Every May we observe Endangered Species Day. The lovable panda. The majestic Bengal tiger. The snow leopard. These are some of the most recognizable of the world’s 1,459 animals that comprise the Endangered Species List in the United States, although not all of them — including pandas and tigers — are found within our borders. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed 23,000 plant and animal species on its Red List of endangered species as of 2017.
It’s not just because pandas are so cute that we would be sad to see them die out. Every animal that becomes extinct reduces the earth’s biodiversity, which affects the health of our ecosystem.
In other words, we rely on these animals to keep us healthy as much as they count on us to preserve their habitats. Healthy, diversified ecosystems produce clean air and water that allow us — and all of earth’s creatures — to live. And every plant and animal on the endangered species list is just as important as the panda or the tiger, even though we may not be sporting all of them on cute panda keychains or tiger t-shirts.
That’s why it’s so important to observe Endangered Species Day, a day that raises awareness of the tremendous problems our world faces if we lose any more plants and animals to extinction. You can take steps to promote awareness of endangered animals and help conserve our environment, which will protect these species on the brink of extinction.
Know Some of the Most Endangered Species So You Can Raise Awareness
With thousands of animals on the endangered species list, it’s impossible for one person to help them all. But you can raise awareness by letting people know about your favorite endangered animals. Arm yourself with information about what is causing a species to go instinct and what easy steps people can take to make a difference in the animal’s preservation.
For instance, don a cute sea turtle t-shirt and when someone asks about your endangered species swag, let them know that driving on the beach at night or leaving plastic beach chairs on the beach, especially in the evenings, can prevent sea turtles from finding appropriate spots to nest. Using bright artificial lighting on or near the beach can interfere with nesting and also cause newborn turtles to become disoriented and move further inland rather than toward the water after birth.
Know What It Means When an Animal Is About to Become Extinct
It’s one thing to talk about the most endangered species, but what does it really mean? Animals and plants are considered endangered by the IUCN when their population has decreased by 50 percent or more over 10 years and they have a total population of fewer than 2,500 adults or a restricted population of 250 adults. IUCN also uses statistical analysis to determine if a species might go extinct within 20 years.
Many endangered animals, like the mountain beaver, number fewer than 100 in the wild. It’s important to recognize not just the marquee names — like the beloved panda or the elephant — facing extinction, but many lesser-known, equally important endangered species.
Take Action to Help Preserve Our Environment and Prevent Extinction
In addition to artificial lighting, one of the biggest threats to sea turtles and one million other marine animals, is plastic bags. Plastic bags create strangulation, choking, and entrapment hazards to marine life when they wash ashore from the beach.
Using canvas tote bags instead of plastic bags for shopping can make a real impact on saving the lives of marine animals. Similarly, use a fun ceramic mug for your morning coffee instead of using a paper cup with a plastic lid. These are small steps you can take to preserve the earth’s ecosystem and, with that, thousands of species facing extinction.
Zazzle’s Lifestyle Expert is here to help create life’s best & most important moments. Discover unique ideas and endless inspiration to create meaningful memories with family, friends and your community.
