Endangered Species 

An endangered species is a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters.

In biology and ecology, extinction is the cessation of existence of a species or group of taxa, reducing biodiversity. The moment of extinction is generally considered to be the death of the last individual of that species.

More than 90 percent of all organisms that have ever lived on Earth are extinct. As new species evolve to fit ever changing ecological niches, older species fade away. But the rate of extinction is far from constant. At least a handful of times in the last 500 million years, 50 to more than 90 percent of all species on Earth have disappeared in a geological blink of the eye.

Species are classified in nine groups, set through criteria such as rate of decline, population size, area of geographic distribution, and degree of population and distribution fragmentation.

• Extinct (EX) - No individuals remaining. 

• Extinct in the Wild (EW) - Known only to survive in captivity, or as a naturalized population outside its historic range. 

• Critically Endangered (CR) - Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. 

• Endangered (EN) - High risk of extinction in the wild. 

• Vulnerable (VU) - High risk of endangerment in the wild. 

• Near Threatened (NT) - Likely to become endangered in the near future. 

• Least Concern (LC) - Lowest risk. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category. 

• Data Deficient (DD) - Not enough data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction. Not Evaluated

• (NE) - Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria

  Credit-World Wildlife Fund

Many species are being put at risk of extinction on a daily basis

 The threats to wildlife are:   

Poaching- Many animals are hunted and killed for their body parts to be used for ornamental decoration as well as in superstitious potions. Currently, the demand for animal parts is centered in several parts of Asia where there is a strong market for traditional medicines made from items like tiger bone and rhino horn. Many animals are also killed for food ,this is referred to as bushmeat.

Habitat Destruction- More and more land  is being claimed  by Man for his own ends. Centuries may be required to bring back a forest that was cut down or burnt out in the space of a few years. Many of the world's severely threatened animals and plants live in such forests, and it is certain that huge numbers of them will disappear if present rates of forest loss continue.

Pollution-Chemicals and toxins that Man is releasing into the air and water causes an imbalance in ecosystems. Contamination of air, water, or soil by the discharge of harmful substances contribute to species extinction.

Climate Change- The change in temperature and climate is affecting species that dwell on land as well as the ocean. Concern is growing that atmospheric changes could bring on rapid, profound climatic changes. A slight rise in maximum water temperatures - only one to two degrees can cause coral bleaching.

Introduction of Exotic Species-Species that "belong" to an area are said to be native species. Exotic Species are interlopers, foreign elements introduced intentionally or accidentally into new settings through human activities. Exotics may seriously disrupt delicate ecological balances and create a cascade of unintended consequences.

• Amphibians

• Bats-White Nose Syndrome

• Cetaceans
  • Dolphins
  • Porpoises
  • Whales
• Corals
  • Coral Reefs
  • Coral Reef Threats
  • Coral Reef Types

• Elephants

• Great Apes
  • Bonobos
  • Chimpanzees
  • Gorrilas
  • Orangutans
• Honey Bees
  • Colony Collapse Disorder

• Mass Extinctions

• Overfishing

• Pandas

• Polar Bears

• Rhinos

• Sharks

• Tigers