Having compiled the 100 most threatened species on the planet, IUCN and the Zoological Society of London have issued a report addressing the conservation importance of those species considered "worthless." The report notes that the decline of some of the species is mainly caused by humans, and their extinction can still be avoided if conservation efforts are enacted.
11 September 2012: More than 8,000 scientists from the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC) have compiled a list of the 100 most threatened animals, plants and fungi on the planet. Their report, titled “Priceless or Worthless?” was released with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) during the IUCN World Conservation Congress.
The report notes that the decline of some of the species is mainly caused by humans, and their extinction can still be avoided if conservation efforts are enacted.
The 100 species come from 48 different countries, and include: the pygmy three-toed sloth; the saola, which is also known as the Asian unicorn because of its rarity; the willow blister; and the spore-shooting fungi. [IUCN Press Release] [Publication: Priceless or Worthless?]