The Growing Risk of Invertebrate Extinction

“One Fifth of Invertebrate Species at Risk of Extinction”

By Brendan Borell

ScientificAmerican.com

Freshwater Snail

                Recent studies conducted by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) have concluded that 1 out of every 5 invertebrate species are at risk of becoming extinct. These spineless animals account for an estimated 99% of the Earth’s biodiversity, but les that 1% of them have been evaluated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which decides which animals are considered threatened or endangered. The “Red List” of endangered species tends to be “biased towards larger, more charismatic species,” according to Ben Collen, an expert in biodiversity from the ZSL Institute of Zoology. In order to examine the biodiversity of invertebrates, Collen and his team examined 12,000 species from 4 taxonomic groups in order to determine which are threatened. His studies have concluded that freshwater invertebrates, like crabs and snails are the most threatened. It is estimated that 34% of these freshwater organism are in great danger, with more than half of the freshwater slug and snail species facing extinction. In addition, saltwater invertebrates are also becoming endangered because of climate change, with causes higher acidic levels in the water and coral bleaching. In general, Collen has concluded that “habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species [represent] the biggest treats to invertebrate diversity around the world.”

                This recent study demonstrates the rising issues of fading biodiversity all over the world. If we don’t take action soon, many invertebrate species will face extinction, upsetting food chains all over the world and creating serious environmental issues. The loss of even a single species in an ecosystem can have catastrophic effect, tampering with the fragile energy pyramid, setting off a chain reaction that leads to the endangerment of other species, invertebrate and vertebrate alike. We need to start making more conservational efforts towards preserving ecosystems and protecting biodiversity, before it is too late. This can be done through preventing pollution and habitat destruction, while enforcing laws preventing the introduction of invasive species to non-native ecosystems. In conclusion, the threat of invertebrate extinction exemplifies the growing issue disappearing biodiversity worldwide and shows that immediate action is needed to prevent it.