Prabhupada indicated once that the scripture settles the matter. How we can count all the species? Impossible! But the scripture tells exactly, so we can understand nicely. Yes, it is a matter of how envious we become, to lose the human form and maybe have to go all the way down to an indra gopa germ (one celled living being.) Then we have to come back up one species at a time, until we have the human form again and can transfer to the spiritual world. If we don't use the human form for its real purpose (self realization) then we can lose it again and again. This is the greatest danger, to lose the human form which is our opportunity for going back home, back to Godhead. By associating with devotees and even by taking prasad, we are guaranteed of at least a human body in the next lifetime. The human form is a tool for conquering lust, greed and anger forever, but if we simply use it for more sense gratification, then we are wasting our time.
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If we were to try to count each and every specie that exists on this planet, we would have a very difficult time of it, even with the latest precision gadgets and equipment. So we accept the conclusion of the shastra that there are 8 million and 400 thousand different species, including human, animal, bird, plant, fish, reptile and germ. Thus, by accepting the conclusion of shastra, we don't have to waste valuable time in mental speculation, and can progress gradually, step by step, on the spiritual path of back to homer, back to Godhead.
What is the most wonderful thing? The most wonderful thing is that we think we are going to live forever in this bodily identification. It is wonderful because it is a wonder that anyone can accept this idea. This idea is so foolish because everyone is bound to die (or rather the body dies).