BEIJING, May 22 -- Vertebrates in China face a higher risk of extinction than the world's average level, warned the Ministry of Environmental Protection Friday.

The evaluation is based on the situation of the 4,357 known vertebrate species in China, said a ministry statement.

With 11 percent of plants and 21.4 percent of vertebrates in China endangered, the situation is grave.

Biodiversity in China has deteriorated in recent years and it is a difficult task to arrest the process, said Minister of Environmental Protection Chen Jining, at a gathering marking International Biodiversity Day.

A 35-clause guideline for eco-friendly development was issued by the State Council earlier this month, making protection of biodiversity easier, he said.

Chinese government has an action plan from 2011 to 2030 on the protection of biodiversity.