ENDANGERED SPECIES

One of the main problems that wildlife conservation organizations face is the rapidly increasing number of species which are being classed as ‘endangered’ or severely at risk of extinction. The decreasing wildlife numbers are brought about by a number of factors – pollution in the general environment, imbalances in local eco-systems, and destruction of habitats are some of the main causes. Another problem which is becoming increasingly common is the worldwide rise in temperature caused by global warming which is upsetting the delicate balance in ecosystems everywhere. Once one species dies out or moves from a particular area, it can alter the food-chain which all other animals in the area are reliant upon, leading to further decreases in animal numbers.

Another common problem faced by conservation organizations is the poor level of public awareness concerning the status of a large number of species. It is not uncommon for people to be confused about the difference between an animal being labelled ‘endangered’ rather than ‘extinct’. The endangered classification is one used by many conservation organizations to describe dangerously low numbers of a particular species. Most species with ‘endangered’ classifications are undergoing a serious struggle for survival, either because they are hunted for food or sale, or because their habitat or food supply has dwindled or disappeared. Many endangered species eventually become extinct, meaning that there are no known numbers of the species in the wild. Once extinct a species cannot become re-established as there are no live animals left to breed new numbers.