The number of endangered animal and plant species is increasing

In most OECD countries, the number of animal and plant species identified as endangered is increasing, particularly in countries with a high population density, and a high level of concentration of human activities. Birds are on average more threatened than plants and mammals.

Number of threatened mammal species expressed as percentage of total known species. The threatened category refers to critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable species, that is those plants and animals that are in danger of extinction or likely soon to be (for further information, see the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3.1, Second edition).

See also: Biodiversity and the economic response to COVID-19: Ensuring a green and resilient recovery