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~*Facts*~
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According to scientists, more than one and one-half million
species exist on the earth today. However, recent estimates
state that at least 20 times that many species inhabit the planet. |
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In the United States, 735 species of plants and 496 species
of animals are listed as threatened or endangered.
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266 of these listed species have recovery plans currently under
development.
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There are more than 1,000 animal species endangered
worldwide.
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There are more than 3,500 protected areas in existence
worldwide. These areas include parks, wildlife refuges and
other reserves. They cover a total of nearly 2 million square miles (5 million square km), or 3% of our total land area. |
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Aquatic species, which are often overlooked, are facing
serious trouble. One third of the United StatesŐ fish
species, two-thirds of its crayfish species, and almost three-quarters of its mussel species are in trouble. |
