ENDANGERED ANIMALS What does ‘endangered species’ mean? Why is conservation necessary? Let’s do our share!

PART 1 What does ‘endangered species’ mean? Burmese Star Tortoises, San Diego Zoo, US

an ENDANGERED SPECIES … is an animal that is in danger of becoming extinct. Hawksbill Turtle Panda Polar Bear

What does extinct mean?  There used to be a time in the US when passenger pigeons flew in such huge flocks they would fill the sky. In the 18th century, the population of passenger pigeons was greater than the Earth's human population. But at the turn of the 20th century they disappeared from the wild due to hunting, and eventually, the last pigeon living in a zoo died. When a life form can no longer pass down its own species, that species is said to be extinct.

Even dinosaurs would be surprised at today’s rate of extinction! Extinction is a natural progression of events for all life forms. But today, the rate of extinction reaches 40,000 species a year – the highest in our history! What’s more, most of this is caused by the work of humans.

We’re losing…

PART 2 Why is conservation necessary? To protect from loss or harm

Pity for animals is not the only reason Why should we protect animals that are on the brink of extinction? Because we feel sorry for them? Of course it's important to respect the life of an animal. But there are other reasons for conservation, too. Black-tailed Prairie Dog

What’s bad for animals is bad for us?! For instance, plants produce the oxygen that we need to breathe. The life of a plant relies on pollen carried by insects and minerals found in animal carcasses. In other words, the earth has many life forms whose lives depend on one another. This is called biodiversity. When an animal or other life form becomes extinct, it breaks its link with other life forms, and threatens our lives as well.

Species decline because of:  Habitat Destruction  Hunting/Poaching  Pollution  Pest Control  Introduced Species a little more on this on the next page!

What is introduced species?  It is a species normally living outside the habitat, which has arrived there by human activity, either deliberate or accidental.  It can cause various problems:  Spreading of new disease  Preying on normal species and multiplying uncontrollably  Competing for resources with the normal species And destroys the habitat!

Counter action by:  Zoos and Wildlife Parks allocated to protect habitats  Seed collection and re-planting of endangered plant species  Sperm/egg banks to preserve genetic variance selection for species at risk  Education programmes to raise awareness  Research on species at risk  Laws and policies prohibiting illegal Hunting/Poaching

PART 3 Let’s do our share!

Most cases of extinction are a result of the work of humans What we should do is aim for a new era where people and animals can coexist Live together

We can start TODAY! What can we do now so that people and animals can coexist? The first thing we did was learning about endangered animals. Now we can use this knowledge to take actions that contribute to their conservation. For instance, stopping wasteful use of paper can go a long way in protecting forests. What other ways can you think of? Discuss with your classmates and parents!

Some suggestions…  Save energy by turning off electronic appliances after use  Use both sides of paper  Turn off water when soaping or brushing teeth  Encourage parents not to buy illegally hunted products such as bear bile, tiger balm, and animal fur