An endangered species is a group of plants or animals that is in danger of becoming extinct unless something is done to protect and increase their numbers. Scientists believe there are at least 10 million and possibly even as many as 30 million species of plant and animals on Earth. They estimate that more than one-tenth of these species are endangered. This means that at least one million kinds of plants and animals could become extinct in the near future.

It is true that extinction has always been apart of our world. Dinosaurs become extinct, so did wooly mammoths. Why is the process of extinction such a concern now? The rate of extinction has increased to fast. In the past 300 years, about 100 kinds of mammals have become extinct. This is only the number of mammals; there are hundreds of birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish that have vanished forever. Not to mention, as many as, 25,000 plant species.

Why is this happening? Human activity is largely responsible for today’s wildlife crisis.

Human overpopulation and habitat destruction- When people use land for logging, industry, homes, or farms, animals lose habitat. With more than 6 billion people living on Earth, wild habitats are constantly shrinking as human occupation expands into once wild places.

Pollution- Many of today’s activities put harmful substances into our environment. Factory and car emissions pollute the air, chemicals contaminate our water supplies, tons of trash overwhelms our landfills, and sewage seeps into the world’s oceans.

Over hunting and poaching- some animal species have been hunted for their meat fur, or body parts like horns and tusks.

What are concerned people around the world doing about endangered species?

Government- Some governments have set up laws to protect their wild plants and animals. The United States laws to protect wildlife include the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Act, and the Animal Welfare Act.

Zoos- Many zoos around the world have established cooperative breeding programs for endangered species. If successful breeding occurs in captivity, there is the possibility of reintroducing that species into the wild, as long as there is viable habitat for that species.

You Can Help Wildlife Too!

These are a few simple things that people can do to help save wildlife. It may not seem like a lot, but every time you do one of these things, you are helping conserve the earth’s natural resources.

• • Recycle whatever you can- A six-foot stack of newspaper can save a 30- foot tree! Re-use old clothing, plastic and other products.

• • Don’t be wasteful- Turn out lights that aren’t in use. Turn off water while you brush you teeth or shampoo your hair. Walk or ride your bike on short trips.

• • Leave animals in the wild- When you see animals like lizards, turtles, or butterflies, watch them and learn about them, but don’t remove them from their wild homes.

• • Refuse to buy wildlife products- Jewelry and souvenirs made from animal products can be beautiful, but remember that an animal died for every snakeskin wallet, ivory earring, or other wildlife product for sale.

• • Stay informed- Subscribe to wildlife and conservation magazines and newsletters.

• • Share your knowledge- Share this information with someone else and find ways to learn more about conserving wildlife. You can be part of the solution.

Sharing The Knowledge Activity

The Little Rock Zoo houses16 endangered species: Dwarf Lemur, Red-Ruffed Lemur, Spider Monkey, White-Handed Gibbon, Siamang, Lowland Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Orangutan, Maned Wolf, Sloth Bear, Ocelot, Leopard, Siberian Tiger, Red Panda, Asian Elephant and the Indian Python.

Choose one of these animals for a poster board research project. Make this poster to educate yourself and others about the animal you have chosen. Find out information about this animal by books, magazines, the internet and wildlife shows on television. Be sure to include information about where the animal is found and why it is endangered. And what can one do to help this animal.

Share your knowledge about the animal you have researched by hanging your poster up at school or at your house. And please visit your endangered research animal on your next visit to the Little Rock Zoo.