The official numbers released recently by the Brazilian government show a bleak statistical representation of species dynamics throughout the country. As opposed to 1989 numbers, when some 218 animals were classified as about to go extinct, the newest list, compared with data collected this year, shows that approximately 627 species are currently endangered.
 

The nation's Environment Minister Carlos Minc made the announcement on Tuesday, amidst consternation from the national and the international scientific communities. "Industry is expanding, agriculture is expanding, people are occupying protected areas and our conservation units do not have the protection needed," he explained.
 

The official blamed soya farmers and cattle growers for the terrible state of animal species in the country. He said that irresponsible deforestation in the Amazon caused severe imbalances in local ecosystems, which means that, if a species disappears, it also irretrievably affects other animals that depend on it for their survival.
 

Constantly-expanding fields for soya and pastures for cattle now occupy terrains once covered in lush rain forests, featuring an abundant diversity of both animal and plant species. Now, among the endangered species, the blue whale, the albatross and the northeastern uru – an animal resembling a wild chicken – can also be found.

 
On the bright side, some 79 species were removed from the list, as counts showed that their numbers had increased enough to merit the removal. Among these species are the pampas deer and the guara, a coyote-like creature. Minc said that the government would increase its efforts to stop illegal deforestation in the Amazon and will move for more reservations, where endangered species could grow to larger numbers.
 

He also said that exotic animals were extensively trafficked, and poachers sold them for great profit to people looking for something else but a dog or a cat as a pet. This phenomenon is quite widespread in Brazil and some of the animal species ended up as endangered because of it.