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The Rise of Concern
The concern for endangered species started rising in 1963 when the International Union for Conservation of Nature released its first "Red List of Threatened Species." This list contains the most comprehensive data about species on the verge of extinction. The list provides specific distinctions on categorizing endangered species. The IUCN gives three distinctions for endangered species: Vulnerable, Endangered and Critically Endangered. The latest IUCN Red List, released in 2008, shows that even though measures are being taken to preserve life forms in forests, the list of endangered species is still growing.
Diversity of Endangered Species
Land-based animals, such as certain species of tigers, orangutans and monkeys, are some of the animals endangered today. However, almost all types of life forms in forests are being threatened by human activities. The 2008 Red List states that 21 percent of mammals, 28 percent of reptiles, 30 percent of known amphibians, 35 percent of invertebrates, 37 percent of freshwater fishes, 12 percent of known birds, and 70 percent of plants are threatened by extinction.
Continuing Threats
Forests house about 70 percent of all the species of land animals and plants. Because of continual deforestation, these species sometimes lose their natural habitats. About 30 percent of the world's land area is still covered by forests, but it's starting to dwindle each year. Logging and agriculture are the most common reasons for deforestation.
The creation of dams and other human infrastructure in forest areas results in the fragmentation of the population of the species. This fragmentation inhibits species from reproducing properly and also makes them more susceptible to diseases and genetic complications. Aside from habitat loss and fragmentation, forest species also become endangered due to climate change, pollution and illegal trade and poaching.
Developing Countries and Rainforests
Endangered species in forests are usually found in rainforest countries, where the biodiversity is rich and usually concentrated within dense areas. When these areas are threatened by deforestation and other destructive human activities, many species can be threatened with extinction. Most rainforest countries are still under economic development and wildlife conservation efforts are often neglected to make way for economic progress.