Of course, the laws of nature say certain species are, inevitably and simply, not fit enough to survive. However, the study says human activity has increased extinction by 100-1000 times the natural rate.

Alliance for Zero Extinction conducted the study. The AZE is a fifty-two member group lobbying for the safeguarding of 594 sites, many of which are in the Caribbean and South America. Most are surrounded by human development with a population more than three times the international average. Only a third of these places are protected by law.

Human invasion of and infrastructure built in these species' habitats are the primarily to blame, as development takes over potential habitat and often cuts off species from food sources.

Over-hunting, increased pollution levels, the introduction of new predators and climate change are also at the root of the dwindling numbers.