A drive to protect some of the world's most bizarre and unusual animals that are often forgotten by conservation programmes is being launched. The 100 species targeted include the Bumblebee bat and the Golden-rumped elephant shrew. The project, called EDGE, which stands for Evolutionary, Distinct and Globally Endangered, is the brainchild of the Zoological Society of London.
EDGE animals are those with few close relatives and are highly distinct genetically. Over two-thirds are receiving little or no conservation attention and the project aims to stop them sliding unnoticed towards extinction. Dr Jonathan Baillie, the ZSL scientist leading the project, said: "This is the first global-scale programme specifically developed to focus on these one-of-a-kind and highly-threatened animals."
"We will be working to protect some of the world's most extraordinary species, including giant venomous shrew-like creatures, matchbox-sized bats and egg-laying mammals, all of which are teetering on the edge of extinction."
In the gallery below we've taken a look at ten of the 100 species targeted by the EDGE conservation programme. For more information on the 100 species and to find out how you can get involved, visit the EDGE website today.
Visit the edge website
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More about the EDGE
For more information including video footage, images and reports direct from the field, visit the EDGE website today.
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