It is estimated that the current rate of extinction is approximately 1000 times faster than the natural rate. This a huge increase and one which is almost entirely caused by humans. As our species become extinct, our biodiversity is reduced. According to WWF biodiversity has declined by a quarter in the last 35 years. Below is a list of five animals which have all been pushed to the brink of extinction and now all only survive as a single viable population occupying just a fraction of their historic range. These animals visually represent just how widespread and severe extinction is becoming. Biodiversity is essential to maintaining the health of the planet and therefore has a direct impact on our survival as a species