endangered animals essay in english

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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• School Education /

Endangered Animals Essay in 100 and 500 words 

• Updated on  
• Feb 6, 2024

Endangered Animals Essay: Earth is the home of many wildlife species. Different species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates are in danger of becoming extinct. 

Species that are at risk of extinction in the near future are called endangered. It is important to know that the term endangered is applied to plants as well as to animals. These flora and fauna are either at extremely high risk or have been threatened by one or multiple factors such as climate change, human activity, diseases, and more.

Also Read: Endangered Species Definition, Categories and Importance

Endangered Animals Essay in 100 words

Earth is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. Different species of reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and more inhabit various ecosystems around the world. However, many of the animals are now at risk of extinction. Species that are declining continuously in numbers and are at risk of extinction are called endangered species. The animals that face the threat of extinction are known as endangered animals. Some of the examples of endangered animals are tigers, pandas, whales, and rhinoceros. The major reasons for the loss of population of these animals are loss of habitat, change in climate, poaching and climate change. 

Also Read: National Endangered Species Day 2023

Endangered Animals Essay in 500+ words

Endangered animals refer to animals that face extinction in the near future. The two animals with beautiful appearance and most critical in the list of endangered animals are Snow Leopards and Giant Panda. 

Snow leopards are physically charming animals with their grey and yellow spotted fur. These¨ghost of mountains majestic creatures have powerful build. They are found in different habitats in 12 countries across North and Central Asia. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss, poaching and changes in climatic conditions, the population of snow leopards has seen a significant decline. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), there are nearly 4,080-6,590 snow leopards across the world. They are also listed as ¨Vulnerable¨ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 

Their beautiful fur is poached for the illegal trade market. The biggest threat is a loss of habitat with the clearing of forests for farming, roads, and infrastructure. This fragmentation leaves the small, isolated populations of snow leopards becoming more vulnerable to extinction. Moreover, the change in climate and lack of availability of habitat results in melting glaciers resulting in the population of snow leopards.

Another animal that is most recognizable in the list of endangered animals list is the Giant Panda. It is yet another rarest species on Earth. The black and white color provides an attractive color to the mammals that rely on bamboo for food. According to WWF, only 1,864 Giant Pandas are left in the wild. They are mostly found in the mountainous regions of China. Currently, they are becoming fewer in numbers due to the clearing of bamboo forests, expansion of agricultural land, urban development, fragmentation, and isolation in population. Many conservation efforts such as ¨Pandas for Peace¨ cooperative programs focus on the breeding program with zoos and research centres around the world. Sections of bamboo forests are also being set up for the preservation of Panda. 

Now, let us explore the world’s 10 most endangered animals according to the World Wildlife Fund: 

On the global stage to prevent the international trade of endangered species, the exploitation of animals, reptiles, birds and more for commercial purposes Conventions on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is set up. The member countries of CITES ensure the safeguarding and protection of overexploitation of flora and fauna. Also, international organizations such as WWF work continuously to address the world for the protection and conservation of wildlife against anti-poaching and community involvement to promote sustainable practices. 

Responsible tourism and sustainable tourism practices also help in the conservation of wildlife and habitat preservation. Furthermore, governments should implement and enforce guidelines for the implementation and enforcement of Eco-friendly tourism to create a balance between economic interests as well as for conservation. 

Saving the endangered animals is important for maintaining biodiversity. Commitment and strategic efforts should be shown for the possible prevention of endangered animals as well as for their recovery. The future of the planet depends on our collective responsibility so that we can restore the natural world once again.  

Also Read: Speech on Endangered Species Need Protection

Ans. Endangered animal essay includes species that are at risk of extinction shortly are called endangered. It is important to know that the term endangered is applied to plants as well as to animals. These flora and fauna are either at extremely high risk or have been threatened by one or multiple factors such as climate change, human activity, diseases, and more.

Ans. Endangered animals refer to the risk of extinction of animals in the near future. 

Ans. The names of ten endangered animals are Cross River Gorilla, Eastern Lowland Gorilla, Hawksbill Turtle, Javan Rhino, Orangutan, Saola, Vaquita, Western Lowland, Black-footed Ferret, and Blue Whale

Ans. Kashmiri Red Stag is one of the animals that is endangered in India. 

Ans. Responsible tourism and sustainable tourism practices help in the conservation of wildlife and habitat preservation. Furthermore, governments should implement and enforce guidelines for the implementation and enforcement of Eco-friendly tourism to create a balance between economic interests as well as for conservation. 

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Human beings and endangered species

• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
• The United States Endangered Species Act
• Species assessment and management

What organizations determine which organisms are endangered species?

endangered species

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• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Threatened and Endangered Species
• National Geographic - Education - Endangered Species
• The Canadian Encyclopedia - Endangered Animals in Canada
• Biology LibreTexts - Approaches for Preserving Endangered Species and Ecosystems
• endangered species - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
• endangered species - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
• Table Of Contents

What is an endangered species?

An endangered species is any species that is at risk of extinction because of a rapid decrease in its population or a loss of its critical habitat.

What role does human activity play in causing species to become endangered?

Roughly 99 percent of threatened and endangered species are at risk because of human activities. The principal threats are habitat loss and degradation, the spread of invasive species, the growing influence of global warming, chemical pollution, unsustainable hunting, and disease.

Among the organizations connected with assessing which organisms are endangered species are the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), and the Red List of Threatened Species, created by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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endangered species , any species that is at risk of extinction because of a sudden rapid decrease in its population or a loss of its critical habitat . Biodiverse regions that require protection on the grounds that they host a significant number of endangered species are called hot spots .

(Read E.O. Wilson’s Britannica essay on mass extinction.)

Previously, any species of plant or animal that was threatened with extinction could be called an endangered species. The need for separate definitions of “endangered” and “ threatened ” species resulted in the development of various categorization systems, each containing definitions and criteria by which a species can be classified according to its risk of extinction. As a rule, a range of criteria must be analyzed before a species can be placed in one category or another.

Often such categorization systems are linked directly to national legislation, such as the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA) or the Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA). In addition, regional agreements, such as the European Union’s Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC), and international conservation agreements, such as the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), are connected to species- assessment systems. One of the most-recognized independent international systems of species assessment is the Red List of Threatened Species , created by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Roughly 99 percent of threatened species are at risk because of human activities alone. By the early 21st century it could be said that human beings ( Homo sapiens ) are the greatest threat to biodiversity and are the major drivers of biodiversity loss . The principal threats to species in the wild are:

• Habitat loss and habitat degradation
• The spread of introduced species (that is, non-native species that negatively affect the ecosystems they become part of)
• The growing influence of global warming and chemical pollution
• Unsustainable hunting

Although some of these hazards occur naturally, most are caused by human beings and their economic and cultural activities. The most pervasive of these threats is habitat loss and degradation—that is, the large-scale conversion of land in previously undisturbed areas driven by the growing demand for commercial agriculture , logging , and infrastructure development. Because the rates of loss are highest in some of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth , a perpetual battle is waged to manage destructive activities there while limiting the impact that such restrictions may have on the well-being of local communities . The relative importance of each threat differs within and among taxa . So far, incidental mortality from ecological disturbance , temporary or limited human disturbance, and persecution have caused limited reductions in the total number of species; however, these phenomena can be serious for some susceptible groups. In addition, global warming has emerged as a widespread threat, and much research is being conducted to identify its potential effects on specific species, populations , and ecosystems .

Conflicts between human activities and conservation are at the root of many of these phenomena. Such controversies are often highly politicized and widely publicized in the global press and through social media . For example, habitat loss and species loss have resulted from the unregulated exploitation of coltan (the rare ore for tantalum used in consumer electronics products such as mobile phones and computers ) in Kahuzi-Beiga National Park , one of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s premier forest parks. The park is also home to much of the population of the threatened Eastern Lowland gorilla ( Gorilla beringei graueri ). Mining has increased gorilla mortality by reducing the animal’s food resources and leading many people displaced by the mining to kill gorillas for their meat . In addition, the mountain gorilla ( G. beringei beringei ), a close relative of the Eastern Lowland gorilla, is also at risk of extinction . However, authorities cite poaching , disease, and crossfire between warring political groups in the vicinity of Virunga National Park as the primary sources of its population decline.

Another example of a widely publicized wildlife controversy involves the relatively recent declines in amphibian populations. Known to be important global indicators of environmental health , amphibians have experienced some of the most serious population declines to date of all groups that have been assessed globally through the IUCN Red List process ( see below ). Amphibians (a group that includes salamanders , frogs , toads , and caecilians [wormlike amphibians]), being particularly sensitive to environmental changes, are severely threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, the spread of a disease called amphibian chytridiomycosis , and climate change .

Beyond these notable examples, many of the world’s birds are also at risk. The populations of some bird species (such as some albatrosses , petrels , and penguins ) are declining because of longline fishing, whereas those of others (such as certain cranes , rails , parrots , pheasants , and pigeons ) have become victims of habitat destruction. On many Pacific islands , the accidental introduction of the brown tree snake ( Boiga irregularis ) has wreaked havoc on many bird populations .

Many fishes and other forms of aquatic and marine life are also threatened. Among them are long-lived species that have life history strategies requiring many years to reach sexual maturity. As a result, they are particularly susceptible to exploitation. The meat and fins of many sharks , rays , chimaeras , and whales fetch high prices in many parts of the world, which has resulted in the unsustainable harvest of several of those species.

Moreover, freshwater habitats worldwide are progressively threatened by pollution from industry, agriculture, and human settlements. Additional threats to freshwater ecosystems include introduced invasive species (such as the sea lamprey [ Petromyzon marinus ] in the Great Lakes ), the canalization of rivers (such as in the streams that empty into the Everglades in Florida), and the overharvesting of freshwater species (as in the case of the extinct Yunnan box turtle [ Cuora yunnanensis ] in China). While an estimated 45,000 described species rely on freshwater habitats, it is important to note that humans are also seriously affected by the degradation of freshwater species and ecosystems.

Against this backdrop of threats related to urban expansion and food production, the unsustainable harvest of animal and plant products for traditional medicine and the pet trade is a growing concern in many parts of the world. These activities have implications for local ecosystems and habitats by exacerbating population declines through overharvesting. In addition, they have cross-border repercussions in terms of trade and illegal trafficking.

93 Endangered Species Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best endangered species topic ideas & essay examples, ⭐ good research topics about endangered species, 👍 simple & easy endangered species essay titles, ❓ research questions about endangered species.

• Senegal River Delta: An Endangered Ecosystem According to Kotschoubey, the primary reason for the degradation of the area is the lack of water due to human activity.
• Javan Rhinos: Wildlife Trading of Endangered Animals Out of the five rhino species, Javan rhinoceros is the most threatened species despite being in the ecosystem for millions of years, playing a crucial role in shaping the landscape by its feeding style.
• Environment: Endangered Species Global warming also increases the risk of storms and drought, affecting food supply, which may cause death to both humans and animals.
• Zoos for Conservation of Endangered Species However, at the moment, they could be considered important scientific and research centers that investigate the current situation related to species and create conditions needed for their survival and further preservation.
• Irish Red Deer as an Endangered Species The red deer spends most of the time feeding and it has the ability of maintaining fat reserves to use during the winter season when there is scarcity of food. The color of the red […]
• Endangered Species: Modern Environmental Problem Some of the activities which cause danger to these species include the following; This refers to loss of a place to live for the animals and can also be expressed as the ecosystem or the […]
• The Santa Ana Sucker as an Endangered Organism The Santa Ana Sucker is one of the endangered fish species and it is found in the freshwaters of California. For instance, the International Union for Conservation of Nature listed the Santa Ana Sucker as […]
• Australia’s Endangered Diverse Marine Ecosystem Climate Change and population increase are becoming increasingly difficult to perceive distinctly, especially when the question is about the loss of a diverse marine environment.
• Can Cloning Technology Be Useful for Endangered Species? This is because animal cloning is popularly understood as the creation of a copy of another animal, much the same way as the capability to create twins but in the laboratory.
• Building a Sanctuary for Endangered Species It is proposed that the power generation in the island would utilize solar and wind resources with the intention of complying with environmental standards and establishing a pollution free green way of living on the […]
• Endangered Wild Equids by Patricia D. Moehlman The article is focused primarily on what can be done to try to save these species for the future and presents a plan that has been adopted by the IUCN The World Conservation Union.
• Endangered Silverback Gorillas Central Africa is the only place where mountain gorillas can be found, and the area of concern is confined to about 780 square kilometers of medium altitude forests northwest of Rwanda, southwest of Uganda, and […]
• Endangered Species Act’s Effects on Real Estate S; the ability to obtain permits, entitlement, and approvals necessary for the development of real projects, and unexpected delays in the timing thereof; and implementation of laws as Endangered Species Act.
• Endangered Species Act for Ecosystem Management Despite the importance and significant impact of ESA, the policy is inherently flawed and remains criticized by experts who emphasize the need for an overhaul of the legislation. The ESA continues to function and serve […]
• Invasive and Endangered Species: Kudzu and Gopher Frog Kudzu was introduced from Asia in 1876 for fodder and prevention of soil erosion. It favors areas with ample sunlight and thrives in almost any type of soil.
• The Role of Zoos in Endangered Species Protection Adopting the endangered species requires the zoos to have sufficient funds to meet the needs of the animals and to maintain the facilities.
• Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, Endangered Species Some laws that cover the endangered species have been declared controversial in the way they place the species in the lists and the criteria used when removing the animals from the lists.
• Environmental Studies: Saving Endangered Species One of the major concerns of the XXI century, the shrinkage of the Atlantic Forest, will inevitably trigger the disappearance of an even greater number of species populations.
• The History of the Endangered Languages and the Ways of Their Preservation The aim of this report is to discuss the problem of the endangered languages preservation taking into account the historic and cultural conditions of their development as well as the impact of the modern time. […]
• Endangered Species Issue in the United States Thus, the extinction of wolves in our ecosystem will results in an increase in the ungulates population comprising of unhealthy and undesired preys. With more wolves in an ecosystem, the number of ungulates will reduce.
• Should the Endangered Species Act Be Strengthened? The main reasons why the endangered species act act should be strengthened in United States are the act is the only piece of legislation that is responsible for the protection of flora and fauna and […]
• The Ocean’s Rarest Mammal Vaquita – An Endangered Species The vaquita looks like a curved stocky porpoise, and it is the smallest of all the porpoises in the world. This is a matter of concern and ought to be investigated if the survival of […]
• Environmental Attitudes, Motivations, and Contingent Valuation of Nonuse Values: Endangered Species
• Irreversible Land Use and the Preservation of Endangered Species
• Service Providing Units, Existence Values, and the Valuation of Endangered Species
• Closing the Barn Door: Construction and Endangered Species Restrictions
• Engaging Fishers’ Ecological Knowledge for Endangered Species Conservation: Four Advantages to Emphasizing Voice in Participatory Action Research
• Public Preferences for Endangered Species Recovery: An Examination of Geospatial Scale and Non-market Values
• Endangered Species and Uncertainty: The Economics of a Safe Minimum Standard
• Keystone Species and the Importance of Raising Endangered Species Awareness
• Endangered Species and Natural Resource Exploitation: Extinction vs. Coexistence
• How Trophy Hunting Can Help Many Endangered Species
• Agricultural Water Security and Instream Flows for Endangered Species
• Endangered Species Conservation, Cultural, Economic, and Political Constraints
• Integrating Land Cover Modeling and Adaptive Management to Conserve Endangered Species and Reduce Catastrophic Fire Risk
• Funding and Support for People Responsible for Protecting Endangered Species
• Strategies for Improving the Cost-Effectiveness of Endangered Species Management
• Elephant Ivory and the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species
• General Information About the Endangered Species Act in the United States of America
• Endangered Species and Environment: Human Moral Obligations
• Allocating Scarce Resources for Endangered Species Recovery
• Optimal Compensation for Endangered Species Protection Under Asymmetric Information
• Economic Growth and Threatened and Endangered Species
• Biodiversity and Endangered Species: Bald Eagle
• Takings, Compensation, and Endangered Species Protection on Private Lands
• Financial Issues and the Protection of Endangered Species
• Interspecies Management and Land Use Strategies to Protect Endangered Species
• Human Overpopulation and Its Effects on Endangered Species
• External Causes That Affect the Survival of Endangered Species
• Preemptive Habitat Destruction Under the Endangered Species Act
• Endangered Species: Keystone Law or Waste of Money
• Threatened Species and Endangered Species: What’s Different
• Charismatic Megafauna: How These Species Are Influencing the Endangered Species Act
• Black Rhino: Critically Endangered Species
• Allocating Conservation Resources Under the Endangered Species Act
• Horizontal Implementation, Divided Government, and Other Forms of Public Policy Involved With Clean Water Act and Endangered Species
• Cloning Animals and the Salvation of Endangered Species
• Habitat Conservation Plan: Endangered Species, Biodiversity, and Environmental Problems
• Conserving Endangered Species Through Regulation of Urban Development
• Perverse Incentives and Safe Harbors in the Endangered Species Act: Evidence From Timber Harvests Near Woodpeckers
• Animal Rights and Endangered Species
• Political, Economic, and Cultural Constraints That Limit the Application of Ecology in Conserving Endangered Species
• What Types of Species Are Included in the Endangered Species Act?
• What Is the Important Role of Zoos in the Conservation of Endangered Species?
• How Does the Endangered Species Act Protect the Environment?
• Endangered Species: Are Animal Rights Respected?
• How Many Endangered Animal Species Are There on the Planet?
• Are All Conservation Measures for Endangered Species Legitimate?
• What Kinds of Species Are Endangered?
• Can Minnesota Justify Taking the Grey Wolf off the Endangered Species List?
• What Changes Should Be Made to the Endangered Species Act?
• What Are the Causes and Effects of Endangered Species?
• What Are the Benefits of Endangered Species?
• Can Animal Cloning Save Endangered Species?
• What External Causes Affect the Survival of Endangered Species?
• How Overpopulation Caused Animal Extinction and Endangerment?
• Why Is It Important to Save Endangered Species?
• What Is the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species?
• How Do Environmental Problems Affect Endangered Species?
• How Does Pollution Cause Endangered Species?
• How Do Endangered Species Affect People’s Lives?
• How Does Logging Affect Endangered Species?
• Is the Government Doing Enough to Protect Endangered Species?
• What Are the Cultural, Economic, and Political Constraints on Species Conservation?
• Why Is the Topic of Endangered Species Controversial in Modern Society?
• Why Does the US Have So Many Endangered Species?
• How Is the Recovery of Endangered Species?
• What Are the Tasks of the Endangered Species Working Group?
• How Many Species Are on the Endangered and Threatened List?
• What Are the Moral Obligations of Humans to Endangered Species?
• How Can Protect and Management of Endangered Plant Species?
• What Are the Facts About the Endangered Species of Grizzly Bears?
• Biodiversity Research Topics
• Animal Ethics Research Ideas
• Wildlife Ideas
• Ecosystem Essay Topics
• Botany Essay Titles
• Animal Welfare Ideas
• Medical Anthropology Paper Topics
• Deforestation Research Ideas
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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.

IFAW rescues wildlife as severe floods hit India’s northeast

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IFAW responds to the largest dolphin mass stranding in IFAW's history

Every problem has a solution, every solution needs support.

The problems we face are urgent, complicated, and resistant to change. Real solutions demand creativity, hard work, and involvement from people like you.

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With Deforestation, Urban Development And Illegal Hunting, Many Animal Species Are Becoming Endangered - IELTS Essay

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Sample Essay 1

Deforestation, urbanization, and illegal hunting have relentlessly pushed numerous animal species towards endangerment and even extinction. This essay contends that safeguarding these species is not merely important but imperative. It will examine both the ecological impacts of extinction and the ethical responsibilities towards biodiversity conservation.

Firstly, the ecological ramifications of species loss are profound and far-reaching. Every species plays a unique role in its ecosystem, contributing to a complex web of interdependencies known as biodiversity. For instance, the extinction of a single pollinator species can lead to the collapse of plant populations that rely exclusively on that pollinator, which in turn affects species that depend on those plants for food and shelter. This domino effect can lead to ecological collapse, disrupting services ecosystems provide, like clean air, water purification, and climate regulation. The reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park, USA, which helped stabilize other animal populations and rejuvenate the park’s ecosystem, exemplifies the positive impact of preserving biodiversity.

Secondly, there exists an ethical imperative to protect animal species. Beyond ecological benefits, humans have a moral duty to ensure the survival of other species with whom we share the planet. This duty arises from the recognition that animals possess intrinsic value and rights, independent of their utility to humans. Moreover, many of the threats to wildlife—such as habitat destruction and overhunting—are the direct result of human activities. Thus, it is incumbent upon us to rectify the harm we have caused. Initiatives like the establishment of wildlife corridors in India, which allow safe passage for tigers and other species between isolated reserves, demonstrate effective measures for mitigating human impact on wildlife.

In conclusion, the protection of endangered species is both an ecological necessity and a moral obligation. Through actions such as ecosystem restoration and the creation of wildlife corridors, we can address the adverse effects of human activity on wildlife, thereby preserving the natural heritage for future generations.

Sample Essay 2

Deforestation, urban sprawl, and illegal poaching are increasingly threatening the survival of many animal species, propelling them towards extinction. This essay argues that animal protection is essential and will discuss the benefits of biodiversity and the effectiveness of conservation laws.

The first point to consider is the inherent value of biodiversity, which offers significant environmental and economic benefits. Diverse ecosystems are more resilient; they recover from disruptions such as natural disasters more quickly and are better at regulating disease, which benefits agricultural communities by ensuring healthy pollination and pest control. These ecological services are indispensable as they help maintain environmental balance and ensure sustainability of food sources. Economically, biodiversity is pivotal for sectors like ecotourism and pharmaceuticals, which rely on a variety of species to attract tourists and discover new medicines, respectively. For example, Costa Rica has harnessed its rich biodiversity to become one of the world's leading ecotourism destinations, significantly boosting its economy and providing jobs to local communities, thereby promoting a sustainable economic model that other nations can emulate.

Moreover, implementing strict conservation laws has proven to be an effective strategy for wildlife protection. Countries that have enforced comprehensive anti-poaching regulations and established protected areas have seen significant recoveries in wildlife populations. This approach not only prevents the immediate threats like poaching and habitat loss but also reinforces the ecological balance and biodiversity. Nepal, for instance, celebrated zero rhino poachings in several years due to stringent laws and community conservation efforts. These laws not only curb immediate threats but also foster a culture of wildlife value and conservation, ensuring long-term commitment to animal protection. The involvement of local communities in these efforts has been crucial, as it empowers them and provides economic benefits, further solidifying the support for wildlife conservation initiatives. This community engagement, combined with legal frameworks, forms a robust defense against the extinction of endangered species.

In conclusion, safeguarding endangered species through biodiversity preservation and rigorous legal frameworks is crucial. These strategies not only protect wildlife but also sustain ecological balance and foster economic growth.

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Why Endangered Species Matter

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was established in 1973 to protect “imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend” and help them recover.

The Trump administration has put forth a number of proposals that would weaken the ESA. These include measures to allow for the consideration of economic impacts when enforcing the ESA, ending the practice of automatically giving threatened species the same protection as endangered species, and making it easier to remove species from the endangered list.

In a way, this is nothing new because the ESA has been under attack for decades from construction, development, logging, water management, fossil fuel extraction and other industries that contend the act stifles economic development. But between 2016 and 2018 alone, there were almost 150 attempts to undercut the ESA; and last year, from July 8 to 22, Republicans in Congress or the Trump administration introduced 24 such measures and spending bill riders.

These bills included efforts to remove the gray wolf’s protected status in Wyoming and the western Great Lakes; a plan to remove from the endangered list the American burying beetle that lives on oil-rich land; and a strategy to roll back protection of the sage-grouse, which also inhabits oil-rich land in the West and whose numbers have declined 90 percent since the West was first settled. The Trump Administration recently opened up nine million acres of sage-grouse habitat to drilling and mining.

Endangered species, if not protected, could eventually become extinct—and extinction has a myriad of implications for our food, water, environment and even health.

Extinction rates are accelerating

Ninety-nine percent of all species that have ever lived have gone extinct over the course of five mass extinctions, which, in the past, were largely a result of natural causes such as volcano eruptions and asteroid impacts. Today, the rate of extinction is occurring 1,000 to 10,000 times faster because of human activity. The main modern causes of extinction are the loss and degradation of habitat (mainly deforestation), over exploitation (hunting, overfishing), invasive species, climate change, and nitrogen pollution.

There are also other threats to species such as the pervasive plastic pollution in the ocean—a recent study found that 100 percent of sea turtles had plastic or microplastic in their systems.

Emerging diseases affecting more and more wildlife species such as bats, frogs and salamanders are the result of an increase in travel and trade, which allows pests and pathogens to hitch rides to new locations, and warming temperatures that enable more pests to survive and spread. Wildlife trafficking also continues to be a big problem because for some species, the fewer members there are, the more valuable they become to poachers and hunters.

How many species are endangered?

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species , over 26,500 species are in danger of extinction. This includes 40 percent of amphibians, 34 percent of conifers, 33 percent of reef-building corals , 25 percent of mammals and 14 percent of birds. In the U.S., over 1,600 species are listed as threatened or endangered.

A 2018 report by the Endangered Species Coalition found that ten species in particular are “imperiled” by the Trump administration’s proposals: California condor, giraffe, Hellbender salamander, Humboldt marten, leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles, red wolf, rusty patched bumble bee,

San Bernardino kangaroo rat, West Indian manatee, and Western yellow-billed cuckoo.

The web of life

While it may seem unimportant if we lose one salamander or rat species, it matters because all species are connected through their interactions in a web of life. A balanced and biodiverse ecosystem is one in which each species plays an important role and relies on the services provided by other species to survive. Healthy ecosystems are more productive and resistant to disruptions.

A recent study found that extreme environmental change could trigger an “extinction domino effect.” One of the study’s authors said, “Because all species are connected in the web of life, our paper demonstrates that even the most tolerant species ultimately succumb to extinction when the less-tolerant species on which they depend disappear.” So saving one species means saving its habitat and the other species that live there too.

“When you lose one species, it affects the ecosystem and everything around it gets a little bit more fragile while it adapts to change,” said Kelsey Wooddell , assistant director of the Earth Institute Center for Environmental Sustainability. “Even if it’s not a keystone species [a species that others in an ecosystem depend on], its loss will weaken the functionality of the entire ecosystem, which just makes it easier for that ecosystem to stop working.”

What are the consequences of extinction?

Altering ecosystems through cascading effects

If a species has a unique function in its ecosystem, its loss can prompt cascading effects through the food chain (a “trophic cascade”), impacting other species and the ecosystem itself.

An often-cited example is the impact of the wolves in Yellowstone Park, which were hunted to near extinction by 1930. Without them, the elk and deer they had preyed upon thrived, and their grazing decimated streamside willows and aspens, which had provided habitat for songbirds. This left the stream banks susceptible to erosion, and a decline in songbirds allowed mosquitoes and other insects the birds would have eaten to multiply. When the wolves were reintroduced to the park in 1995, they once again preyed on the elk; plant life returned to the stream banks and along with it, birds, beavers, fish and other animals. (Note: David Bernhardt, acting secretary of the Department of the Interior, just announced a proposal to strip gray wolves of their endangered status in the Lower 48 states.)

Kelp forests are another classic example. They play an important role in coastal ecosystems because they provide habitat for other species, protect the coastline from storm surges and absorb carbon dioxide.

Yet kelp forests are rapidly getting mowed down by exploding numbers of purple sea urchin. California sea otters eat the purple sea urchins that feed on giant kelp. These otters used to number in the hundreds of thousands to millions, but their population has been reduced to about 3,000 as a result of unchecked hunting in the 19th century and pollution. Moreover, in 2013 the sunflower starfish, which also eats purple sea urchins, began dying because of a virus that was likely exacerbated by warmer waters. Without the sea otter and the sunflower starfish predators, the purple sea urchin began feasting on the kelp forests, which declined 93 percent between 2013 and 2018. (A new study   found that kelp forests are now also threatened by ocean heat waves.) The explosion of sea urchins not only damaged the kelp ecosystem, it also had serious impacts on Northern California’s red urchins that are valued for sushi. Fish that need the kelp forests for spawning, such as sculpin, rock cod and red snapper may become vulnerable in the future as well.

As another example, Wooddell explained that on Guam, after the invasive brown tree snake was accidentally introduced to the island in the 1950s, 10 of the island’s 12 endemic bird species went extinct. “Typically birds eat seeds and spread seeds elsewhere on the island but that is no longer a functioning ecosystem,” she said. “So the forest and the trees have decreased a lot. And Guam is covered in spiders because the birds are not there to eat them.”

Losing apex species has multiple effects

Eliminating the large predators at the top of the food chain, the “apex species,” may be humans’ most serious impact on nature, according to one study . These large species are more vulnerable because they live longer, reproduce more slowly, have small populations, and need more food and a greater habitat area. Scientists say their loss has played a role in pandemics, fires, the decline of valued species and the rise of invasive ones, the reduction of ecosystem services, and decreased carbon sequestration.

Elephants are an apex species that may go extinct in our lifetime, as a result of tourism, habitat loss and poaching for ivory. This could dramatically change ecosystems in Africa and Asia. Through consumption and digestion, elephants disperse more seeds farther than any other animals; this fosters the growth of plants and trees that birds, bats and other animals depend upon for food and shelter.

Elephants also dig water holes that all animals share, and they fertilize the soil with their rich dung, which provides food for other animals.

The loss of apex species can also affect wildfires. After rinderpest, an infectious virus, wiped out many plant-eating wildebeest and buffalo in East Africa in the late 1800s, plants flourished. During the dry season, this over-abundance of vegetation spurred an increase in wildfires. In the 1960s, after rinderpest was eliminated through vaccinations, the wildebeest and buffalo returned. The ecosystem went from shrubbery to grasslands again, decreasing the amount of combustible vegetation, and the wildfires decreased.

Jeopardizing pollination

Seventy-five percent of the world’s food crops are partially or completely pollinated by insects and other animals, and practically all flowering plants in the tropical rainforest are pollinated by animals. The loss of pollinators could result in a decrease in seed and fruit production, leading ultimately to the extinction of many important plants.

Flying foxes, also known as fruit bats, are the only pollinators of some rainforest plants. They have been over-hunted in tropical forests with several species going extinct. One study noted that 289 plant species, including eucalyptus and agave, rely on flying foxes to reproduce; in turn, these plants were responsible for producing 448 valuable products.

Bees pollinate over 250,000 species of plants, including most of the 87 crops that humans rely on for food, such as almonds, apples and cucumbers.

But in recent years, large populations of bees have been wiped out by the mysterious “colony collapse disorder” wherein adult honeybees disappear from their hive, likely in response to numerous stressors.

Over the last 20 years in the U.S., monarch butterflies, which pollinate many wildflowers, have decreased 90 percent. The rusty-patched bumble bee, another important pollinator and the first bee species to be put on the endangered list, now only occupies one percent of its former range.

Insect populations overall are declining due to climate change, habitat degradation, herbicides and pesticides. A 2014 review of insect studies found that most monitored species had decreased by about 45 percent. And a German study  found 75 percent fewer flying insects after just 27 years. As insect populations are reduced, the small animals, fish and birds that rely on them for food are being affected, and eventually the predators of fish and birds will feel the impacts as well. One entomologist who had studied insects in the rainforest in the 1970s returned in 2010 to find an up to 60-fold reduction. His study reported “a bottom-up trophic cascade and consequent collapse of the forest food web.”

Endangering the food chain

Plankton, tiny plant and animal organisms that live in the ocean or fresh water, make up the foundation of the marine food chain. Phytoplankton are critical to the health of oceans and the planet because they consume carbon dioxide and produce oxygen during photosynthesis.

In 2010, researchers found that phytoplankton had decreased 40 percent globally since 1950, and attributed the decline to rising sea surface temperatures. The scientists speculated that the warming surface waters did not mix well with the cooler, deeper waters rich in nutrients that phytoplankton need. In addition, zooplankton are very sensitive to slight changes in the amount of oxygen in the ocean, and may be unable to adapt as areas of low oxygen expand due to climate change.

The quantity and quality of plankton also affects the nutrition of other creatures further up the food chain. In the Mediterranean Sea, the biomass of sardines and anchovies declined by one-third in just ten years. One scientist speculated that this is because the sardines’ and anchovies’ normal plankton had disappeared, so they had to resort to eating a less nutritious species of plankton with fewer calories. Changes in plankton quality could be a result of water temperature, pollution or lack of nutrients, but scientists are not exactly sure why the plankton makeup in some places is changing. If it is due to global warming and pollution, some say the situation could worsen.

However, Sonya Dyhrman, a professor in Columbia University’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences who studies phytoplankton with the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, is more sanguine about the future. “Microbes like phytoplankton can adapt, can acclimate, and can evolve, so I worry less about lineages of phytoplankton going extinct and more about how phytoplankton community composition will change in the future ocean,” said Dyhrman.

A different community composition of phytoplankton could change the food web structure, but Dyhrman is not really worried about the total collapse of fisheries. She is concerned, however, that “there could be changes in ocean ecosystems and we don’t really know what those changes will be. What will the architecture of that ecosystem look like in the future? The problem is, the ocean is already changing and we don’t understand the architecture of the ecosystem right now well enough to predict what will happen in the future.“

Losing nature’s therapeutic riches

More than a quarter of prescription medications contain chemicals that were discovered through plants or animals. Penicillin was derived from a fungus. Scientists are studying the venom of some tarantulas to see if one of its compounds could help cure diseases such as Parkinson’s. One molecule from a rare marine bacterium could be the basis of a new way to treat to melanoma.

Scientists have so far identified about 1.7 million different types of organisms, but between 10 and 50 million species are thought to exist on Earth.

Who knows what substances or capabilities some of these species might possess that could help treat diseases and make human lives easier?

Destroying livelihoods

According to a study for the U.N., the continued loss of species could cost the world 18 percent of global economic output by 2050.

Already, a number of industries have been economically impacted by species loss. The collapse of bee populations has hurt many in the $50 billion-a-year global honey industry. Atlantic cod in the waters off of Newfoundland formed the basis of the local economy since the 15 th century — until overfishing the cod destroyed the livelihoods of local fishermen.

What you can do about extinction

Extinction is hard to see. We may not realize how much of the natural world has been lost because the “baseline” shifts with every generation. Past generations would regard what we see as natural today as terribly damaged, and what we see as damaged today, our children will view as natural.

Wooddell believes the most important thing one can do is to put pressure on Congress and elected leaders to create land management, pollution and other sustainable policies that will protect biodiversity and the environment. However, because it’s unlikely that these kinds of top-down policies will be instituted in the current political climate, she recommends mobilizing grassroots community groups to create “bottom-up” policies.

Here are some other things you can do to protect endangered species and prevent extinction:

• Eat less meat. Soybean production is one of the main causes of deforestation, and most soybean meal is used for animal feed.
• Buy organic food because organic farmers use only non-synthetic or natural pesticides on their crops. Synthetic pesticides may be toxic for other organisms.
• Choose sustainable seafood. The Marine Stewardship Council provides a list of certified sustainable fish for responsible eating.
• Compost food waste . In New York City, the compost is used for urban farming and gardening, which provide habitat for pollinators.
• Buy wood and paper products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council , to ensure they’re harvested from responsibly managed forests.

• Don’t buy products made from endangered or threatened species, such as tortoise shell, ivory, coral, some animal skins, and “traditional” medicines.
• Be aware of the source of palm oil used in countless food and cosmetic products. Many tropical forests are being razed for palm oil plantations. If a product contains palm oil, make sure it’s from a deforestation-free plantation .
• Reduce your use of plastic .
• If you have a garden, plant native shrubs and flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. Milkweed is particularly helpful for monarch butterflies.
• Set up a beehive.
• Diversify your diet. Eating these 50 foods will promote biodiversity and a healthier plant.
• Support and get involved with organizations that are helping endangered animals.
• Join the Center for Biological Diversity and use their Take-Action Toolboxes.

Correction: This post was updated on April 3, 2019 to remove a sentence about cownose rays devastating scallop populations off of North Carolina. It turns out that other studies have challenged those findings. 

Related Posts

Grin and Bear It? Reintroducing Grizzlies to the North Cascades Provokes Strong Emotions

The Impact of the 15th Biodiversity Conference of Parties (COP 15)

What Tracking Mountain Lions Taught Me About Adaptability

Recent record-breaking heat waves have affected communities across the world. The Extreme Heat Workshop will bring together researchers and practitioners to advance the state of knowledge, identify community needs, and develop a framework for evaluating risks with a focus on climate justice. Register by June 15

A new UN report ( https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/06/climate/biodiversity-extinction-united-nations.html ) finds that one million species are at risk of extinction; this is threatening ecosystems around the world that human beings need to survive.

The Trump administration has put forth new rules that will significantly weaken the Endangered Species Act. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/12/climate/endangered-species-act-changes.html?module=inline

Wouldn’t there be an evolutionary development that occurs when one species is gone? What happened when something like the Dodo went extinct? Did other creatures in its ecosystems adapt to perform the Dodo’s services? When I think about extinction, I always wonder what would have happened if the dinosaurs had not become extinct.

I am late to the discussion about keystone species but since I have learned about the roles of these key animals to specific environments around the world I have tried and failed to see homo sapiens as a keystone species but rather I see us more like the ungulates, which when left unchecked by a corresponding predator, such as the wolf in the Yellow Stone Park scenario, would decimate any environment we occupy. We are overpopulating, over consuming, over producing items that are harmful to the entire world (such as plastics) and what will keep us in check? Who will be our wolves? Cancer? Illnesses? Violence? If humans disappeared from the earth, just suddenly vanished, I think the earth and all her flora and fauna would recover quickly. Our intelligence should curb our avarice, but I fear we are too shortsighted and too quick to rationalize away the science which spells out the looming disaster brought on my our ignorance and greed.

Dear Deborah, Your analysis is very disturbing; and unfortunately, true. Nice post, keep it up.

well said. I think this is spot on and with the human species looking to colonize Mars and the Moon…what more damage will we do?

Endangered species are important. In my opinion, their absence can cause a break in the food chain or break synergies with other species, and thus a negative impact on them. One species and can change so much. Like a domino effect. We should take care of every species.

I have been searching for a reasonable explanation of preservation of endangered species, and the search continues still. Apart from few redundant examples like bees or birds/animals taking part in pollinating processes or overgrowth/extinction, I can’t see any direct explanation on the outcomes of the extinctions of any species, viz. Tigers, Elephants, Rhinos, Deers etc. on the ecosystems or direct influence on humankind. Whereas, deforestation, excessive usage of fossil fuels, phytoplankton extinctions leading to global warming effects are easily understood, no such wide range of explanations and outcomes do exist on the extinction of species and their wide range of influences. Still looking for a reasonable explanation….

can effect the food chain and thus effect humans less tigers mean more prey and then they will take up resources and could become extinct and so on

I love animals!

same, i hope we can work together to stop some animals from going extinct.

Endangered Animals Matter Because If They Disappear, It Could Destroy Entire Ecosystems, STEA ( Save The Endangered Animals )

Yes, absolutely!

the thought of someone killing a poor turtle to make a stupid mirror just makes me want to cry! how could people be so cruel!?!?!?

That’s the sad world we live in.

I LOVE ANIMALS WE LOVE ANIMALS.HELP ANIMALS!

That is a wild amount of money that bees are responsible for pollinating crops.

I can’t believe that how many animals have gone extinct

I know right, it is so sad

I agree, without animals there would be no cures for horrible and possibly deadly diseases. Who knew that most of our endangered species helped with cures.

Why do they endanger species this makes me mad

We should save them, not hunt them. I hate the trump administration

I agree entirely.

I wish all animals would live without the fear of extinction.

I wish there was a way we could stop the cause of extinction and make a way to where more people would actually care.

How do i cite this?

how do i cite this

This is so wonderful. It has lots of info. I absolutely love this site!

This is such a great article with a great display of information!

yo i think we should get alot of people to explore the water and to save animals to pick up trash too.

bruh can they delete the trash out of the ocean using robots or elon musk can do somthing

At this point I don’t think anyone can take on a task that big

I don’t want any more animals to go extinct

Hi there! I just read the article on https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2019/03/26/endangered-species-matter and I found it informative. I appreciate how the author broke down complex ideas in a way that was easy to understand. It’s great to see content that is both engaging and educational. Thanks for sharing this resource!

Good resource, and lots of imformation

I went to Alley Springs and saw the scenery and now I run a business where I sell eco-friendly things and do manual labor to help trees. All the money is put to help forests and animals. -Evalyn Demery

Thats a good idea!

I think an easier way to clean out our ocean is to just volunteer and stop having robots or people that act like they do but don’t really care doing it

Great Article!!

HELP ANIMALS

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endangered species

Introduction.

How Plants and Animals Become Endangered

Humans can cause species to become endangered as well. Humans pollute habitats with garbage, car fumes, and factory wastes. They destroy habitats by clearing land for roads, buildings, and farms. They also may hunt and kill too many of certain types of animals.

The arrival of a new species in a habitat is another threat. Often the new species spreads freely because it has no natural enemies. The species already in the habitat may not be able to compete against the newcomer. For example, mongooses brought to Jamaica in the 1800s killed many native animals.

Endangered Species Today

Endangered plant species range from tiny mosses to towering trees. The mandrinette is an endangered shrub with bright red flowers. Foreign species of plant have been taking over its habitat on the island of Mauritius. In the early 21st century fewer than 50 of these plants were growing in the wild. Another endangered plant, the Bermuda cedar tree, grows in the wild only in Bermuda. People have cut down many of these trees to build houses, ships, and furniture.

In the 1960s people became aware that many species were endangered. Today many countries have made it illegal to harm, capture, kill, or sell endangered species. In addition, many organizations work to keep endangered species from becoming extinct. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) keeps lists of endangered species. The Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund help to set aside land for threatened wildlife. Nature preserves and zoos help endangered animals to reproduce.

Such programs have helped to increase the populations of the black-footed ferret, the California condor, and other endangered animals. Giant pandas survive only in remote parts of China and in zoos. For many years they were considered endangered. In 2016, however, the IUCN declared that efforts to protect the pandas have worked. The animals are no longer endangered, though they are still vulnerable and need to be protected.

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• Essay on Wildlife Conservation

500+ Words Essay on Wildlife Conservation

Going by the importance of climate change and associated topics are garnering importance worldwide, an essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English is an expected topic in the English exams. To prepare well in advance Vedantu has brought this essay for you. It is written by experts having expertise in English. Enough data and content are brought to you so that you can recall maximum points in the exam. This will ensure you achieve amazing marks in the English examination.

Let’s Being with the Essay on Wildlife Conservation for Students in English

Like forests, wildlife consisting of animals, birds, insects, etc. living in the forest is a national resource, which not only helps in maintaining the ecological balance but is also beneficial for various economic activities that generate revenue from tourism. The rich flora and fauna also play a major role in maintaining the ecological balance of a region. There was a time when human needs were minimal and there was bare interference in the wildlife. There is no denying the fact that due to urbanization, pollution, and human interventions wildlife is rapidly disappearing from the planet.

Today the biodiversity of the world is threatened due to the extinction of species. There are thirty-five hotspots around the world, which supports 43% of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians as endemic. The IUCN has compiled a list of species and has classified the different species under extinct, critically endangered, less endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, and least concerned. This list is called the Red Data Book. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the number of birds, animals, marine and freshwater creatures has dropped by almost one-third of its earlier population.

Causes for Decline or Threat to Wildlife

One of the major reasons for the constant decline of wildlife is human’s ever-increasing demands and greed that have led to deforestation and habitat destruction. For development and urbanization, man has chopped down trees to build dams, highways, and towns and this has forced the animals to retreat further and further into the receding forests.

Rapid industrialization and urbanization due to the fast growth in population in recent decades have taken a heavy toll on wildlife. Global warming and extensive environmental pollution have largely threatened wildlife as they lead to habitat destruction and rising temperature.

There is a huge demand for animal fur, skin, meat, bone, etc. across the globe that has led to a decrease in the wildlife population. Poachers kill the animals for the illegal trading of their body parts. For example, elephants are massively poached for ivory, rhinoceros are poached in Assam for their horns. The desire to keep animals in captivity or their desire to consume certain animals as exotic food has resulted in the disappearance of many animal species such as tigers and deer.

Forest fires, food shortage, increase in the number of predators, extreme weather conditions and other extraneous reasons have led to the extinction and endangerment of many species. For instance, the recent forest fires in the Amazon (Brazil), Uttarakhand (India), Australia, etc. lead to the death of many animals every year. 

Many types of animals, birds, and fauna are needed to retain the ecological balance. They are considered necessary for scientific research and experiments that will benefit mankind.

Steps to Conserve Wildlife

The protection and conservation of wildlife is the need of the hour. Some conservation efforts which are widely implemented are given below:

Afforestation:

First and most importantly, humans need to have control over their needs. We need to prevent man from felling trees unnecessarily. Trees should be replanted if they are felled.

Pollution is one of the major causes that have led to the destruction of the habitat of animal species. Pollution of the environment like air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution hurts the entire ecosystem. It has become of utmost importance to control environmental pollution.

More campaigns must be launched to raise awareness in humans on the need to keep our environment clean. A man should be responsible to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem so they should be cordial with the environment. More organizations like PETA should be set up to create awareness among people for the protection of wildlife.

Population:

The man should consciously put a check on the rapid growth of the population. The slow growth of population will decrease the rate of urbanization and that will have a major impact on the preservation of wildlife.

Wildlife Sanctuaries:

Wildlife sanctuaries should be made to ensure the protection of the areas of ecological significance. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 various provisions for protecting habitats of wildlife are made by constructing national parks and sanctuaries. These parks and sanctuaries ensure the protection and maintenance of endangered species.

Ban of Illegal Activities:

Illegal activities like hunting, poaching, and killing animals, birds, etc. for collections and illegal trade of hides, skins, nails, teeth, horns, feathers, etc. should be strictly prohibited and severe punishments and fines should be imposed on people who do these kinds of activities.

Community initiatives

Communities come together to take various conservation initiatives such as the establishment of community forests, raising their voice against illegal activities, creating awareness among the masses, raising voice for the rights of the animals, conserving animals of cultural significance, and many more. For example, members of the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan are very vocal against poaching activities in the region.    

Many countries have taken the initiative to help animals by proclaiming various birds and animals either as national animals or as protected species. In India, the government has launched a program of Joint Forest Management to protect the wildlife and their habitat. Under this program, responsibilities have been assigned to the village communities to protect and manage nearby forests and the wildlife in them.  Animal species have the right to live just like humans. Therefore, we should take every step to conserve them and ensure their survival and betterment.

Wildlife is an integral part of our planet. Wildlife plays a significant role in the ecology and the food chain. Disturbing their numbers or in extreme cases, extinction can have wide-ranging effects on ecology and humankind. Valuing and conserving forests and wildlife enhance the relation between man and nature. We want our future generation to be able to hear the lions roar and peacocks dancing with their extravagant feathers and not just see them in picture books. We must take steps today or else it will be too late and we should always remember 

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

FAQs on Essay on Wildlife Conservation

1. How is Wildlife Important for Humankind?

Wildlife comprises animals, birds, insects, and aquatic life forms. They provide us with a number of products, such as milk, meat, hides, and wools. Insects like bees provide us, honey. They help in the pollination of flowers and have an important role to play as decomposers in the ecosystem. The birds act as decomposers by feeding on insects. Birds like vultures are known as scavengers and cleansers of the environment by feeding on dead livestock. Thus, wildlife helps in maintaining ecological balance.

2. Why Should we Conserve Biodiversity?

We should conserve biodiversity because it is very significant for all living organisms and for the environment. We must conserve biodiversity to save it from becoming extinct.

3. Why are Animals Poached?

The animals are hunted and poached for collection and illegal trade of skins, fur, horns, skins, and feathers.

4. Write Two Steps that the Government has Taken to Conserve Wildlife.

The two steps that the government has taken to conserve wildlife are:

In order to conserve wildlife, the government has established national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.

Many awareness programs are launched by the government to create awareness of protecting wildlife.

5. What is the importance of essays on Wildlife Conservation for students in English?

Essay on Wildlife Conservation is a topic given to students because it serves many purposes and holds a lot of importance in the present times. Before starting the essay, students will do adequate research to get enough data about the topic. In the process, they will learn a lot about wildlife conservation. While writing this essay they will learn to empathize with the plight of the animals. Also, they will become better at expressing themselves in written words by writing an essay on this topic as it is a very sensitive topic. This essay will not just help them in fetching excellent marks but it will also sensitize them about the current happenings.

6. What message does an essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English carry?

Essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English carries a very significant message that emphasizes the importance of the conservation efforts taken and that are needed. The essay talks about the efforts which have already been taken and are under implementation and it also talks about what needs to be done in the future. It also talks about why we need to conserve wildlife and what significance it holds. Overall the central message of the essay is to conserve and protect the wildlife as much as we can.  

7. What important points should be covered while writing an essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English?

As such there are no rigid pointers that you need to cover while writing an essay on Wildlife Conservation, but you may use the following pointers for reference:

Definition of wildlife conservation

Explain the reasons for conserving the wildlife with valid points

Efforts that are taken by international agencies. This should also include various treaties and protocols signed 

Mention the efforts that are taken by the Indian government. Talk about various laws and legislations present.

Mention various provisions on the local level

Talk about various popular civil movements such as efforts undertaken by the Bishnoi Community

What can you do as students to conserve wildlife? Give suggestions and examples.

8. What steps taken by the government should be mentioned in the essay on Wildlife Conservation?

The Indian government has undertaken various measures to conserve wildlife in the country. You can mention some of these in the essay on Wildlife Conservation:

Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972

Schedules involved and protections provided to the animals

Conservation efforts for particular animals like tigers, elephants, etc.

Formation of various protected areas such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere reserves, etc.

Awards and accolades received by India on various international forums

Various international treaties and agreements were signed by India. 

Mention names of international grouping dedicated to conservation efforts whose India is a part of

You may refer to Vedantu’s forum to get more information about steps to conserve wildlife. 

9. In how many words should one write an essay on Wildlife Conservation?

Word count for writing an essay on Wildlife Conservation for students in English can vary depending on which standard the student is studying in. it can range from 300 words to 800 words. Accordingly, the level of writing and richness of the content should vary. You can refer to Vedantu’s guide on essays for further understanding the demand of any given topic. If the essay is being written by a student studying in class 10 then the essay should be data and opinion-driven. It should reflect the ideas and thoughts of the student that are substantiated with authentic data and valid reasons.

• Skip to main content

Endangered Species Essay Project

2023 is the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, a landmark piece of conservation legislation protecting our nation’s wildlife. In honor of this milestone, Grades 3-12 students were invited to submit essays about endangered species to a special nationwide essay collection! Students from across the country submitted informative essays about ESA-listed species and the threats they face, creative stories written from the perspective of threatened and endangered species, persuasive essays about the importance of the ESA, and more. Browse students’ submissions below!

Students’ opinions are their own and may not be shared by the Endangered Species Coalition and the ESA50 Education & Youth Committee. Students’ essays may contain grammatical or factual errors. 

FEATURED ESSAYS

The Vaquita

Author: Niko H., Grade 8

Preserving Life: The Importance of Supporting the Endangered Species Act

Author: Luna W., Grade 8.

Stop Bombing on Bombis Affinis

Author: Bridger B., Grade 8

ESSAYS About Threatened & ENDangered SPECIES

American Marten by Marlena B.

American Marten by Oliver B.

Black-Footed Ferret by Sienna F. 

Black Rhino by Haoran H.

Black Rhino by Jeremy W.

Black Spider Monkey by Evelyn X.

Canada Lynx by Caleb P.

Canada Lynx by Jackson K.

Canada Lynx by Mason G.

Canada Lynx by Michael S.

Canada Lynx by Natalie B.

Canada Lynx by Samara S.

Canada Lynx by Sylvia S.

Cheetah by Howard L.

Florida Panther by Allen H.

Florida Panther by Ohana N. F.

Giant Panda by Albert X.

Giant Panda by Aubrey S.

Giant Panda by Avery S.

Giant Panda by Ella X.

Giant Panda by Emily Q.

Giant Panda by Eric M.

Giant Panda by Hazel H.

Giant Panda by Norah F. 

Giant Panda by Selina C.

Gray Wolf by Adeline K.

Gray Wolf by Arthur S.

Gray Wolf by Chloe C.

Gray Wolf by Kyle T.

Gray Wolf by Ronin S.

Gray Wolf By Sophia K.

Jaguarundi by Kaylynn M.

Jaguarundi by Lissie M.

Mexican Wolf by Kennedy M.

Mexican Wolf By Xzayvin G.

Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel by Elizabeth H.

Northern Long-Eared Bat by Jaelyn M.

Ocelot by Destiny C.

Ocelot by Julian Z.

Ocelot by Kristi F.

Ocelot by Morgan D.

Ocelot by Ryan G.

Polar Bear by Claire B.

Polar Bear by Megan X.

Red Wolf by Ling-Rui M.

Red Wolf by Lovecloud L.

San Joaquin Kit Fox by Caitlyn O.

Snow Leopard by Lucas W.

Snow Leopard by Phoebe H.

Tiger by Harper L.

Tiger by Muya Z.

Tiger by Ragav S.

Wolves by Alina B.

Wood Bison by Joshua B.

Humpback Whale by Sloan W.

Southern Sea Otter by Linna X.

Vaquita by Kazumi H.

Vaquita by Makenzie W.

Vaquita by Niko H.

Vaquita by Priya S.

Vaquita by Ziyuan L.

White Sturgeon by Harrison M.

Abbott’s Booby by Sebastian P.

Bald Eagle by Patty H.

Mexican Spotted Owl by Yasmin A.

Northern Aplomado Falcon by Alexander S.

Piping Plover by Davis S.

Piping Plover by Sophia O.

Spotted Owl by Emily C.

Whooping Crane by David P. R.

Whooping Crane by Zia Y.

Eastern Fringed Prairie Orchid by Alice O.

Endangered Plants of Colorado by AJ M.

Uinta Basin Hookless Cactus by Yolilizatl O.

American Alligator by Aaron B.

Jamaican Iguana by Max C. 

Sea Turtles by Alivia B.

Sea Turtles by Auden S.

Sea Turtles by Avery M.

Sea Turtles by Clora H.

Sea Turtles by Nyana M.

Timber Rattlesnake by Lucas W.

Iowa Pleistocene Snail by George B.

Rusty Patched Bumblebee by Bridger B.

ESSAYS ABOUT THE ESA & WHY IT MATTERS

ESA 2023 Essay by Siyeon J.

Endangered Species Act Paper by Isabel L.

Effects of Extinction by Lily C.

Preserving Life: The Importance of Supporting the Endangered Species Act by Luna W.

Endangered Species (Poem) by Felicity M.

The Endangered Species Act is Just An Act by Cedar M.

Why is the Endangered Species Act Important? by Sophia C.

Endangered Species Act Essay by Reese J.

Roles of the ESA by Boya C.

What is the ESA and Why Should We Support It? by Moyi L.

The ESA by Emily T.

Support grassroots organizing to defend endangered species. The Endangered Species Coalition works through grassroots organizing and mobilizing to keep wildlife and wild places protected.

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About the Endangered SPECIES COALITION

The Endangered Species Coalition’s mission is to stop the human-caused extinction of our nation’s at-risk species, to protect and restore their habitats, and to guide these fragile populations along the road to recovery.

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Endangered Species — Endangered Species: the African Elephant

Endangered Species: The African Elephant

• Categories: Animals Elephant Endangered Species

About this sample

Words: 1011 |

Published: Oct 2, 2020

Words: 1011 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, the threats to african elephants, conservation efforts and success stories, the urgency of global action.

• Efforts to combat illegal ivory trade must be intensified. This includes strengthening law enforcement, prosecuting poachers and traffickers, and dismantling ivory smuggling networks. The international community must also work collaboratively to reduce the demand for ivory through public awareness campaigns and stringent penalties for illegal possession.
• Habitat protection and restoration are essential. Governments and conservation organizations must work together to secure elephant habitats, establish corridors for their movement, and implement sustainable land-use practices that allow humans and elephants to coexist harmoniously.
• Climate change mitigation strategies are vital. Addressing the effects of climate change on elephant habitats and water sources is crucial to ensuring their long-term survival. This includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
• Wasser, S. K., & Poole, J. H. (2012). Elephants and Ivory: Lessons from the Trade Ban. Science, 335(6065), 1292-1293. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1217009
• Wittemyer, G., Daballen, D., Douglas-Hamilton, I., & Telfer, P. (2013). Legal Ivory Trade in a Corrupt World and Its Impact on African Elephant Populations. Conservation Biology, 27(4), 686-687. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2012.01947.x
• Thouless, C. R., Dublin, H. T., Blanc, J., & Skinner, D. P. (2016). African Elephant Status Report 2016: An Update from the African Elephant Database. Occasional Paper Series of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, 60, 13-26. https://www.iucn.org/sites/dev/files/import/downloads/ssc_op-060.pdf
• Maisels, F., Strindberg, S., Blake, S., Wittemyer, G., Hart, J., Williamson, E. A., ... & Stokes, E. J. (2013). Devastating Decline of Forest Elephants in Central Africa. PLoS ONE, 8(3), e59469. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0059469
• Goldenberg, S. Z., & Wittemyer, G. (2020). The War on Ivory Trade: A Global Perspective. Conservation Letters, 13(3), e12715. https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12715
• Gobush, K. S., Mutayoba, B. M., & Wasser, S. K. (2008). Long-Term Impacts of Poaching on Relatedness, Stress Physiology, and Reproductive Output of Adult Female African Elephants. Conservation Biology, 22(6), 1590-1599. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2008.01025.x
• Dublin, H. T., Craig, C. G., & Wasser, S. K. (2019). African Elephant Database 2016: The Results of the 2016 Synthesis and Analysis of the African Elephant Database. Occasional Paper Series of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, 60, 1-12. https://www.iucn.org/sites/dev/files/import/downloads/ssc-op-060.pdf

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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.

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.

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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Endangered species essay

Endangered species essay where you will find the most important information about three important animals threatened by extinction and we will know the reasons for the extinction of these animals.All this is here in endangered species essay.

There are a lot of endangered animals in the world that we will know here as well as the causes of extinction of animals. All this information will be found here in Endangered species essay.

Risk of extinction of animals

 There are seven hundred and twenty-two species of endangered animals around the world. Most of these animals are found in the tropics and developing countries. Unfortunately, there are many animals that extincted before they are even discovered by animal scientists.

The reasons for the extinction of animals

 The reasons behind the extinction or disappearance of animals vary, including climate change, the inability of these animals to adapt to the new atmosphere.

The inability of some animals to adapt to predation and competition may be one of the most important causes of exposure to extinction.

Negative human intervention by hunting, logging or urban crawling is also one of the main causes of some species’ extinction.

The most endangered animals

Kiwi is one of the first animals to be endangered at the level of birds, an important animal in New Zealand, Which is the animal that symbolizes and expresses its nationality.

 Kiwi of non-flying animals that have no wing, and has long and strong feet , which helps him to run quickly and escape from danger, which is the only way to defend itself.

also  beautiful soft feathers covers Kiwi body. The Kiwi female lay eggs inside the nests hidden between the herbs, and  the male takes care of  eggs for eighty days.

The flying fox  is also considered an endangered animal, with only 70 live animals present on the island of Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean.

  The forest tortoise  is one of the most endangered animals, after the deforestation has increased in its environment, with only 1,000 turtles in the Andes of Colombia.

We have introduced to you  endangered species essay in English, and you can read more through the following section:

• English essay

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