speech on endangered animals

Why should we protect endangered animals?

The conservation of endangered species is not just a matter of ethical responsibility—it’s a fundamental necessity for the health of our planet.

Many human activities have been undeniably detrimental to many animal species, both directly and indirectly. The extinction rate of species is up to 1000 times higher than in pre-human times, and scientists suggest we are living through the planet’s sixth mass extinction. There has been a 68% decline in mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, and fish species between 1970 and 2012. We’re losing biodiversity quicker than we ever have in the past.

Preserving endangered species safeguards the intricate balance of our planet’s life, ensuring a healthier and more secure future for ecosystems and people.

At IFAW, our mission is to build a future where animals and people can thrive together. With this goal in mind, it’s essential to examine why we must protect endangered species—why are they so important? And what would our world look like without them?

Why should we protect endangered species?

Endangered species are essential for biodiversity.

We can think of biodiversity as nature’s balancing act, where all the world’s species work together to keep populations in check and protect our planet’s ecosystems. When certain species become endangered or extinct, that balance is upset, causing ripples throughout the rest of the world’s species.

Take bees as an example. These insects play a crucial role in pollinating plants, helping maintain biodiversity and ensuring the availability of fruits, vegetables, and nuts in our ecosystems.

With globally declining numbers of bee populations , including some species such as the Potter Flower Bee and the Cliff Mason Bee becoming regionally extinct, there is a concern that there will be significant consequences for food security and ecosystem health.

Indicators of environmental health

Endangered species can also serve as indicators of environmental health. When populations decline, it can signify underlying issues such as habitat destruction, pollution, or climate change, which, if unaddressed, can threaten the stability of the entire ecosystem and many other species.

For example, declining populations of bald eagles in North America allowed scientists to discover that the environment had been contaminated with DDT , a pesticide used to control mosquitoes and other insects. In this way, the bald eagle served as a warning sign for the environmental damage being done by DDT, allowing a ban on the chemical to be put in place and eagle populations to recover along with the environment.

Climate change hinges on biodiversity

Climate change is closely linked to biodiversity loss . So protecting—and restoring—biodiverse ecosystems is vital in the fight against climate change.

Biodiversity helps ecosystems adapt to climate change, as various plant and animal species can sequester carbon dioxide, regulate temperatures, and support resilience in the face of climate impacts. When biodiversity is reduced due to habitat destruction or species loss, ecosystems become more vulnerable and compromised.

IFAW champions nature-based solutions to climate change , which involve protecting animals—as they hold the key to protecting their ecosystems and mitigating climate change simply through their natural functions.

Meanwhile, climate change contributes to habitat loss and rising temperatures that further endanger these animals, creating a sort of feedback loop. With a 4.3°C increase in global temperatures, 16% of the world’s species would be driven to extinction.

Currently, more than 25% of animals on the IUCN endangered species list are threatened by climate change. Scientists predict that one third of all animal and plant species will be under threat due to climate change by the year 2070.

How endangered species benefit the animal and plant life around them

Certain animals are known as ‘ ecosystem engineers ’ because they help protect their environments and habitats through their feeding and other behaviors.

Below are some examples of ecosystem engineers. To note here, each of these animals encompasses a broad range of different species and each animal group contains species that are classified as endangered.

• Sharks : Thanks to their position near the top of the food chain, sharks help regulate prey populations, which helps maintain the balance of marine food webs . It’s an intricate system—if snapper and grouper become too numerous on coral reefs because of limited reef shark populations to prey on them, these mesopredator fish will over consume their food source: algae-eating fish. Without adequate populations of algae-eating fish, algae may take over, smothering and killing the coral.
• Elephants : These gentle giants traverse the savannah, eating 140-300 kg (300-400 lbs) of food every single day. While walking through their habitat, elephants disperse seeds through their waste , sometimes as much as 60 kilometers away from where the plants were eaten. Elephant dung is an excellent fertilizer, facilitating new growth from their undigested seeds. These plants colonize new areas and eventually create new habitats and food for a range of other animals.
• Seals : These marine mammals act as both predators (of fish, squid, shellfish, seabirds, and other marine life) and as prey for hunters (like polar bears, orcas, and sharks)—all of which help to maintain balance in the food web. When seals swim through the ocean, they create currents which cycle nutrients from the sea to the shore, essential for plant growth and survival.

Endangered species are important for culture and tradition

Returning to our goal of helping animals and people thrive together, we must also consider that many animals are integral parts of cultures, traditions, and folklore worldwide.

For example, in Mexico, Monarch butterflies are culturally significant to the Mazahua people. When they land in central Mexico at the end of their 4,000-kilometre migration, they are viewed as the spirits of the dead returning for a visit, and their arrival coincides with traditional Day of the Dead celebrations.

Monarchs were classified as endangered by the IUCN in 2022. Losing this butterfly species would have both ecological and cultural impacts.

Similarly, African savannah elephants have deep connections with indigenous groups. For example, the Kwhe culture believes that elephants were once human and transformed into animals while maintaining the wisdom and connection to their people.

Protecting endangered species is also a fight to protect cultures and traditions worldwide.

Humans must protect endangered animals because human activity is a major threat

We’re currently experiencing the sixth mass extinction event, marked by alarming declines in the number of insects, vertebrates, and plant species worldwide. Left unchecked, this could completely change the planet as we know it, devastating ecosystems and life across the globe.

Mass extinction occurs when around 75% of the world’s species go extinct within a short time period. There have been five known mass extinctions throughout Earth’s history, and researchers believe we are now in the midst of the sixth.

However, unlike the five that have come before, this sixth mass extinction is primarily due to human activity. It’s come about through a combination of factors, including habitat destruction, deforestation, pollution, over-exploitation of natural resources, introduction of invasive species, and climate change.

These activities have led to widespread biodiversity loss and countless species’ decline or extinction. Therefore, it’s our responsibility to protect those same species and the environments they inhabit and influence. This necessitates changing behaviors, activities, and policies. Urgent international action is needed to reverse humans’ effects on the environment. 

How can you help protect endangered species?

Despite the uncertain future we face as we grapple with climate change and habitat loss, there is hope for endangered species. Thanks to policy and conservation efforts, there are many species that have made or are in the midst of making recoveries .

The easiest way you can help protect endangered species is to learn more about them. See our list of the most endangered mammals and our endangered species glossary.

Though IFAW undertakes large-scale conservation efforts across the planet, we also believe in the impact of small acts.

You can do simple things to help protect biodiversity, such as:

• Rewild your garden to encourage pollinators
• Join a community beach cleanup and reduce harmful pollution in our waterways
• Buy eco-friendly cleaning products that don’t contain damaging chemicals
• Introduce one or two meat-free dinners each week
• Put a bell on your cat’s collar to reduce the chance of them attacking native wildlife
• Support wildlife conservation experts

For more ideas, check out our list of 50 simple actions you can take to help animals.

Making a difference starts with taking action. Get involved by signing our petitions and making your voice heard for the animals that need you most.

Press releases

IFAW calls on EU candidates and citizens to put environment at top of election agenda

Giving Day for Elephants

Elliot the orphaned elephant: A new beginning

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10 of the world's most endangered animals

Currently, more than 41,000 species have been assessed to be under threat of extinction according to the IUCN.

As our modern society gets more resource-intensive, natural spaces are shrinking and wildlife numbers are declining. Our 2022 Living Planet Report shows global wildlife populations have plummeted by 69% on average since 1970. While there have been amazing and inspirational wildlife successes and stories in the past, many animals are still endangered mostly due to unsustainable human-led activities. Currently, on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, more than 41,000 species have been assessed to be under threat of extinction . And below we’ve listed 10 of the world’s most endangered animals in the wild:

1. Javan Rhinos

Once found throughout south-east Asia, Javan rhinos have suffered a staggering decline in their numbers due to hunting and habitat loss. The lone wild population of Javan rhinos is one of the rarest of the rhino species—around 75 individuals—which can only be found on the island of Java, Indonesia. 

The Ujung Kulon National Park, a World Heritage Site, is the last remaining refuge of Javan rhinos. But the area also suffers from the invading Arenga palm, leaving the rhinos with less food to eat and less habitat to roam. Besides, the small Javan rhino population is also extremely vulnerable to extinction due to natural catastrophes, disease, poaching and potential inbreeding.

2. Amur Leopard

The Amur leopard is one of the rarest big cats in the world, with only around 100 individuals left in the wild. Although their wild population seems to be stable and increasing, these leopard subspecies are still critically endangered since 1996. And there is a good reason that: Amur leopards can only be found in a relatively small region of the far east of Russia and north-eastern China at present. 

The remaining Amur leopards face multiple threats to their survival, including habitat loss and fragmentation, prey scarcity and transportation infrastructure such as roads. However, there is hope for this rare big cat. Around 75% of their home range lies in protected areas in Russia and China, and they are also moving into suitable habitats outside of these protected areas.

3. Sunda Island Tiger

The Sunda Island tiger, or the Sumatran tiger, is the smallest tiger subspecies in the world, weighing up to 140kg. For reference, the tigers that live in the Amur region are the biggest of all the big cats where males can weigh up to twice as much as Sunda Island tigers. They are also very rare -  there are estimated to be around 600 in the wild, and are only found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. 

Since the 1980s, the human population of south-east Asia has nearly doubled from 357 million to around 668 million in 2020. And this has had an impact on tiger numbers, which have been shrinking along with their habitats.

As human settlements expand in the region, Sunda Island tigers are increasingly likely to encounter people, which could lead to a further rise in human-tiger conflict. Tiger poaching and illegal trading of tiger parts and products are also of serious concern to their survival.

4. Mountain Gorillas

The Mountain gorilla is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla, which lives in two isolated populations in the high-altitude forests up in the volcanic, mountainous regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, and in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda. 

The Virunga Landscape has a history of political instability along with high levels of poverty in the region. This poses a substantial threat to mountain gorilla numbers as people have moved into areas closer to these great apes for food, shelter and space—over 500,000 people live near mountain gorilla habitat at present.  Despite this, mountain gorillas are making a promising recovery with conservation efforts and interventions from local and international partners and the WWF through the International Gorilla Conservation Programme.

At present, mountain gorillas are currently listed as endangered species, with just over 1,000 individuals in the wild. However, multiple threats remain that can hinder recovery progress for this species.

5. Tapanuli Orangutan

The Tapanuli orangutan is the newly described species of orangutan, listed as a distinct species in 2017. Only a single, isolated population of Tapanuli orangutans exist in the wild, which is restricted to the tropical forests of the Batang Toru ecosystem on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. 

Today, these tree-dwelling primates are critically endangered with fewer than 800 individuals in the wild, making them the most endangered great ape species in the world. The loss of habitat is one of the main threats to its survival as tropical forests are being replaced by agriculture, mining, and hydroelectric and geothermal development. Between 1985 and 2007, over 40% of the forests in the province of North Sumatra, where the Tapanali orangutan is found, were lost.

6. Yangtze Finless Porpoise

The Yangtze Finless Porpoise is the odd one out of its family as it is the only living freshwater porpoise found in the world. This aquatic mammal currently resides in the Yangtze River in China and is listed as a critically endangered species. 

While the Yangtze river plays a crucial role in healthy ecosystem functioning, years of environmental degradation, overfishing and water pollution in the region are having detrimental impacts on many animal species who call it their home.

Once upon a time, Yangtze river dolphins used to live alongside finless porpoises, but there haven't been any freshwater dolphin sightings for the past two decades. Sadly, this could be yet another stark reminder of what soon may follow for many endangered species, including the Yangtze finless porpoise.

To protect this species, China has upgraded finless porpoises to ‘first level protected species’ in 2021—the highest level of protection available in the country. In 2018, their numbers were still around 1,000 individuals and stabilising in the wild.

7. Black Rhinos

Between 1960 and 1995, black rhino populations suffered dramatic losses in their numbers due to large-scale poaching. Around 2% survived the severe onslaught of the past. As rhino conservation took hold, their numbers have more than doubled across Africa since the 1990s. But, black rhinos are still listed as critically endangered by the IUCN, with around 5,630 individuals in the wild. 

Three subspecies of black rhino now survive, with the western black rhino declared extinct in 2011. Today, 95% of black rhinos are found in just four countries: Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The biggest threat to the remaining population is still poaching for their horn—in the last 10 years, almost 10,000 African rhinos have been killed to supply the illegal rhino horn trade.

8. African Forest Elephant

Deep in the dense, humid forests of West and Central Africa, you can find the elusive forest elephant, one of the two members of the African elephant species. The actual number of wild African forest elephants remains uncertain due to their shy nature, but we do know that they are critically endangered species and have declined by an estimated 86% over 31 years.

The main reason behind the decline is due to poaching, which is frequent, widespread and intensive, especially in Central Africa. As well as elephant poaching, habitat loss and land-use change for agriculture and other land uses have resulted in fragmented habitats and increasing human-elephant conflict leading to losses on both sides.

Today, African forest elephants occupy around 25% of their historic range, scattered among 20 different African nations, mostly in Gabon and the Republic of Congo.

9. Sumatran Orangutan

The Sumatran orangutan is found exclusively on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. They are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN at present, with less than 14,000 individuals in the wild.

Sumatran orangutans face similar threats  to their Bornean and Tapanuli counterparts. From logging, agricultural plantations, and expanding infrastructure development to the illicit pet trade.

Orangutans need vast tracts of connecting forest to live in but between 1985 and 2007 these great apes lost 60% of their forest habitat. Today the majority of these orangutans are found in the northernmost tip of Sumatra in the Leuser Ecosystem, a landscape that includes tropical lowland rainforests and steamy peatland swamps.

10. Hawksbill Turtles

The Hawksbill turtle is one of the seven species of marine turtles and is found in nearshore tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, the Indian, and the Pacific Ocean. Their numbers are believed to be between 20,000 and 23,000 nesting turtles, although it is difficult to assess their true population numbers since marine turtles are the true ocean wanderers. 

In the last 30 years, the worldwide populations of hawksbill turtles have reduced by at least 80% as a consequence of accidental capture in fishing gears, nesting habitat degradation, coral reef damage and the illegal trade of hawksbill shells and products.

Other human-led threats such as plastic pollution, climate change and rising sea levels could further contribute to the decline of this species in the future. At present, Hawksbill turtles are listed as critically endangered.

We are addressing our planet's biggest threats by understanding, promoting, and protecting wild habitats and our unique wildlife. With your help, tiger populations are recovering in Thailand, rhino numbers are increasing in Nepal, and world leaders have pledged to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030. You can help us make a difference too, by supporting our work to create a better future where people and nature can thrive. 

Help us help nature

As humans continue to shape the planet, the natural world is declining. But it doesn't have to be this way. With your help, forests can be replanted, oceans can be restored, nature can be preserved, and wildlife can be protected. 

If you would like to support our work, adopt an animal today and help make a difference where it really matters.

Endangered Species

An endangered species is a type of organism that is threatened by extinction. Species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation.

Biology, Ecology, Geography, Conservation

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An endangered species is a type of organism that is threatened by extinction . Species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation . Loss of Habitat A loss of habitat can happen naturally. Nonavian dinosaurs , for instance, lost their habitat about 65 million years ago. The hot, dry climate of the Cretaceous period changed very quickly, most likely because of an asteroid striking Earth. The impact of the asteroid forced debris into the atmosphere , reducing the amount of heat and light that reached Earth’s surface. The dinosaurs were unable to adapt to this new, cooler habitat. Nonavian dinosaurs became endangered, then extinct . Human activity can also contribute to a loss of habitat. Development for housing, industry , and agriculture reduces the habitat of native organisms. This can happen in a number of different ways. Development can eliminate habitat and native species directly. In the Amazon rainforest of South America, developers have cleared hundreds of thousands of acres. To “clear” a piece of land is to remove all trees and vegetation from it. The Amazon rainforest is cleared for cattle ranches , logging , and ur ban use. Development can also endanger species indirectly. Some species, such as fig trees of the rainforest, may provide habitat for other species. As trees are destroyed, species that depend on that tree habitat may also become endangered. Tree crowns provide habitat in the canopy , or top layer, of a rainforest . Plants such as vines, fungi such as mushrooms, and insects such as butterflies live in the rainforest canopy. So do hundreds of species of tropical birds and mammals such as monkeys. As trees are cut down, this habitat is lost. Species have less room to live and reproduce . Loss of habitat may happen as development takes place in a species range . Many animals have a range of hundreds of square kilometers. The mountain lion ( Puma concolor ) of North America, for instance, has a range of up to 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles). To successfully live and reproduce, a single mountain lion patrols this much territory. Urban areas , such as Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, grew rapidly during the 20th century. As these areas expanded into the wilderness, the mountain lion’s habitat became smaller. That means the habitat can support fewer mountain lions. Because enormous parts of the Sierra Nevada, Rocky, and Cascade mountain ranges remain undeveloped, however, mountain lions are not endangered. Loss of habitat can also lead to increased encounters between wild species and people. As development brings people deeper into a species range, they may have more exposure to wild species. Poisonous plants and fungi may grow closer to homes and schools. Wild animals are also spotted more frequently . These animals are simply patrolling their range, but interaction with people can be deadly. Polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ), mountain lions, and alligators are all predators brought into close contact with people as they lose their habitat to homes, farms , and businesses. As people kill these wild animals, through pesticides , accidents such as collisions with cars, or hunting, native species may become endangered.

Loss of Genetic Variation Genetic variation is the diversity found within a species. It’s why human beings may have blond, red, brown, or black hair. Genetic variation allows species to adapt to changes in the environment. Usually, the greater the population of a species, the greater its genetic variation. Inbreeding is reproduction with close family members. Groups of species that have a tendency to inbreed usually have little genetic variation, because no new genetic information is introduced to the group. Disease is much more common, and much more deadly, among inbred groups. Inbred species do not have the genetic variation to develop resistance to the disease. For this reason, fewer offspring of inbred groups survive to maturity. Loss of genetic variation can occur naturally. Cheetahs ( Acinonyx jubatus ) are a threatened species native to Africa and Asia. These big cats have very little genetic variation. Biologists say that during the last Ice Age , cheetahs went through a long period of inbreeding. As a result, there are very few genetic differences between cheetahs. They cannot adapt to changes in the environment as quickly as other animals, and fewer cheetahs survive to maturity. Cheetahs are also much more difficult to breed in captivity than other big cats, such as lions ( Panthera leo ). Human activity can also lead to a loss of genetic variation. Overhunting and overfishing have reduced the populations of many animals. Reduced population means there are fewer breeding pairs . A breeding pair is made up of two mature members of the species that are not closely related and can produce healthy offspring. With fewer breeding pairs, genetic variation shrinks. Monoculture , the agricultural method of growing a single crop , can also reduce genetic variation. Modern agribusiness relies on monocultures. Almost all potatoes cultivated , sold, and consumed, for instance, are from a single species, the Russet Burbank ( Solanum tuberosum ). Potatoes, native to the Andes Mountains of South America, have dozens of natural varieties. The genetic variation of wild potatoes allows them to adapt to climate change and disease. For Russet Burbanks, however, farmers must use fertilizers and pesticides to ensure healthy crops because the plant has almost no genetic variation. Plant breeders often go back to wild varieties to collect genes that will help cultivated plants resist pests and drought, and adapt to climate change. However, climate change is also threatening wild varieties. That means domesticated plants may lose an important source of traits that help them overcome new threats. The Red List The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) keeps a “Red List of Threatened Species.” The Red List de fines the severity and specific causes of a species’ threat of extinction. The Red List has seven levels of conservation: least concern , near threatened , vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered , extinct in the wild , and extinct. Each category represents a different threat level. Species that are not threatened by extinction are placed within the first two categories—least concern and near-threatened. Those that are most threatened are placed within the next three categories, known as the threatened categories —vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered. Those species that are extinct in some form are placed within the last two categories—extinct in the wild and extinct. Classifying a species as endangered has to do with its range and habitat, as well as its actual population. For this reason, a species can be of least concern in one area and endangered in another. The gray whale ( Eschrichtius robustus ), for instance, has a healthy population in the eastern Pacific Ocean, along the coast of North and South America. The population in the western Pacific, however, is critically endangered.

Least Concern Least concern is the lowest level of conservation . A species of least concern is one that has a widespread and abundant population. Human beings are a species of least concern, along with most domestic animals , such as dogs ( Canis familiaris ) and cats ( Felis catus ). Many wild animals, such as pigeons and houseflies ( Musca domestica ), are also classified as least concern. Near Threatened A near threatened species is one that is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future. Many species of violets , native to tropical jungles in South America and Africa, are near threatened, for instance. They have healthy populations, but their rainforest habitat is disappearing at a fast pace. People are cutting down huge areas of rainforest for development and timber . Many violet species are likely to become threatened. Vulnerable Species The definitions of the three threatened categories (vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered) are based on five criteria: population reduction rate , geographic range, population size, population restrictions , and probability of extinction . Threatened categories have different thresholds for these criteria. As the population and range of the species decreases, the species becomes more threatened. 1) Population reduction rate A species is classified as vulnerable if its population has declined between 30 and 50 percent. This decline is measured over 10 years or three generations of the species, whichever is longer. A generation is the period of time between the birth of an animal and the time it is able to reproduce. Mice are able to reproduce when they are about one month old. Mouse populations are mostly tracked over 10-year periods. An elephant's generation lasts about 15 years. So, elephant populations are measured over 45-year periods. A species is vulnerable if its population has declined at least 50 percent and the cause of the decline is known. Habitat loss is the leading known cause of population decline. A species is also classified as vulnerable if its population has declined at least 30 percent and the cause of the decline is not known. A new, unknown virus , for example, could kill hundreds or even thousands of individuals before being identified. 2) Geographic range A species is vulnerable if its “ extent of occurrence ” is estimated to be less than 20,000 square kilometers (7,722 square miles). An extent of occurrence is the smallest area that could contain all sites of a species’ population. If all members of a species could survive in a single area, the size of that area is the species’ extent of occurrence. A species is also classified as vulnerable if its “ area of occupancy ” is estimated to be less than 2,000 square kilometers (772 square miles). An area of occupancy is where a specific population of that species resides. This area is often a breeding or nesting site in a species range. 3) Population size Species with fewer than 10,000 mature individuals are vulnerable. The species is also vulnerable if that population declines by at least 10 percent within 10 years or three generations, whichever is longer. 4) Population restrictions Population restriction is a combination of population and area of occupancy. A species is vulnerable if it is restricted to less than 1,000 mature individuals or an area of occupancy of less than 20 square kilometers (8 square miles). 5) Probability of extinction in the wild is at least 10 percent within 100 years. Biologists, anthropologists, meteorologists , and other scientists have developed complex ways to determine a species’ probability of extinction. These formulas calculate the chances a species can survive, without human protection, in the wild. Vulnerable Species: Ethiopian Banana Frog The Ethiopian banana frog ( Afrixalus enseticola ) is a small frog native to high- altitude areas of southern Ethiopia. It is a vulnerable species because its area of occupancy is less than 2,000 square kilometers (772 square miles). The extent and quality of its forest habitat are in decline. Threats to this habitat include forest clearance, mostly for housing and agriculture. Vulnerable Species: Snaggletooth Shark The snaggletooth shark ( Hemipristis elongatus ) is found in the tropical, coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its area of occupancy is enormous, from Southeast Africa to the Philippines, and from China to Australia. However, the snaggletooth shark is a vulnerable species because of a severe population reduction rate. Its population has fallen more than 10 percent over 10 years. The number of these sharks is declining due to fisheries, especially in the Java Sea and Gulf of Thailand. The snaggletooth shark’s flesh, fins, and liver are considered high-quality foods. They are sold in commercial fish markets, as well as restaurants. Vulnerable Species: Galapagos Kelp Galapagos kelp ( Eisenia galapagensis ) is a type of seaweed only found near the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Galapagos kelp is classified as vulnerable because its population has declined more than 10 percent over 10 years. Climate change is the leading cause of decline among Galapagos kelp. El Niño, the natural weather pattern that brings unusually warm water to the Galapagos, is the leading agent of climate change in this area. Galapagos kelp is a cold-water species and does not adapt quickly to changes in water temperature.

Endangered Species 1) Population reduction rate A species is classified as endangered when its population has declined between 50 and 70 percent. This decline is measured over 10 years or three generations of the species, whichever is longer. A species is classified as endangered when its population has declined at least 70 percent and the cause of the decline is known. A species is also classified as endangered when its population has declined at least 50 percent and the cause of the decline is not known. 2) Geographic range An endangered species’ extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles). An endangered species’ area of occupancy is less than 500 square kilometers (193 square miles). 3) Population size A species is classified as endangered when there are fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. When a species population declines by at least 20 percent within five years or two generations, it is also classified as endangered. 4) Population restrictions A species is classified as endangered when its population is restricted to less than 250 mature individuals. When a species’ population is this low, its area of occupancy is not considered. 5) Probability of extinction in the wild is at least 20 percent within 20 years or five generations, whichever is longer.

Endangered Species: Scimitar -horned Oryx The scimitar-horned oryx ( Oryx dammah ) is a species of antelope with long horns. Its range extends across northern Africa. Previously, the scimitar-horned oryx was listed as extinct in the wild because the last confirmed sighting of one was in 1988. However, the first group of scimitar-horned oryx was released back into the wild in Chad, in August 2016, and the population is growing. Overhunting and habitat loss, including competition with domestic livestock , are the main reasons for the decline of the oryx’s wild population. Captive herds are now kept in protected areas of Tunisia, Senegal, and Morocco. Scimitar-horned oryxes are also found in many zoos . Critically Endangered Species 1) Population reduction rate A critically endangered species’ population has declined between 80 and 90 percent. This decline is measured over 10 years or three generations of the species, whichever is longer. A species is classified as critically endangered when its population has declined at least 90 percent and the cause of the decline is known. A species is also classified as endangered when its population has declined at least 80 percent and the cause of the decline is not known. 2) Geographic range A critically endangered species’ extent of occurrence is less than 100 square kilometers (39 square miles). A critically endangered species’ area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 10 square kilometers (4 square miles). 3) Population size A species is classified as critically endangered when there are fewer than 250 mature individuals. A species is also classified as critically endangered when the number of mature individuals declines by at least 25 percent within three years or one generation, whichever is longer. 4) Population restrictions A species is classified as critically endangered when its population is restricted to less than 50 mature individuals. When a species’ population is this low, its area of occupancy is not considered. 5) Probability of extinction in the wild is at least 50 percent within 10 years or three generations, whichever is longer. Critically Endangered Species: Bolivian Chinchilla Rat The Bolivian chinchilla rat ( Abrocoma boliviensis ) is a rodent found in a small section of the Santa Cruz region of Bolivia. It is critically endangered because its extent of occurrence is less than 100 square kilometers (39 square miles). The major threat to this species is loss of its cloud forest habitat. People are clearing forests to create cattle pastures .

Critically Endangered Species: Transcaucasian Racerunner The Transcaucasian racerunner ( Eremias pleskei ) is a lizard found on the Armenian Plateau , located in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey. The Transcaucasian racerunner is a critically endangered species because of a huge population decline, estimated at more than 80 percent during the past 10 years. Threats to this species include the salination , or increased saltiness, of soil . Fertilizers used for agricultural development seep into the soil, increasing its saltiness. Racerunners live in and among the rocks and soil, and cannot adapt to the increased salt in their food and shelter. The racerunner is also losing habitat as people create trash dumps on their area of occupancy. Critically Endangered Species: White Ferula Mushroom The white ferula mushroom ( Pleurotus nebrodensis ) is a critically endangered species of fungus. The mushroom is critically endangered because its extent of occurrence is less than 100 square kilometers (39 square miles). It is only found in the northern part of the Italian island of Sicily, in the Mediterranean Sea. The leading threats to white ferula mushrooms are loss of habitat and overharvesting. White ferula mushrooms are a gourmet food item. Farmers and amateur mushroom hunters harvest the fungus for food and profit. The mushrooms can be sold for up to $100 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). Extinct in the Wild A species is extinct in the wild when it only survives in cultivation (plants), in captivity (animals), or as a population well outside its established range. A species may be listed as extinct in the wild only after years of surveys have failed to record an individual in its native or expected habitat.

Extinct in the Wild: Monut Kaala Cyanea The Mount Kaala cyanea ( Cyanea superba ) is a large, flowering tree native to the island of Oahu, in the U.S. state of Hawai‘i. The Mount Kaala cyanea has large, broad leaves and fleshy fruit. The tree is extinct in the wild largely because of invasive species. Non-native plants crowded the cyanea out of its habitat, and non-native animals such as pigs, rats, and slugs ate its fruit more quickly than it could reproduce. Mount Kaala cyanea trees survive in tropical nurseries and botanical gardens . Many botanists and conservationists look forward to establishing a new population in the wild. Extinct A species is extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last remaining individual of that species has died. Extinct: Cuban Macaw The Cuban macaw ( Ara tricolor ) was a tropical parrot native to Cuba and a small Cuban island, Isla de la Juventud. Hunting and collecting the birds for pets led to the bird’s extinction. The last specimen of the Cuban macaw was collected in 1864. Extinct: Ridley’s Stick Insect Ridley’s stick insect ( Pseudobactricia ridleyi ) was native to the tropical jungle of the island of Singapore. This insect, whose long, segmented body resembled a tree limb, is only known through a single specimen, collected more than 100 years ago. During the 20th century, Singapore experienced rapid development. Almost the entire jungle was cleared, depriving the insect of its habitat.

Endangered Species and People When a species is classified as endangered, governments and international organizations can work to protect it. Laws may limit hunting and destruction of the species’ habitat. Individuals and organizations that break these laws may face huge fines. Because of such actions, many species have recovered from their endangered status. The brown pelican ( Pelecanus occidentalis ) was taken off the endangered species list in 2009, for instance. This seabird is native to the coasts of North America and South America, as well as the islands of the Caribbean Sea. It is the state bird of the U.S. state of Louisiana. In 1970, the number of brown pelicans in the wild was estimated at 10,000. The bird was classified as vulnerable. During the 1970s and 1980s, governments and conservation groups worked to help the brown pelican recover. Young chicks were reared in hatching sites, then released into the wild. Human access to nesting sites was severely restricted. The pesticide DDT , which damaged the eggs of the brown pelican, was banned. During the 1980s, the number of brown pelicans soared. In 1988, the IUCN “delisted” the brown pelican. The bird, whose population is now in the hundreds of thousands, is now in the category of least concern.

Convention on Biological Diversity The Convention on Biological Diversity is an international treaty to sustain and protect the diversity of life on Earth. This includes conservation, sustainability, and sharing the benefits of genetic research and resources. The Convention on Biological Diversity has adopted the IUCN Red List of endangered species in order to monitor and research species' population and habitats. Three nations have not ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity: Andorra, the Holy See (Vatican), and the United States.

Lonesome George Lonesome George was the only living member of the Pinta Island tortoise ( Chelonoidis abingdoni ) known to exist. The Pinta Island tortoise was only found on Pinta, one of the Galapagos Islands. The Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific facility in the Galapagos, offered a $10,000 reward to any zoo or individual for locating a single Pinta Island tortoise female. On June 25, 2012, Lonesome George died, leaving one more extinct species in the world.

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Speech on Endangered Species

Endangered species are animals and plants at risk of disappearing forever. You might know some of them, like pandas, tigers, or polar bears.

Why are these species in danger? It’s mostly due to human activities. Let’s learn more about this important issue.

1-minute Speech on Endangered Species

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, today we talk about a topic close to our hearts – endangered species. These are animals and plants that are so few in number, they might disappear forever. Imagine a world without tigers, pandas, or polar bears. Sad, right?

Endangered species are in danger because of us, humans. We cut down forests, pollute rivers, and hunt animals for fun or money. This is not fair. Every creature has a right to live, just like us.

We must understand, every animal and plant plays a role in nature. Bees help flowers bloom by carrying pollen. Frogs eat insects that harm our crops. If we lose them, our world will face big problems.

So, what can we do? We can plant more trees, clean our rivers, and stop hunting. We can also tell everyone we know about this problem. The more people know, the more they can help.

Remember, we share this world with many creatures. We need them and they need us. Let’s promise to protect them, not just for us, but for our future generations. Let’s make sure our children can see a tiger in the wild, not just in pictures.

In conclusion, it’s time to act. Let’s save our endangered species, because a world without them is like a song without music. Thank you.

Also check:

• Essay on Endangered Species

2-minute Speech on Endangered Species

Good day to all. Today, I want to talk to you about a topic that is very close to my heart – endangered species.

First, let’s understand what endangered species are. These are animals and plants that are in danger of disappearing from the world forever. They are like a beautiful song that is fading away so slowly that we hardly notice it. But once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. We cannot bring it back.

Why are these species disappearing? There are many reasons. Some of them are natural, like diseases. But most of them are because of us, humans. We cut down forests, pollute rivers, overhunt, and change the climate. All these actions take away the homes and food of these species. Imagine if someone took away your home and food. How would you survive? That is what these animals and plants are going through.

Why should we care? You might think, “If it’s a natural process, why should we worry?” Here’s why – every animal and plant has a role in the world. They are all part of a big, beautiful puzzle called nature. If we start losing pieces, the picture becomes incomplete. For example, bees help plants to make fruits and seeds. If bees disappear, many of our favorite fruits might disappear too.

But it’s not just about the food we eat or the beautiful animals we love to see. It’s about respect. It’s about understanding that we share this world with millions of other species. They have as much right to live here as we do. It’s about knowing that we are not the kings of the world but just one part of a big family.

So what can we do? We can do a lot! First, we can learn. Learn about these species, why they are important, and why they are in danger. Knowledge is power. When we know, we care. When we care, we act.

Second, we can speak. Speak up for these species. Tell your friends, your family, your teachers about them. The more people know, the more they will care. The more they care, the more they will act.

Third, we can act. Plant trees. Clean rivers. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Every little action counts. Remember, we are not helpless. We are powerful. We can make a difference.

In the end, it’s not just about saving the endangered species. It’s about saving ourselves. It’s about understanding that we are part of nature, not apart from it. It’s about knowing that the health of the earth is our health too.

So let’s promise today. Promise that we will learn, we will speak, we will act. Promise that we will not let the song of the earth fade away. Promise that we will keep the world beautiful, diverse, and full of life. Thank you.

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13 Thought-Provoking Endangered Species Quotes to Inspire Action

More species are becoming endangered and pushed to the brink of extinction as a result of humanity’s reckless activities , from land conversion for meat and agricultural purposes to environmental pollution. But biodiversity loss comes with a great cost; we are reducing the services that wildlife species provide ranging from the oxygen that we breathe to global food security.  It is time to act to stop environmental degradation and to protect wildlife animals and plants around the world. If you’re looking for more persuasion, read on for inspiring and thought-provoking endangered species quotes.

Best Quotes about Protecting Endangered Species

1. “The fact is that no species has ever had such wholesale control over everything on Earth, living or dead, as we now have. That lays upon us, whether we like it or not, an awesome responsibility. In our hands now lies not only our own future, but that of all other living creatures with whom we share the Earth.”- David Attenborough from the documentary series , Life On Earth . 

“The question is, are we happy to suppose that our grandchild may never be able to see an elephant except in a picture book?” – David Attenborough on the current rapid rate of global biodiversity loss.

3. “It’s extremely important that, as a writer, we give a voice to those who don’t have voices, including the other animals that we share the planet with and the places that are endangered or being lost.” – Alison Hawthorn Deming, American poet and former Agnese Nelms Haury Chair in Environment and Social Justice. 

4. “Fortunately, nature is amazingly resilient: places we have destroyed, given time and help, can once again support life, and endangered species can be given a second chance. And there is a growing number of people, especially young people, who are aware of these problems and are fighting for the survival of our only home, planet Earth. We must all join that fight before it is too late.” – renowned English primatologist Jane Goodall on the threats of biodiversity. 

5. “What is a fish without a river? What is a bird without a tree to nest in? What is an endangered species act without any enforcement mechanism to ensure their habitat is protected? It is nothing.” – Jay Inslee, Governor of the US state of Washington on the importance of the Endangered Species Act , in which  99% of listed species have avoided extinction since its inception in 1973.

6. “We don’t own the planet Earth, we belong to it. And we must share it with our wildlife.” – Steve Irwin, renowned Australian wildlife expert and conservationist.

If you like these endangered species quotes, you might also like: 12 of the Most Endangered Animals in the World

7. “The rapid loss of biodiversity that we are witnessing is about much more than nature. The collapse of ecosystems will threaten the wellbeing and livelihoods of everyone on the planet.” – Linda Krueger, Director of Biodiversity and Infrastructure Policy of Nature Conservancy .

8. “We all have a responsibility to protect endangered species, both for their sake and for the sake of our own future generations.” – Loretta Lynch, the former United States Attorney General.

 “Animals are, like us, endangered species on an endangered planet, and we are the ones who are endangering them, it, and ourselves. They are innocent sufferers in a hell of our making.”  – Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, American author and outspoken vegan and animal rights activist. 

10. “Collective human actions are transforming, even raving, the biosphere – perhaps irreversibly – through global warming and loss of biodiversity.”  – Lord Martin Rees , Astronomer Royal of the United Kingdom, Fellow at Cambridge University’s Trinity College and a member of the House of Lords.

11. “ The animals of this world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for humans any more than black people were made for whites.” – Alice Walker, American novelist, poet, social activist, and the first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. 

12.“Look closely at nature. Every species is a masterpiece, exquisitely adapted to the particular  environment in which it has survived. Who are we to destroy or even diminish biodiversity? – EO Wilson, the late Edward O. Wilson , the world renowned biologist and multiple Pulitzer Prize winner.

 “We should preserve every scrap of biodiversity as priceless while we learn to use it and come to understand what it means to humanity.” – EO Wilson.

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Bindi and Robert Irwin on wildlife conservation, animal encounters and their favourite species

For siblings Bindi and Robert, a passion for wildlife conservation runs in the genes. 

Their much-missed father, Steve Irwin, managed Australia Zoo with their mother, Terri, and was a tireless campaigner for animal protection, not least through his phenomenally popular TV series, such as The Crocodile Hunter . 

Today, Bindi and Robert continue this pioneering work with  Wildlife Warriors , which Steve and Terri founded. 

They promote the wildlife cause whenever they can, whether it's on their new TV show  Crikey! It's the Irwins  (a look behind the scenes at Australia Zoo that debuted in 2018), in press interviews or on social media. Indeed, Bindi even holds the title for the most-followed TV naturalist on Instagram , with more than 2.2 million followers as of 5 April 2019. 

As for Robert, although he's still only in his mid-teens, he is fast establishing himself as a respected  wildlife photographer  – you can see some of his impressive work below. 

What was it like growing up on a zoo? 

Bindi: We have over 1,200 spectacular animals at Australia Zoo and we are the most hands-on zoological facility in the world. Growing up living in the middle of a zoo meant that every day brought a new adventure. 

Do you have a favourite animal at Australia Zoo?  

Robert: My favourite would definitely be crocodiles. Crocs have always fascinated me. It is incredible that they have existed on the planet for over 200 million years, having survived through extinctions that wiped out most other life. They are very intelligent creatures and truly are modern-day dinosaurs. 

Bindi: Echidnas have such sweet personalities; I love spending time with them. They’re one of only two known egg-laying mammals [monotremes], the other being the platypus. It’s so much fun to feed our echidnas here at Australia Zoo; they have such long tongues that it tickles when they lick food off your hands! 

How do wildlife photography and conservation relate to each other? 

Robert: Photography is a great tool to inspire others about issues facing our planet today, as each image tells a story about the subject. It is also a way to showcase magnificent creatures and places that many people will not get the opportunity to see, and therefore inspire others to want to conserve our precious wildlife. One of my biggest inspirations for my photography is my dad. He loved photography and took his camera gear on all of his travels. 

Which wildlife photo means the most to you – and why? 

Robert: Wildlife Warriors supports conservation projects all over the world including the protection of wild rhinos at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. We went there to take a look at the great work they're doing, and I had the honour of meeting Sudan, who was then one of only three northern white rhinos left. It was very moving to spend time with him and photograph him. Sadly, Sudan died, aged 45, in 2018. Northern white rhinos have been wiped out in the wild because of poaching. I hope that the photo gives an idea of how incredible he was and why it’s vital to conserve other rhino species. 

One of my most memorable expeditions was to Lady Elliot Island on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. While I was snorkelling in deep water, two massive humpback whales emerged from the gloomy depths and swam right up to me. It took my breath away to be so close to such extraordinary creatures. 

Bindi: As a family we always try to support Robert and his extraordinary photography work. He has taken some mind-blowing photographs but my all-time favourite is a photo he took of a mother deer with her fawn looking for little bits of grass poking up on the snow-covered ground in Oregon. It was a beautiful moment that Robert managed to capture. 

Tell us about the conservation project you’re most passionate about.  

Bindi: The one closest to my heart would have to be our Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. This heart-warming facility was opened in memory of Lyn Irwin, my grandmother. As a wildlife carer, she was passionate about protecting injured wildlife, so my dad and mum worked hard to create a world-class facility that could provide care for native Australian wildlife in need. 

Each year, our rescue and hospital teams work hard to rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, in order to release them safely back into the wild. Since the hospital opened in 2004, we have treated over 70,000 animals! 

Can you give us a snapshot of your work as a Wildlife Warrior? 

Bindi: Being a Wildlife Warrior means to stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. It’s remembering that conservation is not only about the cute and cuddly creatures, but also wildlife like crocodilians, snakes and sharks. 

We have a number of conservation properties throughout Queensland, supporting at-risk species. Elsewhere in Australia, we are also involved in saltwater crocodile and grey nurse shark research. 

Internationally, we promote cheetah and rhinoceros conservation in Africa, tiger and elephant conservation in south-east Asia, and fight for the protection of whales worldwide. 

Robert: It is imperative for others to become Wildlife Warriors and make a difference to conserve our natural world. I believe that we also need to inspire young people in particular; they are the next generation to be creating positive change on Earth. 

Finally, who has inspired you in the field of wildlife conservation?

Bindi: Dad was truly the ultimate Wildlife Warrior. He inspired millions and millions of people around the world to love wildlife and want to make a difference. He will always be my greatest hero and inspiration. 

Read the full interviews with Bindi and Robert in Guinness World Records: Wild Things – available now on Amazon .

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2 Minute Speech On The Endangered Species In English

Good morning everyone present here, today I am going to give a speech on endangered species. Living things that are on the point of extinction are considered to be endangered species. This category contains thousands of species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants. The primary driver of extinction is still environmental change, but due to human activities, these changes are now happening much faster.

Primates have progressively limited eating and dwelling areas when tropical forests are cut down. Additionally, they are more open to hunters, who capture numerous primates and slaughter monkeys for food and other uses. When their own habitats are destroyed, several animal species may invade human territory.

Due to the ingestion of low-quality foods and pesticides, many bird species worldwide have weak shells. Because acid rain has ruined their habitats, certain salamander species are extinct in New England. Industrial garbage discharged in the Mediterranean severely reduced the oxygen content of the water, eradicating particular types of bacteria that break down sewage.

Whale poaching is frequently acceptable because it gives a community that lacks protein a source of protein. For their fur, skins, or feathers, many species have been hunted to the point of extinction. On the endangered species list are big cats, alligators, kimonos, quetzal birds, eastern gray kangaroos, egrets, and birds of paradise.

Endangered species can be as big as a blue whale or as small as a tiny little ant. Many people and organizations have taken measures to halt the killing of animals of endangered species. In the case of the oil spill in the sea, these groups are trying to bring an end to the killing of endangered species. Thank you.

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A Speech on “We Should Protect Endangered Animals”

Protecting endangered animals is our social duty because animals are also a part of our whole ecosystem and if they continue to disappear it will not only affect the ecosystem, but it will affect our life too.  Researchers have found that unchecked deforestation and extinction of animal or any kind of species will directly impact on human lives and on their well-being. Actually less -known species can also give us amazing benefits for humans, such as drugs that helps to fight with cancer. The advantages and purpose  of protecting endangered animal species may not be evident in short amount of time, but the countless ecosystem services many creatures and ecosystems provide make wildlife preservation worth for  the time and money we spend on them..

A study of 2012 was published in Science estimated that it would cost more than sixty five billion dollars annually to protect just all endangered birds around the world. And it becomes clear that conserving other land animals and aquatic animals and all endangered plants of the whole world would cost much more than we can imagine. But extinction are a natural process, as we have witnessed it by so many species known only from fossils and for museum specimens.

In reality, the past five mass extinction — happening over an average cycle of twenty six million years —and have actually annihilated some of entire families of animals and plants from the world, including the huge species like dinosaurs. The mass die offs of any species of animals or plants drastically changed the course of life on our whole planet somewhere directly or somewhere in An indirect way , now scientists say that maybe we are in the middle of the sixth mass extinction, which is driven by us, humans.

Than the question is if extinction are certainly a natural process of earth and our ecosystem, then should we waste in so much money and time to save all possible animals and plants that are endangered?

Researchers have found that deforestation in unscientific and unchecked way and the extinction of animal and plants species can immediately impact on the life of humans’ well-being. Also, scientists have found that evidence are increasing more and linking the loss of species diversity in ecosystems to a boost in the transmission of pathogens and incidence of diseases from the ecosystem to humans.

For example, a review research published in 2010 where they found that in Nature found there is a strong link between less diversity If birds in the United States of America and that low diversity was a raised risk of West Nile encephalitis which is a virus that -transmitted from mosquitoes to human beings because we all know that birds helps us to control the population of insects by eating them. Many species of animals even act as indicators who warn us about environmental health so for obvious reasons.

Deterioration in their population can actually indicate that there is something wrong with the region in which they — and humans — live. 

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• Speech Writing /

Speech on Endangered Species Need Protection 

• Updated on  
• Jan 5, 2024

Speech is an excellent way to share our opinions on any topic. We develop this talent during our time in school so that we can communicate our ideas more effectively. One such time we improve on it is the ASL or Assessment of Speaking and Listening . It is an integral part of the CBSE Class IX and X curriculum. It is a part of the comprehensive and continuous evaluation system under CBSE in which the students usually have to choose a topic they wish to speak on and then prepare a speech on it within a limited time duration. In this blog, we have curated samples of speech on Endangered Species Need Protection, for ASL and public speaking competitions. Let’s have a look at the same. 

Also Read: Environmental Conservation

Speech on Endangered Species Need Protection for 2-3 minutes

Good morning esteemed authorities, my name is Rahul and today I am going to present before you a speech on endangered species need protection. I hope that I will be able to convey my thoughts on the same. 

Our planet Earth is home to many different species of animals. Some of them are thriving but many of them are on the verge of extinction. Such species are known as endangered species. The cause behind these species becoming endangered is us, the humans. Our greed for using the Earth’s resources has resulted in many species becoming endangered such as the snow leopard, Red Sandalwood, etc. These species have been categorized as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). 

The role of plants as well as animals is crucial in maintaining a balance in our ecosystem. The endangering of species means that our ecosystem is out of balance. Over some time, this can affect us humans in ways such as lack of even basic things like food, oxygen, etc. One major reason for species becoming endangered is climate change. Every year, it is observable that changes are occurring in the pattern of climate. Heat waves are getting more severe and making it difficult for animals and plants to survive. We humans are urbanising the jungles, stealing the homes animals, and plants in the name of development. It is up to us to acknowledge that species that are endangered need protection. We have to wake up and immediately take action. We can all do our parts in the same. One of the ways to protect endangered species is by stopping climate change. Plant more and more trees, save the environment, reduce pollution, etc. all this can be done on our part. But no single nation alone can achieve this. It has to be a collective effort by nations all around the globe. The government should come forth and make necessary decisions. We have to keep it in our minds that this planet is our home, and by endangering species we are affecting our very home. We should opt for any means possible to ensure that it is protected at all costs.

Also Read:- Save Environment Speech

Speech on Endangered Species Need Protection for 5-8 minutes

Good morning esteemed authorities, my name is Sachin and today I am going to present before you a speech on endangered species need protection. I hope that I will be able to convey my thoughts to you. 

Earth is home to a variety of species of plants and animals. Some of these species are thriving, while others are on the verge of extinction. Those species are called endangered species. These species are dying off and if we don’t do something to change that, they could be gone forever. In today’s world, extinction is a very well-known thing. A lot of species of plants and animals are endangered. Some of the common endangered species include blue whales, polar bears, snow leopards, penguins, etc. All plants and animals are an important part of the ecosystem and if they are endangered that means our ecosystem is imbalanced. And we are the reason behind this.

We need to bring awareness to people all around us because we are not doing our part in protecting the endangered species. The extinction of a species is a well-known thing in our world and species being endangered is not a rare occurrence as well. In the name of development we are cutting down forests which are home to a lot of plants and animals, we are polluting the air with emissions from our vehicles, and polluting the water bodies with our factories’ waste. All this has led to climate change and global warming, which is eventually leading to the melting of the polar ice caps and an increase in the Earth’s temperature. The list of endangered species is a long one, but what we are doing is that we are choosing our favourites and working towards saving them. All different species are dependent on each other for survival, so if we keep on doing so, it won’t be long before we realize that this way isn’t going to work. Shouldn’t we be trying to protect them all? The answer to that question ladies and gentlemen, is big, loud, resonating YES! They all are important to the ecosystem and they all need to be protected. 

If we don’t act now, then soon enough will come a day when our great-grandkids will come up to us and ask what was it like to watch leopards, or penguins for real. Because on that day, all of these endangered species would only exist in books. What we need to realize is that we can make it so that they won’t have to ask such questions. Yes, multiple projects have been initiated to protect endangered species, but at the same time, not enough initiatives are being taken by people because of the lack of awareness of this. What we can do is start bringing awareness to the cause, and educating people on how they can help. The simplest things that people can do on their part are to use alternatives for fuel, use more public transportation, and save energy by using Earth-friendly alternatives like solar panels, etc. 

This is our planet. We are responsible for sustaining it because we are the ones who live on it. All we have to do is ‘start’. Start acting on what we only talk about for saving the endangered species, start taking initiatives on our part, start acting like responsible individuals and it won’t be long before the red data book has no species mentioned it. That will be a properly balanced ecosystem. 

Ans: What we can do is start bringing awareness to the cause, and educating people on how they can help. The simplest things that people can do on their part are to use alternatives for fuel, use more public transportation, and save energy by using Earth-friendly alternatives like solar panels, etc.  This is our planet. We are responsible for sustaining it because we are the ones who live on it. All we have to do is ‘start’. Start acting on what we only talk about for saving the endangered species, start taking initiatives on our part, and start acting like responsible individuals.

Ans: Our planet Earth is home to many different species of animals. Some of them are thriving but many of them are on the verge of extinction. Such species are known as endangered species. The cause behind these species becoming endangered is us, the humans. Our greed for using the Earth’s resources has resulted in many species becoming endangered such as the snow leopard, Red Sandalwood, etc. These species have been categorized as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Ans: Any kind of organism that faces extinction is considered an endangered species. Loss of habitat and genetic variation are the two main causes of species becoming endangered. A natural decline in habitat is possible. About 65 million years ago, for example, the habitat of dinosaurs was lost.

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Watch CBS News

Scientists trying to protect wildlife from extinction as climate change raises risk to species around the globe

By Grace Manthey , David Schechter , Tracy J. Wholf , Chance Horner , Haley Rush , Alexis Guerrero

Updated on: April 22, 2024 / 1:02 PM EDT / CBS News

From clean air and water to healthy soil and medicines, our survival and prosperity rely heavily on the rich diversity of plants and animals that make up our world. A 2019 U.N. report found that around 1 million plant and animal species could be threatened with extinction around the globe. But new  research finds climate change could drive up to 6 million different species to extinction over the next 50 years, including in communities across the United States.  

CBS News and Stations explored how a warming planet and unchecked development are leading to significant population declines in species, why that's bad for humanity, and the heroic lengths some scientists will go to protect life on Earth. 

For some species, it's already too late. For others, there are innovative ways to help rehabilitate a species decimated by climate change. Scientists are using a range of tools to protect species in creative and unique ways and to anticipate future changes.

In Bisbee, Arizona, one scientist who has spent his career studying evolutionary biology and ecology is tracking a 3-million-year-old lizard population dying at one of the fastest rates ever recorded. 

Another group is trying to save the Puerto Rican parrot , one of the most critically endangered birds in the world, as more destructive hurricanes jeopardize the parrot's ecosystem.

See more reporting on how groups are trying to save certain species

More stories will be added above as they are published.

Endangered species by the numbers 

The U.S. Endangered Species Act was established in 1973 and provides federal protection for wildlife in danger of becoming extinct.

The main agency responsible for carrying out the act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, lists  nearly 1,700 species endangered or threatened as of April 1. Nearly 1,400 species  on the list have active recovery plans. New species are added every year. 

A 2019 study estimated the Endangered Species Act had prevented the extinction of nearly 300 species since its passage. 

But not every species in danger of extinction gets listed. A 2016 study found that typically, species waited 12 years to receive protection, for those reviewed between 1973 and 2014. The deadlines included in the act dictate it should only take two years when initiated by a third party. 

Still, nearly every county in the U.S. has at least one species in danger of disappearing from the planet.  

Number of endangered or threatened species by county in the U.S.

Roll over or click on a county below to see more information about species in the area.

Across all U.S. states, Hawaii has the greatest number of species listed as endangered or threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service —  estimated at nearly 500 species.  

Endangered or threatened species in Hawaii

The number is driven mostly by flowering plants, including the iconic state flower, the ma'o hau hele, or native yellow hibiscus flower. 

California has the second highest number listed, with nearly 300 endangered or threatened species. This includes the San Joaquin kit fox and the Lange's metalmark butterfly. Like Hawaii, the high number is driven by the roughly 170 species of flowering plants. There are higher numbers in coastal, central and southern counties.

Number of endangered threatened species by county in California

• Endangered Species Act
• Climate Change
• Endangered Species

Grace Manthey is the senior visual data journalist and data team coordinator for CBS News and Stations. She is an Emmy-winning journalist and visual storyteller with a passion for telling stories that matter.

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Raising the Razorback Sucker

Palisade High School in Palisade, Colorado, celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act with a splash! For the third consecutive year, Palisade High School students raised around 250 endangered razorback sucker at their on-campus fish hatchery to release them into their native habitat - the mighty Colorado River.

The razorback sucker is an endangered species found only in the warm-water portions of the Colorado River Basin. Three to five million years ago, this fish made its way into the river and its tributaries. It’s one of the largest sucker species in North America, growing up to 3 feet in length. In 1979, the razorback sucker was listed as endangered under Colorado law, and by 1991, it was listed as federally endangered and given full protection under the Endangered Species Act. Today, we and many partners work together to restore self-sustaining populations through propagation and stocking. 

The Palisade High School Endangered Fish Hatchery provides students with hands-on experiential learning on a wide array of aquaculture and fisheries science techniques and topics revolving around the conservation of Upper Colorado River fishes including recirculating aquaculture, conservation of native fishes, the importance and application of The Endangered Species Act, ichthyology, fish biology, water chemistry, statistics and much more.

The project began in 2015 when Palisade High School partnered with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program to plan and create the Palisade High School Endangered Fish Hatchery. This collaboration is unique since it is one of a small handful of endangered fish hatcheries in the United States operated by high school students, and potentially the only non-salmonid endangered fish partnership of its kind.

On May 9, 2023, hundreds of people flocked to a boat launch including students, teachers, local community, Congressional staff, media, and partners. Teacher Patrick (Pat) Steele kicked off the event with an incredible speech highlighting the impact and importance of the Endangered Species Act and celebrating the hard work and dedication of the students that work at the high school’s hatchery.

“This anniversary is a reminder that conservation efforts are essential for stemming the worsening impacts of climate change climate change Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale. Learn more about climate change , protecting biodiversity and preserving our planet for ourselves and future generations,” said Pat Steel, Palisade High School science teacher. “The ESA has given Palisade High School students the opportunity to become educated about the endangered species that exist in our backyard as well as ways that we can not only preserve and protect these species but also how we can contribute to the recovery efforts of such a cool species of fish, a species of fish that lives nowhere else in the world." Steele added.

Michael (Mike) Gross of Ouray National Fish Hatchery closed out the opening remarks by reminding folks that if they release a fish, it’s tradition to give it a kiss goodbye.

Palisade High School Endangered Fish Hatchery students began collecting razorback sucker in their nets and moving them to the edge of the river. Guests crowded the boat dock excitedly waiting their turn to hold a fish, kiss it goodbye, and release it into the Colorado River. One by one, over 250 juvenile razorback sucker were released as the crowd celebrated their new journey.

Each fish is tagged to allow Ouray National Fish Hatchery to track them. If hatchery staff find a razorback sucker without a tag, it’s assumed that it’s the result of wild spawning and proves success of the students’ hard work.

As an extra special treat, at the end of April, Palisade High School Endangered Fish Hatchery students took a trip to Ouray National Fish Hatchery where they helped spawn razorbacks for next year’s effort. They had a 100% survival rate! This is the first time the students will be involved from the beginning phases of spawning to the end result of releasing juveniles. Next year, the 1000th fish will be released.

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Viewpoint: Indiana law could turn classrooms into free speech minefields

Intellectual diversity is an endangered species on most college campuses these days. Unfortunately, universities in Indiana are no exception to this fact. 

In response to this hostility towards free expression, the Indiana General Assembly recently  passed a law  allowing state universities to revoke professors’ tenure if they fail to promote intellectual diversity in their classrooms. 

While the intention to make campuses more welcoming places for different viewpoints is commendable, using legislation to regulate free speech is not the answer. This new law, crafted with the best intentions, has the possibility of turning classrooms into free speech minefields. 

Senate Bill 202, which was largely supported by Republicans and opposed by Democrats,  establishes new criteria  for granting tenure at public universities. It also prevents institutions from awarding tenure “if certain conditions related to free inquiry, free expression and intellectual diversity are not met.” 

Under the legislation, professors are forced to undergo a review of their tenure status every five years. Among the many things examined in this review is whether an instructor used different scholarly works in their courses representing various political and ideological perspectives.

Additionally, the legislation  holds professors accountable  if they “impose unrelated views and opinions” on students during “teaching, mentoring, or within the scope of their professional responsibilities.”

In other words, the law allows students to become wardens of free speech, leaving them free to report any perceived offense, whether deliberate or a simple verbal faux pas. If you think the current climate of students reporting their professors is problematic, SB 202 only amplifies that dynamic, effectively putting it on steroids.

State Sen. Spencer Deery, R-Ind., one of the bill’s sponsors, argues that the new law will  help conservative students  feel more at ease to express their opinions on campus.

There is no doubt that Sen. Derry’s heart is in the right place. 

Across Indiana, conservative faculty members are vastly outnumbered on campuses by their liberal counterparts.  Most surveys  put the percentage of Republican or conservative-leaning professors in the humanities at single digits, making up 4% of historians, 3% of sociologists and just 2% of literature professors. 

Colleges in the Hoosier State certainly need to do a better job of hiring faculty members who represent America as a whole, not just the politics of those residing in blue-leaning districts. But the answer to this problem is not more legislation from the state. 

SB 202 could easily have the opposite effect of Sen. Deery’s intentions. With tenure on the line and their careers in jeopardy, professors might just stop discussing so-called controversial topics altogether, stifling the academic freedom this law should promote. If this happens to be the case, restricting professors from expressing their own views would essentially amount to the suppression of free speech, contradicting the free expression this legislation seeks to expand. 

Not to mention the massive administrative burden this creates for universities across the state, which in turn hurts students of all politics since it diverts critical costs from teaching and research, possibly causing tuition to rise in the process. 

For years, universities have been left unchecked to hire professors who have made it their mission to silence any thought or voice that does not belong to the prevailing dogma on campus, often liberalism. The frustration at such a situation is understandable. But why not use the same free-market principles Republicans claim to hold dear, instead of the state, to encourage intellectual diversity on campuses? 

Instead of forcing universities to create more bureaucracy, Republicans in Indiana could rely on ranking systems annually compiled by organizations like the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), which judges public universities by their commitment to free expression. Schools that score well could be profiled by legislators, becoming prime targets for future students and faculty who value a diversity of viewpoints. 

Or lawmakers could encourage school donors to stop giving funds until such schools demonstrate positive change. This worked at Harvard and University of Pennsylvania. At the end of the day, money talks!

Instead of imposing state-monitored free speech, those concerned about academic freedom should be proposing solutions that promote the very intellectual diversity that SB 202 risks undermining. 

Jacob Lane is a Republican strategist. He has worked for GOP campaigns at the federal, state and local levels, and was once a staffer of both the Indiana Republican Party and Indiana House GOP Caucus.