Here is a breakdown of the number of threatened marine species by taxonomic groups, as reported by the IUCN Red List:
1) Mammals: There are 135 marine mammal species listed as threatened, including whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and manatees.
2) Birds: 277 marine bird species are facing the risk of extinction, including seabirds, penguins, and albatrosses.
3) Reptiles: There are 114 threatened marine reptile species, including sea turtles, marine iguanas, and saltwater crocodiles.
4) Sharks and Rays: A total of 585 shark and ray species are considered endangered or critically endangered, making these groups among the most at-risk marine animals.
5) Fish: The number of threatened marine fish species is significant, with 2,415 species classified as endangered or critically endangered. This includes various species of bony fish and cartilaginous fish.
6) Invertebrates: Among invertebrates, there are 1,841 marine species listed as threatened, including corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms.
It's worth noting that the IUCN Red List is constantly updated as new information becomes available. Therefore, the exact number of endangered marine species may change over time. Additionally, some species may be more critically endangered than others, and some populations may be more severely affected than others within a species.
The number of endangered marine species highlights the urgent need for conservation actions to protect these vulnerable species and their habitats. Addressing threats such as overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change is essential to ensure the long-term survival of marine biodiversity.