 Terrestrial mammals are facing a global crisis due to overhunting for food and medicine. This hunting is occurring primarily in developing countries, where it is exacerbated by other factors like deforestation, agriculture and human encroachment. If left unchecked, this hunting could lead to the extinction of up to 301 species of mammals, which would have devastating effects on both ecology and economics. To prevent this catastrophic outcome, we must take action now to protect these species. We need to implement strategies to reduce hunting pressure, improve law enforcement and increase public awareness about the importance of conserving these species. Failure to do so could result in a collapse of food security for hundreds of millions of people. This article was authored by William J. Ripple, Catherine Abernethy, Matthew G. Betts and others.