endangered animals

Facts About Endangered Species :

According to scientists, more than one and one-half million species exist on the earth today. However, recent estimates state that at least 20 times that many species inhabit the planet.

Each day about 100 species become extinct. Scientists estimate that the total number of species lost each year may reach 40,000 by the year 2000. This is a rate far exceeding any in the last 65 million years.

There are more than 3,500 protected areas in existence worldwide. These areas include parks, wildlife refuges and other reserves. They cover a total of nearly 2 million square miles (5 million square km), or 3% of our total land area. Today, the United States is the home of over 200 endangered animal species. There are more than 1,000 animal species
endangered worldwide.

Aquatic species, which are often overlooked, are facing serious trouble. One third of the United States’ fish species, two-thirds of its crayfish species, and almost three-quarters of its mussel species are in trouble.

Endangered Species Terms :

VULNERABLE - A species particularly at risk because of low or declining
numbers or small range, but not a threatened species.

THREATENED SPECIE – a species whose population is not yet low enough
to be in immediate danger of extinction, but who certainly faces serious problems. If the problems affecting these species aren’t resolved, it is probable that the species will become endangered. The eastern indigo snake and the red kangaroo are examples of threatened species.

ENDANGERED SPECIE – a specie, plant or animal, that is in immediate
danger of becoming extinct. Its numbers are usually low, and it needs protection in order to survive. The Siberian tiger, the southern sea otter, the snow leopard, the green pitcher plant, and thousands of other plants and animals are endangered worldwide.

EXTINCT SPECIE – an extinct species is one that is no longer living. The
passenger pigeon, the dodo, and the Stegosaurus are examples of extinct species. These animals no longer exist on the earth.

Endangered Mammals :

Elephants
African Elephant (Loxodonta African)
The African elephant is classified as a member of the order Proboscides (Elephants) and is a member of the family Elephant idea. The male stands up to ten feet high to its shoulder, and weighs up to six tons. The female is slightly smaller, and weighs up to four tons. It is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least 50% of the African elephant population over the last three generations based on an index of
abundance. Hunting of the African elephant is now banned in several countries, but poaching for ivory still exists.

Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
The Asian elephant is classified as a member of the order Proboscides (Elephants) and is a member of the family Elephantidae. It stands up to ten feet high and twenty feet long. It weighs up to 10,000 pounds. The Asian elephant is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least 50% of the Asian elephant population over the last three generations based on an index of abundance and a decline in area of occupancy. The Asian elephant has four subspecies: the Indian, Ceylon, Sumatra, and Malaysian elephants.

Whales
Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis)
The right whale is classified as a member of the order Cetacean (Whales) and is a member of the family Balaenidae. It grows up to sixty feet long, and is twelve to eighteen feet long at birth. It weighs up to sixty tons as an adult. The right whale is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 250 mature right whales and an estimated continuing decline of at least 20% within two generations. The right whale was once the most hunted of all whales, and is now protected by law.
Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
The blue whale is classified as a member of the order Cetacean (Whales) and is a member of the family Balaenopteridae. The male blue whale grows to about eighty-two feet long, and the female grows to about eighty-five feet long. It weighs up to 285,000 pounds as an adult. The blue whale is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least 50% of the blue whale population over the last three generations based on direct observation, an index of abundance, and actual levels of exploitation. The blue whale is the largest mammal to have lived on the earth, but it feeds on some of the smallest marine organisms plankton.
Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
The fin whale is classified as a member of the order Cetacean (Whales) and is a member of the family Balaenopteridae. It grows up to eighty feet long. The fin whale is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least 50% of the blue whale population over the last three generations based on direct observation, an index of abundance, and actual levels of exploitation.

Primates
Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia)
The golden lion tamarin is classified as a member of the order Primates and is a member of the family Callitrichidae. The golden lion tamarin's head and body are about one foot long, and the tail is slightly shorter. It weighs about one and a half pounds. The golden lion tamarin is classified as a critically endangered species due to the fact that it only exists in severely fragmented sub-populations consisting of no more than fifty mature tamarins each, and that there has been continuing decline in the golden lion tamarin population. The golden lion tamarin is one of the most endangered of all mammals.
Hybrid Spider Monkey (Ateles belzebuth hybridus)
The hybrid spider monkey is classified as a member of the order Primates and is a member of the family Cebidae. The hybrid spider monkey grows to almost two feet long, not including the tail. It weighs from ten to fifteen pounds. The hybrid spider monkey is classified as an endangered species due to the fact that it only exists in severely fragmented sub-populations, and that there has been continuing decline in the hybrid spider monkey population. The hybrid spider monkey is known for its ability to use its tail as an extra limb.
Aye-Aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)
The aye-aye is classified as a member of the order Primates and is a member of the family Daubentoniidae. The aye-aye is about the size of a rabbit, and is brown. It is a nocturnal animal. The aye-aye is classified as an endangered species due to a projected reduction of at least 50% of the aye-aye population over the next ten years based on levels of exploitation and a decline in area of occupancy. Also, the aye-aye has an estimated population of less than 2500 and an observed continuing decline in the form of severely fragmented sub-populations. The aye-aye builds nests out of twigs to hide during the day. It can be found on the African island of Madagascar.
Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla)
The gorilla is classified as a member of the order Primates and is a member of the family Hominidae. The male gorilla grows to about six feet high, and weighs up to six hundred pounds. The female gorilla grows to about five feet high, and weighs up to two hundred pounds. The gorilla is classified as an endangered species due to the projected gorilla population declining to at the highest 50% due to a decline in area of occupancy. The gorilla is the largest and most powerful primate alive, but is a peaceful and sociable animal.

Carnivores
Red Wolf (Canis rufus)
The red wolf is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Canidae. The red wolf is classified as a critically endangered species due to the estmation that its population consists of less than fifty mature red wolves.
Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis)
The amur leopard is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to a reduction of at least 80% of its population over the past three generations because of a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence, or quality of habitat. The amur leopard population is also estimated to be less than 50 mature individuals. Amur leopards can be found in eastern Asia.
Anatolian Leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana)
The anatolian leopard is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 250 mature individuals and a continuing decline in numbers of mature individuals and population structure in the form of severely fragmented populations. Anatolian leopards can be found in Turkey.
Asiatic Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus)
The Asiatic cheetah is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 50 mature individuals and a continuing decline in numbers of mature individuals and population structure due to the fact that all Asiatic cheetahs are in a single population. Asiatic cheetahs can be found in Iran.
Florida Cougar (Puma concolor coryi)
The Florida cougar is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. It is also known as the Florida panther and the Florida Puma. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 50 mature individuals. Florida cougars can be found in the United States.
Iberian Lynx (Lynx Pardinus)
The iberian lynx is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 2500 mature individuals and an estimated continuing decline of at least 20% of its population within two generations. Iberian lynx can be found in Portugal and Spain.
Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia)
The snow leopard is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of no more than 2500 snow leopards and the fact that it has no sub-population numbering more than 250 mature leopards. Snow leopards can be found in eastern Asia
Texas Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis albescens)
The Texas ocelot is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 250 mature individuals. The Texas ocelot can be found in Mexico and the United States.
Tiger (Panthera tigris)
The tiger is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Felidae. The male tiger grows up to ten feet long from its head to the tip of its tail, and weighs up to 575 pounds. The tiger is classified as an endangered species due to the projected tiger population declining to at the highest 50% due to an index of
abundance and a decline in area of occupancy. The tiger consists of eight subspecies, distinguished by the colour of their coat.
Marine Otter (Lutra felina)
The marine otter is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Mustelidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to the marine otter population declining
because of the levels of exploitation and a decline in its area of occupancy. Marine otters can be found in South America.
Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
The giant panda is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Procyonidae. The male giant panda stands up to five feet tall, and weighs up to 265 pounds. The female
giant panda is smaller and weighs less. The giant panda is classified as an endangered species due to the fact that it only exists in severely fragmented sub-populations consisting of up to 250 mature adults, and that there has been continuing decline in the area of habitat. The giant panda feeds mainly on bamboo, even though it is classified as a carnivore
Lesser Panda (Ailurus fulgens)
The lesser panda is classified as a member of the order Carnivora (Carnivores) and is a member of the family Ursidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 2500 mature individuals and a continuing decline in numbers of mature individuals because of severely fragmented populations. Lesser pandas can be found in Southern Asia.
Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals
Cuvier's Gazelle (Gazella cuvieri)
The Cuvier's gazelle is classified as a member of the order Artiodactyla (Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals) and is a member of the family Bovidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to a severely fragmented population estimated to number less than 2500 mature individuals. The Cuvier's gazelle can be found in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Western Giant Eland (Tragelaphus derbianus derbianus)
The western giant eland is classified as a member of the order Artiodactyla (Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals) and is a member of the family Bovidae. The western giant eland is one of the largest antelopes in Africa. It can stand up to six feet high at the shoulder. It weighs up to 1,500 pounds. The western giant eland is classified as an endangered species due to a population estimated to number less than 2500 mature individuals, an estimated continuing decline of at least 20% within 2 generations, and a continuing decline observed by the fact that all individuals are in a single sub-population. The eland has long spiraled horns and tufted, cattlelike tails. It can be found in western Africa.
Wild Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus)
The wild Bactrian camel is classified as a member of the order Artiodactyla (Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals) and is a member of the family Camelidae. The wild Bactrian camel's shoulder height is about six feet, and it grows up to twelve feet long. It weighs up to 1,500 pounds. The wild Bactrian camel is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least 50% of the wild Bactrian camel population over the last three generations based on a decline in area of occupancy and actual levels of exploitation, and due to severely fragmented sub-populations numbering no more than 250 mature camels. The wild Bactrian camel is the only truly wild two-humped camel in the world.
Manipur Brow-Antlered Deer (Cervus eldi eldi)
The Manipur brow-antlered deer is classified as a member of the order Artiodactyla (Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals) and is a member of the family Cervidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to a continuing decline in area of occupancy and the fact that there are no more than 250 mature Manipur brow-antlered deers and they live in a single population. These animals can be found in India.
Odd-Toed Hoofed Mammals
Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)
The black rhinoceros is classified as a member of the order Perissodactyla (Odd-Toed Hoofed Mammals) and is a member of the family Rhinocerotidae. The black rhinoceros grows up to twelve feet long and six feet high. It weighs up to three thousand pounds. The black rhinoceros is classified as a critically endangered species due to a reduction of at least 80% of the
black rhinoceros population over the last three generations based on direct observation, an index of abundance, and a decline in area of occupancy. The black rhinoceros is the most aggressive species in the rhinoceros family, and can charge at speeds up to thirty miles per hour.
Marsupials
Broom's Pygmy-possum (Burramys parvus)
The Broom's Pygmy-possum is classified as a member of the order Marsupialia (Marsupials) and is a member of the family Burramyidae. It is also known as the mountain pygmy-possum. The Broom's pygmy-possum is
classified as an endangered species due to an estimated extent of occurrence that is less than 5000 km², a severely fragmented population, and a projected decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurance, quality of habitat, number of sub-populations, and number of mature individuals. The Broom's pygmy-possum can be found in Australia.
Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii)
The northern hairy-nosed wombat is classified as a member of the order Marsupialia (Marsupials) and is a member of the family Vombatidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to an estimated extent of occurrence that is less than 100 km², a severely fragmented population, a projected decline in quality of habitat, and an estimated population of
less than 50 mature individuals. The northern hairy-nosed wombat can be found in Australia.
Rodents
Short-tailed Chinchilla (Chinchilla brevicaudata)
The short-tailed chinchilla is classified as a member of the order Rodentia (Rodents) and is a member of the family Chinchillidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to an estimated population decline of at least 80% over the past ten years based on a decline in area of occupancy and levels of exploitation. The short-tailed chinchilla can be found in South America.
Edentates
Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus)
The giant armadillo is classified as a member of the order Edentata (Edentates) and is a member of the family Dasypodidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population decline of at least 50% over the past ten years based on a decline in area of occupancy and levels of exploitation. The giant armadillo can be found in South America.
Endangered Birds
Screamers and ducks
Crested Shelduck (Tadorna cristata)
The crested shelduck is classified as a member of the order Anseriformes (Screamers and ducks) and is a member of the family Anatidae. It is
classified as a critically endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 50 mature crested shelducks. The species can be found in eastern Asia.
White-winged Duck (Cairina scutulata)
The white-winged duck is classified as a member of the order Anseriformes (Screamers and ducks) and is a member of the family Anatidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 2500 mature white-winged ducks, an estimated continuing decline of the population, and a severely fragmented population. The white-winged duck can be found in southern Asia.
Kingfishers, hornbills, and allies
Marquesan Kingfisher (Todirhamphus godeffroyi)
The marquesan kingfisher is classified as a member of the order Coraciiformes (Kingfishers, hornbills, and allies) and is a member of the family Alcedinidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to a severely fragmented population and a projected decline of mature marquesan kingfishers.
Rufous-lored Kingfisher (Todirhamphus winchelli)
The rufous-lored kingfisher is classified as a member of the order Coraciiformes (Kingfishers, hornbills, and allies) and is a member of the family Alcedinidae. The rufous-lored kingfisher is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least 50% of the rufous-lored kingfisher population over the last three generations based on a decline in area of occupancy, and a projected decline of at least 50% over the next three generations based on the same reason.
Eagles, hawks, and vultures
California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)
The California condor is classified as a member of the order Falconiformes (Eagles, hawks, and vultures) and is a member of the family Cathartidae. It is classified as aa critically endangered species due to an estimated
population of less than 50 mature individuals. The California condor can be found in the United States.
Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus)
The Mauritius kestrel is classified as a member of the order Falconiformes (Eagles, hawks, and vultures) and is a member of the family Falconidae. The Mauritius kestrel is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 250 mature Mauritius kestrels.
Passerines
Hawaiian Crow (Corvus hawaiiensis)
The Hawaiian crow is classified as a member of the order Passeriformes (Passerines) and is a member of the family Corvidae. The Hawaiian crow is
classified as a critically endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 50 mature Hawaiian crows.
Cochabamba Mountain-finch (Poospiza garleppi)
The cochabamba mountain-finch is classified as a member of the order Passeriformes (Passerines) and is a member of the family Emberizidae. The cochabamba mountain-finch is classified as an endangered species due to the existence of only a single population numbering no more than 2500 mature adults, a decline in area of habitat, and an estimated decline of at least 20% over the next ten years.
Gouldian Finch (Chloebia gouldiae)
The gouldian finch is classified as a member of the order Passeriformes (Passerines) and is a member of the family Estrildidae. The gouldian finch is classified as an endangered species due to the fact that it only exists in severely fragmented subpopulations, and that a continuing decline is projected in the number of subpopulations and the number of mature adults.
Parrots
Blue-bellied Parrot (Tridaria malachitacea)
The blue-bellied parrot is classified as a member of the order sittaciformes (Parrots) and is a member of the family Psittacidae. The blue-bellied parrot is classified as an endangered species due to the fact that it only exists in severely fragmented subpopulations of no more than 250 mature parrots each.
Cranes, rails, trumpeters
Whooping Crane (Grus americana)
The whooping crane is classified as a member of the order Gruiformes (Cranes, rails, trumpeters) and is a member of the family Gruidae. It is classified as an endangered species due to an estimated population of less than 250 mature cranes. The whooping crane can be found in Canada and the United States.
Endangered Fish
Acipenseriformes
Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii baerii)
The Siberian sturgeon is classified as a member of the order Acipenseriformes and is a member of the family Acipenseridae. It is classified as an endangered species due to a projected reduction of at least 50% of the Siberian sturgeon population over the next ten years based on actual levels of exploitation.
Alabama Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus suttkusi)
The Alabama sturgeon is classified as a member of the order Acipenseriformes and is a member of the family Acipenseridae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to a reduction of at least 80% of the Alabama sturgeon population over the last ten years based on a decline in area of occupancy and actual levels of exploitation, and a projected decline of at least 80% over the next ten years based on the same reason.
Chinese Paddlefish (Psephurus gladius)
The Chinese paddlefish is classified as a member of the order Acipenseriformes and is a member of the family Polyodontidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to a projected reduction of at least 80% of the Alabama sturgeon population over the next ten years based on a decline in area of occupancy and actual levels of exploitation.
Clupeiformes (Herrings)
Alabama Shad (Alosa alabamae)
The Alabama shad is classified as a member of the order Clupeiformes (Herrings) and is a member of the family Clupeidae. It is classified as an
endangered species due to a severely fragmented population and a continuing decline in the number of mature adults.
Cypriniformes
Silver Shark (Balantiocheilos melanopterus)
The silver shark is classified as a member of the order Cypriniformes and is a member of the family Cyprinidae. The silver shark is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least e0% of the silver shark population over the last ten years based on direct observation and a decline in area of occupancy.
Clanwilliam Redfin (Barbus calidus)
The clanwilliam redfin is classified as a member of the order Cypriniformes and is a member of the family Cyprinidae. The clanwilliam redfin is classified as an endangered species due to the fact that its estimated area of occurence is less than 5000 km², it is known to exist at no more than five locations, and continuing decline is projected for extent of occurence and area of habitat.
Wild Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
The wild common carp is classified as a member of the order Cypriniformes and is a member of the family Cyprinidae. It is classified as a critically endangered species due to a projected reduction of at least 80% of the wild common carp population over the next ten years based on a decline in area of occupancy and introduced pollutants, parasites, or other threats.
Protection Law Summaries :
There are several laws that have been adopted to regulate the import, export, and sale of wildlife. There are also laws that protect species from various forms of inhumane treatment, including capturing and killing. The following summaries were taken from the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Division of Law Enforcement.
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668-668C).
This Act makes it illegal to import, export, or take bald or golden eagles, or to sell, purchase, or barter their parts, or products made from them, including their nests or eggs.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712).
Except as allowed by implementing regulations, this Act makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, kill, capture, possess, buy, sell, purchase, or barter any migratory bird, including the feathers or other parts, nests, eggs, or migratory bird products.
Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. 42; 16 U.S.C. 3371-3378).
This Act provides authority to the Secretary of the Interior to designate
injurious wildlife and ensure the humane treatment of wildlife shipped to
the United States. Further, it prohibits the importation, exportation,
transportation, sale, or purchase of fish and wildlife taken or possessed
in violation of State, Federal, Indian tribal, and foreign laws. The
Amendments strengthen and improve the enforcement of Federal wildlife laws and improve Federal assistance to the States and foreign
governments in the enforcement of their wildlife laws.
Also, the act provides an important tool in the effort to gain control of smuggling and trade in illegally taken fish and wildlife.
Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1361-1407).
This Act establishes a moratorium on the taking and importation of
marine mammals, including parts and products, and defines Federal responsibility for conservation of marine mammals, with management
authority vested in the Department of the Interior for the sea otter, walrus, polar bear, dugong, and manatee.
Airborne Hunting Act (16 U.S.C. 742j-1).
Section 13 of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 is commonly referred to as
area within Antarctica. In addition, the Act makes it unlawful for any
United States citizen or any foreign person in the United States to
possess, sell, offer for sale, deliver, receive, carry, transport, import,
export, or attempt to import or export from the United States any native
mammal or bird taken in Antarctica or any plant collected in any specially
protected area.
African Elephant Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 4201-4245).
The purpose of the Act is to provide additional protection for the African
elephant. The Act establishes an assistance program to elephant
producing countries of Africa and provides for the establishment of an
African Elephant Conservation Fund. In addition, the Act places a
moratorium on the importation of raw or worked ivory from African
elephant producing countries that do not meet certain criteria found in
the Act.
Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992 (16 U.S.C. 4901).
The act promotes the conservation of exotic birds by encouraging wild
bird conservation and management programs in countries of origin; by
ensuring that all trade in such species involving the United States is
biologically sustainable and to the benefit of the species; and by limiting or prohibiting imports of exotic birds when necessary to ensure that exotic wild populations are not harmed by removal for the trade.
Endangered Species Need Your Help!
Here Are Some Ways That You Can Get Involved:
Conserve Habitats
One of the most important ways to help threatened plants and animals survive is to protect their habitats permanently in national parks, nature
reserves or wilderness areas. There they can live without too much interference from humans. It is also important to protect habitats outside reserves such as on farms and along roadsides.
You can visit a nearby national park or nature reserve. Some national parks have special guided tours and walks for kids. Talk to the rangers
to find out whether there are any threatened species and how they are being protected. You and your friends might be able to help the rangers in their conservation work.
When you visit a national park, make sure you obey the wildlife code: follow fire regulations; leave your pets at home; leave flowers,
birds’ eggs, logs and bush rocks where you find them; put your rubbish in a bin or, better still, take it home.
If you have friends who live on farms, encourage them to keep patches of bush as wildlife habitats and to leave old trees standing, especially those with hollows suitable for nesting animals.
Some areas have groups which look after local lands and nature reserves. They do this by removing weeds and planting local native species in their place. You could join one of these groups, or even start a new one with your parents and friends. Ask your local parks authority or council for information. By removing rubbish and weeds and replanting with natives you will allow the native bush to gradually regenerate. This will also encourage native animals to return.

Make Space For Our Wildlife
* Build a birdfeeder and establish a birdbath for the neighborhood birds.
* Plant a tree and build a birdhouse in your backyard.
* Start composting in your backyard garden or on your balcony. It eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers which are harmful to animals and humans, and it benefits your plants! Ask your parents not to use harmful chemicals in your garden or home.
* Recycle, Reduce, And Reuse
* Encourage your family to take public transportation. Walk or ride bicycles rather than using the car.
* Save energy by turning off lights, radios and the TV when you are not using them.
* Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth and use water-saving devices on your toilet, taps and showerhead.
* Ask your parents to buy products and food without packaging whenever possible. Take your own bag to the store. It will reduce the amount
of garbage and waste your family produces.
* Recycle your toys, books and games by donating them to a hospital, daycare, nursery school or children's charity.
* Encourage your family to shop for organic fruits and vegetables.

Plant Native Plants That Are Local To The Area
If you can, plant native plants instead of non-native or introduced ones in your garden. You don’t want seeds from introduced plants escaping into the bush. Native grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees are more likely to attract native birds, butterflies and other insects, and maybe even some threatened species.

Control Introduced Plants And Animals
Non-native plants and animals are ones that come from outside your local area. Some parks and reserves, beaches, bush-land and rivers are now infested with invasive plants, and native species often cannot compete with these plants. Many environmental weeds come from people’s gardens.
Sometimes, the seeds are taken into the bush by the wind or by birds.
Controlling these foreign species is an important step in protecting wildlife

Join An Organization
There are many community groups working on conservation activities. Join an organization in your area and start helping today!

Make Your Voice Heard
* State and territory government conservation agencies are responsible for the management of national parks and the protection of wildlife. They are sometimes supported by public foundations.
* Tell your family, friends and work mates about threatened species and how they can help them.
* Start a group dedicated to protecting a threatened plant or animal in your area or perhaps to help care for a national park.
* Write articles or letters about threatened species to newspapers. Ring up talk-back radio programs to air your concerns, or arrange to talk on your community radio station.

Listed below are some of the best links to Endangered Species organizations. Learn what actions are being taken to help save endangered species.
* Join the National Audubon Society's Endangered Species Campaign and
help in the effort to enforce the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to
protect endangered species.
* The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has a great homepage for its
Endangered Species Program.
* For information on environmentalism and endangered species, try the
National Wildlife Federation.
* The World Conservation Monitoring Center provides a searchable
database of endangered species and other useful information.

Dutch

Written by: Ahmed Hassan

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