A tissue bank that will store genetic material from thousands of endangered animals has been set up in the UK. The Frozen Ark, as it is called, will preserve animal "life codes" even after their species have become extinct. This will allow future generations of scientists to understand long lost creatures, and may also help with the conservation programmes of tomorrow. The project is supported by the Natural History Museum, the Zoological Society of London and Nottingham University. Scientists believe animals may be disappearing from our planet at a very high rate. Some even refer to this plunge in biodiversity as the Earth's "sixth mass extinction". Over the next 30 years, perhaps a quarter of all known mammals and a tenth of all recorded bird species could die out - as result of rapid climate change and habitat loss.

A multitude of less charismatic insects, worms and spiders are also said to be teetering on the edge. "Many people don't understand the current threat to biodiversity we face today," said the project patron Sir Crispin Tickell, of Oxford University. "Extinctions today probably equal the last five great extinctions.

View: Full Article | Source: BBC News

Having a huge debate about this one on another forum. Needless to say, alot of "It's not effecting us, why should we care" types have chimed in.

I think it is a good idea to run with untill we learn a way to better live with the rest of the life on this planet.

Similar article posted here: CLICKER

I think its nice that they are getting ready for these animals coming extinction , what I want to know is why can't we all work together to save these animals now. With all the money that is shelled out on wars and such, think of the good that could be done to help the planet and animals if we had that money

It's sad really I really don't want to see many goregous, animals die off, maybe collecting their DNA might help the scientists.