1. Endangered
Means
There’s
Still Time

2. Definitions
Extinct
Species species of plant or animal that is no longer living.
Endangered
Species in immediate danger of becoming extinct and needs protection to survive.
Threatened
Species is likely to become endangered if not protected

3. Extinct Species Passenger Pigeon
Probably the most numerous bird on Earth once, now extinct
Over-hunting, clearing of forests for agriculture
Last reported in 1890s
Passenger Pigeon

4. Extinct Species Dusky Seaside Sparrow Last of these birds died in 1987
Sparrows lost their homes as marshes were destroyed

5. An endangered species is one that is getting close to extinction
Black Rhino of Africa

6. Gray wolves: endangered in most of the lower 48 states
Endangered Species
Gray wolves: endangered in most of the lower 48 states
Gray wolves are also endangered in most of the lower 48 states. They once roamed widely across North America. As predators, they keep their prey in balance with nature by ensuring the prey species does not become over-populated.
Before people understood how important predators are to keep a healthy balance in nature, many wolves were killed. Today the gray wolf is found only in a few places in the lower 48 states such as Minnesota and Montana. Biologists are trying to restore populations in Wyoming and Idaho by bringing in wild wolves from Canada. In Alaska, the wolf still survives in secure numbers and does not need special protection.

7. Threatened Species Just a step behind endangered
Could become endangered without human intervention
threatened green sea turtle that lives in tropical and temperate oceans.
Green Sea Turtle

8. Poachers cut off ivory tusks to make carvings and sell them for money
Threatened Species
African Elephant
Thousands have been slaughtered by poachers
Poachers cut off ivory tusks to make carvings and sell them for money

9. Ways That Species Become Endangered
Habitat loss
Unregulated or illegal killing or collection
Pesticides, pollution
Competition with other species
Disease
Predation

10. It is because of habitat loss that spotted owls are threatened

11. Habitat Loss
Different aged trees like this are perfect for owls nests, food, shelter and protection from predators

12. Old growth forests were cut faster than they could regrow
Habitat Loss
The spotted owl's problem started years ago when old growth forests were cut faster than they could regrow.
Old growth forests were cut faster than they could regrow

13. The spotted owl is our fire alarm to the problem of deforestation
Habitat Loss
The spotted owl is our fire alarm to the problem of deforestation

14. Whooping cranes need wetlands to survive
Habitat Loss
Whooping cranes need wetlands to survive

15. Habitat Loss
Historically, wetlands were considered wastelands, suitable only for mosquitoes and draining

16. Wetlands are drained of all their water causing habitat loss

17. Habitat Loss & Illegal Killing
Cause of endangerment of tigers

18. Humans = main problem facing the endangered manatee, or sea cow
Human Activities
Humans = main problem facing the endangered manatee, or sea cow

19. Sometimes speed boats run over the manatees
Human Activities
Sometimes speed boats run over the manatees

20. Other Endangered Species
Some endangered species that aren’t mammals and birds

21. Other Endangered Species
Plants like insect-eating pitcher plant are endangered

22. Other Endangered Species
Bunched Cory Cactus in the Southwest deserts

23. Endangered Means There’s Still Time
All living things are connected and depend on each other for survival

24. Endangered Means There’s Still Time
Estimated that a disappearing plant can take with it up to 30 other species

25. Endangered Means There’s Still Time
Endangered species show us that our world may not be as healthy as we think

26. Endangered Means There’s Still Time
Dangerous pesticide, DDT, caused bald eagles to begin laying eggs with shells so thin they often broke

27. Endangered Means There’s Still Time
Brown pelicans also signaled the DDT alarm to us when their egg shells started thinning

28. Endangered Means There’s Still Time
Living and non-living things depending on and interacting with one another is an ecosystem

29. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages over 500 refuges with over 90 million acres

30. In 1973, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was passed
Protects >900 species of plants and animals in the U.S., and >530 species living in other parts of the world

31. ESA: illegal to import, export, or sell animals and plants on the list across state lines

32. What can you do to help endangered species?

33. What You Can Do Get educated about local endangered species
Visit a nearby national wildlife refuge or nature center
Volunteer
Don’t buy species illegally taken from the wild
Don’t buy products made from threatened or endangered species.