One in four mammals faces extinction threat

At least 25-36 per cent of mammal species are facing the threat of extinction due to habitat deterioration, global warming, pollution and illegal trade in wildlife, according to a global study on mammals released on Monday.
    
The study, conducted by over 1800 scientists from 130 countries paints a gloomy picture for sensitive eco-systems, which include Western Ghats in India, tropical Andes and Cameroonian Highlands, where more than 79 per cent of the mammal species are under threat.
    
The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and the harp seal (Pagophilaos groenlandicus) are among the species facing threat due to climate change.
    
Depleting forest cover and pollution has adversely affected the habitat of over 40 per cent species.
    
The reducing number of mammals in south east Asia is being driven by illegal wildlife trade raising concern among global researchers.
    
"Curtail