 Rare, endangered, or threatened plants and animals are

elements of our natural heritage that are declining rapidly or

are on the verge of vanishing.

 They are plants and animals that exist in small numbers that
may be lost forever if we do not take quick action to stop their
decline.
1. Black Rhino
2. Giant Panda
3. Tiger
4. Beluga sturgeon
5. Goldenseal
6. Alligator snapping Turtle
7. Hawksbill Turtle
8. Big leaf mahogany
9. Green Cheeked Parrot
10. Mako Shark
 Habitat Destruction
Our planet is continually changing, causing habitats to be
altered and modified. Natural changes tend to occur at a
gradual pace, usually causing only a slight impact on
individual species.

However, when changes occur at a fast pace, there is little or

no time for individual species to react and adjust to new
circumstances.
 Introduction of Exotic Species
Exotic species are interlopers. These species are introduced
into new environments by way of human activities, either
intentionally or accidentally.

These interlopers are viewed by the native species as foreign

elements.
 Overexploitation
A species that faces overexploitation is one that may become
severely endangered or even extinct due to the rate in which
the species is being used.

Unrestricted whaling during the 20th century is an example of

overexploitation, and the whaling industry brought many
species of whales to extremely low population sizes.
 More Factors
Disease, pollution, and limited distribution are more factors
that threaten various plant and animal species.

If a species does not have the natural genetic protection against

particular pathogens, an introduced disease can have severe
effects on that specie.
 Medicinal
Plants and animals are responsible for a variety of useful
medications.

In fact, about forty percent of all prescriptions written today

are composed from the natural compounds of different species.
 Agricultural
There are an estimated 80,000 edible plants in the world.
Humans depend upon only 20 species of these plants, such as
wheat and corn, to provide 90% of the world's food.

They also provide humans with the means to develop new

crops that can grow in inadequate lands such as in poor soils or
drought-stricken areas to help solve the world hunger problem.
 Ecological
Plant and animal species are the foundation of healthy
ecosystems.

Humans depend on ecosystems such as coastal estuaries,

prairie grasslands, and ancient forests to purify their air, clean
their water, and supply them with food.

When species become endangered, it is an indicator that the

health of these vital ecosystems is beginning to unravel.
 Commercial
Various wild species are commercially raised, directly
contributing to local and regional economies.

Commercial and recreational salmon fishing in the Pacific

Northwest provides 60,000 jobs and $1 billion annually in
personal income, and is the center of Pacific Northwest Native
American culture.
 Aesthetic/Recreational
Plant and animal species and their ecosystems form the basis
of job-intensive tourism industry.

They also supply recreational, spiritual, and quality-of-life

values as well.
 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.
 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.

 Recycle, Reduce, And Reuse

 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
 Control Introduced Plants And Animals
Non-native plants and animals are ones that come from outside
your local area.

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!
 We should use the best conservation science available and
work with people to find solutions to save the marvelous array
of life on our planet.
 Experience over nearly half a century has shown species
conservation is vital — and it does work.
 Already, conservation efforts have brought many animals back
from the brink of extinction.
 It has helped to not only conserve rich and varied ecosystems
but also delivered real benefits to local people through new
livelihood opportunities and sustainable development.