet’s biodiversity, the threats it faces and methods to conserve it.

Key Issues:

• The biodiversity crisis
According to the latest update of The IUCN Red List, one in four mammals, one in eight birds and more than one in three amphibians are at risk of extinction. “These startling statistics are an alarm call that should be heard by everyone,” says Simon Stuart, Chair of IUCN’s Species Survival Commission. “Species are key to our survival, the quality of our lives and our economic security. It’s important to know what threats they face and how we can protect them.”

• What difference does The IUCN Red List make?
“The IUCN Red List is crucial in defining future conservation action, as it shows where it is needed most and encourages the necessary changes to make it more effective,” says Jean-Christophe Vié, Deputy Director of IUCN’s Global Species Programme. “But this book is also a celebration of the magical diversity and beauty of life. It’s amazing to see what splendid creatures share the planet with us.”

• How can this book help?
“This thought-provoking anthology sets out the problem of biodiversity decline and provides some of the possible ways to stop it,” saysSimon Stuart, Chair of IUCN’s Species Survival Commission. “The attractive layout, beautiful images and clear language will certainly encourage readers of all ages to engage in nature conservation and raise awareness about how important it is to protect biodiversity.”

About IUCN
IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. IUCN works on biodiversity, climate change, energy, human livelihoods and greening the world economy by supporting scientific research, managing field projects all over the world, and bringing governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice. IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organization, with more than 1,000 government and NGO members and almost 11,000 volunteer experts in some 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by over 1,000 staff in 60 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world.
www.iucn.org; IUCN on Facebook; IUCN on Twitter

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