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It is a subspecies of Brown bear, found in North America. In 1975, the species was reported to be endangered with the number of fewer than 250. Its decline resulted from a combination of excessive hunting and habitat loss. Since 1975, they have been protected by state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and private citizens and now there are more than 600 Grizzly bears.

You can find more information about Grizzly Bear’s and other endangered animals’ stories here.

For further information about Grizzly bears, click the link below:

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Common Name:

Grizzly bears

Scientific Name:

Ursus arctos horribilis

Average Life Span In The Wild:

25 years

Size relative to a 6-ft man:

What is the grizzly bear?

The grizzly bear is a North American subspecies of the brown bear. Grizzlies are typically brown, though their fur can appear to be white-tipped, or grizzled, lending them their name. Grizzly bears are protected by law in the continental United States-not in Alaska-though there have been some controversial attempts to remove those protections in recent years.

Diet and behavior

These awe-inspiring giants tend to be solitary animals-with the exception of females and their cubs-but at times they do congregate. Dramatic gatherings of grizzly bears can be seen at prime Alaskan fishing spots when the salmon run upstream for summer spawning. In this season, dozens of bears may gather to feast on the fish, craving fats that will sustain them through the long winter ahead.

Brown bears dig dens for winter hibernation, often holing up in a suitable-looking hillside. Females give birth during this winter rest, often to twins.

Grizzly bears are powerful, top-of-the-food-chain predators, yet much of their diet consists of nuts, berries, fruit, leaves, and roots. Bears also eat other animals, from rodents to moose.

Despite their impressive size, grizzlies have been clocked running at 30 miles an hour. They can be dangerous to humans, particularly if surprised or if humans come between a mother and her cubs.

Habitat

Grizzlies once lived in much of western North America and even roamed the Great Plains. These animals need a lot of space-their home range can encompass up to 600 square miles -so their ideal habitat is one that is isolated from development and has plenty of food and places to dig their dens.

Though European settlement gradually eliminated the bears from much of their original habitat, grizzly populations can still be found in parts of Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Washington State. They're one of the most iconic residents of Yellowstone National Park. Many grizzlies also still roam the wilds of Canada and Alaska, where hunters pursue them as big game trophies.

Threats to survival

At its peak, the grizzly population numbered more than 50,000. But those numbers shrank dramatically as westward expansion plunked cities and towns in the middle of the grizzly bear's habitat. Aggressive hunting in the early 20th century also threatened the survival of the grizzly bear. By the 1920s and 1930s, these bears had been reduced to less than 2 percent of their historical range. In the 1960s, it was estimated that there were only 600 to 800 remaining in the wild. In 1975, grizzly bears were listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Conservation

Today, grizzlies are considered a conservation success story. Ever since they gained protections under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, the population of grizzly bears has grown. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established recovery zones for the bears and set out to improve relationships between humans and bears by educating the public about these animals and establishing programs to reimburse ranchers for livestock bears killed.

Now there are more than five times the number of grizzlies than there were in 1975-and about 1,400 to 1,700 in the contiguous U.S. But they aren't in the clear just yet. While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has tried to delist grizzly bears twice, both attempts have been blocked.

In 2017, the second attempt was blocked in federal courts over concerns about the lack of genetic diversity among this subspecies whose various populations live so far apart. Conservationists also worry that delisting grizzly bears would lead to renewed hunting that would again deplete the population.

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Common Name: Grizzly bears Scientific Name: Ursus arctos horribilis Average Life Span In The Wild: 25 years Size relative to a 6-ft man: The grizzly bear is a North American subspecies of the brown bear. Grizzlies are typically brown, though their fur can appear to be white-tipped, or grizzled, lending them their name.

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Not only animals but also plants may also become endangered.

It generally happens due to ecosystem changes and human destruction of natural habitat.

There are more detailed searchings and lists but here is the list of top 10 most endangered plants.

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The endangered species need your help....          It's a matter of life or death.

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Platanthera praeclara only exists in five U.S. states in the Midwest. The Endangered Species Coalition estimates that there are only 172 populations of this plant, with merely four with more...

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In 1938, the first year a population survey was conducted, only 29 whooping cranes remained in the wild. Three years later, only 16 were left. Hunting and reduction of their wetland habitat had vitiated the population and concerted efforts to salvage remnant birds did not being until the late 1960s. Today, there are over 400 birds, thanks in large part to innovative breeding programs.
For further reading check here

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Florida Panther was one of the endangered species when it was found in 1989 that there were only 30-50 florida panthers, a decline resulting from habitat a loss. After this, they got protected and the species is now Florida’s official state animal. It is estimated that there are 120-230 Florida Panthers in South Florida. This is a proof that we can protect endangered species from extinction.

If you like to know more about Florida Panthers, you can click here.

Also, you can find their story of becoming almost extinct here.

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Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the importance of protecting  endangered species and everyday actions they can take to help protect them. Started in 2006 by the United States Congress, Endangered Species   Day is a celebration of the nation’s wildlife and wild places. Every year on the third Friday in May (and throughout the month), zoos, aquariums, parks,   botanic gardens, wildlife refuges, museums, schools, community centers, conservation groups and other organizations throughout the country hold   tours, special speaker presentations, exhibits, children’s activities and more to celebrate Endangered Species Day.
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Why Should We Care If a Species Goes Extinct?

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Why Should We Care If a Species Goes Extinct?

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Moral and ethical arguments to try to prevent species extinction include reasons like all life has a right to be here, or that we owe it to our grandchildren to protect species so they can see them in the wild.  Species also impact the ecosystems they are a part of; plants and animals depend on each other in an ecosystem for things like food and shelter, so if one species dies out, then that could affect other species in an ecosystem. For example sea otters live in kelp forests and eat sea urchins, and when they were hunted almost to extinction the sea urchin population increased and ate all the kelp-- destroying the kelp forest habitat.
Here's a video about this topic.

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Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are nationally identified sites that contribute significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity, in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems.

for source click here

Every counrty has their own special diversities and areas.

According to 2016 data, Turkey has 313 KBAs, 303 of which trigger the KBA criteria for one or more taxonomic groups at the global scale. The remaining 10 sites trigger the KBA criteria at the regional scale only. The globally significant 303 KBAs cover 20,456,884 hectares of Turkey whis is 26% of the whole country.

for source click here

You can have a look at these sources' links for further information.

For Turkey there is an article which shows and explains KBA's in Turkey with detailed maps and graphics.

Here is the link:

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Today, as we know a lot of species are endangered like siberian tigers or polar bears but do we know ow exactly does a species become endangered, and who makes the call? According to the IUCN, if they meet any one of the following criteria: a 50–70% population decrease over 10 years, a total geographic area less than 5,000 km ² (or local population area less than 500 km ²), a population size less than 2,500 adults, a restricted population of 250 adults, or a statistical prediction that it will go extinct within the next 20 years they are considered as endangered species.
If you want to learn more about this you can click here.

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What's The Point Of Saving Endangered Species

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What's The Point Of Saving Endangered Species

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Almost everyday we all hear the news that there are animal species on the brink of extinction. People make events and find organizations to raise awareness. But why do people want to save the animals? What's the meaning of saving pandas or mountain gorillas? Please click the link below to receive all the detailed answers to the questions!

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Welcome to BBC Earth, a place to explore the natural world through awe-inspiring documentaries, podcasts, stories and more.

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1. An endangered species is one whose numbers are so small that it is at risk of extinction.

2. A species is defined as endangered or threatened when it is suffers from these factors: damage to its habitat for recreational, or entertainment purposes; disease or predation of the species; and hazards to the continued life of the species.

3. A species is declared extinct after many years of not being spotted. Because it takes so long to define an entire species as extinct, it is probable that there are many species already gone that we are unaware of.

4. Rangers are on the frontlines of conservation to protect some of the world's most endangered species like tigers, elephants and rhinos. Send thank-you cards to those who protect endangered species. Sign up for Wildlife Cards!

5. Extinction is a natural phenomenon, it occurs at a natural “background” rate of about one to five species per year. Scientists estimate we’re now losing species at 1,000 to 10,000 times the “background” rate, with dozens going extinct every day.

6. As many as 30 to 50 percent of all species are possibly heading toward extinction by mid-century.

7. 99% of currently threatened species are at risk from human activities, primarily those driving habitat loss, introduction of exotic species, and global warming

8. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) protects registered endangered species by removing them from the “take” list, which makes it unlawful for a person to shoot, harm, capture, trap, or attempt any such actions to the species.[8]

9. Ultimately, the ESA strives to recover species from the endangered list by restoring their ecological health until they no longer need protection.

10. The World Wildlife Organization focuses on saving certain species that help sustain other species. They protect wildlife such as pandas, whales, rhinos, marine turtles, primates, polar bears, and big cats.

11. Freshwater ecosystems are home to more than 100,000 known species of plants and animals, and are now one of the most endangered habitats in the world as a result of human development, pollution, and climate change.

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Learn about endangered species and how wildlife is protected by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). Learn about the World Wildlife Organization and the an...

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The Asian elephant is the largest living land animal in Asia. Since 1986, the Asian elephant has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, as the population has declined by at least 50 percent over the last three generations, estimated to be 60–75 years. It is primarily threatened by loss of habitat, habitat degradation, fragmentation and poaching.
For further reading check here

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Interview: Street Artist Creates Endangered Animal Paintings to Help Raise Awareness

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Interview: Street Artist Creates Endangered Animal Paintings to Help Raise Awareness

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A street artist named Sonny from South Africa has made a progression of works of art and figures to investigate the conceivable elimination of creatures around the world. He draws attention to these issues with his own art. Let's have a look at the beautiful animal paintings!

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South African street artist Sonny, known for his large animal murals, goes inside the gallery for an exploration of the precarious balance between mankind and the animal kingdom. For To the Bone, Sonny has created a series of paintings and sculptures to explore the possible extinction of beloved animals around the globe.

Each individual portrait, from gorilla to panda, elephant to rhino, is an intimate look at the emotional, cultural, and economic price we'll pay should we let these animals fall into extinction. With half of their faces stripped down and decorated with the pattern of the tribes local to each species origin, and gold highlighting the body part prized by poachers, in one canvas Sonny strikes at the heart of this urgent issue.

In addition to the canvases, Sonny produced a set of hand-painted sculptures. Each canvas is paired with a skull replicas as a haunting reminder of what will remain if we don't put an end to the poaching and environmental acts that place the animal kingdom at risk. As an artist, Sonny is not only letting his creativity speak to important issues, but he's also helping raise funds. A limited set of hand-finished prints will be available during the exhibition, with proceeds benefitting Project C.A.T. The organization, which is a collaboration between Discovery and the World Wildlife Foundation, helps conserve almost 2 million acres of land in India and Bhutan in order to ensure a healthy habitat for tigers.

In advance of To the Bone, which runs from May 17 to May 19, 2018 at 393 Broadway, New York, NY, we spoke to Sonny about his concept for the project and what it means for him to use his art to promote charitable causes. Read on for our exclusive interview.
What is it about animals that attracts you as an artist?
I find it incredible how each species is so unique and different. Studying them and painting them keeps me constantly intrigued.
How did the concept for To the Bone come about?
Living in South Africa and spending time in the bush quickly made me fall in love with these wild animals, and I soon began learning more about the issues they're facing that are driving many of these species to the brink of extinction. Around the same time, I was playing with the idea of creating a new body of work for a solo show and decided to use this work to raise awareness and funds for animal welfare.
Can you explain the significance of the inclusion of local tribal patterns on each animal? How did you go about selecting the animals featured? Painting a mural and painting a canvas use different skill sets. What is the most interesting part, as a street artist, of tackling a gallery show as opposed to an outdoor mural? Why was including a charitable aspect to the initiative important to you? What do you hope that people take away from the work?
I started by focusing on animals close to home, but then realized that as it's such a global issue, the animals in the series should reflect that. I wanted everyone to be able to relate to the work and the issues it speaks to... So, I decided to showcase a selection of endangered animals from around the world - a tough task to narrow down the list down to just ten considering how many species are in serious trouble!

I don't think people fully realize the impact that losing these animals will have on us, as humans. These animals are so much a part of our culture and our heritage, and when they disappear, we will be losing a part of ourselves too. The native patterns represent this...

It seems counter-intuitive, but painting a canvas actually takes much longer than painting a mural... well for me at least. As this is the first canvas work I've created, this was something that caught me completely off-guard. Where murals are physically challenging, being in the studio for over a year working on this body of work was one of the most mentally challenging (and rewarding) things I've ever done. I feel really privileged to be able to work in the studio and on the streets; the two give me a lot of balance and keep me excited!

The murals were all about raising awareness and starting conversations around the extinction crisis. For the gallery show, I wanted to focus on raising funds, particularly for tigers which are my favorite animal and are critically endangered. I wanted the work to make a real impact in every way possible. It's why I'm donating 10% of artwork sales to Discovery's Project C.A.T., with one painting being auctioned-the tiger-to support the global effort to double the number of tigers in the wild by 2022.

In terms of my message, the intention with the project was always to inspire action, even if that action is as simple as a shift in mindset or being more conscious about how our daily habits and choices impact the world around us and all its creatures. I hope that people will appreciate the beauty of the animals in the paintings, and in doing so, realize that this beauty needs to be protected. In terms of the artwork, I've worked hard to create something that I hope is both unique and impactful. I want people to come away feeling that they have seen something new and exciting, something they've never seen before.

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Sonny.

Related Articles:

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Interview: Powerful Paintings of Endangered Animal Highlight the Parts Poachers Kill For

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An interview with South African street artist Sonny in anticipation of his New York gallery show 'To the Bone.' The incredible set of animal paintings speaks to the risks of endangered species, with the artist collaborating with Project C.A.T. to make a difference.

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Interviews with Pierre Fidenci, Founder and President of Endangered Species International.

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Interviews with Pierre Fidenci, Founder and President of Endangered Species International.

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In this interview, the president of ESI Pierre Fidenci gives some information about the organization he found and other organizations. He shares his ideas on endangered species and tells what people should do to save the planet, plants and animal species. You can find the interview under the below.

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Interviews with Pierre Fidenci, Founder and President of Endangered Species International.

May 2009

J.C: Can you tell us about Endangered Species International (ESI)?

P.F: ESI is still a relatively young organization in contrast to Greenpeace for example. ESI was born in part because of the need to create new organizations that represent the fundamentals of environmentalism and conservation. Saving biodiversity by looking at all factors including economic ones. We look for and implement unconventional solutions to protect and defend vanishing biodiversity. We know the ground and the people better than anybody else. If you take large groups, they are governed by people who have lost contact with the ground reality, leading to failure or poor results.

J.C: Are you disappointed about other environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs)?

P.F: Let's face it; a great number of NGOs are doing fabulous work like the Center for Biological Diversity. Other NGOs like World Wildlife Fund and the Nature Conservancy for example have too much close ties to corporations. They tend to shy away from criticizing their corporate benefactors. Some NGOs are characterized by bad communications, lack of transparency, cultural insensitivity and broken promises. Sadly, others are corrupted, lacking experience, misusing funds, and setting up political environment against another. They forgot that saving biodiversity and endangered species is a common and symbiotic effort; there is not one group who can do it all even at a regional scale! Of course, when somebody gives money to a special group, it is very likely that he does not know how effective the donation will be used and working on the ground. You have to be inside the system to really know what is going on.

J.C: Do you think that the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Conservation International (CI) should be supported financially as they are now?

P.F: I think it is not a good idea that few organizations have the monopoly of conservation. New ideas and solutions will come from many other organizations and support should be more widespread to allow better results. Also, independence, transparency, and integrity are not often the strength of those large NGOs. We need to balance the resources to other groups who have proven records on the ground.

J.C: I know that you have a special interest in amphibians; can you tell us about their status?

P.F: I have loved amphibians since I have been very young. They play an important role in the ecosystems like eating mosquitoes, they are beautiful, and they could provide the cure for major human diseases! Overall, amphibians are declining everywhere and we have lost already more than 100 species! That's enormous and scary. We also are starting to understand that it is not only frogs that are declining but also salamanders worldwide including in the Neotropics.

J.C: What about the other plant and animal species?

P.F: Our current knowledge tells us that we have lost about 1,000 species in our recent times. However, scientists know that is an underestimate of the reality since we have evaluated a tiny number of all species on earth. Further, we tend to overlook at certain groups like mammals that are easy to evaluate and likeable but there are thousands of other life forms, like bacteria, that are probably going extinct at the moment we are talking. Coral reefs are in great danger as well. 70 per cent of the world's coral reefs may well be destroyed over the next 20-40 years, unless we stop illegal fishing, pollution, sewage, erosion and unsuitable tourism. Staghorn (Acroporid) corals face the highest risk of extinction, with 52 percent of species listed as threatened.

J.C: ESI is active in Congo, can you tell us more about gorillas?

P.F: We have identified an area in Congo where gorillas are heavily hunted for bushmeat and their populations are in great danger. Gorilla meat is sold pre-cut for about $6 per 'hand-sized' piece. Our goal is to stop illegal hunting of gorillas including other endangered species, to protect biodiversity, and to foster local economic alternatives. We have a very strong support from local communities and we have made great progress so far. Some of the hunters are willing to stop killing gorillas as long as they can have a work. Conservation awareness and some cultural changes are also needed to protect gorillas and their habitats.

J.C: You often mention the oceans as priority conservation areas?

P.F: The oceans are the forgotten ecosystems of this century. Less than one percent is protected worldwide in contrast to ten percent of land. During the late 20th century, there was a great increase in global awareness, but it never really translated into worldwide marine conservation. The oceans continue to be vastly polluted and abused. From plastic bags to pesticides, most of the waste we produce eventually reaches the oceans.

J.C: In one of your speeches you said that cutting down the amount we consume is good for the planet, can you elaborate on that?

P.F: Yes, there is no doubt about that, we need to shift our way of life to more basic needs rather than false needs that have been driven by marketing and advertising. Innovation and research must be encouraged and pursued, but our current system is going nowhere. Creating national parks and recycling will not be enough to save the biodiversity and ourselves. We need to shift the way we have been living for the last 100 years. There is no question that we cannot live as a whole planet like in the United States, Europe, Japan, and South Korea. We, people from the richer nations need to show and start the change now to make sure that our species can live much longer in a fair world with respect for living creatures around us.

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Interviews with Pierre Fidenci, Founder and President of Endangered Species International. May 2009 J.C: Can you tell us about Endangered Species International (ESI)? P.F: ESI is still a relatively young organization in contrast to Greenpeace for example. ESI was born in part because of the need to create new organizations that represent the fundamentals of environmentalism and conservation.

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Sea otters, whose numbers were once estimated at 150,000–300,000, were hunted extensively for their fur between 1741 and 1911, and the world population fell to 1,000–2,000 individuals living in a fraction of their historic range. A subsequent international ban on hunting, conservation efforts, and reintroduction programs into previously populated areas have contributed to numbers rebounding, and the species occupies about two-thirds of its former range. The recovery of the sea otter is considered an important success in marine conservation, although populations in the Aleutian Islands and California have recently declined or have plateaued at depressed levels. For these reasons, the sea otter remains classified as an endangered species.
For further reading check here

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Who are they:

The International Rhino Fund has been funding and operating rhino conservation programs for the last 25 years to ensure the survival of rhinos. Their major operations are in Africa and Asia, where most of the rhino species live. They have their horns in to stop poachers!

Which endangered animals do they protect:

They protect all five rhino species that fall victim to poaching:

• Sumatran rhinos
• Javan rhinos
• greater one-horned rhino
• black rhino
• white rhino

How can I support this organization:

The ISF has an online shop where you can buy anything from jewelry, funky rhino printed hoodies, or cute rhino printed baby onesies. All the money raised go towards rhino conservation and you can join their social media #TeamRhino Campaign.

Follow on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Though it’s called a leopard—and certainly resembles a frosted version of those spotted habitués of more equatorial regions—the snow leopard is actually more closely related to the tiger, at least per genetic analysis. Probably fewer than 6,500 remain in the wild, though due to the remote mountainous terrain preferred by the species, and its elusive nature, data is hard to come by. The largest populations are in China and Mongolia, with significant populations in India and Kyrgyzstan as well.
For further reading check here

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Of course there are many organizations, activities, and workings on endangered plants.

In the video below, we can see the efforts to save the spesific plant called Baker's Larkspur in Botanical Garden at UC Berkeley.

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12 Things We Should All Do To Protect Endangered Species

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12 Things We Should All Do To Protect Endangered Species

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1. Educate your family about endangered species in your area

2. Recycle and buy sustainable products.

3. Grow native plants.

4. Reduce your water consumption.

5. Reduce your personal footprint.

6. Do not buy plastic products.

7. Pressure your civil servants.

8. Volunteer your time to protect the wildlife in your area.

9. Do not purchase products from companies that are known polluters.

10. Get in touch with your Fish and Game Department.

11. Black out the Black Market.

12. Herbicides and pesticides are hazardous pollutants that affect wildlife at many levels.

For further reading check here!

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One thing we humans fail at is seeing the big picture. We are often blind to the interconnectedness of everything that supports life, a web so complex and interdependent, we are only beginning to understand it. The food chain, from the tiniest little microorganisms to the largest creatures on earth, keep us humans alive.

So, when we talk about the grey whale, the timber wolf, the black rhino, it's not just that we should save these endangered creatures for their own good, but it's also for ours.The current legislation and government bodies that protect wild species from extinction are both being defunded and reorganized. It will be up to ordinary citizens and environmental groups to save these important links on the food chain. Here are someways to accomplish this.

1. Educate your family about endangered species in your area. It's not just about snow leopards in Russia, it's about the ecosystem in your own backyard. Teach your friends and family about wildlife, birds, fish and plants that live near you. Just awareness of these species is a critical step. From the worms in the garden to the bats that pollinate and control the mosquitos, there are many ways that our daily habits at home affect these creatures.

2. Recycle and buy sustainable products. Much of what threatens local populations has to do with development and more and more of the natural world is plundered to product new goods. Never buy furniture made of wood from rainforests or endangered trees. Recycle your cell phones, because a mineral used in electronic production is mined in gorilla habitat. Don't use palm oil because forests where tigers live are being cut down to plant palm plantations.

3. Grow native plants. It's a no-brainer but local species rely on local plants. You are providing food and shelter for native wildlife and you can reduce your water usage at the same time. Attracting native insects like bees and butterflies can help pollinate your flowers. And conversely, invasive species compete with native species for resources and habitat, threatening biodiversity. They can even prey on native species directly, forcing native species towards extinction. For more information about native plants in your area, visit http://www.plantsocieties.org

4. Reduce your water consumption. During droughts, people get better about not watering their lawns, but we need to understand that clean water is a global problem for wild animals, so the less humans consume, the better. Never dump chemicals or pharmaceuticals down toilets, storm drains or into streams or lakes.

5. Reduce your personal footprint. Drive less, walk more. Support better public transport, use biodegradable products and eat whole food from your farmers market.

6. Do not buy plastic products. Take your bags to the store, reuse containers and properly dispose of lightweight plastics. Wild animals get tangled in these products, and they end up in the ocean being ingested by small fish and killing off beneficial microorganisms.

7. Pressure your civil servants. It cannot rest on the scientific community alone to defend the natural world, voters and consumers must take a stand. This means singing petitions, writing letters and donating.

8. Volunteer your time to protect the wildlife in your area. Wildlife refuges,parks, and other places are often underfunded and desperate for help.Volunteering at one of these places to protect the animals might mean just educating visitors, or picking up litter.

9. Do not purchase products from companies that are known polluters. Many industries pollute natural water resources and lobby hard so that they don't have to clean up their own messes. You can do your part by not giving these companies your business, and cast your vote with your dollar. Spread the word about bad business practices and when it dings their bottom lines, these companies will take notice.

10. Get in touch with your Fish and Game Department. If you hunt, keep your licenses up to date and stay in touch with your local WFG so that you know which populations of game need culling and which are under threat. Hunting,instituted properly, is a sustainable way of maintaining wild populations like deer and turkey.

11. Black out the Black Market. Sometimes when we travel, we don't realize that the souvenirs we are buying are under threat. Avoid supporting the market in illegal wildlife including: tortoise-shell, ivory, and coral.

12. Herbicides and pesticides are hazardous pollutants that affect wildlife at many levels. These chemicals take a long time to degrade and build up in the soils before disseminating throughout the food chain. Critical predators like hawks, owls and coyotes suffer if they eat poisoned animals, and it can rock whole populations. Amphibians are particularly vulnerable to these chemical pollutants and its unnecessary! For alternatives to pesticides, visit http://www.beyondpesticides.org

There is so much we can be doing to protect these animals and vulnerable species from extinction, but we must make these changes now. Our kids need to see us upgrading our own behavior and taking the issues seriously. For more on helping endangered species, visit: http://www.endangered.org

Related

Animals Sustainability Nature Endangered Species

Susie Almaneih, is an Executive Mom and Technology Marketing Professional

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12 Things We Should All Do To Protect Endangered Species

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12 Things We Should All Do To Protect Endangered Species

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Between 1996 and 2008, the population of Tasmanian devils dropped some 60% due a contagious cancer known as Devil Facial Tumour Disease. It continues to decimate populations of the species, which only occurs on the Australian island of Tasmania. There may only be 10,000 wild individuals remaining. Captive breeding of uninfected individuals has been instituted and efforts have been made to develop a vaccine for the cancer, which is thought to have stemmed from mutated cells from a single specimen.
For further reading check here

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10 Easy Things to Protect Endangered Animals

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10 Easy Things to Protect Endangered Animals

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According to the article called

"10 Easy Things You Can Do to Save Endangered Species" published on Endangered Species Coalition official website, there are basically 10 things to save animals in danger.
1- Get informed about endangered species in your area.
2- Visit wildlife refuge and get involved to protect their habitat by volunteering.
3-Make your home wildlife friendly.
4-Don't destroy native plants.

5-Avoid using herbicides and pesticides.
6-Drive slowly.
7-Recycle.
8-Avoid purchasing products made from endangered species.
9- Abstain from harrasing endangered species.
10-Protect wildlife habitat.
For further reading and to learn the reasons why click here
Also please watch the video below to see an animation concerning the same issue.

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In this video we can see that there are beautiful animals that we kill every year. As the humans we always use animals for our clothes, fashion and even sometimes just for fun. But like those horrible people there are some people who try to sve them. Let's see some beaautiful animals!

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WHY AMUR LEOPARD IS DANGERED?
The Amur leopard is poached largely for its beautiful, spotted fur. ... As a result the forests are relatively accessible, making poaching a problem—not only for theleopards themselves, but also for important prey species, such as roe deer, sika deer and hare, which are hunted by the villagers both for food and cash.
HOW MANY AMUR LEOPARD ARE KILLED EVERY YEAR?
As many as 450 endangered snow leopards have been killed each year since 2008, a report on the fate of the mountain cats estimates. Only 4000 to 7000 of the animals are thought to remain in the 12 mountainous Asian countries they inhabit.
WHAT CAN HUMANS DO TO HELP AMUR LEOPARDS?

1. Adopt a Wild Animal. A symbolic adoption helps save real animals in the wild.

2. Take Action. ...

3. Speak Up for Wildlife. ...

4. Stay Informed. ...

5. Become a Defender of Wildlife

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Here is another video of conserving endangered plants.

You can watch it via the link:

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Conserving the world's endangered plants at Kew Gardens - video

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Alok Jha visits Kew Gardens, to see how scientists are tackling the environmental crisis that has seen a fifth of all plant species under threat

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Here is a poster which gives some basic information about endangered species.
Click here to see visual's source

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WWF works in partnership with a variety of organisations, communities and individuals to protect those endangered species most in need.

Why it matters?
"Over thirty million years of geographical isolation has created animal and plant species unique to our continent. However, this rich biological diversity has seriously declined since European settlement. Some 29 Australian mammals have become extinct over the past 200 years. Sadly, other taxonomic groups have fared little better." WWF

To learn more about WWF, click the link down below

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Australia's vast continent is home to some of the most magnificent plants and animals on Earth. Many have evolved in splendid geographical isolation and are found nowhere else.
Their future is in our hands.
WWF works in partnership with a variety of organisations, communities and individuals to protect those endangered species most in need. While we might focus our efforts on charismatic animals - like rock-wallabies, black cockatoos, quolls and marine turtles - their protection enhances the survival of many other species. Entire landscapes and ecosystems benefit from our approach.

Together, we can work for the conservation of Australia's most threatened and endangered species, restore their habitats and win the fight against extinction.

Species we save

Everyday, WWF-Australia works to save a growing number of threatened species.

In-the-field

WWF-Australia doesn't just work within the borders of Australia, we also work within the Asia-Pacific region to deliver significant conservation outcomes and to save endangered species.

Why it matters

Over thirty million years of geographical isolation has created animal and plant species unique to our continent. However, this rich biological diversity has seriously declined since European settlement. Some 29 Australian mammals have become extinct over the past 200 years. Sadly, other taxonomic groups have fared little better.

© Stephanie Todd / JCU / WWF-Aus

Rate of decline

About 1,700 plant and animal species are listed as threatened under the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC). A further 90 are considered extinct.

© Jürgen Freund / WWF

Ecosystem benefits

We focus our efforts on species like rock-wallabies, marine turtles, tigers and rhinos, whose protection influences and supports the survival of other species. Protecting flagship and priority threatened species offers opportunities to protect whole landscapes or marine areas.

© WWF-Aus / Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation

Human interest

Our species conservation also directly helps people, through improved livelihoods, food security, governance and empowerment. WWF-Australia's partnerships with Traditional Owners benefits culturally significant threatened species while providing real employment and training opportunities for some of the country's most remote and economically marginalised communities.

Mammals are the most distinct and unique fauna in Australia. In the land of the kangaroo, the platypus and the koala, our mammals are the most distinctive in the world. 86% can't be found anywhere else.

But our mammal population is dwindling. And the main ones in danger of extinction or decline are those that fall in a critical weight range - 35 to 5,500 grams. Threatened species in this range include woylies, numbats, bandicoots, bilbies, quokkas, quolls and rock-wallabies, which are particularly vulnerable to predators like feral cats and foxes.

Helping Save The World's Iconic Species

Globally, WWF has been working successfully on the conservation of the world's most iconic species for over 50 years. Regionally, WWF-Australia has been supporting species conservation work on tigers, orangutans, elephants, rhinos and snow leopards. These highly threatened animals are the focus of concerted WWF global campaigns and strategies. With the help of our amazing supporters and their endless generosity Australia will continue to marshal funds and resources to support our neighbours deliver significant wildlife conservation outcomes.

Threats

Our most vulnerable species face a number of key threats.

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Conservation of endangered species - WWF

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Australia's vast continent is home to some of the most magnificent plants and animals on Earth. Many have evolved in splendid geographical isolation and are found nowhere else. Their future is in our hands. WWF works in partnership with a variety of organisations, communities and individuals to protect those endangered species most in need.

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The giant panda is the rarest member of the bear family and among the world's most threatened animals. This peaceful creature with a distinctive black and white coat is adored by the world and considered a national treasure in China.
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) announced that pandas have been upgraded from “endangered” to “vulnerable” on the global list of species at risk of extinction, following a population growth of nearly 17% over the past decade. Yet while this recent status change for pandas is encouraging, they’re not out of the woods yet.
For further reading check here

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There is a podcast series consisting of 9 podcasts. Scientists investigated whether this bird would be considered in endangered animals list or not. They started to consider this an issue  because the number of sage grouse has declined by 95 percent. Here is the preview podcast below but you can see the rest of the series by clicking the link.

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Welcome to Player FM

What if radio played only the shows you care about, when you want? Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcast content right now. Try us out on any web browser - desktop, mobile, or tablet.

Take it with you

Start listening to Saving the Sage Grouse on your phone right now with Player FM's free mobile app, the best podcasting experience on both iPhone and Android. Your subcriptions will sync with your account on this website too. Podcast smart and easy with the app that refuses to compromise.

Google Play reviews:

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Over the last few months you've heard a number of reports about a species of bird that lives in Idaho and 10 other western states. The greater sage grouse is in the spotlight as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decides whether the bird merits listing under the Endangered Species Act.

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IUCN-International Union for Conservation of Natu

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IUCN-International Union for Conservation of Natu

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Turkey is located in three biogeographical regions: Anatolian, Mediterranean, Black Sea region, and their transition zones. Its climatic and geographical features change within short intervals of space due to the country’s position – a bridge between two continents. Thanks to its location, Turkey’s biological diversity can be compared to that of a small continent: the country’s territory consists of forests, mountains, steppe, wetlands, coastal and marine ecosystems and different forms and combinations of these systems.

says Turkey of IUCN established in 2005.

There a lot of organizations in Turkey about this topic. IUCN is just one of them. IUCN National Committee of Turkey has been working on several conservation issues after that time.

For further information, you can visit their page.

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This extraordinary ecosystem and habitat diversity has produced considerable species diversity. Turkish fauna biodiversity is quite high compared with the biodiversity of other countries in the temperate zone. Despite the lack of data, invertebrates constitute the largest group among the identified living species. The total number of invertebrate species in Turkey is about 19,000, of which about 4,000 species/subspecies are endemic. The total number of vertebrate species identified to date is nearly 1,500. Of the vertebrates, over 100 species are endemic, including 70 species of fish. Anatolia is home to the Fallow Deer and the Pheasant. The fact that Turkey is located on two major bird migration routes in the world makes it an important feeding and breeding area for birds.

IUCN National Committee of Turkey was established in 2005 and has been working on conservation topics since then. There are 7 IUCN Members in the Committee:

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This extraordinary ecosystem and habitat diversity has produced considerable species diversity. Turkish fauna biodiversity is quite high compared with the biodiversity of other countries in the temperate zone. Despite the lack of data, invertebrates constitute the largest group among the identified living species.

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Here is the website of "Doğa Derneği" in Turkey. You can donate or take a look at their activities.

They have different informative articles related to the topics we have mentioned.

If you would like to visit their page, click the link below.

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WHAT DOES WILDLIFE ACT DO?
Their goal is to save our endangered species and wild places from extinction. To achieve this goal, Wildlife ACT focuses on 3 main areas: endangered and priority species monitoring, anti-poaching measures and technology, and community education and empowerment.

You can donate, volunteer or even do an internship at this organization!

A few words from Wildlife ACT:

Key to the survival of our endangered species is ensuring that they are reintroduced to protected areas where they can safely roam and strengthen in number.

Wildlife ACT specializes in the safe capture, transportation and reintroduction of endangered species into new areas.

Visit their site to learn more about them and which species they are helping:

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Key to the survival of our endangered species is ensuring that they are reintroduced to protected areas where they can safely roam and strengthen in number. Wildlife ACT specializes in the safe capture, transportation and reintroduction of endangered species into new areas. Key to the success of this, is the intensive monitoring of these animals on a daily basis to assess how these animals are doing. We have assisted WWF South Africa in the reintroduction of over 200 endangered Black Rhino in the past 3 years alone. We also specialize in implementing tracking devices on the rhinos during the relocation process. This enables us to closely monitor these ancient animals and ensure their safety. The same process apples to all the endangered and priority species we work with.

Since 2008, Wildlife ACT has achieved the following species conservation work:

Over 250 Rhinos fitted with Tracking Devices

Over 330 Rhino relocated to new homes

Over 120 Rhino Dehorned

Over 250 African Wild Dogs fitted with Tracking & Anti-snare Collars

Over 140 Wild Dogs saved, treated and rescued from snares

Over 330 Wild Dogs retrieved and/or relocated

Over 85 Vultures fitted with GPS backpacks/trackers

Over 185 Vultures Wing-tagged and sampled

16 Nest Surveys and 14 Vulture Recoveries

Over 65 Cheetah fitted with Tracking Collars

37 Cheetah Relocated to new homes

6 Cheetah rescued from snares

Over 90 Lions fitted with Tracking Collars

Over 65 Lions Relocated to new homes

Over 130 Lion Call-ups performed

15 Elephants fitted with Tracking Collars

17 Elephants relocated to new homes

Over 150 Elephant Monitoring Sessions

What Does Wildlife ACT Do?

Our ultimate goal is to save our endangered species and wild places from extinction. To achieve this goal, Wildlife ACT focuses on 3 main areas: endangered and priority species monitoring, anti-poaching measures and technology, and community education and empowerment.

What Has Wildlife ACT Achieved?

One of our focal species is the African Wild Dog due to its endangered status. It is estimated that there are between 3000 and 5000 left in the wild - with around 550 of these living in South Africa. We are currently monitoring one third of this population every day - 365 days a year - to ensure their safety.

How is Wildlife ACT Saving Other Endangered Species?

We are founding members of this award-winning association. One of our Trustees, Dr Simon Morgan, is a floating Chairman for Project Rhino KZN - a province-wide, rhino-focused association that brings together a provincial government conservation body, private and community-owned reserves, rhino owners, leading conservation NGOs and anti-poaching security specialists.

We assist the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project by finding suitable release points for Black Rhino, by training of new Black Rhino monitors, and by purchasing and fitting state-of-the-art tracking equipment to individual rhino to be released. We also do the post-release monitoring work while the rhinos settle into their new homes.

What Partnerships & Support Does Wildlife ACT Have?

We have formed a strategic partnership with Rhino Africa Safaris - Africa's leading inbound tour operator. Rhino Africa is the largest single corporate contributor to Wildlife ACT's endangered species conservation work. Our success is in large part due to the fantastic financial, logistical and infrastructure support that Rhino Africa has provided us over the last years. They produced the following professionally-made video productions.

Please visit our Partners Page for a full list of all our sponsors, partners and affiliates

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Saving Endangered Species - Wildlife ACT

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Key to the survival of our endangered species is ensuring that they are reintroduced to protected areas where they can safely roam and strengthen in number. The Wildlife ACT Fund specialises in the safe capture, transportation and reintroduction of these endangered species into new areas.

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An endangered species is a type of organism that is threatened by extinction. Species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation.

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Orangutan” is Malaysian for “person of the forest.”
There are three species of orangutan's ; Bornean orangutan, Sumatran orangutan and   Tapanuli orangutan. All three orangutan species are considered to be critically endangered. Human activities have caused severe declines in populations and ranges. Threats to wild orangutan populations include poaching, habitat destruction as a result of palm oil cultivation, and the illegal pet trade. Several conservation and rehabilitation organisations are dedicated to the survival of orangutans in the wild.
For further reading check here

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Species are under risk of becoming extinct because of climate change.

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Species are under risk of becoming extinct because of climate change.

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One of the main reasons why animals become extinct is climate change. It already affects the ecosystems while putting animals into endangered animals list. Check out how climate change affects animals and puts them in danger.

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Climate change is already affecting ecosystems and environments around the world, putting vulnerable animals in danger of extinction. With research and activism underway, there is hope in saving animals from being wiped out completely.

From giant pandas to chimpanzees, here are 10 rainforest animals that may go extinct because of climate change.

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10 rainforest animals that may go extinct because of climate change

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Climate change is already affecting ecosystems and environments around the world, putting vulnerable animals in danger of extinction. With research and activism underway, there is hope in saving animals from being wiped out completely. From giant pandas to chimpanzees, here are 10 rainforest animals that may go extinct because of climate change.

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Turkey is a very rich country in terms of species diversity.
But because of human activities and climate changes, they have also affected. Mostly, fishes are on the brink of extinction due to overfishing and illegal fishing.

Here is a link where you can find a detailed list of endangered species of Turkey.

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Endangered species of Turkey - List - Earth's Endangered Creatures

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Endangered animals of the world captured in photos, videos, and more.

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There are two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation.
Let's have look at them!

Also, there is a link at the end that takes you to a site where you can learn more about this topic!

Loss of Habitat
A loss of habitat can happen naturally. Dinosaurs, for instance, lost their habitat about 65 million years ago. The hot, dry climate of the Cretaceous period changed very quickly, most likely because of an asteroid striking the Earth. The impact of the asteroid forced debris into the atmosphere, reducing the amount of heat and light that reached Earth’s surface. The dinosaurs were unable to adapt to this new, cooler habitat. Dinosaurs became endangered, then extinct.

Human activity can also contribute to a loss of habitat. Development for housing, industry, and agriculture reduces the habitat of native organisms. This can happen in a number of different ways.

Development can eliminate habitat and native species directly. In the Amazon rain forest of South America, developers have cleared hundreds of thousands of acres. To “clear” a piece of land is to remove all trees and vegetation from it. The Amazon rain forest is cleared for cattle ranches, logging, and urban use.

Development can also endanger species indirectly. Some species, such as fig trees of the rain forest, may provide habitat for other species. As trees are destroyed, species that depend on that tree habitat may also become endangered.

Loss of habitat may happen as development takes place in a species range. Many animals have a range of hundreds of square kilometers. The mountain lion of North America, for instance, has a range of up to 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles). To successfully live and reproduce, a single mountain lion patrols this much territory.

Loss of habitat can also lead to increased encounters between wild species and people. As development brings people deeper into a species range, they may have more exposure to wild species. Poisonous plants and fungi may grow closer to homes and schools. Wild animals are also spotted more frequently. These animals are simply patrolling their range, but interaction with people can be deadly.

Loss of Genetic Variation
Genetic variation is the diversity found within a species. It’s why human beings may have blond, red, brown, or black hair. Genetic variation allows species to adapt to changes in the environment. Usually, the greater the population of a species, the greater its genetic variation.

Inbreeding is reproduction with close family members. Groups of species that have a tendency to inbreed usually have little genetic variation, because no new genetic information is introduced to the group. Disease is much more common, and much more deadly, among inbred groups. Inbred species do not have the genetic variation to develop resistance to the disease. For this reason, fewer offspring of inbred groups survive to maturity.

Loss of genetic variation can occur naturally.

Human activity can also lead to a loss of genetic variation. Overhunting and overfishing have reduced the populations of many animals.

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An endangered species is a type of organism that is threatened by extinction. Species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation.

Loss of Habitat
A loss of habitat can happen naturally. Dinosaurs, for instance, lost their habitat about 65 million years ago. The hot, dry climate of the Cretaceous period changed very quickly, most likely because of an asteroid striking the Earth. The impact of the asteroid forced debris into the atmosphere, reducing the amount of heat and light that reached Earth's surface. The dinosaurs were unable to adapt to this new, cooler habitat. Dinosaurs became endangered, then extinct.

Human activity can also contribute to a loss of habitat. Development for housing, industry, and agriculture reduces the habitat of native organisms. This can happen in a number of different ways.

Development can eliminate habitat and native species directly. In the Amazon rain forest of South America, developers have cleared hundreds of thousands of acres. To "clear" a piece of land is to remove all trees and vegetation from it. The Amazon rain forest is cleared for cattle ranches, logging, and urban use.

Development can also endanger species indirectly. Some species, such as fig trees of the rain forest, may provide habitat for other species. As trees are destroyed, species that depend on that tree habitat may also become endangered. Tree crowns provide habitat in the canopy, or top layer, of a rainforest. Plants such as vines, fungi such as mushrooms, and insects such as butterflies live in the rain forest canopy. So do hundreds of species of tropical birds and mammals such as monkeys. As trees are cut down, this habitat is lost. Species have less room to live and reproduce.

Loss of habitat may happen as development takes place in a species range. Many animals have a range of hundreds of square kilometers. The mountain lion of North America, for instance, has a range of up to 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles). To successfully live and reproduce, a single mountain lion patrols this much territory. Urban areas, such as Los Angeles, California, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, grew rapidly during the 20th century. As these areas expanded into the wilderness, the mountain lion's habitat became smaller. That means the habitat can support fewer mountain lions. Because enormous parts of the Sierra Nevada, Rocky, and Cascade mountain ranges remain undeveloped, however, mountain lions are not endangered.

Loss of habitat can also lead to increased encounters between wild species and people. As development brings people deeper into a species range, they may have more exposure to wild species. Poisonous plants and fungi may grow closer to homes and schools. Wild animals are also spotted more frequently. These animals are simply patrolling their range, but interaction with people can be deadly. Polar bears, mountain lions, and alligators are all predators brought into close contact with people as they lose their habitat to homes, farms, and businesses. As people kill these wild animals, through pesticides, accidents such as collisions with cars, or hunting, native species may become endangered.

Loss of Genetic Variation
Genetic variation is the diversity found within a species. It's why human beings may have blond, red, brown, or black hair. Genetic variation allows species to adapt to changes in the environment. Usually, the greater the population of a species, the greater its genetic variation.

Inbreeding is reproduction with close family members. Groups of species that have a tendency to inbreed usually have little genetic variation, because no new genetic information is introduced to the group. Disease is much more common, and much more deadly, among inbred groups. Inbred species do not have the genetic variation to develop resistance to the disease. For this reason, fewer offspring of inbred groups survive to maturity.

Loss of genetic variation can occur naturally. Cheetahs are a threatened species native to Africa and Asia. These big cats have very little genetic variation. Biologists say that during the last ice age, cheetahs went through a long period of inbreeding. As a result, there are very few genetic differences between cheetahs. They cannot adapt to changes in the environment as quickly as other animals, and fewer cheetahs survive to maturity. Cheetahs are also much more difficult to breed in captivity than other big cats, such as lions.

Human activity can also lead to a loss of genetic variation. Overhunting and overfishing have reduced the populations of many animals. Reduced population means there are fewer breeding pairs. A breeding pair is made up of two mature members of the species that are not closely related and can produce healthy offspring. With fewer breeding pairs, genetic variation shrinks.

Monoculture, the agricultural method of growing a single crop, can also reduce genetic variation. Modern agribusiness relies on monocultures. Almost all potatoes cultivated, sold, and consumed, for instance, are from a single species, the Russet Burbank. Potatoes, native to the Andes Mountains of South America, have dozens of natural varieties. The genetic variation of wild potatoes allows them to adapt to climate change and disease. For Russet Burbanks, however, farmers must use fertilizers and pesticides to ensure healthy crops because the plant has almost no genetic variation.

Plant breeders often go back to wild varieties to collect genes that will help cultivated plants resist pests and drought, and adapt to climate change. However, climate change is also threatening wild varieties. That means domesticated plants may lose an important source of traits that help them overcome new threats.

The Red List
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) keeps a "Red List of Threatened Species." The Red List defines the severity and specific causes of a species' threat of extinction. The Red List has seven levels of conservation: least concern, near threatened, vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered, extinct in the wild, and extinct. Each category represents a different threat level.

Species that are not threatened by extinction are placed within the first two categories-least concern and near-threatened. Those that are most threatened are placed within the next three categories, known as the threatened categories-vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered. Those species that are extinct in some form are placed within the last two categories-extinct in the wild and extinct.

Classifying a species as endangered has to do with its range and habitat, as well as its actual population. For this reason, a species can be of least concern in one area and endangered in another. The gray whale, for instance, has a healthy population in the eastern Pacific Ocean, along the coast of North and South America. The population in the western Pacific, however, is critically endangered.

Least Concern
Least concern is the lowest level of conservation. A species of least concern is one that has a widespread and abundant population. Human beings are a species of least concern, along with most domestic animals, such as dogs and cats. Many wild animals, such as pigeons and houseflies, are also classified as least concern.

Near Threatened
A near threatened species is one that is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.

Many species of violets, native to tropical jungles in South America and Africa, are near threatened, for instance. They have healthy populations, but their rain forest habitat is disappearing at a fast pace. People are cutting down huge areas of rain forest for development and timber. Many violet species are likely to become threatened.

The definitions of the three threatened categories (vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered) are based on five criteria: population reduction rate, geographic range, population size, population restrictions, and probability of extinction.
Vulnerable Species
Threatened categories have different thresholds for these criteria. As the population and range of the species decreases, the species becomes more threatened.

1) Population reduction rate
A species is classified as vulnerable if its population has declined between 30 and 50 percent. This decline is measured over 10 years or three generations of the species, whichever is longer. A generation is the period of time between the birth of an animal and the time it is able to reproduce. Mice are able to reproduce when they are about one month old. Mouse populations are mostly tracked over 10-year periods. An elephant's generation lasts about 15 years. So, elephant populations are measured over 45-year periods.

A species is vulnerable if its population has declined at least 50 percent and the cause of the decline is known. Habitat loss is the leading known cause of population decline.

A species is also classified as vulnerable if its population has declined at least 30 percent and the cause of the decline is not known. A new, unknown virus, for example, could kill hundreds or even thousands of individuals before being identified.

2) Geographic range
A species is vulnerable if its "extent of occurrence" is estimated to be less than 20,000 square kilometers (7,722 square miles). An extent of occurrence is the smallest area that could contain all sites of a species' population. If all members of a species could survive in a single area, the size of that area is the species' extent of occurrence.

A species is also classified as vulnerable if its "area of occupancy" is estimated to be less than 2,000 square kilometers (772 square miles). An area of occupancy is where a specific population of that species resides. This area is often a breeding or nesting site in a species range.

3) Population size
Species with fewer than 10,000 mature individuals are vulnerable. The species is also vulnerable if that population declines by at least 10 percent within 10 years or three generations, whichever is longer.

4) Population restrictions
Population restriction is a combination of population and area of occupancy. A species is vulnerable if it is restricted to less than 1,000 mature individuals or an area of occupancy of less than 20 square kilometers (8 square miles).

5) Probability of extinction in the wild is at least 10 percent within 100 years.
Biologists, anthropologists, meteorologists, and other scientists have developed complex ways to determine a species' probability of extinction. These formulas calculate the chances a species can survive, without human protection, in the wild.

Vulnerable Species: Ethiopian Banana Frog
The Ethiopian banana frog ( Afrixalus enseticola) is a small frog native to high-altitude areas of southern Ethiopia. It is a vulnerable species because its area of occupancy is less than 2,000 square kilometers (772 square miles). The extent and quality of its forest habitat are in decline. Threats to this habitat include forest clearance, mostly for housing and agriculture.

Vulnerable Species: Snaggletooth Shark
The snaggletooth shark ( Hemipristis elongatus) is found in the tropical, coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its area of occupancy is enormous, from southeast Africa to the Philippines, and from China to Australia.

However, the snaggletooth shark is a vulnerable species because of a severe population reduction rate. Its population has fallen more than 10 percent over 10 years. The number of sharks is declining due to fisheries, especially in the Java Sea and Gulf of Thailand. The snaggletooth shark's flesh, fins, and liver are considered high-quality foods. They are sold in commercial fish markets, as well as restaurants.

Vulnerable Species: Galapagos Kelp
Galapagos kelp ( Eisenia galapagensis) is a type of seaweed only found near the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Galapagos kelp is classified as vulnerable because its population has declined more than 10 percent over 10 years.

Climate change is the leading cause of decline among Galapagos kelp. El Nino, the natural weather pattern that brings unusually warm water to the Galapagos, is the leading agent of climate change in this area. Galapagos kelp is a cold-water species and does not adapt quickly to changes in water temperature.

Endangered Species
1) Population reduction rate
A species is classified as endangered when its population has declined between 50 and 70 percent. This decline is measured over 10 years or three generations of the species, whichever is longer.

A species is classified as endangered when its population has declined at least 70 percent and the cause of the decline is known. A species is also classified as endangered when its population has declined at least 50 percent and the cause of the decline is not known.

2) Geographic range
An endangered species' extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles). An endangered species' area of occupancy is less than 500 square kilometers (193 square miles).

3) Population size
A species is classified as endangered when there are fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. When a species population declines by at least 20 percent within five years or two generations, it is also classified as endangered.

4) Population restrictions
A species is classified as endangered when its population is restricted to less than 250 mature individuals. When a species' population is this low, its area of occupancy is not considered.

5) Probability of extinction in the wild is at least 20 percent within 20 years or five generations, whichever is longer.

Endangered Species: Siberian Sturgeon
The Siberian sturgeon ( Acipenser baerii) is a large fish found in rivers and lakes throughout the Siberian region of Russia. The Siberian sturgeon is a benthic species. Benthic species live at the bottom of a body of water.

The Siberian sturgeon is an endangered species because its total population has declined between 50 and 80 percent during the past 60 years (three generations of sturgeon). Overfishing, poaching, and dam construction have caused this decline. Pollution from mining activities has also contributed to abnormalities in the sturgeon's reproductive system.

Endangered Species: Tahiti Reed-warbler
The Tahiti reed-warbler ( Acrocephalus caffer) is a songbird found on the Pacific island of Tahiti. It is an endangered species because it has a very small population. The bird is only found on a single island, meaning both its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are very small.

The Tahiti reed-warbler is also endangered because of human activity. The tropical weed Miconia is a non-native species that has taken over much of Tahiti's native vegetation. The reed-warbler lives almost exclusively in Tahiti's bamboo forests. The bird nests in bamboo and feeds on flowers and insects that live there. As development and invasive species such as Miconia destroy the bamboo forests, the population of Tahiti reed-warblers continues to shrink.

Endangered Species: Ebony
Ebony ( Diospyros crassiflora) is a tree native to the rain forests of central Africa, including Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon. Ebony is an endangered species because many biologists calculate its probability of extinction in the wild is at least 20 percent within five generations.

Ebony is threatened due to overharvesting. Ebony trees produce a very heavy, dark wood. When polished, ebony can be mistaken for black marble or other stone. For centuries, ebony trees have been harvested for furniture and sculptural uses such as chess pieces. Most ebony, however, is harvested to make musical instruments such as piano keys and the fingerboards of stringed instruments.

Critically Endangered Species
1) Population reduction rate
A critically endangered species' population has declined between 80 and 90 percent. This decline is measured over 10 years or three generations of the species, whichever is longer.

A species is classified as critically endangered when its population has declined at least 90 percent and the cause of the decline is known. A species is also classified as endangered when its population has declined at least 80 percent and the cause of the decline is not known.

2) Geographic range
A critically endangered species' extent of occurrence is less than 100 square kilometers (39 square miles). A critically endangered species' area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 10 square kilometers (4 square miles).

3) Population size
A species is classified as critically endangered when there are fewer than 250 mature individuals. A species is also classified as critically endangered when the number of mature individuals declines by at least 25 percent within three years or one generation, whichever is longer.

4) Population restrictions
A species is classified as critically endangered when its population is restricted to less than 50 mature individuals. When a species' population is this low, its area of occupancy is not considered.

5) Probability of extinction in the wild is at least 50 percent within 10 years or three generations, whichever is longer.

Critically Endangered Species: Bolivian Chinchilla Rat
The Bolivian chinchilla rat ( Abrocoma boliviensis) is a rodent found in a small section of the Santa Cruz region of Bolivia. It is critically endangered because its extent of occurrence is less than 100 square kilometers (39 square miles).

The major threat to this species is loss of its cloud forest habitat. People are clearing forests to create cattle pastures.

Critically Endangered Species: Transcaucasian Racerunner
The Transcaucasian racerunner ( Eremias pleskei) is a lizard found on the Armenian Plateau, located in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey. The Transcaucasian racerunner is a critically endangered species because of a huge population decline, estimated at more than 80 percent during the past 10 years.

Threats to this species include the salination, or increased saltiness, of soil. Fertilizers used for agricultural development seep into the soil, increasing its saltiness. Racerunners live in and among the rocks and soil, and cannot adapt to the increased salt in their food and shelter. The racerunner is also losing habitat as people create trash dumps on their area of occupancy.

Critically Endangered Species: White Ferula Mushroom
The white ferula mushroom ( Pleurotus nebrodensis) is a critically endangered species of fungus. The mushroom is critically endangered because its extent of occurrence is less than 100 square kilometers (39 square miles). It is only found in the northern part of the Italian island of Sicily, in the Mediterranean Sea.

The leading threats to white ferula mushrooms are loss of habitat and overharvesting. White ferula mushrooms are a gourmet food item. Farmers and amateur mushroom hunters harvest the fungus for food and profit. The mushrooms can be sold for up to $100 per kilogram (2.2 pounds).

Extinct In The Wild
A species is extinct in the wild when it only survives in cultivation (plants), in captivity (animals), or as a population well outside its established range. A species may be listed as extinct in the wild only after years of surveys have failed to record an individual in its native or expected habitat.

Extinct in the Wild: Scimitar-horned Oryx
The scimitar-horned oryx ( Oryx dammah) is a species of antelope with long horns. Its range extends across northern Africa. The scimitar-horned oryx is listed as extinct in the wild because the last confirmed sighting of one was in 1988. Overhunting and habitat loss, including competition with domestic livestock, are the main reasons for the extinction of the oryx's wild population.

Captive herds are now kept in protected areas of Tunisia, Senegal, and Morocco. Scimitar-horned oryxes are also found in many zoos.

Extinct in the Wild: Black Soft-shell Turtle
The black soft-shell turtle ( Nilssonia nigricans) is a freshwater turtle that exists only in one man-made pond, at the Baizid Bostami Shrine near Chittagong, Bangladesh. The 150 to 300 turtles that live at the pond rely entirely on humans for food. Until 2000, black soft-shell turtles lived throughout the wetlands of the Brahmaputra River, feeding mostly on freshwater fish.

Unlike other animals that are extinct in the wild, black soft-shell turtles are not found in many zoos. The shrine's caretakers do not allow anyone, including scientists, to take the turtles. The reptiles are considered to be the descendants of people who were miraculously turned into turtles by a saint during the 13th century.

Extinct in the Wild: Mt. Kaala Cyanea
The Mt. Kaala cyanea ( Cyanea superba) is a large, flowering tree native to the island of Oahu, in the U.S. state of Hawaii. The Mt. Kaala cyanea has large, broad leaves and fleshy fruit. The tree is extinct in the wild largely because of invasive species. Non-native plants crowded the cyanea out of its habitat, and non-native animals such as pigs, rats, and slugs ate its fruit more quickly than it could reproduce.

Mt. Kaala cyanea trees survive in tropical nurseries and botanical gardens. Many botanists and conservationists look forward to establishing a new population in the wild.

Extinct
A species is extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last remaining individual of that species has died.

Extinct: Cuban Macaw
The Cuban macaw ( Ara tricolor) was a tropical parrot native to Cuba and a small Cuban island, Isla de la Juventud. Hunting and collecting the birds for pets led to the bird's extinction. The last specimen of the Cuban macaw was collected in 1864.

Extinct: Ridley's Stick Insect
Ridley's stick insect ( Pseudobactricia ridleyi) was native to the tropical jungle of the island of Singapore. This insect, whose long, segmented body resembled a tree limb, is only known through a single specimen, collected more than 100 years ago. During the 20th century, Singapore experienced rapid development. Almost the entire jungle was cleared, depriving the insect of its habitat.

Extinct: Sri Lankan Legume Tree
The Sri Lankan legume tree ( Crudia zeylanica), native only to the island of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, was a giant species of legume. Peas and peanuts are smaller types of legumes.

Habitat loss from development in the 20th century is the main reason the tree went extinct in the wild. A single specimen survived at the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, until 1990, when that, too, was lost.

Endangered Species and People
When a species is classified as endangered, governments and international organizations can work to protect it. Laws may limit hunting and destruction of the species' habitat. Individuals and organizations that break these laws may face huge fines. Because of such actions, many species have recovered from their endangered status.

The brown pelican was taken off the endangered species list in 2009, for instance. This seabird is native to the coasts of North America and South America, as well as the islands of the Caribbean Sea. It is the state bird of the U.S. state of Louisiana. In 1970, the number of brown pelicans in the wild was estimated at 10,000. The bird was classified as vulnerable.

During the 1970s and 1980s, governments and conservation groups worked to help the brown pelican recover. Young chicks were reared in hatching sites, then released into the wild. Human access to nesting sites was severely restricted. The pesticide DDT, which damaged the eggs of the brown pelican, was banned. During the 1980s, the number of brown pelicans soared. In 1988, the IUCN "delisted" the brown pelican. The bird, whose population is now in the hundreds of thousands, is now in the category of least concern.

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An endangered species is a type of organism that is threatened by extinction. Species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation.

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Here's a site where you can find and learn all about the endangered species and how you can help!

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When Congress passed the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1973, it recognized that our rich natural heritage is of "esthetic, ecological, educational, recreational, and scientific value to our Nation and its people." It further expressed concern that many of our nation's native plants and animals were in danger of becoming extinct.

The purpose of the ESA is to protect and recover imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend.

Under the ESA, species may be listed as either endangered or threatened. "Endangered" means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. "Threatened" means a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. All species of plants and animals, except pest insects, are eligible for listing as endangered or threatened. For the purposes of the ESA, Congress defined species to include subspecies, varieties, and, for vertebrates, distinct population segments.

Taken from here: Source

Below is a link to the YouTube video about ESA:

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What do elkhorn corals, leatherback sea turtles, and Hawaiian monk seals have in common? They are all protected under the US Endangered Species Act. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 is one of the most effective conservation laws in the United States. Using science-based management plans, it has prevented the extinction of 99% of the species it protects.