Endangered to Extinction – Saving Endangered Species from extinction

“In 2019, the IUCN Red List included 30,178 species that are threatened with extinction.”

“The data gathered by the WWF shows that between 0.01–0.1% of all species are lost every year — roughly 200 to 2,000 extinctions every year.”

“According to a study published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, plants are disappearing at 500 times their natural rate.”

All of the above-mentioned news are related to Endangered Species. But what are these Endangered Species? According to the Oxford dictionary, the term Endangered is “used especially about groups of animals, plants, etc. at risk of no longer existing.” In common man’s language, Endangered Species are species of flora and fauna which are going to extinct soon. The IUCN has divided these endangered species into various categories i.e. Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, and Extinct. These categories are based on the extinction risk of thousands of species. Extinction of species is a common issue, we have been hearing about this for a long time through the newspapers, reports, news channels, and the internet. But we never pay much attention to it. As you all know SEVA is an organization that works primarily for the wildlife. And Today through this blog post we would like to move your attention to such a severe issue – Endangered Species.

As described earlier Endangered Species are the species that are on the verge of extinction. So, the question arises that why are these species going to extinction/ are on the verge of extinction? Various studies and researches have been conducted so far to reveal the answer to this particular question and there are multiple reasons behind the issue of endangered species. But two of the most important reasons are – Climate Change and Human Activity. Let us start with Climate Change. All of us have heard this story that dinosaurs were present on the Earth thousands of years ago and they have vanished because of climate change. This is actually true many species of flora and fauna have been extinct because there is no proper atmosphere for them to live in. Due to the increasing pollution climate is changing tremendously. And this climate change affects numerous species. These species could not adapt themselves to this climate change and slowly they start vanishing. The second most important reason is Human Activities Although in our opinion this is the most dangerous issue on earth. Human Activities like industrialization, urbanization, leads to deforestation (mass cutting of trees). Human for the sake profit wants to establish more and more industries and a point comes when he does not have more land to set up these industries so in his greed, he starts destroying the habitat (forests) of this precious flora and fauna. The loss of habitat contributes to the species goes on the verge of extinction. Not only industrialization but the increasing population also leads to deforestation. Pollution is increasing day by day and there is not enough land to build homes and to build home and for cultivation, people start capturing the land of forests. 

There are so many human activities that are dreadful for the wildlife and are the main cause behind the species going on the verge of extinction. The activities like hunting, trophy hunting, poaching,overharvesting, overfishing, overgrazing, Air pollution, water pollution. All these activities are the result of the over-ambitious nature of man, the tendency of overachieving is destroying our ecosystem.

“Red wolves could go extinct by 2026. – USA Today”

Red Wolf

Blackbuck, Snow Leopard, Gharial, Ganges Dolphin, Indian Bustard, Indian Pangolin, etc. These are some Indian species of wildlife that are announced as ‘Endangered’ or threatened by IUCN. But the endangered and threatened species are not limited to India only. Javan rhinos, Orangutans, Ivory-billed woodpecker, Giant Chinese Salamander are some examples of the critically endangered species of different parts of the world.

Snow Leopard

“In the previous 250 years, 571 species have been confirmed extinct.” – Live Science

The data and statistics regarding the endangered species are shocking. We come across these data and statistics frequently through newspapers and the internet but we don’t pay much attention to them. Now let us discuss the implications and consequences of the extinction of species. What will happen if this extinction of species continues? If the species continues to extinct, it will create an imbalance in the ecosystem. All the living creatures (humans, animals, birds, aquatic animals, insects, plants) are interconnected and interdependent with each other. All of these play a significant and unique role in the web of life. And if one of these species goes extinct then it will affect the entire ecosystem. Every species is important for a happy and healthy Ecosystem. 

World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, World Society for the Protection of Animals, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), IUCN, etc. These are some of the most important organizations that are working hard for saving the various endangered species from extinction. Apart from these Governments of so many nations are running different programs for saving the species and numerous NGOs are working for the cause. Through this blog, SEVA wants to raise awareness among its readers about the issue of Endangered Species. It is high time that all of us start taking some steps for saving the endangered species from extinction. There are some ways in which we (as an individual) can contribute to this cause in our daily lives—

• Planting trees – Planting more and more trees will control pollution and control climate change.
• Don’t throw garbage on water bodies (rivers, ponds, sea,) – This will reduce water pollution and help aquatic animals to have a healthy habitat.
• Eat less meat – Reduce eating meat or sea-food.
• Use sustainable products – Use eco-friendly products. Don’t use leather bags or furniture made from rare wood. It will protect the environment and wildlife.

Apart from all these, the most important thing is to educate yourself and others on this issue. When we get to know about the horrible consequences of extinction then only they will start contributing to the cause. In the end, we as an organization promise that our mission to save wildlife will remain the same and in this mission, we will need your constant support. So let’s join hand to save the endangered species.