Report highlights risk of species extinction in Bolivia

LA PAZ, Bolivia, June 3 (UPI) -- Nearly 70 animal species in Bolivia are in danger of extinction due to illegal hunting, deforestation and pollution, environmentalists say.

Among the 68 species under threat are the Andean mountain cat, the giant otter, deer and macaws, the report prepared by the Environmental Defense League said.

The private environmental group said poor enforcement of protection laws was to blame and and called on the Bolivian government to take serious actions against poaching and animal trafficking, Xinhua news agency reported.

The country's 22 protected areas, home to 70 percent of Bolivia's flora and fauna, have all been affected by human development and exploitation of natural resources, the EDL said.

In addition to the 68 species at risk of extinction, 314 additional species face threats, including the condor, harpy eagle, hyacinth macaw, black caiman and spider monkeys, the report said.