ENDANGEREDSPECIES

EENDANGEREDNDANGERED SPECIESSPECIES

is a population of an organism which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is threatened by changing the environment.

The reasons The reasons forfor 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

FFacts about endangered species:acts 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 Everyone should be a conservationist in some way. There are several ways some way. There are several ways in in which one can aid in preserving the which one can aid in preserving the world’s species who are near extinctworld’s species who are near extinctionion..

• 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;

SOLUTIONS:SOLUTIONS:

• 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