In a move endorsed by the U.N. General Assembly, in 2002 more than 190 countries committed to achieve a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010.

But natural habitats in most parts of the world are shrinking and nearly a quarter of plant species are estimated to be threatened with extinction, noted the report.

The report said climate change, pollution, habitat change, overexploitation and invasive alien species were the five main drivers of biodiversity loss and warned the provision of food, medicine, fresh water and crop pollination could be at risk.

The report, based on the work of 110 national reports, also highlighted areas where the 2010 target resulted in concrete actions.