South African red data book - Terrestrial mammals

Abstract

Currently, 243 species of terrestrial wild mammals are known to occur in the Republic of South Africa. Using the well established IUCN definitions, 42 of these may be considered as exposed to some level of threat of extinction. Three species are listed as Endangered, 14 Vulnerable and 25 in the category Rare. In addition there are two species that have become extinct and one that has become extinct locally, although still occurring in countries to the north. A further two species are recorded in the category ‘out of danger’, having previously been listed in one of the three threatened categories. Information on these species is provided under a list 12 headings as a comprehensive summary of their conservation status. Information of a more limited nature is provided for a further 45 species which due to lack of data are listed as indeterminate. Brief syntheses on various aspects of mammal conservation are provided together with a comprehensive bibliography