Friday, May 17 is a special day to raise awareness of endangered species.
In 2006, the National Endangered Species Day was created by the United States Senate, as an opportunity to learn about, protect, and preserve threatened species and their habitats. The dates were set annually as the third Friday in May.
Endangered species are those at risk of becoming extinct due to various factors such as habitat loss, poaching, pollution, climate change, and human interference.
Some of the most beautiful and exotic creatures are on the list due to human greed, their need to possess them, their hides, tusks, or other parts.
1973
The Endangered Species Preservation Act was passed, marking the beginning of legal protection for threatened species.
1988
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) introduced the Red List of Threatened Species, which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide.
2006
First National Endangered Species Day
2015
Endangered Species Day has grown into an international event celebrated by conservation organizations, government agencies, schools, zoos, botanical gardens, and other institutions worldwide.
By coming together to raise awareness and take action on Endangered Species Day and beyond, we can help to make a positive impact on the survival of endangered species and contribute to the preservation of future generations.
There are thousands of animals on the Endangered Species list.
Here are just a few of the animals.
Amur Leopard is the World's Most Endangered Big Cat. These cats are native to the Russian Far East and northeastern China. Currently, there are only 60 -100 individuals left in the wild.
The Sumatran Orangutan of Indonesia is critically endangered due to habitat destruction caused by deforestation, agriculture, and illegal logging.
Javan Rhino - With only about 72 individuals surviving in a single population, the Javan rhino is one of the rarest large mammals on Earth.
Vaquita is a small porpoise endemic to the northern Gulf of California. With less than 10 individuals remaining, it is the most critically endangered cetacean species in the world.
Cross River Gorillas in the rainforests of Cameroon and Nigeria is the rarest and most endangered of the gorilla subspecies, with only a few hundred individuals left.
Saola is a forest-dwelling bovine native to Vietnam and Laos. Known as the Asian unicorn, it is one of the world's rarest large mammals.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles are distributed throughout the world's tropical oceans. They are critically endangered due to habitat destruction, hunting for their shells, and accidental capture in fishing gear.
Black Rhinos are native to eastern and southern Africa. They are critically endangered due to poaching for their horns, habitat loss, and political instability in some African countries.
Bornean Pygmy Elephants are the smallest subspecies of Asian elephant. There are only around 1,500 to 2,000 remaining in the wild. The main threats to their survival include habitat loss, human conflicts, and poaching for their ivory tusks.
The Iberian Lynx is native to the Iberian Peninsula in Spain and Portugal. It is critically endangered due to habitat loss, decline in prey species, and road accidents.
Each animal is facing unique challenges to their survival. Conservation efforts, habitat protection, and public awareness are crucial for their preservation.
Let's work together to protect what nature has given us. You can make a difference.
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