The study points to the importance of considering trade of marine animals and differences between terrestrial and marine animals when it comes to conservation. Photo: ReutersWashington: Large animals hunted for their parts — such as elephant ivory and shark fins — are in double jeopardy of extinction due to their large body size and high value, according to a new study. An individual whale shark, for example, is about as valuable as the most valuable terrestrial species: rhinoceroses and tigers. The study shows underappreciated risk to marine species similar to that of iconic terrestrial species, but elevated by key differences in the sea. They estimated the value of these species across three points of sale and explored the relationships among extinction risk, value and body size.

Source: Mint June 10, 2016 10:54 UTC