A comprehensive Global Mammal Assessment in 2008 implemented for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species^TM revealed that Southeast Asia had by far the highest concentration of species on the edge of extinction of any largely continental region in the world.

Similarly worrying patterns emerged in the illegal trade for reptiles in the region, indicating that there has been an explosion in urban markets for wildlife meat and medicinal products over the last few decades.

ASAP is an emergency call to bring together conservation organizations in an effort to focus attention on a region that, without further intervention and immediate action, is likely to see the demise of much of its unique biodiversity.