The Unfolding Story of Extinction
Crocodilians were once abundant in many tropical waters around the world. Crocodiles, along with their relatives the alligators, caimans, and gavials, are ancient animals that walked the Earth alongside the dinosaurs. Throughout history, crocodiles, including the dwarf crocodile have been both feared and respected by people. The ancient Egyptians believed crocodiles were a river god that had to be appeased by the annual sacrifice of a beautiful virgin [Read more…] about This is a second post
t is estimated there are 8–10 million species on Earth. Of these, around two million have been formally described which, in simple terms means these species have been discovered, have been shown to be different from other species previously described and have been given a unique scientific name. These are the scientifically named species.
Of these two million named species, over 120,000 have been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature for their Red List of Threatened Species. A list which is commonly referred to as the IUCN Red List. The Red List was established in 1964 by the IUCN and is generally recognized as the most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of plant, animal and fungi species. According to the IUCN website, the IUCN Red List is updated at least twice each year.
The IUCN Red List divides the status of species into nine categories: