"An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction."
Endangered species are those threatened with extinction. Biodiversity conservation efforts often focus on protecting endangered species.
Biodiversity: The variety of living organisms in a specific area or on the Earth as a whole.
Endangered species: Species that face a high risk of extinction in the near future.
Habitat loss: The destruction, fragmentation or degradation of a species’ natural habitat, which is one of the most significant factors driving species extinction.
Climate change: Global warming, temperature changes, and other climate disruptions have significant impacts on the habitat, food sources, and breeding patterns of endangered species.
Protected areas: Areas designated for the conservation and protection of biodiversity, including national parks, reserves, wildlife refuges and other conservation lands.
Conservation status: The degree of protection granted to a species, from vulnerable to critically endangered.
Overexploitation: The harvesting or use of a species at a rate faster than it can naturally replenish its populations, leading to the threat of extinction.
Poaching: Illegal hunting, capturing or killing of wild animals or plants, often for their valuable parts such as ivory, fur, or medicinal purposes.
Invasive species: Non-native species that can disrupt and negatively impact native ecosystems, often posing a significant threat to vulnerable species by outcompeting them for resources.
Pollution: The contamination of air, water, and soil by human activities, which can have harmful effects on wildlife, especially species with specific habitat requirements or who are highly sensitive to environmental changes.
Genetic diversity: The range of genetic variation within a species, which can impact the species’ ability to adapt to changing environments or cope with diseases.
Human-wildlife conflict: When people and wildlife come into conflict with each other, potentially leading to lethal outcomes, most commonly due to habitat destruction and food competition.
Endemic species: Species that exist only in one specific area, putting them at an even higher risk of extinction.
Ex situ conservation: Conservation approaches that occur outside of the species’ natural habitat, such as captive breeding programs or seed banks, which can be utilized to restore wild populations or prevent extinction.
Mammals: These are warm-blooded animals that give birth to live young and nurse them with milk. Endangered mammal species include tigers, pandas, rhinoceroses, and elephants.
Birds: These are feathered animals that lay eggs and have wings for flight. Endangered bird species include bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and various species of owls.
Reptiles: These are cold-blooded animals that lay eggs and have scaly skin. Endangered reptile species include various types of turtles, lizards, and crocodiles.
Amphibians: These are cold-blooded animals that live part of their lives in water and part on land. Endangered amphibian species include frogs, toads, and salamanders.
Fish: These are aquatic animals that are cold-blooded and have gills for breathing underwater. Endangered fish species include various types of salmon and trout, as well as sharks and sea turtles.
Insects: These are small, often winged animals with six legs and exoskeletons. Endangered insect species include bees, butterflies, and various types of beetles.
Plants: Endangered plants may include trees, flowers, and other types of vegetation. Many of these species are threatened by loss of habitat or other environmental factors.
Fungi: Endangered fungi species include various types of mushrooms and other types of decomposers. These organisms play a crucial role in breaking down dead plant matter and recycling nutrients in ecosystems.
"Factors such as habitat loss, poaching, and invasive species."
"The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List."
"Various other agencies assess the status of species within particular areas."
"Laws that protect conservation-reliant species which, for example, forbid hunting, restrict land development, or create protected areas."
"Captive breeding and habitat restoration."
"Human activity is a significant cause in causing some species to become endangered."
"Habitat loss is one of the factors that put species at risk of becoming endangered."
"Poaching refers to the illegal hunting or capturing of wildlife, often for commercial purposes, which contributes to species endangerment."
"The IUCN Red List lists the global conservation status of many species, providing a comprehensive view of their risk of extinction."
"Protected areas created by laws restrict land development, providing safe spaces for endangered species to thrive."
"Endangered species may be at risk either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction."
"The main categories of threats mentioned are habitat loss, poaching, and invasive species."
"Some endangered species are the target of extensive conservation efforts, such as captive breeding and habitat restoration."
"Human activities such as habitat destruction, poaching, and the introduction of invasive species negatively impact endangered species."
"Laws play a crucial role in protecting conservation-reliant species through measures like hunting bans and land development restrictions."
"The status of species is assessed within particular areas, which means quotas can vary based on local factors."
"The IUCN Red List provides a centralized resource that informs conservation efforts by listing the global conservation status of many species."
"Endangered species face different threats, and the severity may vary based on factors like location and habitat type."
"Conservation-reliant species are those that require active measures, such as captive breeding and habitat restoration, to ensure their survival."