TVNZ/NZPA: 3000 species near extinction, call for tougher laws

Massey scientist Mark Seabrook-Davison says that almost 3,000 species in New Zealand are severely threatened, and feels that current conservation efforts are failing.

Instead, he is calling for tougher conservation laws and a coordinated national strategy.

An excerpt: (read in full here)

“The white heron, Bryde’s whale, Maud Island frog, New Zealand falcon and 23 species of land snail could all disappear, said Seabrook-Davison, who will receive his PhD.

“The number has soared from 92 species identified in 1981, and 197 in 1986, since more accurate assessment methods have been made available, he said.”