Endangered Species

What are Endangered Species?

Rare, endangered, or threatened plants and animals are elements of our natural heritage that are declining rapidly or are on the verge of vanishing.

They are plants and animals that exist in small numbers that may be lost forever if we do not take quick action to stop their decline.

Top 10 most endangered species

1. Black Rhino2. Giant Panda3. Tiger4. Beluga sturgeon5. Goldenseal6. Alligator snapping Turtle7. Hawksbill Turtle8. Big leaf mahogany9. Green Cheeked Parrot10.Mako Shark

Causes of Endangerment

Habitat DestructionOur planet is continually changing, causing habitats to be altered and modified. Natural changes tend to occur at a gradual pace, usually causing only a slight impact on individual species.

However, when changes occur at a fast pace, there is little or no time for individual species to react and adjust to new circumstances.

Introduction of Exotic SpeciesExotic species are interlopers. These species are introduced into new environments by way of human activities, either intentionally or accidentally.

These interlopers are viewed by the native species as foreign elements.

OverexploitationA species that faces overexploitation is one that may become severely endangered or even extinct due to the rate in which the species is being used.

Unrestricted whaling during the 20th century is an example of overexploitation, and the whaling industry brought many species of whales to extremely low population sizes.

More FactorsDisease, pollution, and limited distribution are more factors that threaten various plant and animal species.

If a species does not have the natural genetic protection against particular pathogens, an introduced disease can have severe effects on that specie.

Why Save Endangered Species?

MedicinalPlants and animals are responsible for a variety of useful medications.

In fact, about forty percent of all prescriptions written today are composed from the natural compounds of different species.

AgriculturalThere are an estimated 80,000 edible plants in the world. Humans depend upon only 20 species of these plants, such as wheat and corn, to provide 90% of the world's food.

They also provide humans with the means to develop new crops that can grow in inadequate lands such as in poor soils or drought-stricken areas to help solve the world hunger problem.

EcologicalPlant and animal species are the foundation of healthy ecosystems.

Humans depend on ecosystems such as coastal estuaries, prairie grasslands, and ancient forests to purify their air, clean their water, and supply them with food.

When species become endangered, it is an indicator that the health of these vital ecosystems is beginning to unravel.

CommercialVarious wild species are commercially raised, directly contributing to local and regional economies.

Commercial and recreational salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest provides 60,000 jobs and $1 billion annually in personal income, and is the center of Pacific Northwest Native American culture.

 Aesthetic/RecreationalPlant and animal species and their ecosystems form the basis of job-intensive tourism industry.

They also supply recreational, spiritual, and quality-of-life values as well.

Ways You Can Help Endangered Species

Conserve HabitatsOne of the most important ways to help threatened plants and animals survive is to protect their habitats permanently in national parks, nature reserves or wilderness areas.

There they can live without too much interference from humans.

Make Space For Our WildlifeBuild a birdfeeder and establish a birdbath for the neighborhood birds.Plant a tree and build a birdhouse in your backyard.

Recycle, Reduce, And Reuse

Plant Native Plants That Are Local To The Area If you can, plant native plants instead of non-native or introduced ones in your garden

 Control Introduced Plants And Animals

Non-native plants and animals are ones that come from outside your local area.

Controlling these foreign species is an important step in protecting wildlife.

Join An OrganizationThere are many community groups working on conservation activities. Join an organization in your area and start helping today! 

Conclusion

We should use the best conservation science available and work with people to find solutions to save the marvelous array of life on our planet.

Experience over nearly half a century has shown species conservation is vital — and it does work.

Already, conservation efforts have brought many animals back from the brink of extinction.

It has helped to not only conserve rich and varied ecosystems but also delivered real benefits to local people through new livelihood opportunities and sustainable development.

Thank You