Turtles are among the world's most endangered vertebrates, with about half of all turtle species threatened with extinction. One third of open ocean sharks are threatened with extinction. Scientists estimate that 26 - 73 million sharks are killed each year for the global fin trade.
The current rate of extinction is thought to be far greater than the expected natural rate, with many species going extinct before they have even been discovered. Shockingly, current estimates suggest that a third of the world’s amphibians, a quarter of all mammals and one in eight birds are endangered. Endangered species usually have a small or declining population size or a very limited range, meaning factors such as habitat loss, hunting, disease or climate change could cause them to disappear completely within our lifetimes.According to an estimate by IUCN, one-fourth of mammals, one-half of fresh-water turtles, one-third of amphibians, one-eighth of birds, and one-fifth of sharks are in danger of becoming extinct.
Other facts:
There are over three thousand endangered species in the world. These animals are at a risk of extinction and will disappear from the face of the earth if conservation efforts to protect them are not taken or are unsuccessful. In this section of Interesting Animal facts you will find information, facts, and statistics about endangered Animals. You will find information about what animals are in danger of extinction, where they live, how they became threatened, and what is being done to protect them.
There have been many amazing animals that have already been driven to extinction they include the Bali Tiger, Atlas bear, Dodo, Elephant Bird, and the Javan Tiger. Other species such as the Northern White Rhinoceros, Hawaiian Crow, and Scimitar Oryx are extinct in the wild and can only be found in conservation areas and zoos. Species including the Leatherback Sea Turtle, Mountain Gorilla, Javan Rhino, Mediterranean Monk Seal, Sumatran Orangutan, and the Sumatran Rhinoceros are classified as critically endangered. Below you will find a list of general facts about endangered animals.
General Endangered Animals Facts
The current rate of extinction is thought to be far greater than the expected natural rate, with many species going extinct before they have even been discovered. Shockingly, current estimates suggest that a third of the world’s amphibians, a quarter of all mammals and one in eight birds are endangered. Endangered species usually have a small or declining population size or a very limited range, meaning factors such as habitat loss, hunting, disease or climate change could cause them to disappear completely within our lifetimes.According to an estimate by IUCN, one-fourth of mammals, one-half of fresh-water turtles, one-third of amphibians, one-eighth of birds, and one-fifth of sharks are in danger of becoming extinct.
- Emission of Green-house gases has led to global warming. It has become a major factor to threaten and endanger animals
- Poaching of animal body parts on a large-scale has threatened and endangered animals. It is estimated that only 40,000 tigers, 1,500 Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, 20,000 Asian elephants, 7,500 Leopards, 352 Asiatic Lions are alive today.
- The rate of extinction of the endangered animals is at an alarmingly 100-1000 times more than the expected normal rate
- 199 countries have entered into an agreement for Biodiversity Action Plan to safeguard the endangered animals
- Bibliography: http://www.animalport.com/endangered-animals/facts-about-endangered-animals.html
- An endangered species is one whose numbers are so small that it is at risk of extinction.
- Conservationists do difficult and occasionally dangerous work to preserve natural habitats, which are critical to protecting wildlife. Send thank-you cards to those who protect endangered species. Sign up for Wildlife Cards!
- In January 2013, the Fish and Wildlife Services reported 2,054 species worldwide that are endangered or threatened. 1,436 exist in the US alone.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ultimately, the ESA strives to recover species from the endangered list by restoring their ecological health until they no longer need protection.
- Factors that threaten the earth’s creatures include deforestation, water scarcity, erosion, pollution, climate change, pirate fishing, overfishing, oil and gas development, infrastructure, and illegal wildlife trade.
- 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.
- 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.
- As estimated 50% of all endangered species live in the rainforest. The planet’s largest rainforest –The Amazon – lost more than 17% of its forest cover in the last century due to human activity.
Other facts:
There are over three thousand endangered species in the world. These animals are at a risk of extinction and will disappear from the face of the earth if conservation efforts to protect them are not taken or are unsuccessful. In this section of Interesting Animal facts you will find information, facts, and statistics about endangered Animals. You will find information about what animals are in danger of extinction, where they live, how they became threatened, and what is being done to protect them.
There have been many amazing animals that have already been driven to extinction they include the Bali Tiger, Atlas bear, Dodo, Elephant Bird, and the Javan Tiger. Other species such as the Northern White Rhinoceros, Hawaiian Crow, and Scimitar Oryx are extinct in the wild and can only be found in conservation areas and zoos. Species including the Leatherback Sea Turtle, Mountain Gorilla, Javan Rhino, Mediterranean Monk Seal, Sumatran Orangutan, and the Sumatran Rhinoceros are classified as critically endangered. Below you will find a list of general facts about endangered animals.
General Endangered Animals Facts
- Many factors can lead to an animal facing extinction, including hunting, destruction of their habitat, climate change, and a decrease in their food supply.
- Numerous countries have laws protecting endangered species. These laws often involve limiting or forbidding hunting of a designated animal, and forbidding construction and land development in areas where the animal lives. These laws often cause controversy especially from land owners and hunters who believe their rights are being infringed on by the government.
- It is an unfortunate fact that most endangered animals are not protected under any laws. For example in the U.S., for every species protected under the Endangered Species Act there are ten other endangered species that are not.
- In an attempt to save some endangered animals from extinction organizations and governments will sometimes attempt to breed them in conservation facilities such as zoos and wildlife preserves. One major concern of this conservation method is the risk of inbreeding if the population of the species is too small. Inbreeding can lead to a lower immunity to diseases.
- Some scientist believe the main reason more and more species are becoming endangered is global warming. They believe global warming makes it harder for certain species to reproduce and therefore they inevitably become endangered.
- What constitutes an endangered animal? Who makes this determination? The most recognized organization for this task is the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Founded in 1948 they are the worldç—´ largest conservation organization with over 11,000 volunteer scientists and other experts. They have over 1,200 government and non-government members.
- The IUCN classifies endangered (and threatened) animals into the following categories:
- Critically endangered - At an extremely high risk of becoming extinct in the immediate future
- Endangered - At a very high risk of becoming extinct in the near future
- Vulnerable - At a high risk of becoming extinct in the medium-term
- Near threatened - In the near future may become threatened
- Least concern - A species which has no immediate threat to its survival