The decline highlighted "the impact mankind is having upon life on earth," the IUCN said in the report, which provides a measure of the road towards an international target of significantly reducing biodiversity loss by 2010.
Steiner said positive action of the kind that has helped the Mekong Catfish in South-east Asia, Indian vultures and the white tailed eagle in Europe could make a difference.
"Biodiversity cannot be saved by environmentalists alone — it must become the responsibility of everyone with the power and resources to act," he explained. "To succeed on a global scale, we need new alliances across all sectors of society."
A total of 40,177 species are assessed in the IUCN Red List.
Name: Hippopotamus, aka Hippo (
Hippopotamus amphibius)
Primary Classification: Hippopotamidae (Hippopotamus)
Location: Sub-Saharan Africa.
Habitat: Deep freshwater lakes or rivers with adjacent reed beds and grasslands.
Diet: Mainly terrestrial grasses.
Size: Up to 13 ft in length and 3.5 tons in weight.
Description: Muddy to grayish-brown color on top; light pink color underneath; massive, rotund body with short, stubby legs; protruding eyes and nostrils; very large mouth.
Cool Facts: It is the third largest living land animal, but is extremely buoyant and graceful in the water. It secretes a pinkish colored oil that protects its skin from the sun and helps keep it moist. Its canines can grow to 28 inches long and its mouth can open 4 feet wide.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Major Threat: Hunting and habitat loss.
What Can I Do?: Visit the
African Wildlife Foundation for information on how you can help.
