The Basics

Endangered species are species that are almost extinct because of hunting, food loss, habitat destruction, etc. Endangered species are very precious. The number of endangered species is always changing. Some species might even become extinct without us knowing. There are thousands of endangered species. Some are critically endangered some are well, just endangered. Areas that contain the greatest number of threatened species are called biodiversity hotspots.

In the United States, 735 species of plants and 496 species of animals are listed as threatened or endangered! Just the United States alone has over 1000 total species that are threatened or endangered. Think about the whole world! Sooner or later all these species might become extinct if we don’t take serious action. You might not think the human race will become extinct, but over time it just might happen. Did you ever throw trash on the ground? If you did, that’s very bad for other animals.

What Are the Causes of Endangered Species?

Nature and humans are the causes. Remember what I told you about throwing trash on the ground? Well here’s some more information. Humans harm species in many different ways: strangling dolphins (some are already endangered) in nets when fishing for a different kind of creature, destroying natural habitats for farmland, over-hunting, and much more. People say humans are causing the worst mass extinction ever.

Nature however, is different. Nature can make species become endangered or even extinct. Through huge climate changes like ice ages, meteorites (which many believe made the dinosaurs become extinct), mass extinctions, human predators hunting prey too much, etc. They all add up to make a devastating affect. Even throwing a tiny piece of paper on the ground can have an affect on all kinds of living organisms.

Where is it Happening?

All around the world there are endangered species. In the rainforests there are tons of endangered species. In the first paragraph I mentioned that the United States has over 1000 total listed endangered and threatened species. The World Wildlife Federation has over 26,000 species worldwide listed in their database as threatened or endangered.

How Can You Help?

You can recycle, which helps trees which are the natural habitat of many animals. You can tell your friends, family, teacher and get them motivated too! You can also plant a tree, build a birdhouse, and even write a letter to your state senator!

Another important way you can help is to support national parks. Through national parks around the world, habitats are protected and this helps to preserve biodiversity.