Flagstaff, AZ (WFN) -- Food is getting its own version of the Endangered Species list -- an index of 700 North American edible plants and animals that are on the verge of extinction.

A coalition including sustainable agriculture experts and food lovers has compiled the first-ever "Redlist" of at-risk vittles in a new book, "Renewing America's Food Traditions" (CSE Publications).

One of the most endangered foods is an oily river fish from the Pacific Northwest called the Eulachon smelt. Native Americans have long used the smelt's oil for lighting, and if you stick a wick into the dried fish, you can use it like a candle.

Also at risk is the Marshall Strawberry, which was once considered the tastiest strawberry in America, but now survives only in the form of a single clone at a U.S. Department of Agriculture lab.

Redlist research associate Ashley Rood says its important that humans save these foods from extinction for several reasons -- most importantly, because they taste really great.

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