EDGE of Existence

Scientists have launched a bid to save some of the world's rarest and most neglected creatures from extinction.

With an initial list of just 10 - including a venomous shrew-like creature, an egg-laying mammal and the world's smallest bat - the program will give last ditch conservation aid where to date there has been little or none.

"We are focusing on EDGE species - that means they are Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered," said Zoological Society of London scientist Jonathan Baillie.

"These are one-of-a-kind species.

"If they are lost there is nothing similar to them left on the planet.

"It would be a bit like the art world losing the Mona Lisa - they are simply irreplaceable."

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