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One to Six Species become Xtinct Every Hour |
The Problem: We share the Earth with between five and 30 million other species of animals and plants. About half of all species live in the tropical forests that grow near the equator on about 6% of the total land surface. From 500,000 to five million species live in the oceans. We rely on many of these species for food, clothing, shelter, medicines and a wide variety of commercial products. Scientists estimate that between one and six species become extinct every hour.
The Cause: The loss or alteration of natural habitats is a major cause of species extinction. Tropical deforestation continues at a rate of about 100,000 acres per day. Forests are cleared to produce timber, fuelwood and agricultural lands. In the United States, 1.3 million acres are converted from rural lands to urban developments each year. Although most of the converted rural lands were croplands, fragmentation of adjacent ecosystems endangers populations of plants and animals. Almost half of the United States' commercial fish stocks are overfished or are endangered because of alterations of their coastal breeding habitats.
You Can Help: Put less pressure on natural habitats, plants and animals by consuming fewer resources. Become aware of which species are in danger and avoid contributing to their overexploitation.
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