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       October 16, 2007

(CNN Student News) -- October 16, 2007 Planet in Peril LLOYD: Switching gears now, from a pricey performance to a Planet in Peril. That's the name of CNN's worldwide investigation into some of the major environmental issues facing our world. One of the topics it examines is species loss. Every day, more than 70 species vanish from the Earth. Carl Azuz looks at some of the causes of the issue. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) AZUZ: If you're looking at a tiger, you're probably at the zoo. But if you want to catch a glimpse of one in its natural environment, you better hurry. Every species of the large cat is endangered. JEFF CORWIN, ANIMAL PLANET HOST: In Cambodia, there's at least 40 endangered, critically endangered, species of mammals. And here's one, if you look at it, face to face, a perfect example of a creature in peril. AZUZ: At the start of the 20th century, the global tiger population was estimated to be about 100,000. But by the end of the century, fewer than 8,000 remained in the wild. And tigers have a lot of company on the Endangered Species list. More than 1,100 types of animals, including monkeys and elephants, are classified as endangered or threatened. Getting a spot on the list means legal protection from harm. But it also means being in danger of extinction. So why do species get classified as endangered? Disease is one answer. So is overuse for commercial reasons. But the biggest threat might be humans, who keep destroying their habitats. It's a problem the three-toed sloth is facing in Brazil. CORWIN: Today, there's over 700,000 people living in Manaus. And as the human population increases, it's creatures like this that pay the price. AZUZ: Since the Endangered list was established, nine animal species on it have gone extinct. But the populations of another 20 have recovered enough that they're no longer considered endangered. But we're the ones who will determine which way the trend goes. Carl Azuz, CNN. (END VIDEO CLIP) Planet in Peril I-Report Promo LLOYD: Now it's your chance to be on TV, with a Planet in Peril I-Report! This is as easy as putting something on YouTube, which many of you already know how to do. Just make a quick video of your questions for Anderson Cooper or Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and you could see it and hear it answered on our show! The I-Report link is on our front page: CNNStudentNews.com. Fast Facts JOHN LORINC, CNN STUDENT NEWS: Time for some Fast Facts! The World Conservation Union uses the term "threatened" to describe species that are vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered. The organization notes that more than 16,000 species are threatened. This includes almost 8,000 species of animals and more than 8,000 species of plants! The World Conservation Union also says that roughly one in eight species of birds, one in four mammals and one in three amphibians are threatened.