Q.
Which group of vertebrates comprises the highest number of endangered species ?
2856
222
AIPMTAIPMT 2003Biodiversity and Conservation
Report Error
Solution:
A taxon is endangered when its populations have decreased or habitats have been reduced to the levels that pose immediate danger of extinction. They are not likely to survive if the factors threatening their extinction continue. IUCN Red List (2004) documents the extinction of 784 species (including 338 vertebrate species, 359 invertebrate species and 87 plant species) in the last 500 years. On worldwide basis, more than 15,500 species ae facing the threat of extinction. At present, 12% of the bird species, 23% of mammal species, 23% of mammal species, 32% of amphibian species and 31% of gymnosperm species are facing the threat of extinction in the world. Several endangered mammalian species are Panther a pandus (Leopard), Panthera leo persica (Lion), Presbytis pilaetus (capped langur) etc.