Transcript endangered species

ENDANGERED
SPECIES
ENDANGERED SPECIES
is a population of an organism which is at risk
of becoming extinct because it is threatened
by changing the environment.
The reasons for endangerment
•
deforestation and expansion of big cities
•
deteriorating the quality of water and soil;
•
pesticides - devastate both pests and insects;
•
hunting - poaching for animals’ skin, tusks, fur, feather, horns for clothing
or decoration purposes;
•
pollution - contaminated water of rivers and seas, habitat destruction
by littering
Facts about endangered species:
• more than 1,500,000 species exist on the Earth today;
• 266 of these listed species have recovery plans currently under
development;
• there are more than 1,000 endangered animal species worldwide;
• more than 3,500 protected areas in existence worldwide. These
areas include parks, wildlife refuges and other reserves. They
cover a total of nearly 5 million square km, or 3% of our total
land area;
Everyone should be a conservationist
in some way. There are several ways
in which one can aid in preserving the
world’s species who are near
extinction.
SOLUTIONS:
• protect permanent habitats of animals in national parks,
nature reserves or wilderness areas. There they can
live without humans’ interference. We should care also
about farms and roadsides;
• in national park we have to remember to obey the
wildlife code – don’t leave any rubbish and don’t take
away any flowers, birds and eggs;
• we can help the rangers in their conservation work in
national parks;
• don’t use harmful chemicals in garden or at home;
•
by removing rubbish and
weeds and replanting with
natives you will allow the
native bush gradually
regenerate. This will also
encourage native animals
to return;
•
start a group dedicated to
protecting a threatened
plant or animal in your area
or perhaps help care for
a national park;
•
there are many community
groups working on
conservation activities.
Join an organization in
your area and start
helping today!
by
Monika Motyka
Patrycja Ruchała
January/ February 2009