Endangered species

With almost 5000 island and islets, the Mediterranean comprises one of the largest groups of islands in the world. With its wealth of species, high degree of endemism, long history and tolerance of all kinds of disruptions, it is of extremely high value to global biodiversity. However, over the last few decades, major socio-economic changes have increased the negative impact of human activity in the region and today, the islands are extremely vulnerable.

Increasing demands on the world's natural resources pose a serious threat to palm biodiversity. This action plan identifies the most threatened palm species in order to present recommendations for conservation measures that cater to their specific requirements, and to provide strategic guidelines for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of the many palms that provide food, construction material, and an important source of revenue for many people.

This action plan chronicles the threats faced by wild orchids, but more importantly to critical habitats that host extraordinarily high orchid diversity and endemicity. It explores and recommends specific ways that national and local government, legislators, scientists and orchid conservationists as well as growers can all help to reverse present trends.

The cranes are among the most ancient and distinctive families of birds on earth, yet they are among the world's most threatened groups of birds. This action plan describes the many different sorts of threats facing cranes especially as they migrate through different countries, and the many solutions that have been attempted to overcome them.

Effective habitat conservation is essential if wild populations of primates are to survive. This revised edition of the African Primate Action Plan (1986) provides a summary review of progress on projects originally recommended and gives recommendations for new projects in areas and on populations not previously included

The trade in seahorses, both dead and alive, includes many millions of seahorses each year and involves at least 32 countries and territories. This report provides a global overview of the trade, with particular emphasis on mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Rhinoceros unicornis, is found only in nine protected areas in Nepal and India. Fewer that 2,000 continue to exist in the wild. This report presents information on the status of this rhinoceros in India, documenting populations, poaching, and the trade in and use of rhinoceros horn.

This Action Plan highlights the biological importance of these species, reviews current knowledge, and identifies those at risk and the causes, critical areas for conservation, and specific conservation projects.