Earth has known 5 large scale extinctions of species. It is reported by conservationists we are currently loosing species at the highest rate since the loss of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.
This wild animal loss is not only a story of iconic species. As much as 30 to 50 percent of all species are reported to possibly disappear by mid-century. In certain categories, by 2020, 67% of wild animals can disappear.
The fact so much of nature is reported to be lost and the suggested continued trend invite for new grand scale paradigm shifts in approaching this.
References
Chivian, A. Bernstein eds. Sustaining life: How our Health depends on biodiversity. Center for health and the global environment. Oxford University Press, New York. 2008
P.M. Vitousek, H. A. Mooney, J. Lubchenco, and J. M. Melillo. 1997. Human Domination of Earth’s Ecosystems. Science 277 (5325): 494–499.