Abstract: " At least one in five vertebrate species on Earth are bought and sold on the wildlife market, according to a study. Scientists from universities in the US and UK, who jointly analysed data collated on a range of species, say they are "astounded" by the figure. They point out that it is about 50% higher than previous estimates. The wildlife trade - in the likes of horns, ivory and exotic pets - is the number one cause of animal extinction, tied only with land development. "The sheer diversity of species being traded is astounding - the risk that that will grow is very worrying," said Prof David Edwards of the University of Sheffield, a co-researcher on the study. The study, published in Science, identified hotspots for traded birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles in regions within the Andes mountain range and Amazon rainforest, sub-Saharan Africa, South East Asia and Australia."
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