Have you ever observed a rhinoceros at the zoo? What about polar bears? For many individuals, sea turtles are the main attraction. Were you aware that all of these animals are classified as endangered species?
You may be familiar with the fact that giant pandas are endangered. You may even know that bald eagles are on the list. However, there are numerous other species that are also endangered. And not all of them are animals! Many endangered species are actually plants.
How does a species end up being endangered? It is related to the risk of extinction. Extinction occurs when there are no longer any living members of a species. You are probably familiar with dinosaurs. They are an example of animals that have become extinct.
When a species is at risk of becoming extinct, experts categorize them as either “threatened” or “endangered.” A species is considered threatened when its population has declined by 30-50 percent. When a species is endangered, its population has dropped by 50-70 percent. A species is also classified as endangered if there are fewer than 250 individuals remaining.
Species can become endangered due to various factors. Often, they are negatively impacted by changes in their environment or by predators. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) monitors endangered species. As of 2019, the IUCN has studied over 96,500 species. Out of those, approximately 28,000 are considered threatened and 7,755 are classified as endangered.
Many countries have implemented laws to protect endangered species. Some laws prohibit hunting, while others restrict land development. Special habitats are also designated for these species. However, experts believe that very few threatened species actually benefit from these laws. Many more species face the threat of extinction without receiving public attention.
Any individual can petition the government to list a species as endangered. However, the process of getting a species listed can take over two years. Some argue that governments make it too difficult for a species to be added to the endangered list.
In order for a species to be listed as endangered, experts must assess its conservation status. This involves evaluating the likelihood of extinction. To determine this, experts must consider multiple factors. They need to know the current population size of the species and how much it has declined over time. Other factors include the breeding rate and any threats to the species. With all of this information, experts can make a determination on whether the species is endangered.
Despite the challenges, progress has been made. Over 196 countries worldwide have committed to creating plans to protect endangered species. In the United States, these plans are developed based on the guidelines from the Endangered Species Act. Overall, this act is viewed positively by wildlife experts. As of 2019, 50 species have been removed from the list due to successful recovery efforts.
What can you do to help endangered species? The best thing you can do is educate yourself about the issue. Then, share this information with others. You can also contribute to the preservation of habitats. Practice recycling, conserve water, and reduce your carbon footprint. Don’t ignore endangered species – they need your support!
Try It Out
It’s fortunate that Wonders of the Day are not endangered! You can continue your learning experience by engaging in the following activities with a friend or family member:
- Because plants and animals are unable to vote, they must depend on compassionate humans to pass laws and take other positive actions in order to protect endangered species. Wondering how your family can contribute? Take a look at these ways in which you can help endangered species.
- You may not have rhinos or polar bears in your area, but you might be surprised to discover how many endangered species are native to your state. Explore the list of endangered species that call your home state their habitat. Have you ever had the chance to see any of these endangered animals? Discuss with a friend or family member.
- If you have an artistic side, you might be interested in these coloring pages featuring endangered animals. You can showcase them or share them with your friends to raise awareness about endangered or threatened species. Can you use your creativity and imagination to write a short story that accompanies one of your pictures? Perhaps you can utilize your story to educate others about how a specific animal became endangered!
Sources of Wonder
- https://www.britannica.com/science/endangered-species (accessed 08 Aug 2019)
- https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-endangered-species-act (accessed 08 Aug 2019)
- https://www.iucn.org/theme/species/our-work/iucn-red-list-threatened-species (accessed 08 Aug 2019)
- https://www.iucnredlist.org/resources/summary-statistics (accessed 08 Aug 2019)
- https://www.iucnredlist.org/ (accessed 08 Aug 2019)
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/biodiversity_action_plan.htm (accessed 08 Aug 2019)
- https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/reports/delisting-report (accessed 08 Aug 2019)
- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/12-things-we-should-all-do-to-protect-endangered-species_b_58bd9c87e4b0abcb02ce2067 (accessed 08 Aug 2019)
FAQ
1. What does it mean for a species to be endangered?
When a species is considered endangered, it means that its population is at risk of becoming extinct in the near future. This can be due to various factors such as habitat loss, pollution, overhunting, or climate change.
2. What are the main causes of species becoming endangered?
The main causes of species becoming endangered include habitat destruction, which occurs when their natural environment is destroyed or altered, making it difficult for them to survive. Pollution, both air and water, can also have detrimental effects on species. Additionally, overhunting and poaching can lead to the decline in population numbers.
3. How does habitat loss contribute to species endangerment?
Habitat loss is one of the most significant factors contributing to species endangerment. When a species loses its natural habitat, it loses its source of food, shelter, and breeding grounds. This can lead to a decline in population numbers and ultimately put the species at risk of extinction.
4. Can climate change cause a species to become endangered?
Yes, climate change can cause a species to become endangered. Rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and extreme weather events can disrupt ecosystems and negatively impact the survival of certain species. It can alter the availability of food and water, disrupt breeding patterns, and affect migration routes, all of which can lead to a decline in population numbers.
5. What role does human activity play in species endangerment?
Human activity plays a significant role in species endangerment. Activities such as deforestation, pollution, overfishing, and illegal wildlife trade can directly harm species and their habitats. Additionally, human-induced climate change accelerates the loss of biodiversity by disrupting ecosystems and altering natural habitats.
6. How can species be protected from becoming endangered?
Species can be protected from becoming endangered through various conservation efforts. These include establishing protected areas, implementing laws and regulations to prevent habitat destruction and wildlife poaching, promoting sustainable practices, raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity, and supporting research and monitoring programs to better understand and protect endangered species.
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