Endangered Animal Species Increased by 49% in the Last Decade

The number of endangered animals is increasing over time. In the last decade, the number of endangered animals has increased by 49%.

Annually, the increase in the number of endangered animals ranges from 1.4% to 8.9%. The highest increase occurred in 2020 at 8.9%.

Based on species, there were 15,502 endangered species last year. 9,914 of these species are from the vertebrate group, consisting of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Meanwhile, there were 5,588 endangered invertebrate animals in 2020. Invertebrates include insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and corals.

The continuing increase in endangered animals is caused by various factors. Some of these are habitat destruction, climate change, industrial and agricultural pollution, and hydropower development in river dams, as quoted from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

In addition, forest degradation and deforestation threaten the existence of many species. Especially since over 80% of biodiversity is located there.

The reduction in forest quantity not only threatens various species. It also erodes the forest's ability to perform its role, such as providing clean air and water, and fertile soil.