Researchers from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature from Gland, Switzerland, have recently announced their estimate that one in four mammals is threatened by extinction, while one in two are facing decling populations. The estimate that hundreds of species could be lost in our own lifetime. Primates, they say, are in particular danger, as they are used for bush meat in Africa, and also face habitat loss in Southeast Asia. Deforestation, hunting, climate change and accidental death by fisheries are other significant causes of animal death. Nearly 17,000 species are on the threatened list.

Sad. It's time we start making a concerted effort to protect animals as the world's population grows. We need to consider animal welfare as we build and thrive in our own lives.