By Maukh Saha / Truth Theory: If you have watched Les Misérables or at least heard the songs, you probably have ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ etched in your heart. Now, imagine that haunting rendition being sung by all the endangered species of the world. 

We're entering the Earth's sixth era of extinction -- and it's the first time humans are to blame. CNN introduces you to the key species and people who are trying to prevent them from vanishing.

A new UN report reveals the extent to which mankind is changing life on Earth. Written by an international panel of experts, it concludes that nearly a quarter of animal and plant groups are at risk of extinction, some within decades. William Brangham talks to one of the report’s authors, the National University of Mexico's Patricia Balvanera, about what’s driving the changes and how to stop them.

Lemurs eat way less fruit than most other primates, and scientists have a new hypothesis as to why: the fruit on Madagascar, where the lemurs live, is unusually low in protein. Scientists posit that the evolution of unusual dietary behaviors in lemurs, from leaf-eating to hibernating, is tied to fruit quality.

The aim: Finding a decent solution for the washouts of the African Grey Parrot pet industry in South Africa, a new home for ex-pet African Grey Parrots.

The Touch a Monkey’s Heart Foundation (TAMHF) sanctuaries – named Monkeyland and Birds of Eden – provide the primates and birds who live there with a stable environment, one with permanence and where there is definitely no exploitation.

Bird species at Birds of Eden, Plettenberg Bay.

A small furry creature huddles close to a tree branch on the edge of the forest. Its large, globular eyes are shut (it’s daytime, and so now it sleeps); its strong hands and arms hold firm even as it slumbers.

Researchers call it “stink flirting.” A male ringtailed lemur rubs his signature scent onto his long, fluffy tail, then waves it over his head in the direction of a nearby female. Males seem to intend this gesture as a sexual overture. But it often gets them into fights - with lemurs of both sexes. In fact, scientists aren’t sure stink flirting helps male lemurs at all.

Bamboo growth cycles and the lemurs’ dietary needs are increasingly out of sync.

Even though it is already the most endangered primate in the world, the greater bamboo lemur just can’t catch a break. Climate change is starving out this Madagascar native