How do Animals Become Endangered?

When risk to the endangered species is so great to threaten their existence, it is said to be endangered animals. According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 40% of all animal species are endangered. Several measures have been taken to protect these endangered animals. 2,000 species of endangered animals in the world have been placed under legal protection.

Causes of Animals Becoming Endangered

Human destructive activities are mainly responsible for animals becoming endangered. But, nature has also played a role in making the conditions difficult for endangered animals. Natural disasters, threat from other animals as prey for them, and competition for food with other species have contributed in animals becoming endangered.

Man-made causes have led to many diseases in the endangered animals, which have contributed in their declining numbers. Use of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) has caused the near extinction of California Candor. It is fatal for other birds and fishes as well.

In 2008, honeybees, which are the main pollinating agents in flowering plants, were threatened with a severe disease. The seriousness of the situation could be imagined from the fact that what would happen if the plants are not pollinated. It will have a direct effect on the survival of human beings.

Moreover, pollution has also made animals endangered. The smoke and wastes from industries have polluted air and river-waters, and have affected many endangered animals. Noise pollution caused during Navy sonar testing has endangered the lives of Whales. It has forced them to change their migratory patterns.

Global warming is yet another factor for animals becoming endangered. Presence of excessive carbon di-oxide in the air has caused the temperatures to rise. This changed climatic condition has forced many endangered animals to relocate themselves. It is estimated that by 2050 about 15-35% of all endangered animal species will become extinct due to climate change.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, habitat loss due to human expansion, hunting and poaching of animals for their body parts, and introduction of species in new environment have threatened their existence. Commercial whaling, and over fishing of Whales have made Whales endangered animals.

Conservation of Endangered Animals

Many laws have been formulated for safeguarding the endangered animals. The Endangered Species Act (ESA), enacted in 1973 for the protection and conservation of ecosystem of endangered animals, has laid down restrictions on removal of endangered animals from their natural habitats. It also prohibits any kind of trade, transportation, or ownership of animals endangered.

The listing of endangered animals has been controversial. The animals placed in endangered list become more desirable for the collectors and poachers. It has a reverse effect on the animals listed as endangered animals. Moreover, irrespective of the government regulations, endangered animals are killed by the local villagers when these animals enter in their areas and attack upon their livestock.

Therefore, both the natural and human activities have played a significant role in making animals endangered. It is important to maintain a balance in the ecosystem and safeguard the endangered animals for the sake of human beings.