Endangered means to be under threat or near extinction. When a species or an animal is endangered, it means that they are disappearing fast or a very small population, is not large enough to survive. The IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) has compiled a Red List. This red list is a guide to how the endangered species are measured on a scale ranging from “Least Concern” to the worst “Extinct”. The scale includes “Least concern”, “Near Threatened”, “Vulnerable”, “Endangered”, “Critically endangered”, “Extinct in the wild”, and finally, “Extinct”. Many species are endangered both at the national as well as at the global level. Several factors contribute to the endangering or near extinction of species. These factors include habitat destruction, fragmentation, degradation, pollution, the introduction of ‘non–native’ species, diseases, climate change, overexploitation, etc. To become ‘extinct’ is to be gone forever. “Natural extinction” happens when a species declines gradually but steadily in number at the end of its evolutionary period on Earth. The case of ‘dinosaurs’ is the most well-known example of natural extinction. ‘Dodo’, a turkey-sized flightless pigeon that lived on Mauritius’s island, has become a symbol of extinction. There are several methods implemented to save endangered species. Some of these include the creation of protected areas, captive breeding and reintroduction, conservation legislation, and increased public awareness.
Introduction
The topic gives an in-depth analysis of endangered species both at the national level as well as at the global level. Well-planned and managed protected areas benefit species at risk as well as other species associated with them. Currently, there are over 1,20,000 protected areas according to the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) records. There are two main causes of extinction: indirect destruction and direct destruction. Indirect destruction means taking over the habitat of the species, forcing them to confine themselves to smaller areas. The use of chemicals and pesticides results in making the species unfit for that habitat. Direct destruction is because of the hunting and capturing of animals. The extinction of at least 500 species of animals has been caused by humans, most of them in the twentieth century. Today, there are about 5000 endangered animals and at least one species dies out every year. There are probably many more which end up becoming extinct without anyone knowing. People all over the world are working on helping to save endangered animals from extinction. Some of how they can be saved are habitat protection, captive breeding, setting up nature reserves and parks, and using products made from an alternative material in place of products from exotic animals.
The government on its part can help by making international agreements between countries to protect animals and their habitats. In June 2010, an agreement had taken place between several countries through financial banking to protect the rainforests and prevent deforestation.
Scientists are setting up gene banks to retrieve and preserve a particular species' genetic material. This technique may make it possible in the future to artificially bring into existence a new animal of the same species. Kew Gardens, London has a seed bank in case any particular species becomes extinct in the wild. Some species of plants are also endangered like the Venus flytrap and some tropical orchids. In the case of orchids, they are collected from rainforests to become household favorites. This process caused many species of orchids to become endangered.
The status of the endangered species at a national and global level will enable us to revive their population to the least concerned level.
Discussion
There are 920 threatened species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, conifers, and corals. The most influential law to protect biodiversity is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This law is an agreement between governments that controls international trade in wild animals, plants, and their parts to ensure their survival.
The public is unaware of the current extinction crisis. Public awareness can be increased through education and citizen science programs. Conservation education should begin at the elementary school level and can be enhanced through summer camps or family vacations that are nature-oriented, etc.
I Global status of endangered species:
1) Greater Horse Shoe Bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum):
The reason for their population decline is the destruction of roosting sites and the use of pesticides. With the efforts made for conservation, its population increased to 6600.
2) Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris):
The current population is 540. It is a highly endangered species whose population went to an all-time low of 40 individuals in 1940.
3) Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta):
This species comes under the endangered category as it was hunted for its shell and meat.
4) Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) :
The current population is 500. The use of pesticides on the marshes and grasslands where it lives is rapidly reducing its number.
5) Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis):
This is a critically endangered species. The number decreased from 70,000 in the 1960s to 2410 in 1995. It was declared extinct in West Africa in 2011. Poaching is one of the main threats. It is carried out as the Rhino horn forms an important ingredient in Chinese medicine.
6) Lion – tailed macaque (Macaca silenus):
This is a small monkey found only in Southwest India’s tropical rainforests.
7) Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata):
The population trend of this species is decreasing. It may be seen on ponds and lakes in Britain.
8) Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei):
This is a critically endangered species. Earlier, there were just 620 gorillas left in 1989, but because of the continuous conservation efforts, their number increased to 880.
9) Jackass Penguin (Spheniscus demersus):
Oil pollution has threatened their existence. Their eggs are also being used as food.
10) Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus):
It has been a protected species since 1966. During 1930 – 31, 30,000 blue whales were killed by Antarctic whales. The current population of blue whales stands at 10,000 – 25,000. This is about 3 to 11 % of the 1911 population.
11) Banded anteater (Myrmecobius fasciatus):
This species is presently found in the westernmost part of eastern Australia. The current population is under 1000.
12) Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis):
This species is the largest species of lizard in the world and is found in a few small Indonesian islands. According to National Geographic Channel, its present population is between 3000 to 5000
13) Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia):
This tiny monkey is one of the most endangered of all animals in South America. The captive breeding and reintroduction program has increased its number from 250 to 1000.
14) Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus):
This species is said to likely meet IUCN’s criteria for endangered species by 2030.
15) California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus):
Currently, there are only 104 adults, but only 44 are known to be producing offspring.
16) Black-footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes):
This species is America’s rarest mammal. Currently, there are only 500 breeding adults. The decline in their population is mainly due to predators like prairie dogs.
II National status of endangered species:
According to IUCN, there are 47 critically endangered species in India. 132 species of plants and animals from India have been listed as critically endangered on the Red List.
1) Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigricaps):
This bird is among the heaviest flying birds.
2) Jerdon’s Courser (Cursorious bitorquatus):
This species of bird has been mentioned as one of the rarest birds in the world.
3) Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus):
The feathers of this bird were used for ornamental hats of Himachal men until 1982 when legal was officially banned.
4) Sarus Crane (Grus antigone antigone) :
It is a large, non–migratory crane. The current population is recorded to be one-tenth of the numbers that existed in the 1850s.
5) Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica):
This animal is one of the five major big cats found in India.
6) The Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra):
This species has been classified as endangered by the IUCN since 2003. Poaching, predation, habitat destruction, overgrazing, diseases, inbreeding, and sanctuary visitors form some of the major threats.
7) Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) :
This animal is being killed mercilessly for its fat and oil.
8) Hoolock Gibbon (Hylobates hoolock):
This animal is the only ape found in India. It is known to be the most accomplished acrobat of all apes.
9) Nilgiri langur (Presbytis johni):
This species is endangered mainly due to deforestation and poaching.
10) Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur):
This species is mainly found in Southern Asia. IUCN has listed this animal as near threatened. Currently, around 4000 Indian wild asses have been estimated to be existing.
11) Lion tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus (Linnaeus)) :
This species is endemic to the Western Ghats of South India.
12) Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea):
Olive ridleys are considered a rarity in most areas of the Indian Ocean.
13) The Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata):
This species is characterized by large overlapping scales on its body which act as protective armor.
14) The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius):
These are stocky goats with short, coarse fur and a bristly mane. The current number of these species existing is around 2500.
15) The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis):
It is a small wild cat found in South and East Asia. Since 2002, it has been listed as the least concern by IUCN.
16) Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica):
The number of Asiatic lions left in India now is a mere 650.
17) Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris):
The overall number of these tigers in India is down to around 2000.
18) Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia):
The number of snow leopards in our country has drastically dropped down to approximately 500.
19) Kashmiri red stag (Cervus elaphus hangul):
Its number had fallen as low as 150 in 1970. From then on, many conservation drives have been conducted.
20) One – horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis):
Due to constant poaching, the number has significantly decreased to 2000.
Conclusion
It is extremely necessary and important to maintain and enrich Earth’s biodiversity. The richness of animal and plant life, its abundance, and wild habitats should be conserved to maintain a healthy coexistence of humans and nature. Constant efforts should be made by us humans to save endangered species.