1. LIVING THINGS Endangered Species

2. Thailand survivor The annual Red List of species threatened with extinction has been published by IUCN-The World Conservation Union. The list now has more than 12,000 entries. Pictured is Cycas Tansachana, a critically endangered cycad known only from limestone outcrops near Saraburi, Thailand. Photo by John Donaldson

3. Endangered Species African rabbit The riverine rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis) is assessed as critically endangered. The species is found only in the central Karoo region of South Africa and the current population is estimated to be fewer than 250 breeding pairs. It faces direct threats from trapping, feral cats and dogs, and hunting. Photo by Andrew Duthie

4. Endangered Species L ost cycad Wood’s cycad (Encephalartos woodii) is extinct in the wild. Only a single plant of this species was ever found. In 1916 the last remaining stem was removed for cultivation in botanical gardens. Photo by John Donaldson

5. Endangered Species Pacific whale The Northwest Pacific (Asia) gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) stock is classed as critically endangered. There are thought to be less than 50 reproductive individuals. This subpopulation was hunted to near extinction. Photo by David Weller

6. Endangered Species Galapagos snail Bulimulus ochsneri is one of the many threatened terrestrial snails from the Galapagos Islands. Listed as critically endangered, it is endemic to Santa Cruz. Farming, road and house construction have taken their toll on the snail's habitat. Photo by Christine Parent

7. Endangered Species Roadside Shrub The shrub Centropogon erythraeus is endangered, based on its restricted range and decline in Ecuador. It is known from two subpopulations in the southern Andes. It is seen by the roadside. Photo by Suzanna Leon-Yanez

8. Endangered Species Largest seabirds The black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophrys) moved from vulnerable in 2001 to endangered in 2003. All 21 species of albatross are now identified as globally threatened (compared with just three in 1996 and 19 in 2000). Significant numbers are drowning after being caught accidentally on baited longline hooks. Photo by Tony Palliser

9. Endangered Species Golden bamboo lemur The golden bamboo lemur was first described by Western science in 1987. It is known to occur in a few small patches of rainforest near the south eastern coast of Madagascar, including Ranomafana National Park and Andringitra Nature Reserve. The golden bamboo lemur is threatened by the continued loss of its forest habitat due to slash-and-burn agriculture.

10. Canadian lichen Boreal felt lichen (Erioderma pedicellatum) is critically endangered. The only remaining populations are in Canada where they have suffered a major decline. Habitat destruction through logging and air pollution is the major threat to the lichen's survival. Photo by Christoph Scheidegger

11. Endangered Species Canadian lichen Boreal felt lichen (Erioderma pedicellatum) is critically endangered. Lichens act as indicators of air pollution which is one of the causes of respiratory diseases such as asthma. Photo by Christoph Scheidegger

12. Endangered Species Roadside Shrub The shrub Centropogon erythraeus is endangered, based on its restricted range and decline in Ecuador. Roadside shrubs contain chemicals which are useful to make drugs e.g. the heart drug ‘digitalis’ comes from the foxglove plant. Foxglove (Deadly Night Shade)

13. Endangered Species Thailand survivor Pictured is Cycas Tansachana, a critically endangered cycad known only from limestone outcrops near Saraburi, Thailand. Most drugs come from plants e.g. antibiotics come from moulds, Aspirin comes from the bark of the willow tree, (anti-inflammatory drugs) Painkillers come from poppies And anti-cancer drugs come from trees found in the rain forests.

14. In ancient times, the city of Tyre produced dyes from two basic families of snails, the murex and the purpura. Endangered Species Galapagos snail Bulimulus ochsneri is one of the many threatened terrestrial snails from the Galapagos Islands. Snails produce dyes which can be used to colour clothes Photo by Christine Parent Alexander the great is supposed to have deceived the Persians into thinking that his army was wounded, by sprinkling his soldiers with a red dye, probably madder juice, which contains the dye alizarin. The dark blue indigo dye has been known for over 4000 years. When Romans invaded England, they found that the country was inhabited by the ancient people called Picts. They both tattooed and painted themselves with indigo. Latin meaning of Briton is painted men.

15. Endangered Species Golden bamboo lemur The golden bamboo lemur was first described by Western science in 1987. Monkeys and other primates are used in medical research to help test drugs used on humans

16. Mice Mice are used in medical research to help test drugs used on humans

17. Biodiversity ‘the total of all kinds of living things found on the Earth’

18. Biodiversity The bigger the number of different kinds of life the better for us all. A high biodiversity is important because; Many species have useful features e.g. the ability to tolerate (put up with or survive) disease or drought, Many species provide us with useful products e.g. fuels, medicines and raw materials.

19. Endangered Species Biodiversity Q. What plants or animals are important to the survival of humans? Species that are not well adapted to their environment will eventually become extinct ! Answer. ALL !

20. Endangered Species Biodiversity Wildlife reserves Protect ecosystems Captive breeding Rare breed farms or zoos Gene BanksSeeds and sex cells of rare or threatened species are stored under Ways to preserve as many species as possible controlled conditions for use in future breeding programmes