Can you imagine if one day your children are unable to see how a real elephant looks like ? Can you imagine if animals that you find common today, one day disappear and no longer exist ?

Today, hundreds of species of animals and plants have been identified by environmental groups to be endangered. Many are being pushed to the brink of extinction by human activities such as pollution and hunting , habitat destruction and development, and population pressures.

Traditional cultures and beliefs of man also pose a threat to wildlife. The rhinoceros roamed the earth for 50 million years and there used to be 30 sub-species. But today, there are only 5 sub-species left and all are listed as endangered species. They are being hunted for their horns which the Africans and Asians believe are of a certain medicinal value.

Development of rainforests in 3rd World countries, for example the construction of the Transamazon Highway in the Amazon Rainforest would definitely cause major disruptions to the natural environment and might cause more species of animals and plants to become endangered. Pollution by humans such as the largest oil spill in America's History, the Exxon Valdex Oil Spill, killed hundreds sea animals and affected much of marine life.

Humans have come to a point in this world that we take much of what we have for granted. Most of the time, for our personal gains and conveniences, we have disregarded the welfare of others. If we do not take action now to save these animals and plants species from extinction, we might never have the chance to do it again.

"Every view of the world that becomes extinct, every culture that disappears, diminishes a possibility of life."

    Here, you would get to know more about some endangered species, their habitat, way of life, the dangers they face and how humans have tried to protect them. See you there!