Bush Heritage Chief Conservation Officer Nicki Markus said the IUCN Red List is a sad list of species in dire straits

Barcelona, Spain, 6 October, 2008 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

The most comprehensive assessment of the world’s mammals has confirmed an extinction crisis, with almost one in four at risk of disappearing forever, according to The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, revealed at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Barcelona.

Almost 800 Australian plants and animals are listed as threatened, according to an international audit that experts say reveals a sad list of species in dire straits.

Dr Nicola Markus, the Chief Conservation Officer for Bush Heritage Australia, said few species currently being monitored were safe.
"Once again a sad list of species is in dire straits," Dr Markus said of the Red List.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges.