Animals and Insects

A Majority Of The World's Largest Animals Could Be Extinct By 2100

A team of conservation biologists highlighted the risk for large animals and the effects on the ecosystem.

A Majority Of The World's Largest Animals Could Be Extinct By 2100
Getty Images / Tim Boyle
SMS

A majority of the world's largest animals could be extinct by 2100. 

Researchers say roughly 60 percent of large carnivores and herbivores are currently at risk. 

The situation is especially alarming in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

Overhunting and poaching are huge problems, but the growth in the human population and its increased land use are contributors, as well. 

SEE MORE: Kenya Says Its Plan To Burn 105 Tons Of Ivory Will Protect Elephants

When people eliminate large animals, they also eliminate their positive effects on the ecosystem. 

A team of conservation biologists says the threat can still be reversed. 

But they wrote last week it'll take significant social, political and financial commitments across the world. 

This video includes clips from World Wildlife FundCCTVBBCCNN and National Geographic. Music provided courtesy of Chris Zabriske / CC BY 3.0.