Wildlife trade driving species extinction

At least one in five vertebrate species on Earth is bought and sold on the wildlife market, according to a new study, the trade for which is 40-60% higher than previously estimated


High demand for wildlife products and pets has driven birds like Bali Myna to brink of extinction


TOTAL VERTEBRATES
31,745 species

18%
5,579 species traded
Study predicts that future trade will affect up to 3,196 additional species


BIRDS
10,278 species
23%
2,345

MAMMALS
5,420 species
27%
1,441

REPTILES
9,563 species
12%
1,184

AMPHIBIANS
6,484 species
9%
609


THREAT STATUS
Traded animals are in higher categories of threat compared with non-traded species, confirming wildlife trade as driver of extinction


Data Deficient* 
Least Concern 
Near Threatened 
Vulnerable 
Endangered 
Critically Endangered
	10% 30% 50% 70% 90% 
	Species traded


*IUCN threat status codes


Source: Science Magazine 
Picture: Associated Press 
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