Knowledge Builders

what is the issue with endangered animals

by Kole Kautzer Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Various circumstances can cause a species to be endangered, such as:

  • Habitat Loss: This is one of the primary causes of endangerment. ...
  • Human Exploitation: Unfortunately, humans often use rare animals or plants for exploitation to make money. ...
  • Natural Competition: It’s typical for plants and animals to compete with one another, whether for food, water or habitat. ...
  • Displacement: This is similar to habitat loss. ...

Healthy ecosystems depend on plant and animal species as their foundations. When a species becomes endangered, it is a sign that the ecosystem is slowly falling apart. Each species that is lost triggers the loss of other species within its ecosystem. Humans depend on healthy ecosystems to purify our environment.

Full Answer

What are the most critically endangered animals?

What are the top 10 most endangered animals?

  1. Amur Leopard. The Amur leopard ( Panthera pardus orientalis) is native to the Russian Far East and North East China.
  2. Black Rhino. Listed as critically endangered, Black Rhino ( Diceros bicornis) population has declined by ~90% since 1960.
  3. Cross River Gorilla. ...
  4. Sumatran Orangutan. ...
  5. Sumatran Elephant. ...
  6. Sumatran Tiger. ...
  7. South China Tiger. ...
  8. Javan Rhino. ...

More items...

Why are so many animals endangered?

Quick Navigation for Reasons Why Some Animals and Plants Are Endangered 1. Overhunting or overharvesting 2. Habitat loss 3. High specialization 4. Pollution 5. Invasive species 6. Human-wildlife conflict 7. Disease 8. Low birth rate 9. Genetic vulnerability 10. Small population What causes animals to become endangered?

Why do animals and plants become endangered?

Why do animals and plants become endangered? Although extinctions occur naturally, the current rate of plant and animal extinctions is much higher than the natural or historical rates. Habitat loss is the primary cause of higher extinction rates.

What are some names of endangered animals?

Endangered: Red Panda: Ailurus fulgens: Endangered: Sea Lions: Zalophus wollebaeki: ...

image

What is the biggest problem faced by endangered species?

Habitat loss—due to destruction, fragmentation, or degradation of habitat—is the primary threat to the survival of wildlife in the United States. Climate change is quickly becoming the biggest threat to the long-term survival of America's wildlife.

What is the main reason of animals being endangered?

Habitat loss is the primary cause of higher extinction rates. Other causes include habitat changes, over-exploitation of wildlife for commercial purposes, the introduction of harmful nonnative species, pollution, and the spread of diseases.

Why are endangered animals important to us?

From providing cures to deadly diseases to maintaining natural ecosystems and improving overall quality of life, the benefits of preserving threatened and endangered species are invaluable.

Why should we protect endangered animals?

Healthy ecosystems depend on plant and animal species as their foundations. When a species becomes endangered, it is a sign that the ecosystem is slowly falling apart. Each species that is lost triggers the loss of other species within its ecosystem. Humans depend on healthy ecosystems to purify our environment.

What are 3 reasons why we should save endangered species?

The Science-Backed Reasons Why Saving Endangered Species Is Important. Keeping endangered species alive benefits our food sources, our environment, our health, and our economy.

Why we should stop killing endangered animals?

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

Why should we protect wild animals essay?

Promote Biodiversity Biodiversity is vital for a healthy and functional ecosystem. The ecosystem is delicate. Extracting wildlife from its natural habitat inevitably leads to disastrous results. If a single species should become extinct, the whole food chain is disrupted – affecting all species.

How does animal extinction affect humans?

Scientists have also discovered links between the incidence of West Nile virus and hantavirus and local reductions in biodiversity. Animal extinctions may also rob humans of valuable medical advancements. Many different species have unique bodily processes that can offer insight into curing human disease.

What would happen if all animals went extinct?

Wild forests and grasslands would die because they are adapted to rely on animal decomposers as well as pollinators and seed dispersers. This would cause abrupt loss of rainfall, atmospheric change and climate change.

Why should we protect animals and plants?

Animal, plant and marine biodiversity keeps ecosystems functional. Healthy ecosystems allow us to survive, get enough food to eat and make a living. When species disappear or fall in number, ecosystems and people—especially the world's poorest—suffer.

How can we protect endangered animals?

10 Ways You Can Help Endangered AnimalsVisit a national park, wildlife refuge, or protected area. ... Reduce, reuse, recycle! ... Don't purchase items like ivory, real tortoise shell, coral, etc. ... Spread the word! ... Donate to organizations created to help our zoo animals and wildlife (like us!) ... Grow native plants!More items...•

How can we protect endangered animals essay?

What can you do to help endangered animals?Protect wildlife habitats. Habitat loss is one of the biggest causes of extinction. ... Educate others. People are more likely to want to save animals if they know about them. ... Stay away from pesticides and herbicides. ... Shop ethically. ... Be an ethical tourist.

What are endangered species?

In other words, Secretary of the Interior is required to designate and identify the critical habitats of species what who are endangered or threatened under this law. Rhinos, Elephants, and bees are all examples of Endangered Species.

What is the purpose of the Endangered Species Act?

Endangered Species Act of 1973. Its purpose is to “Conserve the ecosystems upon which endangered species and threatened species depend” (Critical Habitat).

How does habitat loss affect biodiversity?

With the issue of climate change, the increase of greenhouse gases is affecting biodiversity through the increase of temperatures and altered weather patterns including droughts and flooding in different areas of the world. All of these things need time and money. There are many charities ,organizations ,as well as scientists, are doing everything they can to save ecosystems and biodiversity. And also people all around the world are becoming more aware about this situation. The more we can do to get involved, the more we save species and their ecosystems all around the world. Spread the word.

What are the most likely causes of species to go extinct?

Endangered species are species that are very likely to become extinct due to surrounding of issues. This could be due to loss of habitat, poaching, predation, competition of survival, and human action. According to scientists, 1 out of every 10 plants and animal species are expected to go extinct by 2050. However, the government has decided ...

What is restoration ecology?

According to the article Restoration Ecology, it talks about possessing the qualities of a healthy ecosystem.

Is biodiversity endangered?

Biodiversity is on every level being threatened by all human actions; the main cause of environmental issues happening all over the world. According to the World Wildlife Federation, “Biodiversity has declined 27% in the last three decades” (Schooled By Science, The Top 10 Environmental Issues Should Make you Worry).

Why are animals endangered?

Due to changes in natural living conditions, animals and plants may not be able to adapt to these new conditions in a proper way and therefore become endangered and eventually may even become extinct. For instance, due to global warming, the water temperature in lakes and rivers is likely to increase.

What are the causes of the endangerment of species?

Fishing. Another cause that can lead to the endangerment of species is excessive fishing. Since our world population consumes large amounts of fish, many fish have to be caught in order to meet this demand. Especially for fishes people love to consume, this could lead them to become an endangered species.

Why are highly specialized animals more likely to become endangered or extinct?

Highly specialized animals or plants are more likely to become endangered or extinct since they are not flexible at all in their living conditions. Changes in living conditions may be due to global warming or further adverse effects which may happen over time.

What is an endangered species?

An endangered species can be defined as species that is very likely to be extinct in the near future. The number of endangered species has dramatically risen over time. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, while in 1998, 1102 animals and 1197 plants have been categorized as endangered, ...

How does extinction affect the environment?

Since nature is a big system in which species depend upon each other and function as a whole, the extinction of a small number of animals or plants can cause chain reactions to the whole ecosystem and thus have a big effect on the environment.

Why do people kill animals?

Since people are greedy and often want to make as much money as possible, they kill animals just to get their precious parts like their ivory or fur.

How can species become endangered?

Thus, species may become endangered from an excessive use of pesticides and fertilizer. This problem can be mitigated by raising the awareness of farmers that their behavior has a significant effect on the population of local species. gif (1×1)

What are the threats to wildlife?

Among the greatest threats to wildlife are the Trump administration and similar politicians around the world, such as Brazil’s new far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, who took office last week and immediately moved to undermine indigenous rights in his country.

What are the threats to elephants and tigers?

Meanwhile, a similar—if not even more extensive—proliferation of illegal roads is being constructed around the world by loggers, miners, poachers and other extractive industries. These activities threaten everything from elephants and tigers to insects and rare plants.

What is the rarest bird in the world?

Another species starting the year off on better footing is one of the world’s rarest birds, a duck called the Madagascar pochard ( Aythya innotata ), just returned to the wild after 15 years thanks to a captive-breeding program in Scotland, of all places.

What is the deadline for protecting wildlife habitats?

The signatories to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets have until 2020—next year —to meet 20 conservation goals, including conserving “at least 17 percent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 percent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services.”

Is the Arctic a threat?

A related issue in the Arctic also appears to be another emerging threat. According to the just-released “ Horizon Scan of Emerging Issues for Global Conservation in 2019 ” (the tenth annual edition of this study ), climate-change induced release of carbon from polar ice will further worsen global warming, while the release of mercury from thawing permafrost will create a toxic threat for animals, plants and soil.

Will there be more habitat loss in 2019?

Well, in most cases it won’t be pretty. There will be more blood, more habitat loss, more legislative attacks and more extinctions—but at the same time, there will also be signs of hope and progress on many levels. Here are some big issues that experts say we should be watching in 2019:

Did wildlife go extinct in 2018?

Wildlife didn’t have an easy go of it in 2018. We lost the last male northern white rhino, the vaquita porpoise continued its slide toward extinction, poachers kept targeting pangolins and other rare creatures, and through it all the Trump administration kept trying to whittle away at key protections for endangered species.

How can we help endangered species?

Here are some other things you can do to protect endangered species and prevent extinction: 1 Eat less meat. Soybean production is one of the main causes of deforestation, and most soybean meal is used for animal feed. 2 Buy organic food because organic farmers use only non-synthetic or natural pesticides on their crops. Synthetic pesticides may be toxic for other organisms. 3 Choose sustainable seafood. The Marine Stewardship Council provides a list of certified sustainable fish for responsible eating. 4 Compost food waste. In New York City, the compost is used for urban farming and gardening, which provide habitat for pollinators. 5 Buy wood and paper products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, to ensure they’re harvested from responsibly managed forests.

What would happen if all species were connected to the web of life?

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.

How does eliminating predators affect the food chain?

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.

How does loss affect the ecosystem?

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.

How many species have gone extinct?

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.

What are the causes of extinction?

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.

Why are elephants extinct?

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.

Why are some species endangered?

There are many endangered species of plants and animals worldwide that are in danger. There are various reasons that cause the extinction of these species like the restriction of habitat, misuse of these species for commercial purposes, diseases, adverse climatic conditions, etc. The IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) ...

Why are endangered species endangered?

There could be many reasons for the extinction of endangered species but one of the major reasons is loss of habitat. Agreed or not but the loss of habitat has been caused by humans for the sake of development.

Why is protecting endangered species important?

One simple objective of protecting endangered species is the amusement of future generations. It is a lot of pleasure and fun to behold such wonderful animals. Unfortunately, the species that are about to be extinct will not be available for future generations.

What are the roles of animals in the ecosystem?

Cleaning the environment. There are some animal species that play a very important role in the cleanliness of the ecosystem. These animals belong to the category of scavengers. Scavengers eat the flesh of dead animals and thus help to clean the ecosystem. Just imagine if these animals get extinct how messed up will be our ecosystem.

What will happen if bees die?

The extinction of bees will leads to the extinction of various plant species that depends on this organism for po llination. Eventually, it will hamper the entire food chain of the ecosystem.

Why do we need to save endangered species?

We all must take this initiative to save the endangered species in order to restore balance in the ecosystem. We should learn and implement preventive measure to protect the endangered species.

What are some animals that help to protect crops?

Some animals like gecko & spider help to protect crops and acts as natural pest control agents. These insects ultimately help to improve the yield of crops much better. Recreational purposes. The tourism industry gets a lot of benefits from various species of plants and animals.

How to protect endangered species?

For more information about endangered species, visit endangered.fws.gov. 2) Create a backyard wildlife habitat. Put bird feeders and other wildlife attractants, such as bird houses and baths. 3) Establish a pollinator garden with native ...

Can fertilizer kill amphibians?

Excess fertilizer will likely wash into streams and rivers and may lead to amphibian deformities and deaths. 5) Reduce your use of water in your home and garden so that animals that live in or near water can have a better chance of survival.

What are the threats to the survival of endangered species?

Human beings are the greatest threat to the survival of endangered species with poaching, habitat destruction and the effects of climate change causing a lot of the problems. Read on to learn about some of the beautiful creatures most in need of our help, protection and conservation. 10. Gorillas. Gorillas are fascinating creatures ...

What is the most endangered rhino in the world?

Because of this, three of the five species of rhinoceros are among the most endangered species in the world: the black rhino , the Javan rhino , and the Sumatran rhino . The Javan rhino is the closest to extinction with only between 46 to 66 individuals left, all of which are in Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia.

Why are gorillas declining?

Like many endangered animals, their decline is mostly due to poaching, habitat loss, disease, and human conflict. Gorillas are also slow to recover as they have a low reproductive rate, meaning females only give birth every four to six years. One female will breed three or four times in her lifetime. Read More.

Why are Amur leopards at risk?

They are also at risk from habitat loss due primarily to natural and human-made fires. Climate change is also changing Amur leopard habitat and leading to a decrease in prey availability. 1. Vaquita. The vaquita is both the smallest and the most endangered marine mammal in the world.

How many Amur leopards are left?

They are as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and between 2014 and 2015, there were only around 92 Amur leopards left within their natural range. That number is now estimated to be less than 70.

How many whales are left in the world?

There are currently only around 400 of them left, and only about 100 breeding females. They are now protected, and hunting is illegal, but population recovery is slow.

Is it illegal to hunt tooth billed pigeons?

They are elusive and very rarely seen. In the past hunting has played a big part in their decline and has killed thousands of individuals. It is illegal today, but tooth-billed pigeons are still killed accidentally during hunts for other species.

image

Ecosystems

Endangered Species

  • Endangered species are species that are very likely to become extinct due to surrounding of issues. This could be due to loss of habitat, poaching, predation, competition of survival, and human action. According to scientists, 1 out of every 10 plants and animal species are expected to go extinct by 2050. However, the government has decided to crea...
See more on medium.com

Biodiversity

  • Biodiversity is the total variety of life on earth that are measured through the levels of genetics, species, and their ecosystems. Biodiversity is on every level being threatened by all human actions; the main cause of environmental issues happening all over the world. According to the World Wildlife Federation, “Biodiversity has declined 27% in the last three decades” (Schooled B…
See more on medium.com

Ecological Restoration

  • Ecological restoration is the process to reset and recovery of ecosystems that have been severely damaged to return that back to their pre-disturbed states. Developed in the 20th century, it is used a response to habitat destruction brought by industrialization, overpopulation, and agricultural mismanagement. Pioneering biologists, including American ecologist Aldo Leopold, who began t…
See more on medium.com

Sources

  • Ray Nichols, Megan. “The Top 10 Environmental Issues Should Make you Worry.” 22 Mar. 2019. Schooled By Science, https://schooledbyscience.com/environmental-issues/Accessed 12 Apr. 2019. “Restoration ecology.” Environmental Encyclopedia, edited by Deirdre S. Blanchfield, Gale, 2011. Science In Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CV2644151174/SCIC?u=olat54637…
See more on medium.com

Classification of Endangered Species

  • Least concern
    There is no immediate threat to the survival of the species. E.g. saltwater crocodile, olive baboon, brown bear, cane toad, rock pigeon, house mouse, palm cockatoo, mute swan, red-tailed hawk.
  • Near-threatened
    Species in this category might be threatened in the near future. E.g. emperor goose, American bison, maned wolf, margay, pampas cat, striped hyena, tiger, shark
See more on environmental-conscience.com

Causes For Endangered Species

  1. Destruction of habitats
  2. Changes in natural living conditions
  3. Hunting
  4. Fishing
See more on environmental-conscience.com

Effects of Endangered and Extinct Species

  1. Biodiversity and chain reactions
  2. Diseases
  3. Decrease in crop yields
  4. Loss of medical sources
See more on environmental-conscience.com

Solutions to The Endangered Species Problem

  1. Recycling and sustainable products
  2. Education
  3. Reduction in water consumption
  4. Grow native plants
See more on environmental-conscience.com

Conclusion

  • Through human intervention, an increasing number of species is endangered of becoming extinct in the near future. In order to stop this process, we have to raise the awareness of industries and also change our daily life consumption behavior. We have to make sacrifices in order to protect our environment and therefore ensure a livable future for our children. Sources https://www.iucnr…
See more on environmental-conscience.com

1.Endangered Species | National Geographic Society

Url:https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/endangered-species/

15 hours ago The largest drivers of this threat include: habitat loss, the introduction of non-native/invasive species, overexploitation, and climate change. Many threatened and endangered species …

2.Videos of What Is The Issue With Endangered Animals

Url:/videos/search?q=what+is+the+issue+with+endangered+animals&qpvt=what+is+the+issue+with+endangered+animals&FORM=VDRE

4 hours ago When one thinks of an endangered animal, it is one that being threatened with extinction. Endangered animals are those that used to be in large numbers in the wild but they have now …

3.What are the Main Issues of Ecosystems and …

Url:https://medium.com/evironmental-issuess/what-are-the-main-issues-of-ecosystems-and-endangered-species-and-why-we-must-take-action-on-the-ee80f3833b8e

8 hours ago

4.26 Causes, Effects and Solutions for Endangered …

Url:https://environmental-conscience.com/causes-effects-solutions-for-endangered-species/

1 hours ago

5.The Biggest Issues for Wildlife and Endangered Species …

Url:https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-countdown/the-biggest-issues-for-wildlife-and-endangered-species-in-2019/

16 hours ago

6.Why Endangered Species Matter - State of the Planet

Url:https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2019/03/26/endangered-species-matter/

6 hours ago

7.Why endangered species are important - Remember …

Url:https://rememberanimals.com/why-endangered-species-are-important/

24 hours ago

8.15 Ways to Help Protect Endangered Species

Url:https://www.endangered.org/15-ways-to-help-protect-endangered-species/

28 hours ago

9.Top 10 - The World's Most Endangered Animals

Url:https://onekindplanet.org/top-10/top-10-worlds-most-endangered-animals/

17 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9