how can we help endangered animals essay

What Can We Do to Protect Endangered Animals?

How to Protect Animals?

We all have heard the saying – ‘It’s a Human’s world’. This line has dictated the popular opinion of past centuries. But with time we realized this is not just a Human’s world. It is equally the world of animals too. So, we need to also care about how to protect animals.

Animals deserve to live a safe and healthy life as much as humans do. Sadly, this does not have universal acceptance. Sadly, our world tries to get profit from everything it can and therefore animals become victims. Therefore, it is important to understand how to protect animals and what can we do to stop them from being endangered.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Discard the Use of Plastics:
• 1.2 Speak Up When You See Animal Cruelty:
• 1.3 Feeding the Local Animals:
• 1.4 Adopting a Pet:
• 2.1.1 Wildlife Habitat Conservation:
• 2.1.2 Be Aware:
• 2.1.3 Spread Awareness:
• 2.1.4 Donating to NGOs For This Cause:
• 2.1.5 Remove Hazards From Your Home:
• 2.1.6 Keep Your Rivers and Water Sources Clean:
• 2.1.7 Plant More:
• 2.1.8 Drive Carefully in Forest Areas:
• 2.1.9 Recycle:
• 2.1.10 Stop Using Products that Endanger Animals:

Ways to Protect Animals

“What you can do in response to the ocean of suffering may seem insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.” – Mahatma Gandhi.

It is okay to feel helpless when we see how animals are suffering today. A lot of us don’t know how to protect animals, but it is also important to channel this emotion into some work.

It is vital that we take action to protect animals. Below are some simple ways in which we can all contribute towards the protection of animals.

Discard the Use of Plastics:

Plastic is poison for our animals and marine life. They are innocent creatures who do not understand and consume plastic along with the food. If we stop using plastic, we will not just save the environment, but also, animals.

Speak Up When You See Animal Cruelty:

We often ignore and stay quiet when we see animals being hurt. Instead of taking care of our reputation at that time, we should speak up against the person doing such harm. Seeing an animal getting hurt would make a much bigger dent in your reputation compared to what fighting for them would do.

Feeding the Local Animals:

Giving food to cats, dogs, birds and other such animals in your vicinity is also one to protect animals and take care of them. Due to COVID, many such strays died in hunger. Therefore, we should make sure we are not letting this happen in our residential areas at least.

Adopting a Pet:

Taking an animal in your house as a pet is one of the sweetest ways of protecting animals. Adopting animals especially those with disabilities or illness is a very noble way of protecting animals.

When Can We Call an Animal Endangered?

When we talk of endangered animals, there is a slight change in approach towards how to protect animals. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies animals based on the level of protection needed. As per its classification, the following is the data on the number of species per category:

• 81 species are Extinct.
• 63 species are Extinct in the Wild.
• 3,947 species are Critically Endangered.
• 5,766 species come under Endangered.
• 10,104 species are Vulnerable.
• 4,467 species are Near Threatened.
• 10,497 species are Data Deficient.

While the time you are reading this numbers may have changed. According to IUCN , an animal species becomes endangered when there are less than 2500 mature individuals in it. Also, at least a 20 percent reduction in the population within five years gets a classification as endangered.

Wildlife Habitat Conservation:

Governments around the world have set up national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. In these places, the animals have a completely natural habitat to live in but they are also protected from the threats in a normal jungle. Threats like hunting and poaching are rampant today and we cannot let animals fall prey to that.

The role we can play here is of respecting the boundaries. When we go to visit these places, we should not leave garbage there. We should try to make as less of an impact as we can in these areas.

One of the best ways you can protect endangered animals is to know about them. Find out which are such animals in your area or country. So, if you spot one somewhere, you can help alert the authorities and protect them.

Spread Awareness:

Another way to protect endangered animals is to create awareness about them. You can create local community groups that work for this cause. Having seminars is another way of creating awareness. Also, inculcating lessons in student’s academics on how to protect animals will go a long way.

Donating to NGOs For This Cause:

NGOs working to protect animals are short on funds often. They are trying to do a noble thing by working on how to protect animals. Therefore, donating resources to them can be very helpful. Resources can be of various types here. You can donate money or even help them set up their infrastructure services.

Remove Hazards From Your Home:

Often our homes are the place where damage begins. Our trash, if not properly secured, can become a hazard for animals in the region. Proper use of water in your home will also make sure that enough is left for animals.

Keep Your Rivers and Water Sources Clean:

Animals depend on natural sources of water to quench their thirst. Nowadays, we have polluted our rivers so much that animals are getting sick drinking from there. Many even die because of it. Therefore, having river cleaning drives will help in solving this problem.

Plant More:

We all know by now how important it is to save trees . Several tree plantation drives are done now by NGOs and kind citizens. But what we also need to focus on, is planting native species. Native plants help maintain the ecosystem just the way it should be. When the ecosystem is functioning properly, endangered animals are also taken care of.

Drive Carefully in Forest Areas:

It is important to watch the road when going through roads in forest areas. Many animals die while trying to cross the road because people do not pay attention to them. We can save their lives by being more careful!

We have already discussed how plastic harms animals. But specifically talking of endangered animals, our actions need to be more thoughtful. Recycling your waste and using recycled products goes a long way in protecting the environment. And when we take care of the environment, endangered animals are also safe. Indirectly, we protect their habitat too when we recycle more and have a green economy.

Stop Using Products that Endanger Animals:

Illegal markets still have products made from endangered. These animals would have been probably killed or maimed to obtain such products. You should never indulge in such shopping. Staying away from giving more profit to such product makers will slowly make them stop doing it.

Conclusion:

Animals are a vital part of our ecosystem. We, humans, have the understanding and resources to know how to protect animals. With our evolved minds, we should be taking care of them as a parent takes care of their kids. Instead what we do is take advantage of our evolution and hurt animals. Let us stop doing that. Let’s become active participants in helping protect endangered animals.

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November 1, 2023

20 min read

Can We Save Every Species from Extinction?

The Endangered Species Act requires that every U.S. plant and animal be saved from extinction, but after 50 years, we have to do much more to prevent a biodiversity crisis

By Robert Kunzig

Snail Darter Percina tanasi. Listed as Endangered: 1975. Status: Delisted in 2022.

© Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark

A Bald Eagle disappeared into the trees on the far bank of the Tennessee River just as the two researchers at the bow of our modest motorboat began hauling in the trawl net. Eagles have rebounded so well that it's unusual not to see one here these days, Warren Stiles of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service told me as the net got closer. On an almost cloudless spring morning in the 50th year of the Endangered Species Act, only a third of a mile downstream from the Tennessee Valley Authority's big Nickajack Dam, we were searching for one of the ESA's more notorious beneficiaries: the Snail Darter. A few months earlier Stiles and the FWS had decided that, like the Bald Eagle, the little fish no longer belonged on the ESA's endangered species list. We were hoping to catch the first nonendangered specimen.

Dave Matthews, a TVA biologist, helped Stiles empty the trawl. Bits of wood and rock spilled onto the deck, along with a Common Logperch maybe six inches long. So did an even smaller fish; a hair over two inches, it had alternating vertical bands of dark and light brown, each flecked with the other color, a pattern that would have made it hard to see against the gravelly river bottom. It was a Snail Darter in its second year, Matthews said, not yet full-grown.

Everybody loves a Bald Eagle. There is much less consensus about the Snail Darter. Yet it epitomizes the main controversy still swirling around the ESA, signed into law on December 28, 1973, by President Richard Nixon: Can we save all the obscure species of this world, and should we even try, if they get in the way of human imperatives? The TVA didn't think so in the 1970s, when the plight of the Snail Darter—an early entry on the endangered species list—temporarily stopped the agency from completing a huge dam. When the U.S. attorney general argued the TVA's case before the Supreme Court with the aim of sidestepping the law, he waved a jar that held a dead, preserved Snail Darter in front of the nine judges in black robes, seeking to convey its insignificance.

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Now I was looking at a living specimen. It darted around the bottom of a white bucket, bonking its nose against the side and delicately fluttering the translucent fins that swept back toward its tail.

“It's kind of cute,” I said.

Matthews laughed and slapped me on the shoulder. “I like this guy!” he said. “Most people are like, ‘Really? That's it?’ ” He took a picture of the fish and clipped a sliver off its tail fin for DNA analysis but left it otherwise unharmed. Then he had me pour it back into the river. The next trawl, a few miles downstream, brought up seven more specimens.

In the late 1970s the Snail Darter seemed confined to a single stretch of a single tributary of the Tennessee River, the Little Tennessee, and to be doomed by the TVA's ill-considered Tellico Dam, which was being built on the tributary. The first step on its twisting path to recovery came in 1978, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, surprisingly, that the ESA gave the darter priority even over an almost finished dam. “It was when the government stood up and said, ‘Every species matters, and we meant it when we said we're going to protect every species under the Endangered Species Act,’” says Tierra Curry, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity.

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus. Listed as Endangered: 1967. Status: Delisted in 2007. Credit: © Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark

Today the Snail Darter can be found along 400 miles of the river's main stem and multiple tributaries. ESA enforcement has saved dozens of other species from extinction. Bald Eagles, American Alligators and Peregrine Falcons are just a few of the roughly 60 species that had recovered enough to be “delisted” by late 2023.

And yet the U.S., like the planet as a whole, faces a growing biodiversity crisis. Less than 6 percent of the animals and plants ever placed on the list have been delisted; many of the rest have made scant progress toward recovery. What's more, the list is far from complete: roughly a third of all vertebrates and vascular plants in the U.S. are vulnerable to extinction, says Bruce Stein, chief scientist at the National Wildlife Federation. Populations are falling even for species that aren't yet in danger. “There are a third fewer birds flying around now than in the 1970s,” Stein says. We're much less likely to see a White-throated Sparrow or a Red-winged Blackbird, for example, even though neither species is yet endangered.

The U.S. is far emptier of wildlife sights and sounds than it was 50 years ago, primarily because habitat—forests, grasslands, rivers—has been relentlessly appropriated for human purposes. The ESA was never designed to stop that trend, any more than it is equipped to deal with the next massive threat to wildlife: climate change. Nevertheless, its many proponents say, it is a powerful, foresightful law that we could implement more wisely and effectively, perhaps especially to foster stewardship among private landowners. And modest new measures, such as the Recovering America's Wildlife Act—a bill with bipartisan support—could further protect flora and fauna.

That is, if special interests don't flout the law. After the 1978 Supreme Court decision, Congress passed a special exemption to the ESA allowing the TVA to complete the Tellico Dam. The Snail Darter managed to survive because the TVA transplanted some of the fish from the Little Tennessee, because remnant populations turned up elsewhere in the Tennessee Valley, and because local rivers and streams slowly became less polluted following the 1972 Clean Water Act, which helped fish rebound.

Under pressure from people enforcing the ESA, the TVA also changed the way it managed its dams throughout the valley. It started aerating the depths of its reservoirs, in some places by injecting oxygen. It began releasing water from the dams more regularly to maintain a minimum flow that sweeps silt off the river bottom, exposing the clean gravel that Snail Darters need to lay their eggs and feed on snails. The river system “is acting more like a real river,” Matthews says. Basically, the TVA started considering the needs of wildlife, which is really what the ESA requires. “The Endangered Species Act works,” Matthews says. “With just a little bit of help, [wildlife] can recover.”

The trouble is that many animals and plants aren't getting that help—because government resources are too limited, because private landowners are alienated by the ESA instead of engaged with it, and because as a nation the U.S. has never fully committed to the ESA's essence. Instead, for half a century, the law has been one more thing that polarizes people's thinking.

I t may seem impossible today to imagine the political consensus that prevailed on environmental matters in 1973. The U.S. Senate approved the ESA unanimously, and the House passed it by a vote of 390 to 12. “Some people have referred to it as almost a statement of religion coming out of the Congress,” says Gary Frazer, who as assistant director for ecological services at the FWS has been overseeing the act's implementation for nearly 25 years.

Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus . Listed as Threatened: 1987. Status: Still threatened. Credit: ©Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark

But loss of faith began five years later with the Snail Darter case. Congresspeople who had been thinking of eagles, bears and Whooping Cranes when they passed the ESA, and had not fully appreciated the reach of the sweeping language they had approved, were disabused by the Supreme Court. It found that the legislation had created, “wisely or not ... an absolute duty to preserve all endangered species,” Chief Justice Warren E. Burger said after the Snail Darter case concluded. Even a recently discovered tiny fish had to be saved, “whatever the cost,” he wrote in the decision.

Was that wise? For both environmentalists such as Curry and many nonenvironmentalists, the answer has always been absolutely. The ESA “is the basic Bill of Rights for species other than ourselves,” says National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore, who is building a “photo ark” of every animal visible to the naked eye as a record against extinction. (He has taken studio portraits of 15,000 species so far.) But to critics, the Snail Darter decision always defied common sense. They thought it was “crazy,” says Michael Bean, a leading ESA expert, now retired from the Environmental Defense Fund. “That dichotomy of view has remained with us for the past 45 years.”

According to veteran Washington, D.C., environmental attorney Lowell E. Baier, author of a new history called The Codex of the Endangered Species Act, both the act itself and its early implementation reflected a top-down, federal “command-and-control mentality” that still breeds resentment. FWS field agents in the early days often saw themselves as combat biologists enforcing the act's prohibitions. After the Northern Spotted Owl's listing got tangled up in a bitter 1990s conflict over logging of old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest, the FWS became more flexible in working out arrangements. “But the dark mythology of the first 20 years continues in the minds of much of America,” Baier says.

Credit: June Minju Kim ( map ); Source: David Matthews, Tennessee Valley Authority ( reference )

The law can impose real burdens on landowners. Before doing anything that might “harass” or “harm” an endangered species, including modifying its habitat, they need to get a permit from the FWS and present a “habitat conservation plan.” Prosecutions aren't common, because evidence can be elusive, but what Bean calls “the cloud of uncertainty” surrounding what landowners can and cannot do can be distressing.

Requirements the ESA places on federal agencies such as the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management—or on the TVA—can have large economic impacts. Section 7 of the act prohibits agencies from taking, permitting or funding any action that is likely to “jeopardize the continued existence” of a listed species. If jeopardy seems possible, the agency must consult with the FWS first (or the National Marine Fisheries Service for marine species) and seek alternative plans.

“When people talk about how the ESA stops projects, they've been talking about section 7,” says conservation biologist Jacob Malcom. The Northern Spotted Owl is a strong example: an economic analysis suggests the logging restrictions eliminated thousands of timber-industry jobs, fueling conservative arguments that the ESA harms humans and economic growth.

In recent decades, however, that view has been based “on anecdote, not evidence,” Malcom claims. At Defenders of Wildlife, where he worked until 2022 (he's now at the U.S. Department of the Interior), he and his colleagues analyzed 88,290 consultations between the FWS and other agencies from 2008 to 2015. “Zero projects were stopped,” Malcom says. His group also found that federal agencies were only rarely taking the active measures to recover a species that section 7 requires—like what the TVA did for the Snail Darter. For many listed species, the FWS does not even have recovery plans.

Endangered species also might not recover because “most species are not receiving protection until they have reached dangerously low population sizes,” according to a 2022 study by Erich K. Eberhard of Columbia University and his colleagues. Most listings occur only after the FWS has been petitioned or sued by an environmental group—often the Center for Biological Diversity, which claims credit for 742 listings. Years may go by between petition and listing, during which time the species' population dwindles. Noah Greenwald, the center's endangered species director, thinks the FWS avoids listings to avoid controversy—that it has internalized opposition to the ESA.

He and other experts also say that work regarding endangered species is drastically underfunded. As more species are listed, the funding per species declines. “Congress hasn't come to grips with the biodiversity crisis,” says Baier, who lobbies lawmakers regularly. “When you talk to them about biodiversity, their eyes glaze over.” Just this year federal lawmakers enacted a special provision exempting the Mountain Valley Pipeline from the ESA and other challenges, much as Congress had exempted the Tellico Dam. Environmentalists say the gas pipeline, running from West Virginia to Virginia, threatens the Candy Darter, a colorful small fish. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provided a rare bit of good news: it granted the FWS $62.5 million to hire more biologists to prepare recovery plans.

The ESA is often likened to an emergency room for species: overcrowded and understaffed, it has somehow managed to keep patients alive, but it doesn't do much more. The law contains no mandate to restore ecosystems to health even though it recognizes such work as essential for thriving wildlife. “Its goal is to make things better, but its tools are designed to keep things from getting worse,” Bean says. Its ability to do even that will be severely tested in coming decades by threats it was never designed to confront.

T he ESA requires a species to be listed as “threatened” if it might be in danger of extinction in the “foreseeable future.” The foreseeable future will be warmer. Rising average temperatures are a problem, but higher heat extremes are a bigger threat, according to a 2020 study.

Scientists have named climate change as the main cause of only a few extinctions worldwide. But experts expect that number to surge. Climate change has been “a factor in almost every species we've listed in at least the past 15 years,” Frazer says. Yet scientists struggle to forecast whether individual species can “persist in place or shift in space”—as Stein and his co-authors put it in a recent paper—or will be unable to adapt at all and will go extinct. On June 30 the FWS issued a new rule that will make it easier to move species outside their historical range—a practice it once forbade except in extreme circumstances.

Credit: June Minju Kim ( graphic ); Brown Bird Design ( illustrations ); Sources: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Environmental Conservation Online System; U.S. Federal Endangered and Threatened Species by Calendar Year https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/species-listings-by-year-totals ( annual data through 2022 ); Listed Species Summary (Boxscore) https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/boxscore ( cumulative data up to September 18, 2023, and annual data for coral ); Delisted Species https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/species-delisted ( delisted data through 2022 )

Eventually, though, “climate change is going to swamp the ESA,” says J. B. Ruhl, a law professor at Vanderbilt University, who has been writing about the problem for decades. “As more and more species are threatened, I don't know what the agency does with that.” To offer a practical answer, in a 2008 paper he urged the FWS to aggressively identify the species most at risk and not waste resources on ones that seem sure to expire.

Yet when I asked Frazer which urgent issues were commanding his attention right now, his first thought wasn't climate; it was renewable energy. “Renewable energy is going to leave a big footprint on the planet and on our country,” he says, some of it threatening plants and animals if not implemented well. “The Inflation Reduction Act is going to lead to an explosion of more wind and solar across the landscape.

Long before President Joe Biden signed that landmark law, conflicts were proliferating: Desert Tortoise versus solar farms in the Mojave Desert, Golden Eagles versus wind farms in Wyoming, Tiehm's Buckwheat (a little desert flower) versus lithium mining in Nevada. The mine case is a close parallel to that of Snail Darters versus the Tellico Dam. The flower, listed as endangered just last year, grows on only a few acres of mountainside in western Nevada, right where a mining company wants to extract lithium. The Center for Biological Diversity has led the fight to save it. Elsewhere in Nevada people have used the ESA to stop, for the moment, a proposed geothermal plant that might threaten the two-inch Dixie Valley Toad, discovered in 2017 and also declared endangered last year.

Does an absolute duty to preserve all endangered species make sense in such places? In a recent essay entitled “A Time for Triage,” Columbia law professor Michael Gerrard argues that “the environmental community has trade-off denial. We don't recognize that it's too late to preserve everything we consider precious.” In his view, given the urgency of building the infrastructure to fight climate change, we need to be willing to let a species go after we've done our best to save it. Environmental lawyers adept at challenging fossil-fuel projects, using the ESA and other statutes, should consider holding their fire against renewable installations. “Just because you have bullets doesn't mean you shoot them in every direction,” Gerrard says. “You pick your targets.” In the long run, he and others argue, climate change poses a bigger threat to wildlife than wind turbines and solar farms do.

For now habitat loss remains the overwhelming threat. What's truly needed to preserve the U.S.'s wondrous biodiversity, both Stein and Ruhl say, is a national network of conserved ecosystems. That won't be built with our present politics. But two more practical initiatives might help.

The first is the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, which narrowly missed passage in 2022 and has been reintroduced this year. It builds on the success of the 1937 Pittman-Robertson Act, which funds state wildlife agencies through a federal excise tax on guns and ammunition. That law was adopted to address a decline in game species that had hunters alarmed. The state refuges and other programs it funded are why deer, ducks and Wild Turkeys are no longer scarce.

The recovery act would provide $1.3 billion a year to states and nearly $100 million to Native American tribes to conserve nongame species. It has bipartisan support, in part, Stein says, because it would help arrest the decline of a species before the ESA's “regulatory hammer” falls. Although it would be a large boost to state wildlife budgets, the funding would be a rounding error in federal spending. But last year Congress couldn't agree on how to pay for the measure. Passage “would be a really big deal for nature,” Curry says.

Oyster Mussel. Epioblasma capsaeformis.  Listed as Endangered: 1997. Status: Still endangered. Credit: © Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark

The second initiative that could promote species conservation is already underway: bringing landowners into the fold. Most wildlife habitat east of the Rocky Mountains is on private land. That's also where habitat loss is happening fastest. Some experts say conservation isn't likely to succeed unless the FWS works more collaboratively with landowners, adding carrots to the ESA's regulatory stick. Bean has long promoted the idea, including when he worked at the Interior Department from 2009 to early 2017. The approach started, he says, with the Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

When the ESA was passed, there were fewer than 10,000 Red-cockaded Woodpeckers left of the millions that had once lived in the Southeast. Humans had cut down the old pine trees, chiefly Longleaf Pine, that the birds excavate cavities in for roosting and nesting. An appropriate tree has to be large, at least 60 to 80 years old, and there aren't many like that left. The longleaf forest, which once carpeted up to 90 million acres from Virginia to Texas, has been reduced to less than three million acres of fragments.

In the 1980s the ESA wasn't helping because it provided little incentive to preserve forest on private land. In fact, Bean says, it did the opposite: landowners would sometimes clear-cut potential woodpecker habitat just to avoid the law's constraints. The woodpecker population continued to drop until the 1990s. That's when Bean and his Environmental Defense Fund colleagues persuaded the FWS to adopt “safe-harbor agreements” as a simple solution. An agreement promised landowners that if they let pines grow older or took other woodpecker-friendly measures, they wouldn't be punished; they remained free to decide later to cut the forest back to the baseline condition it had been in when the agreement was signed.

That modest carrot was inducement enough to quiet the chainsaws in some places. “The downward trends have been reversed,” Bean says. “In places like South Carolina, where they have literally hundreds of thousands of acres of privately owned forest enrolled, Red-cockaded Woodpecker numbers have shot up dramatically.”

The woodpecker is still endangered. It still needs help. Because there aren't enough old pines, land managers are inserting lined, artificial cavities into younger trees and sometimes moving birds into them to expand the population. They are also using prescribed fires or power tools to keep the longleaf understory open and grassy, the way fires set by lightning or Indigenous people once kept it and the way the woodpeckers like it. Most of this work is taking place, and most Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are still living, on state or federal land such as military bases. But a lot more longleaf must be restored to get the birds delisted, which means collaborating with private landowners, who own 80 percent of the habitat.

Leo Miranda-Castro, who retired last December as director of the FWS's southeast region, says the collaborative approach took hold at regional headquarters in Atlanta in 2010. The Center for Biological Diversity had dropped a “mega petition” demanding that the FWS consider 404 new species for listing. The volume would have been “overwhelming,” Miranda-Castro says. “That's when we decided, ‘Hey, we cannot do this in the traditional way.’ The fear of listing so many species was a catalyst” to look for cases where conservation work might make a listing unnecessary.

An agreement affecting the Gopher Tortoise shows what is possible. Like the woodpeckers, it is adapted to open-canopied longleaf forests, where it basks in the sun, feeds on herbaceous plants and digs deep burrows in the sandy soil. The tortoise is a keystone species: more than 300 other animals, including snakes, foxes and skunks, shelter in its burrows. But its numbers have been declining for decades.

Urbanization is the main threat to the tortoises, but timberland can be managed in a way that leaves room for them. Eager to keep the species off the list, timber companies, which own 20 million acres in its range, agreed to figure out how to do that—above all by returning fire to the landscape and keeping the canopy open. One timber company, Resource Management Service, said it would restore Longleaf Pine on about 3,700 acres in the Florida panhandle, perhaps expanding to 200,000 acres eventually. It even offered to bring other endangered species onto its land, which delighted Miranda-Castro: “I had never heard about that happening before.” Last fall the FWS announced that the tortoise didn't need to be listed in most of its range.

Miranda-Castro now directs Conservation Without Conflict, an organization that seeks to foster conversation and negotiation in settings where the ESA has more often generated litigation. “For the first 50 years the stick has been used the most,” Miranda-Castro says. “For the next 50 years we're going to be using the carrots way more.” On his own farm outside Fort Moore, Ga., he grows Longleaf Pine—and Gopher Tortoises are benefiting.

Whooping Crane. Grus americana.  Listed as Endangered: 1967. Status: Still endangered. Credit: © Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark

The Center for Biological Diversity doubts that carrots alone will save the reptile. It points out that the FWS's own models show small subpopulations vanishing over the next few decades and the total population falling by nearly a third. In August 2023 it filed suit against the FWS, demanding the Gopher Tortoise be listed.

The FWS itself resorted to the stick this year when it listed the Lesser Prairie-Chicken, a bird whose grassland home in the Southern Plains has long been encroached on by agriculture and the energy industry. The Senate promptly voted to overturn that listing, but President Biden promised to veto that measure if it passes the House.

B ehind the debates over strategy lurks the vexing question: Can we save all species? The answer is no. Extinctions will keep happening. In 2021 the FWS proposed to delist 23 more species—not because they had recovered but because they hadn't been seen in decades and were presumed gone. There is a difference, though, between acknowledging the reality of extinction and deliberately deciding to let a species go. Some people are willing to do the latter; others are not. Bean thinks a person's view has a lot to do with how much they've been exposed to wildlife, especially as a child.

Zygmunt Plater, a professor emeritus at Boston College Law School, was the attorney in the 1978 Snail Darter case, fighting for hundreds of farmers whose land would be submerged by the Tellico Dam. At one point in the proceedings Justice Lewis F. Powell, Jr., asked him, “What purpose is served, if any, by these little darters? Are they used for food?” Plater thinks creatures such as the darter alert us to the threat our actions pose to them and to ourselves. They prompt us to consider alternatives.

The ESA aims to save species, but for that to happen, ecosystems have to be preserved. Protecting the Northern Spotted Owl has saved at least a small fraction of old-growth forest in the Pacific Northwest. Concern about the Red-cockaded Woodpecker and the Gopher Tortoise is aiding the preservation of longleaf forests in the Southeast. The Snail Darter wasn't enough to stop the Tellico Dam, which drowned historic Cherokee sites and 300 farms, mostly for real estate development. But after the controversy, the presence of a couple of endangered mussels did help dissuade the TVA from completing yet another dam, on the Duck River in central Tennessee. That river is now recognized as one of the most biodiverse in North America.

The ESA forced states to take stock of the wildlife they harbored, says Jim Williams, who as a young biologist with the FWS was responsible for listing both the Snail Darter and mussels in the Duck River. Williams grew up in Alabama, where I live. “We didn't know what the hell we had,” he says. “People started looking around and found all sorts of new species.” Many were mussels and little fish. In a 2002 survey, Stein found that Alabama ranked fifth among U.S. states in species diversity. It also ranks second-highest for extinctions; of the 23 extinct species the FWS recently proposed for delisting, eight were mussels, and seven of those were found in Alabama.

One morning this past spring, at a cabin on the banks of Shoal Creek in northern Alabama, I attended a kind of jamboree of local freshwater biologists. At the center of the action, in the shade of a second-floor deck, sat Sartore. He had come to board more species onto his photo ark, and the biologists—most of them from the TVA—were only too glad to help, fanning out to collect critters to be decanted into Sartore's narrow, flood-lit aquarium. He sat hunched before it, a black cloth draped over his head and camera, snapping away like a fashion photographer, occasionally directing whoever was available to prod whatever animal was in the tank into a more artful pose.

As I watched, he photographed a striated darter that didn't yet have a name, a Yellow Bass, an Orangefin Shiner and a giant crayfish discovered in 2011 in the very creek we were at. Sartore's goal is to help people who never meet such creatures feel the weight of extinction—and to have a worthy remembrance of the animals if they do vanish from Earth.

With TVA biologist Todd Amacker, I walked down to the creek and sat on the bank. Amacker is a mussel specialist, following in Williams's footsteps. As his colleagues waded in the shoals with nets, he gave me a quick primer on mussel reproduction. Their peculiar antics made me care even more about their survival.

There are hundreds of freshwater mussel species, Amacker explained, and almost every one tricks a particular species of fish into raising its larvae. The Wavy-rayed Lampmussel, for example, extrudes part of its flesh in the shape of a minnow to lure black bass—and then squirts larvae into the bass's open mouth so they can latch on to its gills and fatten on its blood. Another mussel dangles its larvae at the end of a yard-long fishing line of mucus. The Duck River Darter Snapper—a member of a genus that has already lost most of its species to extinction—lures and then clamps its shell shut on the head of a hapless fish, inoculating it with larvae. “You can't make this up,” Amacker said. Each relationship has evolved over the ages in a particular place.

The small band of biologists who are trying to cultivate the endangered mussels in labs must figure out which fish a particular mussel needs. It's the type of tedious trial-and-error work conservation biologists call “heroic,” the kind that helped to save California Condors and Whooping Cranes. Except these mussels are eyeless, brainless, little brown creatures that few people have ever heard of.

For most mussels, conditions are better now than half a century ago, Amacker said. But some are so rare it's hard to imagine they can be saved. I asked Amacker whether it was worth the effort or whether we just need to accept that we must let some species go. The catch in his voice almost made me regret the question.

“I'm not going to tell you it's not worth the effort,” he said. “It's more that there's no hope for them.” He paused, then collected himself. “Who are we to be the ones responsible for letting a species die?” he went on. “They've been around so long. That's not my answer as a biologist; that's my answer as a human. Who are we to make it happen?”

Robert Kunzig is a freelance writer in Birmingham, Ala., and a former senior editor at National Geographic, Discover and Scientific American .

Environment: Endangered Species Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
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Globally, over 14,000 animal species face a risk of extinction. The reasons for the near extinction include poaching, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, pollution, diseases, climate change, and low birth rates (IUCN, 2021). Some of the most endangered species include the Javan rhino, African elephants, black rhino, snow leopards, orangutans, the vaquita, Amur leopards, and the eastern lowland gorillas. With the appropriate conservation measure, endangered animals may increase over time.

Captive breeding and reintroduction are among the most effective conservation approaches. They involve capturing, breeding, and rearing endangered animals in wildlife reserves, zoos, or aquariums to help increase their numbers. After a significant number is raised, the animals can then be released back to their natural habitats. For example, in 1982, only 22 California condors existed in the wild; however, captive breeding increased the number to 425 in 2014 (Association of Zoos & Aquarium, n.d). Thus, when threats are reduced, the rare species can improve in numbers.

Habitat protection is critical in ensuring the safety of endangered animals. Protected areas where endangered species can be placed include nature reserves, national parks, and wildlife refuges. There are various marine reserves and protected areas that prohibit fishing, thus safeguarding the marine species. In this case, New Zealand has several marine reserves that protect sea turtles, aquatic mammals, and some fish species such as manta rays and white pointer sharks (Ministry for Primary Industries, n.d). Additionally, some laws and regulations safeguard wildlife at state, national, and global levels to prevent animal extinction. In this case, CITES or the Washington convention significantly regulates the global trade of wild animals. This treaty restricts and controls any trade involving endangered species to ensure they do not become extinct

In conclusion, human activity and climate change continually threaten some wild animals’ survival. Nonetheless, appropriate conservation methods such as captive breeding and habitat protection can ensure the continuous reproduction of these species. The enactment of state, national and global laws that safeguard wild animals also promotes the survival of these species. Human beings have a responsibility to ensure the protection of wild animals and their habitats.

Global warming is one of the biggest threats to animal and plant survival. The accumulation of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, deforestation, and increased agricultural activities are major contributors to this phenomenon. The increased earth temperature associated with global warming has led to climate change resulting in several natural calamities. However, the threat of global warming can be reduced by using renewable energy, recycling, planting more trees, and lowering the emission of greenhouse gases.

Global warming has significant adverse impacts on human beings and the environment. The extreme heat associated with climate change increases complications from underlying respiratory and heart diseases such as renal failure and asthma and may cause other heat-related disorders. Global warming also increases the risk of storms and drought, affecting food supply, which may cause death to both humans and animals (Global Climate Change, 2021). It has also been linked to ocean acidification, increased ocean temperature, and rising sea levels. Such occurrences have led to the death of a significant number of marine life.

Rather than human actions, global warming may result from natural forces. Human activities such as deforestation, industrial processes, and agricultural activities have long been attributed to climate change. However, there are claims that complex gravitational interactions, particularly alterations in the earth’s orbit, torque, and axial tilt, may also influence climate change resulting in increased temperature (Neaves, 2017). Gradual shifts in the earth’s orbit combined with its axial tilt places the south and north poles more directly to the sun resulting in temperature extremes.

In conclusion, global warming has adverse effects on humans and nature. It exposes humans to heat-related diseases and increases complications of respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Climate change depletes vegetation causing food shortage and death to humans and animals. Similarly, it causes ocean warming and acidification, which destroys marine life. Although some natural forces such as shifts in the earth’s orbit and axis may trigger temperature changes, human activities are the greatest contributors to global warming.

Association of Zoos & Aquarium (n.d). Reintroduction programs . Web.

Ministry for Primary Industries. (n.d). Protecting marine life . Web.

Neaves, T., T. (2017). The climate is changing, but not just because of humans. Here’s why that matters . NBC News . Web.

International Union for Conservation of Nature. (2021). African elephant species now endangered and critically endangered – IUCN Red List . Web.

Global Climate Change. (2021). The effects of climate change . Web.

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Conservation

In defense of biodiversity: why protecting species from extinction matters.

By Carl Safina • February 12, 2018

A number of biologists have recently made the argument that extinction is part of evolution and that saving species need not be a conservation priority. But this revisionist thinking shows a lack of understanding of evolution and an ignorance of the natural world. 

A few years ago, I helped lead a ship-based expedition along south Alaska during which several scientists and noted artists documented and made art from the voluminous plastic trash that washes ashore even there. At Katmai National Park, we packed off several tons of trash from as distant as South Asia. But what made Katmai most memorable was: huge brown bears. Mothers and cubs were out on the flats digging clams. Others were snoozing on dunes. Others were patrolling.

During a rest, several of us were sitting on an enormous drift-log, watching one mother who’d been clamming with three cubs. As the tide flooded the flat, we watched in disbelief as she brought her cubs up to where we were sitting — and stepped up on the log we were on. There was no aggression, no tension; she was relaxed. We gave her some room as she paused on the log, and then she took her cubs past us into a sedge meadow. Because she was so calm, I felt no fear. I felt the gift.

In this protected refuge, bears could afford a generous view of humans. Whoever protected this land certainly had my gratitude.

In the early 20th century, a botanist named Robert F. Griggs discovered Katmai’s volcanic “Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.” In love with the area, he spearheaded efforts to preserve the region’s wonders and wildlife. In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson established Katmai National Monument (now Katmai National Park and Preserve ), protecting 1,700 square miles, thus ensuring a home for bear cubs born a century later, and making possible my indelible experience that day. As a legacy for Griggs’ proclivity to share his love of living things, George Washington University later established the Robert F. Griggs Chair in Biology.

That chair is now occupied by a young professor whose recent writing probably has Griggs spinning in his grave. He is R. Alexander Pyron . A few months ago,  The Washington Post published a “ Perspective” piece by Pyron that is an extreme example of a growing minority opinion in the conservation community, one that might be summarized as, “Humans are profoundly altering the planet, so let’s just make peace with the degradation of the natural world.” 

No biologist is entitled to butcher the scientific fundamentals on which they hang their opinions.

Pyron’s essay – with lines such as, “The only reason we should conserve biodiversity is for ourselves, to create a stable future for human beings” and “[T]he impulse to conserve for conservation’s sake has taken on an unthinking, unsupported, unnecessary urgency” – left the impression that it was written in a conservative think tank, perhaps by one of the anti-regulatory zealots now filling posts throughout the Trump administration. Pyron’s sentiments weren’t merely oddly out of keeping with the legacy of the man whose name graces his job title. Much of what Pyron wrote is scientifically inaccurate. And where he stepped out of his field into ethics, what he wrote was conceptually confused.

Pyron has since posted, on his website and Facebook page, 1,100 words of frantic backpedaling that land somewhere between apology and retraction, including mea culpas that he “sensationalized” parts of his own argument and “cavalierly glossed over several complex issues.” But Pyron’s original essay and his muddled apology do not change the fact that the beliefs he expressed reflect a disturbing trend that has taken hold among segments of the conservation community. And his article comes at a time when conservation is being assailed from other quarters, with a half-century of federal protections of land being rolled back, the Endangered Species Act now more endangered than ever, and the relationship between extinction and evolution being subjected to confused, book-length mistreatment.

Pyron’s original opinion piece, so clear and unequivocal in its assertions, is a good place to unpack and disentangle accelerating misconceptions about the “desirability” of extinction that are starting to pop up like hallucinogenic mushrooms.

In recent years, some biologists and writers have been distancing themselves from conservation’s bedrock idea that in an increasingly human-dominated world we must find ways to protect and perpetuate natural beauty, wild places, and the living endowment of the planet. In their stead, we are offered visions of human-dominated landscapes in which the stresses of destruction and fragmentation spur evolution. 

White rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum ). Source: Herman Pijpers/ Flickr

Conservation International ditched its exuberant tropical forest graphic for  a new corporate logo  whose circle and line were designed to suggest a human head and outstretched arms. A few years ago, Peter Kareiva, then chief scientist for The Nature Conservancy,  said , “conservationists will have to jettison their idealized notions of nature, parks, and wilderness,” for  “a more optimistic, human-friendly vision.” Human annihilation of the passenger pigeon, he wrote, caused “no catastrophic or even measurable effects,” characterizing the total extinction of the hemisphere’s most abundant bird — whose population went from billions to zero inside a century (certainly a “measurable effect” in itself) — as an example of nature’s “resilience.”

British ecologist Chris Thomas’s recent book, Inheritors of the Earth: How Nature is Thriving in an Age of Extinction, argues that the destruction of nature creates opportunities for evolution of new lifeforms that counterbalance any losses we create, an idea that is certainly optimistic considering the burgeoning lists of endangered species. Are we really ready to consider that disappearing rhinos are somehow counterbalanced by a new subspecies of daisy in a railroad track? Maybe it would be simpler if Thomas and his comrades just said, “We don’t care about nature.’’

Enter Pyron, who — at least in his initial essay — basically said he doesn’t. He’s entitled to his apathy, but no biologist is entitled to butcher the scientific fundamentals on which they hang their opinions.

Pyron began with a resonant story about his nocturnal rediscovery of a South American frog that had been thought recently extinct. He and colleagues collected several that, he reassured us, “are now breeding safely in captivity.” As we breathed a sigh of relief, Pyron added, “But they will go extinct one day, and the world will be none the poorer for it.” 

The conviction that today’s slides toward mass extinction are not inevitable spurred the founding of the conservation movement.

I happen to be writing this in the Peruvian Amazon, having just returned from a night walk to a light-trap where I helped a biologist collect moths. No one yet knows how many species live here. Moths are important pollinators. Knowing them helps detangle a little bit of how this rainforest works. So it’s a good night to mention that the number of species in an area carries the technical term “species richness.” More is richer, and fewer is, indeed, poorer. Pyron’s view lies outside scientific consensus and societal values. 

Pyron wasn’t concerned about his frogs going extinct, because, “Eventually, they will be replaced by a dozen or a hundred new species that evolve later.” But the timescale would be millennia at best — meaningless in human terms — and perhaps never; hundreds of amphibians worldwide are suffering declines and extinctions, raising the possibility that major lineages and whole groups of species will vanish. Pyron seemed to have no concerns about that possibility, writing, “Mass extinctions periodically wipe out up to 95 percent of all species in one fell swoop; these come every 50 million to 100 million years.”

But that’s misleading. “Periodically” implies regularity. There’s no regularity to mass extinctions. Not in their timing, nor in their causes. The mass extinctions are not related. Three causes of mass extinctions — prolonged worldwide atmosphere-altering volcanic eruptions; a dinosaur-snuffing asteroid hit; and the spreading agriculture, settlement, and sheer human appetite driving extinctions today — are unrelated.

Rio Pescado stubfoot toad ( Atelopus balios ). Source: De Investigación y Conservación de Anfibios/ Flickr

The conviction that today’s slides toward mass extinction are not inevitable, and could be lessened or avoided, spurred the founding of the conservation movement and created the discipline of conservation biology.

But Pyron seems unmoved. “Extinction is the engine of evolution, the mechanism by which natural selection prunes the poorly adapted and allows the hardiest to flourish,” he declared. “Species constantly go extinct, and every species that is alive today will one day follow suit. There is no such thing as an ‘endangered species,’ except for all species.”

Let us unpack. Extinction is not evolution’s driver; survival is. The engine of evolution is survival amidst competition. It’s a little like what drives innovation in business. To see this, let’s simply compare the species diversity of the Northern Hemisphere, where periodic ice sheets largely wiped the slate clean, with those of the tropics, where the evolutionary time clock continued running throughout. A couple of acres in eastern temperate North America might have a dozen tree species or fewer. In the Amazon a similar area can have 300 tree species. All of North American has 1,400 species of trees; Brazil has 8,800. All of North America has just over 900 birds; Colombia has 1,900 species. All of North America has 722 butterfly species. Where I am right now, along the Tambopata River in Peru, biologists have tallied around 1,200 butterfly species.

Competition among living species drives proliferation into diversified specialties. Specialists increasingly exploit narrowing niches. We can think of this as a marketplace of life, where little competition necessitates little specialization, thus little proliferation. An area with many types of trees, for instance, directly causes the evolution of many types of highly specialized pollinating insects, hummingbirds, and pollinating bats, who visit only the “right” trees. Many flowering plants are pollinated by just one specialized species.

Pyron muddles several kinds of extinctions, then serves up further misunderstanding of how evolution works. So let’s clarify. Mass extinctions are global; they involve the whole planet. There have been five mass extinctions and we’ve created a sixth . Past mass extinctions happened when the entire planet became more hostile. Regional wipeouts, as occurred during the ice ages, are not considered mass extinctions, even though many species can go extinct. Even without these major upheavals there are always a few species blinking out due to environmental changes or new competitors. And there are pseudo-extinctions where old forms no longer exist, but only because their descendants have changed through time. 

New species do not suddenly “arise,” nor are they really new. They evolve from existing species, as population gene pools change.

Crucially for understanding the relationship between extinction and evolution is this: New species do not suddenly “arise,” nor are they really new. New species evolve from existing species, as population gene pools change. Many “extinct” species never really died out; they just changed into what lives now. Not all the dinosaurs went extinct; theropod dinosaurs survived. They no longer exist because they evolved into what we call birds. Australopithecines no longer exist, but they did not all go extinct. Their children morphed into the genus Homo, and the tool- and fire-making Homo erectus may well have survived to become us. If they indeed are our direct ancestor — as some species was — they are gone now, but no more “extinct” than our own childhood. All species come from ancestors, in lineages that have survived.

Pyron’s contention that the “hardiest” flourish is a common misconception. A sloth needs to be slow; a faster sloth is going to wind up as dinner in a harpy eagle nest. A white bear is not “hardier” than a brown one; the same white fur that provides camouflage in a snowy place will scare away prey in green meadow. Bears with genes for white fur flourished in the Arctic, while brown bears did well amidst tundra and forests. Polar bears evolved from brown bears of the tundra; they got so specialized that they separated, then specialized further. Becoming a species is a process, not an event. “New” species are simply specialized descendants of old species.

True extinctions beget nothing. Humans have recently sped the extinction rate by about a thousand times compared to the fossil record. The fact that the extinction of dinosaurs was followed, over tens of millions of years, by a proliferation of mammals, is irrelevant to present-day decisions about rhinos, elephant populations, or monarch butterflies. Pyron’s statement, “There is no such thing as an ‘endangered species,’ except for all species,” is like saying there are no endangered children except for all children. It’s like answering “Black lives matter” with “All lives matter.” It’s a way of intentionally missing the point. 

Chestnut-sided warbler ( Setophaga pensylvanica ). Source: Francesco Veronesi/ Wikimedia

Here’s the point: All life today represents non-extinctions; each species, every living individual, is part of a lineage that has not gone extinct in a billion years.

Pyron also expressed the opinion that “the only reason we should conserve biodiversity is for ourselves …” I don’t know of another biologist who shares this opinion. Pyron’s statement makes little practical sense, because reducing the diversity and abundance of the living world will rob human generations of choices, as values change. Save the passenger pigeon? Too late for that. Whales? A few people acted in time to keep most of them. Elephants? Our descendants will either revile or revere us for what we do while we have the planet’s reins in our hands for a few minutes. We are each newly arrived and temporary tourists on this planet, yet we find ourselves custodians of the world for all people yet unborn. A little humility, and forbearance, might comport.

Thus Pyron’s most jarring assertion: “Extinction does not carry moral significance, even when we have caused it.” That statement is a stranger to thousands of years of philosophy on moral agency and reveals an ignorance of human moral thinking. Moral agency issues from an ability to consider consequences. Humans are the species most capable of such consideration. Thus many philosophers consider humans the only creatures capable of acting as moral agents. An asteroid strike, despite its consequences, has no moral significance. Protecting bears by declaring Katmai National Monument, or un-protecting Bears Ears National Monument, are acts of moral agency. Ending genetic lineages millions of years old, either actively or by the willful neglect that Pyron advocates, certainly qualifies as morally significant.

Do we really wish a world with only what we “rely on for food and shelter?” Do animals have no value if we don’t eat them?

How can we even decide which species we “directly depend’’ upon? We don’t directly depend on peacocks or housecats, leopards or leopard frogs, humpback whales or hummingbirds or chestnut-sided warblers or millions of others. Do we really wish a world with only what we “rely on for food and shelter,” as Pyron seemed to advocate? Do animals have no value if we don’t eat them? I happen not to view my dogs as food, for instance. Things we “rely on” make life possible, sure, but the things we don’t need make life worthwhile.

When Pyron wrote, “Conservation is needed for ourselves and only ourselves… If this means fewer dazzling species, fewer unspoiled forests, less untamed wilderness, so be it,” he expressed a dereliction of the love, fascination, and perspective that motivates the practice of biology.

Here is a real biologist, Alfred Russell Wallace, co-discoverer of evolution by natural selection:

I thought of the long ages of the past during which the successive generations of these things of beauty had run their course … with no intelligent eye to gaze upon their loveliness, to all appearances such a wanton waste of beauty… . This consideration must surely tell us that all living things were not made for man… . Their happiness and enjoyments, their loves and hates, their struggles for existence, their vigorous life and early death, would seem to be immediately related to their own well-being and perpetuation alone. —The Malay Archipelago, 1869

At the opposite pole of Wallace’s human insight and wonder, Pyron asked us to become complicit in extinction. “The goals of species conservation have to be aligned with the acceptance that large numbers of animals will go extinct,” he asserted. “Thirty to 40 percent of species may be  threatened  with extinction in the near future, and their loss may be inevitable. But both the planet and humanity can probably survive or even thrive in a world with fewer species … The species that we rely on for food and shelter are a tiny proportion of total biodiversity, and most humans live in — and rely on — areas of only moderate biodiversity, not the Amazon or the Congo Basin.”

African elephant ( Loxodonta africana ). Source: Flowcomm/ Flickr

Right now, in the Amazon as I type, listening to nocturnal birds and bugs and frogs in this towering emerald cathedral of life, thinking such as Pyron’s strikes me as failing to grasp both the living world and the human spirit. 

The massive destruction that Pyron seems to so cavalierly accept isn’t necessary. When I was a kid, there were no ospreys, no bald eagles, no peregrine falcons left around New York City and Long Island where I lived. DDT and other hard pesticides were erasing them from the world. A small handful of passionate people sued to get those pesticides banned, others began breeding captive falcons for later release, and one biologist brought osprey eggs to nests of toxically infertile parents to keep faltering populations on life support. These projects succeeded. All three of these species have recovered spectacularly and now again nest near my Long Island home. Extinction wasn’t a cost of progress; it was an unnecessary cost of carelessness. Humans could work around the needs of these birds, and these creatures could exist around development. But it took some thinking, some hard work, and some tinkering.

It’s not that anyone thinks humans have not greatly changed the world, or will stop changing it. Rather, as the great wildlife ecologist Aldo Leopold wrote in his 1949 classic A Sand County Almanac , “To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.”

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What Everyone Can Do to Protect Endangered Species

• March 18, 2024
• No Comments
• endangered species act , environment , wildlife

Article by: Jane Marsh, Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co

Have you ever seen a live golden toad? What about a Cryptic treehunter bird or a Chinese paddlefish? You probably never will. These animals all went extinct over the last five years. Without meaningful change, thousands more could follow as the list of endangered species grows longer each year. 

While it’s true that extinctions occur naturally, human-driven climate change has certainly sped things along. As such, everyone must do their part to protect and preserve what life is left on the planet. 

How Bad Is It?

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species shows more than 44,000 animals and 40,000 trees currently in danger of disappearing entirely off the Earth. From the skies to the seas, climate change is worsening conditions for these endangered species. 

The resulting loss of biodiversity will be catastrophic across every facet of life. If nature loss stays its current course, there could be several more pandemics like COVID-19 in the near future, among other dire repercussions.

7 Things You Can Do Now to Protect Endangered Species

Saving near-extinct species requires a collective effort. Here are seven ways you can contribute to this endeavor. 

1. Educate Yourself

The more you know about the natural environment and endangered species, the better you can determine the most impactful actions within your purview. You also get to identify larger, longer-term goals that align with your values to work toward. 

2. Visit a Wildlife Park

Everyone should go on safari at least once in their lifetime. The raw connection to nature and the breathtaking views will forever remind you of what you’re protecting. While Africa is home to the authentic safari, you can always start with any of the 567 national wildlife refuges across the U.S. 

3. Volunteer for Conservation Programs 

There’s no better way to support a cause than to donate your time to it. Chances are there are dozens of local or state programs dedicated to protecting endangered species. These organizations almost always need support and will welcome all the help they can get. Endangered Species Day is coming up on May 17th and is a great way to meet like minded advocates and organizations. Find events and information at endangeredspeciesday.org .

4. Promote Natural Processes 

If you can help it, let nature take its course. This means limiting actions that otherwise upset the ecological balance, such as using pesticides and other harmful synthetic chemicals. If you must rid your yard of pests, prioritize solutions that involve natural processes. For example, creating a bat habitat helps fight mosquitoes organically due to their predator-prey relationship. 

5. Transition to an Anti-Consumerist Lifestyle

Consumerism is destroying the planet, depleting natural resources and destabilizing wildlife habitats faster than ever. Many people are obsessed with buying things that generate more waste and emissions, further harming ecosystems. It’s a vicious, highly unsustainable chain with no good outcomes. 

To put things into perspective, humanity would need at least five new planets to support life if everyone lived like the average American consumer. Now’s the time to reexamine your lifestyle and how it impacts the world around you. Waste less and recycle more. If you must buy stuff, prioritize sustainable and responsibly sourced products. 

6. Drive Responsibly 

Vehicle collisions involving animals can hasten the rate at which certain species become endangered. Roadkill has wiped out up to 33% of beech martens, weasel-like animals native to North America, Europe and Central Asia. It’s also the leading cause of death for 28% of a studied population comprising 69 mammalian species. You could push back the extinction clock for many animals just by driving more carefully, especially around wildlife habitats. 

7. Don’t Be a Nuisance 

It’s great that you want to save endangered species, but acting sanctimonious about it will be counterintuitive. There are a lot of self-righteous movements that create divisions and stall the progress on global issues, such as environmental protection and climate change. 

For example, even though their cause is necessary, Just Stop Oil’s method puts them in the news for the wrong reasons, generating more ire than support. Remember, this is an all-hands-on-deck mission and the best way to do this is drive public interest. When enough people care about something, policymakers must comply. 

Do Your Part in Protecting Endangered Species

Rapidly declining populations need help now. Every deliberate action you take to assist endangered wildlife and plants counts. Commit to making a difference today and ensuring a healthy, sustainable planet for everything living.

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Essay on Save Endangered Animals

Students are often asked to write an essay on Save Endangered Animals in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Save Endangered Animals

Why save endangered animals.

Many animals are in danger of disappearing forever. Saving them is important because they are part of our world. Each animal has a role in nature. Losing one can harm the environment and other living things.

Causes of Danger

What can we do.

Everyone can help save endangered animals. Planting trees, cleaning up areas, and learning more about wildlife are good steps. By working together, we can protect these animals for the future.

250 Words Essay on Save Endangered Animals

Why saving endangered animals is important.

Many animals around the world are in danger of disappearing forever. These animals are called endangered animals. Saving them is important for many reasons. First, every animal has a role in nature. They help keep the environment healthy. For example, bees help flowers grow by moving pollen. If we lose one animal, it can upset the balance of nature.

Reasons Animals Become Endangered

How we can help.

Everyone can help save endangered animals. One way is by taking care of the environment. This means not littering and recycling when you can. Another way is by learning about endangered animals and telling others. The more people know, the more they can help. Also, supporting parks and places that protect animals is a good way to help.

Saving endangered animals is very important. It keeps the environment healthy and balanced. There are many reasons animals become endangered, but there are also many ways we can help. By doing our part, we can make sure these animals are around for future generations to enjoy.

500 Words Essay on Save Endangered Animals

Many animals around the world are in danger of disappearing forever. This is a big problem because every animal plays a special role in nature. Some animals help to keep the environment clean, while others are food for different animals. If we lose one animal, it can cause problems for other animals and even people. This is why we need to protect animals that are in danger.

There are many reasons why animals become endangered. One big reason is that their homes are being destroyed. When forests are cut down or wetlands are filled in, animals lose the places where they live, find food, and raise their babies. Another reason is pollution. Water and air pollution can make it hard for animals to survive. Also, some animals are in danger because people hunt them for their fur, tusks, or other parts. Lastly, climate change is making it harder for many animals to live in their natural habitats.

What We Can Do to Help

Everyone, including kids, can help save endangered animals. One way to help is by learning about endangered animals and telling others about them. The more people know about the problem, the more they can help. You can also help by raising money for groups that work to protect animals. Even small amounts of money can help buy land for animal homes or pay for people to take care of the animals.

Success Stories

There are some happy stories about animals that were once in big trouble but are now doing better because people helped them. For example, the giant panda was once very close to disappearing. But, thanks to a lot of hard work from people all over the world, there are now more giant pandas than there were 20 years ago. Another success story is the American bald eagle. It was almost gone because of pollution, but laws that protect the air and water helped the eagles to come back. These stories show that when people work together, they can save animals.

Saving endangered animals is very important. Every animal has a role in nature, and losing one can cause problems for other animals and people. There are many reasons animals become endangered, but there are also many ways we can help. By learning, sharing, raising money, and taking care of our environment, we can make a big difference. Remember, every small action counts. Let’s all do our part to protect our animal friends and keep them safe for future generations.

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Endangered Animals Essay in 100 and 500 words 

• Updated on  
• Feb 6, 2024

Endangered Animals Essay: Earth is the home of many wildlife species. Different species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates are in danger of becoming extinct. 

Species that are at risk of extinction in the near future are called endangered. It is important to know that the term endangered is applied to plants as well as to animals. These flora and fauna are either at extremely high risk or have been threatened by one or multiple factors such as climate change, human activity, diseases, and more.

Also Read: Endangered Species Definition, Categories and Importance

Endangered Animals Essay in 100 words

Earth is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. Different species of reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and more inhabit various ecosystems around the world. However, many of the animals are now at risk of extinction. Species that are declining continuously in numbers and are at risk of extinction are called endangered species. The animals that face the threat of extinction are known as endangered animals. Some of the examples of endangered animals are tigers, pandas, whales, and rhinoceros. The major reasons for the loss of population of these animals are loss of habitat, change in climate, poaching and climate change. 

Also Read: National Endangered Species Day 2023

Endangered Animals Essay in 500+ words

Endangered animals refer to animals that face extinction in the near future. The two animals with beautiful appearance and most critical in the list of endangered animals are Snow Leopards and Giant Panda. 

Snow leopards are physically charming animals with their grey and yellow spotted fur. These¨ghost of mountains majestic creatures have powerful build. They are found in different habitats in 12 countries across North and Central Asia. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss, poaching and changes in climatic conditions, the population of snow leopards has seen a significant decline. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), there are nearly 4,080-6,590 snow leopards across the world. They are also listed as ¨Vulnerable¨ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 

Their beautiful fur is poached for the illegal trade market. The biggest threat is a loss of habitat with the clearing of forests for farming, roads, and infrastructure. This fragmentation leaves the small, isolated populations of snow leopards becoming more vulnerable to extinction. Moreover, the change in climate and lack of availability of habitat results in melting glaciers resulting in the population of snow leopards.

Another animal that is most recognizable in the list of endangered animals list is the Giant Panda. It is yet another rarest species on Earth. The black and white color provides an attractive color to the mammals that rely on bamboo for food. According to WWF, only 1,864 Giant Pandas are left in the wild. They are mostly found in the mountainous regions of China. Currently, they are becoming fewer in numbers due to the clearing of bamboo forests, expansion of agricultural land, urban development, fragmentation, and isolation in population. Many conservation efforts such as ¨Pandas for Peace¨ cooperative programs focus on the breeding program with zoos and research centres around the world. Sections of bamboo forests are also being set up for the preservation of Panda. 

Now, let us explore the world’s 10 most endangered animals according to the World Wildlife Fund: 

On the global stage to prevent the international trade of endangered species, the exploitation of animals, reptiles, birds and more for commercial purposes Conventions on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is set up. The member countries of CITES ensure the safeguarding and protection of overexploitation of flora and fauna. Also, international organizations such as WWF work continuously to address the world for the protection and conservation of wildlife against anti-poaching and community involvement to promote sustainable practices. 

Responsible tourism and sustainable tourism practices also help in the conservation of wildlife and habitat preservation. Furthermore, governments should implement and enforce guidelines for the implementation and enforcement of Eco-friendly tourism to create a balance between economic interests as well as for conservation. 

Saving the endangered animals is important for maintaining biodiversity. Commitment and strategic efforts should be shown for the possible prevention of endangered animals as well as for their recovery. The future of the planet depends on our collective responsibility so that we can restore the natural world once again.  

Also Read: Speech on Endangered Species Need Protection

Ans. Endangered animal essay includes species that are at risk of extinction shortly are called endangered. It is important to know that the term endangered is applied to plants as well as to animals. These flora and fauna are either at extremely high risk or have been threatened by one or multiple factors such as climate change, human activity, diseases, and more.

Ans. Endangered animals refer to the risk of extinction of animals in the near future. 

Ans. The names of ten endangered animals are Cross River Gorilla, Eastern Lowland Gorilla, Hawksbill Turtle, Javan Rhino, Orangutan, Saola, Vaquita, Western Lowland, Black-footed Ferret, and Blue Whale

Ans. Kashmiri Red Stag is one of the animals that is endangered in India. 

Ans. Responsible tourism and sustainable tourism practices help in the conservation of wildlife and habitat preservation. Furthermore, governments should implement and enforce guidelines for the implementation and enforcement of Eco-friendly tourism to create a balance between economic interests as well as for conservation. 

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Protecting Endangered Species

This essay will discuss the importance of protecting endangered species. It will cover the reasons species become endangered, including habitat loss, climate change, and human activities. The piece will examine conservation efforts and strategies to protect biodiversity, such as habitat restoration, legal protections, and wildlife conservation programs. It will also discuss the broader ecological implications of species extinction and the role of international cooperation in conservation. PapersOwl showcases more free essays that are examples of Agriculture.

How it works

At the beginning of 2018, researches have calculated 801 different types of animals that have gone completely extinct of which 65 of them are extinct in the wild. Researches have calculated about 3,879 different types of animals that are critically endangered. People say protecting endangered animals is a waste of money, time, and has no benefits for us but here is why we should protect endangered species. Protecting endangered species would help raise environmental awareness to protect and bring order. Being able to bring environmental awareness, could help protect the ecosystem and help restore the number of species that have been endangered over time.

Species being extinct can affect our ecosystem because of the duties each of them may have. For example, there can be a plant that can bring more oxygen than others, a fish that protects underwater organisms for medicine or even for food. The number of species being extinct up to date has increased tremendously. While species are being extinct, we could be missing out on the significance of medicine and cures that are yet to be discovered. If one plant species gets extinct, the possible aids such as medicine will be lost. While many plants may be approaching extinction without our knowledge, these plants could contain a huge number of important compounds that can extend the human lifespan or the cure for deadly diseases. Even though plants are not the only source of medicine, there are multiple animals that are medically used like a scorpion venom is used by researchers for a brain tumor or a viper’s venom to control blood pressure.  In today’s society, some medical practices use fish scales on burned victims to help cure faster and not acquire any infections during the healing process. Agriculture also plays an important role in the protection of species. Farmers are often seen as the original environmentalists because many of them set aside parts of their land as a wildlife habitat for endangered fish and reptiles.

Many species, like bees, contain important inherited material that is needed to maintain crops. With the genes that scientists gathered from the DNAs of plants, they are pest or disease resistance, salt tolerance, and drought-resistant. These relations can be used to guarantee new crops will develop in the future. The opposing argument as to why endangered species should not be protected is it will take more money to save them than to just move on and species endangerment is a part of life. Protecting species should not be about the amount of money being wasted but should come from having the knowledge of what each species role is and how it impacts our everyday life. As for being part of our life and it just being a life cycle, the majority of the endangered species are used for agriculture, ecosystem, and medical purpose that can help save a life. A plan that that would help protect the endangerment of species is to create strict laws and security. Many countries have laws but a lot of them have been broken because they lack enforcement. Researches have calculated about 3,879 different types of animal’s that are critically endangered while people say protecting endangered animals is a waste of money, time, and have no benefits for us. Protecting these species is beneficial to us for medical purposes, agriculture, which majority of our food comes from farms that are needing support from species and evolving the world.

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Essay on Endangered Species

Introduction to Endangered Species

“Endangered species” refers to organisms at risk of extinction due to declining populations and severe threats to their survival.

In the grand theater of Earth’s biodiversity , a cast of characters is so rare and precious that their presence adds a mystical allure to our planet’s narrative. From the elusive vaquita, the world’s smallest porpoise, to the majestic snow leopard, these creatures captivate our imaginations with their beauty and resilience. Yet, beneath their enchanting facade, a stark reality lies – their populations are dwindling at an alarming rate, making them endangered. As stewards of this magnificent stage, it is our solemn duty to protect these species, for their loss would not only dim the brilliance of our world but unravel the intricate threads of life itself.

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World’s Most Endangered Animals

Here’s a list represents a snapshot of some of the most critically endangered animals facing extinction,

The Significance of Endangered Species

Endangered species, in particular, hold immense significance for both the natural world and human society. Understanding their importance is essential for recognizing the urgency of conservation efforts. Here are several key reasons why endangered species matter:

• Biodiversity Maintenance: Endangered species represent the culmination of millions of years of evolution, each finely tuned to its specific ecological niche. They contribute to the rich tapestry of biodiversity, ensuring ecosystem balance and functionality. Losing even a single species can disrupt intricate food webs, leading to cascading effects on other organisms.
• Ecological Services: Endangered species often provide invaluable ecological services for human well-being. For example, pollinators like bees and butterflies help plants reproduce, which is important for many human foods. Predators help regulate prey populations, preventing overgrazing and maintaining ecosystem health.
• Genetic Diversity: Endangered species harbor unique genetic traits and adaptations that may be key to future medicine, agriculture , and industry innovations. By conserving genetic diversity within species, we preserve the potential for future scientific discoveries and technological advancements.
• Cultural and Aesthetic Value: Many endangered species hold cultural significance for indigenous communities and societies worldwide. They feature prominently in folklore, rituals, and traditions, embodying spiritual connections to the natural world. Additionally, their beauty and uniqueness inspire awe and wonder, enriching human experiences and fostering a sense of stewardship for the natural world.
• Economic Benefits: Endangered species contribute to local and global economies through ecotourism, recreational activities, and bioprospecting. Protected areas that harbor rare and endangered species attract visitors, generating revenue for local communities and supporting conservation efforts. Furthermore, natural products derived from endangered species, such as medicinal plants, have economic value and potential for sustainable use.

Causes of Endangerment

The plight of endangered species is often a result of various anthropogenic and natural factors that undermine their survival. Understanding these causes is paramount to formulating effective conservation strategies. Here are some of the primary contributors to the endangerment of species:

• Habitat Loss and Degradation: The relentless expansion of human activities, including agriculture, urbanization, logging, and infrastructure development, has led to widespread destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats. As habitats shrink, species lose crucial resources such as food, shelter, and breeding grounds, pushing them toward extinction.
• Exploitation and Overharvesting: Unsustainable exploitation of natural resources , including hunting, fishing, and logging, has decimated many species’ populations. The poaching of famous animals like tigers , rhinos, and elephants for the illicit wildlife trade is still a serious threat to their survival. Similarly, overfishing has depleted marine species, disrupting marine ecosystems.
• Climate Change: The biodiversity is facing an existential threat due to the swift rate of climate change . Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events disrupt ecosystems and alter species distribution and abundance. Numerous species experience population decreases and local extinctions because they cannot travel or adapt to suitable environments.
• Pollution: Pollution in various forms, including habitat contamination, chemical runoff, and air and water pollution , poses a significant threat to wildlife. Pesticides, heavy metals, plastics , and other pollutants accumulate in ecosystems, poisoning species and disrupting their physiology, reproduction, and behavior.
• Invasive Species: Introducing non-native species into ecosystems, intentionally or unintentionally, can have devastating consequences for native flora and fauna. Invasive species outcompete native species for resources, prey upon them, or introduce diseases, leading to population declines and ecosystem degradation.
• Disease: Emerging infectious diseases, exacerbated by habitat destruction, climate change, and wildlife trade, pose a significant threat to vulnerable species. Diseases like chytridiomycosis in amphibians and white-nose syndrome in bats have caused widespread declines and extinctions in affected populations.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Conflicts between humans and wildlife escalate as human populations expand into wildlife habitats. Competition for resources, livestock depredation, and retaliatory killings of problem animals exacerbate the threats faced by endangered species, huge carnivores, and conflict-prone species.

Impacts of Endangered Species Loss

The loss of endangered species reverberates through ecosystems, economies , and societies, triggering a cascade of far-reaching impacts that underscore the interconnectedness of life on Earth. Exploring these impacts in detail reveals the profound consequences of species extinction:

1. Ecological Disruption

• Food Web Imbalance: Endangered species often occupy unique ecological niches, playing critical roles in maintaining the balance of food webs. Their disappearance can lead to population explosions of prey species or unchecked growth of invasive species, disrupting ecosystem dynamics.
• Habitat Degradation: Many endangered species are habitat specialists, relying on specific environments for survival. Their decline or extinction can signal habitat degradation or loss, exacerbating ecosystem fragmentation and reducing overall biodiversity.

2. Loss of Ecosystem Services

• Pollination and Seed Dispersal: Endangered pollinators and seed dispersers are essential for the reproduction of plant species and the regeneration of forests. Their decline threatens agricultural productivity, food security, and the resilience of natural ecosystems.
• Carbon Sequestration: Endangered species, including trees and marine organisms, play a vital role in carbon sequestration by using photosynthesis and storing carbon in biomass and soil. Their loss diminishes the capacity of ecosystems to mitigate climate change and adapt to rising carbon dioxide levels.

3. Economic Repercussions

• Decline in Tourism Revenue: Endangered species are often flagship species, attracting tourists and wildlife enthusiasts to ecotourism destinations. Their disappearance can lead to declining tourism revenue, negatively impacting local economies dependent on nature-based tourism.
• Loss of Ecosystem Services: Ecosystem services provided by endangered species, such as water purification, soil stabilization, and flood regulation, have tangible economic value. Their loss may necessitate costly human interventions to replicate these services artificially.

4. Human Health Implications

• Medicinal Resources: Endangered species are potential novel pharmaceutical compounds and substance sources. Their extinction would result in the loss of possible cures for diseases and ailments, hindering medical research and drug discovery efforts.
• Ecological Resilience: Healthy ecosystems, sustained by diverse and abundant species, provide critical ecosystem services that support human health and well-being. The loss of endangered species diminishes ecosystem resilience, increasing vulnerability to environmental stressors and disease outbreaks.

5. Ethical and Cultural Considerations

• Moral Responsibility: Humans, as planet stewards, have a moral obligation to safeguard and preserve biodiversity for future generations. Allowing endangered species to go extinct represents a failure to uphold this responsibility and a disregard for the intrinsic value of life.
• Cultural Heritage: Endangered species hold cultural significance for indigenous communities. They symbolize cultural identity, traditional knowledge, and a spiritual connection to the natural world. Their loss erodes cultural diversity and threatens traditional ways of life.

Challenges and Obstacles

Addressing the conservation of endangered species is fraught with numerous challenges and obstacles stemming from diverse sources ranging from human activities to systemic limitations. Having a thorough understanding of these obstacles is essential to coming up with workable solutions:

• Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Rapid urbanization , agricultural expansion, and industrial development continue encroaching upon natural habitats, fragmenting ecosystems and reducing the available habitat for endangered species. Deforestation, land conversion, and infrastructure projects further exacerbate habitat loss, making establishing and maintaining viable populations of endangered species increasingly challenging.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Conflicts between humans and endangered species escalate as human populations expand and encroach upon wildlife habitats. Crop raiding, property damage, and livestock depredation fuel negative attitudes toward conservation efforts. Mitigating human-wildlife conflict requires innovative strategies such as habitat restoration, conflict resolution programs, and community-based conservation initiatives that balance the needs of both humans and wildlife.
• Poaching and Illegal Trade: Poachers and wildlife traffickers target endangered species for their valuable parts, including tusks, horns, fur, and organs. The illegal trade in wildlife items seriously threatens numerous species, pushing them into extinction. Strengthening law enforcement, enhancing anti-poaching measures, and reducing consumer demand for wildlife products are essential to combating poaching and illegal trade.
• Climate Change: Climate change increases the risks that already confront endangered species by disrupting ecosystems, altering habitats, and increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Species with limited mobility or specialized habitat requirements are particularly vulnerable. Adaptation strategies, habitat restoration, and landscape connectivity initiatives can help endangered species cope with climate change’s impacts, but concerted global efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions are essential for long-term conservation success.
• Limited Resources and Funding: Inadequate funding, limited resources, and competing priorities often hamper conservation efforts. Conservation organizations and government agencies face challenges in securing sufficient financial support for conservation projects and initiatives. Innovative financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships, and philanthropic investments can help bridge funding gaps and leverage resources for endangered species conservation.
• Lack of Political Will and Policy Implementation: Despite international agreements and conservation policies, enforcing and implementing regulations to protect endangered species are often inadequate. Political will and commitment to conservation may vary among governments, hindering effective conservation action. Advocacy efforts, public pressure, and diplomatic engagement are essential for holding governments accountable and enforcing conservation laws and policies.
• Inadequate Scientific Knowledge and Data: Limited scientific knowledge and data gaps hinder conservation efforts by impeding our understanding of species biology, population dynamics, and ecological requirements. Incomplete information may lead to ineffective management strategies and conservation interventions. Investing in scientific research, monitoring programs, and data collection initiatives is essential for improving our understanding of endangered species and informing evidence-based conservation decision-making.

The Role of Individuals

Individuals play a pivotal role in conserving endangered species and catalyzing positive change at the grassroots level. By recognizing their capacity to make a difference and taking action in various ways, individuals can contribute significantly to efforts aimed at safeguarding biodiversity. Here are several key roles individuals can play in endangered species conservation:

• Raising Awareness: Individuals can raise awareness about the plight of endangered species by sharing information with their communities, networks, and social media platforms. By educating others about the importance of biodiversity and the threats facing endangered species, individuals can inspire collective action and foster a culture of conservation.
• Supporting Conservation Organizations: Individuals can financially support conservation organizations through donations, memberships, and fundraising events. By contributing to reputable conservation groups protecting endangered species, they can help fund vital research, habitat restoration projects, and on-the-ground conservation efforts.
• Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Individuals can advocate for stronger environmental policies and legislation to protect endangered species and their habitats. Individuals can amplify their voices and influence local, national, and international decision-making processes by writing letters to policymakers, signing petitions, and participating in advocacy campaigns.
• Promoting Sustainable Practices: Individuals can adopt sustainable lifestyle choices and encourage others to do the same. By reducing their ecological footprint, practicing responsible consumption, and supporting sustainable businesses, individuals can help minimize habitat destruction, pollution, and other threats to endangered species and their habitats.
• Participating in Citizen Science: Individuals can contribute valuable data to conservation efforts through citizen science initiatives. By participating in wildlife surveys, monitoring programs, and habitat restoration projects, individuals can provide scientists and conservationists with useful information to better understand and protect endangered species.
• Engaging in Ecotourism and Responsible Travel: Individuals can support conservation efforts through ecotourism and responsible travel practices. By visiting protected areas, wildlife reserves, and eco-friendly destinations, individuals can generate revenue for local communities and conservation initiatives while promoting the conservation of endangered species and their habitats.
• Inspiring Future Generations: Individuals can inspire and educate future generations about the importance of endangered species conservation. By engaging children and young people in outdoor activities, environmental education programs, and conservation initiatives, individuals can instill a lifelong appreciation for nature and a sense of stewardship for the planet.

Success Stories in Endangered Species Recovery

Despite the daunting challenges facing endangered species, notable success stories have demonstrated the effectiveness of conservation efforts. These stories provide hope and inspiration, highlighting nature’s resilience and the positive outcomes achievable through dedicated conservation initiatives. Here are several success stories in endangered species recovery:

1. California Condor Recovery Program

• Background: In the late 20th century, the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) was threatened with extinction due to habitat degradation, lead poisoning, and poaching. By the 1980s, the population had plummeted to just 22 individuals, prompting a collaborative effort to save the species from extinction.
• Conservation Strategies: The California Condor Recovery Program, a partnership between government agencies, conservation organizations, and zoos, implemented a comprehensive conservation strategy. This included captive breeding, habitat protection, lead poisoning mitigation, and public education initiatives.
• Key Achievements: The California condor population has rebounded significantly through decades of dedicated conservation efforts. As of [latest year], there are over 500 condors, with approximately half living in the wild across California, Arizona, Utah, and Baja California, Mexico. Successful captive breeding programs have increased population numbers and genetic diversity.
• Lessons Learned: The California condor recovery program underscores the importance of collaborative partnerships, adaptive management strategies, and long-term commitment to species recovery. It also highlights the effectiveness of captive breeding as a conservation tool for critically endangered species facing imminent extinction threats.

2. Black-footed Ferret Reintroduction Program

• Background: By the late 20th century, habitat loss and the decline of its primary prey, prairie dogs, led to the belief that the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) had become extinct in the wild. The discovery of a small ferret population in Wyoming in 1981 led to intense conservation efforts to preserve the species.
• Conservation Strategies: The Black-footed Ferret Reintroduction Program, led by federal and state agencies, conservation organizations, and private landowners, focused on captive breeding, habitat restoration, and reintroduction efforts. Conservationists worked to establish viable populations of black-footed ferrets in their historic range across the Great Plains.
• Key Achievements: Through coordinated efforts, multiple stakeholders have successfully reintroduced black-footed ferret populations to several sites across North America. As of [latest year], over 1,000 black-footed ferrets live in the wild, and efforts are ongoing to expand their range and ensure genetic diversity.
• Lessons Learned: The black-footed ferret recovery program highlights the importance of adaptive management, landscape-scale conservation planning, and collaboration with landowners and stakeholders. It also emphasizes the value of engaging local communities in conservation efforts and addressing the underlying threats to species recovery, such as habitat loss and fragmentation.

3. Giant Panda Conservation Efforts

• Background: The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is an iconic symbol of wildlife conservation , facing threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and poaching. By the late 20th century, the wild population had dwindled to a few hundred individuals, prompting international conservation efforts to save the species.
• Conservation Strategies: Giant panda conservation efforts have focused on habitat protection, captive breeding, and community-based conservation initiatives. Local communities, governmental entities, and conservation groups have created protected areas, replanted bamboo forests, and launched public awareness and education initiatives.
• Key Achievements: The giant panda population has rebounded thanks to decades of concerted conservation efforts, with the latest estimates indicating over 1,800 individuals in the wild. Captive breeding programs have also been successful, with pandas reintroduced to the wild in select areas. As a result of the giant panda’s recovery, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reduced the species’ status from “endangered” to “vulnerable” in 2016.
• Lessons Learned: The giant panda conservation success story highlights the importance of integrated conservation approaches, long-term commitment, and international collaboration. It also demonstrates the value of flagship species in raising awareness and mobilizing support for broader conservation efforts aimed at protecting entire ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots.

Preserving endangered species is not merely a conservation imperative but a moral responsibility to safeguard biodiversity. We can ensure that these amazing animals and their ecosystems survive by addressing the underlying issues and implementing effective conservation measures. Each success story in species recovery serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the potential for positive change when individuals, communities, and governments unite in the cause of conservation. As stewards of the planet, we must protect and cherish these vulnerable species, ensuring a future where all life thrives in harmony with nature.

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How To Help Endangered Species? Take Action to Conserve Wildlife!

Emma Davies

January 27, 2023.

WorldAnimalFoundation.org is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

Look we are all very aware that we can not continue to destroy not only our planet but the animals and plants that inhabit it. After all, our survival depends on us being able to share this amazing planet with all its inhabitants.

There are loads of simple ways that we can all help endangered species even in our everyday lives.

Most of us can’t welcome an endangered species into our homes, although who wouldn’t want to snuggle up with a furry lion? But there are still things that we can do!

We can all spread awareness of the wild animals that are in danger and help to protect endangered species.

Here’s the best part, most of this protection work can be done at home from your backyard, or via the internet. This means it won’t cost you a thing to make these simple changes that can help with the protection and survival of millions of animal species.

11 Ways To Help Endangered Species From Extinction

It’s hard to ignore the frightening endangered animal statistics that show just how many animals and plants are facing habitat destruction, poaching , and illegal wildlife trade. And the sad fact is that this comes down to the actions of one species – us humans!

But are there ways that we, the general public, can really help?

Check out the 11 ways we can all help save animals and plants. Such as making your local area wildlife-friendly and supporting organizations to ensure we preserve the natural world for future generations.

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

I know this one may seem far too obvious, but one of the first steps we can take to help protect native species is by making a difference in our local area.

Start by reducing our household waste by making a conscious decision to choose products that have recyclable or compostable packaging – this is so easy, and we can get the whole family involved.

Reducing the amount of plastic we all use by utilizing reusable bags when shopping and even choosing refillable household products like hand soap and shower gel. And we all use disposable bottled water, how about opting for a reusable one instead?

It might not seem like we are making groundbreaking changes, but even small ones mean that as a household we can all contribute towards the protection of some of the most amazing creatures. You could also help by using sustainable products like bamboo and recycled paper instead of plastic.

2. Learn About Endangered Species In Your Area

It’s important to work on saving native species in our local area, and also a great way to get other committed volunteers involved in conservation efforts.

Teach anyone who will listen about the ways they can help support the local native wildlife population by maintaining natural habitats and not interrupting native plant species growth.

Get the local schools involved, after all the younger we teach our children about what they can do to protect this planet and animals the more likely we all are to survive!

3. Limit Your Consumption of Factory

Our world has undergone a huge population increase and this in itself has brought about a crisis as the consumption and demand for food, especially meat and seafood, skyrockets. Sadly, this means there is an overwhelming amount of factory-farmed meat that will have come from poaching and illegal animal trafficking.

We live in a world where there are a thousand different options for everything we could ever buy. But this makes it difficult to identify the best products to purchase so that we can help to protect endangered species.

Certifications from organizations such as Animal Welfare Approved by AGW can help us all make informed choices. These organizations are independent and nonprofit, meaning their conservation efforts are committed to supporting animal welfare and have no hidden agenda.

4. Make Your Home Wildlife Friendly

Another one of the ways we can all help endangered species thrive in our community is through simply being responsible and thinking before we do things.

For example, instead of planting invasive species in your next garden makeover, use native plants. These will not only look fantastic but also attract wildlife and avoid damaging the food source of other animals.

In well-developed areas, it can be hard for local wildlife species to thrive, especially with the threat of cats, dogs, and other domesticated animals.

Making changes such as feeding pets indoors, locking our pet doors, and even securing our trash can lids can be a step towards protecting them.

If like me you’re a fan of feathered friends, then you need to regularly disinfect bird baths and feeders to prevent cross-contamination risks, and maybe consider using window stickers to deter the little guys from a collision and concussion combo.

All these small changes can help turn our gardens into a wildlife-safe haven. Helping our local wildlife to blossom and still be around for generations to come.

5. Reduce Your Impact on the Environment

This may seem like a really obvious point to make and one that every climate activist is shouting about – but reducing the impact on the environment is one of the most important things we can all do!

Start researching the ways you can help by buying sustainable products, recycling all your old technology such as phones and laptops, and even being aware of the energy that you consume can help.

Small changes like changing your lightbulbs to energy-saving ones and turning off devices when they aren’t being used can help our environment and in turn, the animals that are being displaced.

Two of the biggest causes of our ever-growing list of endangered species are deforestation and climate change, and the vast majority of this is caused by global warming and us infringing on animal habitats. We can all help even in small ways by putting our planet first!

6. Never Purchase Products Made With Ivory, Real Tortoise Shell, or Coral.

Even though the government has made this practice illegal, sadly an estimated 20,000 elephants were harmed or killed last year.

The ivory industry is worth a lot of money, so the important and necessary work of companies such as Coalition Wildlife Trafficking Online works to protect endangered species from being sold online and keep native wildlife where they belong – in their native lands!

Thank goodness you are less likely to find products made of these threatened species, thanks to the Endangered Species Act that restricts the importation and exportation of exotic plants and native wildlife species.

But unfortunately, there is still big money in ivory, coral, and turtle shells. And while there are people willing to pay big bucks for these things, our precious animals will always live in fear.

7. Help Endangered Species When You Travel

Whether you’re going on a road trip or traveling halfway across the world, there are ways to save endangered species whilst still having a great time.

Endangered animals can be found almost anywhere, so educate yourself about the best ways for protecting endangered species and maybe read up on protected lands and any national wildlife refuge that you can support.

If you’re buying gifts for yourself or people back at home, make sure they are made from sustainable products that will protect and help endangered species instead of driving them to the brink of extinction.

As we mentioned previously, purchasing products made from things such as tortoise shells and ivory is not only illegal, but it won’t help these animals to survive in the wild. Instead, all it does is cram the pockets of these poachers and increase the demand for such products.

8. Donate To Organizations Created To Help Zoo Animals And Wildlife

There are a huge number of organizations that specialize in Endangered species conservation such as the Wild Animal Health Fund. Their sole purpose is to ensure the protection of any species whether it be an animal or plant that is endangered.

They work tirelessly researching the causes of native landscape decline and help endangered animals to get back to living in their natural habitat. These types of organizations allow nature to survive its greatest threat- Us!

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature shows that as of March 2019, there were 7,510 endangered or critically endangered animal species globally. And this is just animals, it doesn’t include plants or insect species that are also nearing extinction levels.

This is why we need to be increasing our support for these organizations and educating our children.

9. Support Local Accredited Zoos And Aquariums

Some of the most at-risk wildlife are often in captivity. So make sure you research any zoos or aquariums you plan to visit beforehand so you can make sure they are accredited by the ZAA or AZA.

Breeding programs in an accredited zoo can make an unbelievable difference in conserving threatened species, and even prevent animals from reaching extinction levels. By breeding them in captivity, we can give them a fighting chance by removing the dangers that are found in their natural habitat.

10. Protect Wildlife Habitats

Scientists have been warning us for decades that widespread deforestation will lead to the destruction of our planet. Not only is it destroying the natural habitat of many native animals but it will also be key in the destruction of many native plants. 

And without these forests, our air quality will reach a point where it is no longer breathable.

These habitats are crucial in order to help bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects to do what they were born to do in these threatened areas – and that’s to pollinate!

Wildlife, forests, and native plants need to be conserved there’s no question there. But in highly developed areas, it’s common to find housing projects either built or in the process of being built.

11. Harassing Wildlife Is Cruel and Illegal

Millions of animals have been disgustingly killed for souvenirs, and when people purchase these products this only further increases the cruel and destructive demand for them.

It’s a vicious circle that is found all across the world and that we are all a part of.

We are forcing animals to extinction for the sake of a cool pair of sunglasses made from turtle shell, or a unique ornament that is made from the tusk of an elephant – is it really worth it?

If we treat all animals with the love and respect they deserve, these issues would never have reared their ugly heads in the first place.

Next time you are near wetlands or in a forest, think about how you can enjoy these amazing places without leaving any sign that you were actually there.

Why Are Both Habitats and Animals Important?

You may be wondering why a habitat and animals are so important. Well, one can not survive without the other, and the truth is without animals, we can’t survive either.

Good habitats provide everything an animal, insect , or plant needs to not just survive but thrive. This includes things like clean air, shelter, a good food source, and the right environment.

But each animal’s habitat differs even if only slightly. Our planet is made up of a vast range of different habitats from forests, glaciers, oceans, and even microhabitats. These all play a crucial part in our survival and the survival of this planet.

Final Verdict

Look we all know that we have an enormous number of endangered wildlife or species with rapidly declining populations that need our help, not in 2 years or even 6 months’ time – they need it now!

By supporting conservation organizations, and doing your bit at home by recycling, we can all make a real difference in the fight to save our animals, our homes, and our world!

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GIANT PANDAS AND KOALAS NEED YOU!

Climate change will eventually alter where bamboo ( giant pandas ’ primary food source) and eucalyptus ( koalas' primary food source) can grow, which could shrink habitats in the future. Here’s how you can help save energy—and protect these animals:

• Turn off the lights when you leave a room.

• Hang up your freshly washed clothes to dry.

• Walk or bike as much as you can instead of driving.

FLORIDA MANATEES NEED YOU!

Here’s how you can protect these marine mammals:

• If you see manatees in the wild, don’t give them food or water. Feeding them encourages the mammals to swim too close to boats.

• Stash your trash so manatees won’t get entangled in it.

• If you live near water, ask your parents not to use fertilizer on your lawn. It can dump extra nutrients into the water system, creating wildlife-killing algae blooms in rivers and ocean.

GRAY WOLVES NEED YOU!

Here’s how you can protect these canines:

• Many people don’t know that wolves are in trouble. Write a school report, draw a poster, or just howl about how cool they are to all your friends.

• Keep pets indoors: Conflict between pets and predators makes people less likely to want to protect wolves.

• Learn about how the Endangered Species Act protects gray wolves and other animals in North America and around the world.

GOLDEN LION TAMARINS NEED YOU!

Here’s how you can help save these primates :

• Visit zoos approved by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA); part of your entry fee will be donated to conservation causes.

• Look for products that have a label confirming their ingredients were grown in a rainforest-friendly way.

• Work a lemonade stand and donate the proceeds to a group that supports tamarin conservation.

SOUTHERN WHITE RHINOS NEED YOU!

Here’s how you can help save rhinos :

• Avoid souvenirs made from endangered animal parts, including rhino horn.

• Tell all your friends about cute rhino calves and why they’re in trouble.

• "Adopt" a rhino by saving up your allowance to donate to a rhinoceros conservation organization.

Explore more!

Learn about plastic and how to reduce your use., save the earth, save the earth tips, endangered species act.

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For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

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You recently bought a piece of équipement for your kitchen but it did not work. You phoned the shop but no action was taken Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter Describe the problem with the equipment Explain what happened when you phoned the shop Say what you would like the manager to do

Many schools these days have problems with poor student behaviour. why do you think these problems occur what could be done to tackle these problems, in britain, when someone gets old, they often go to live in a home with other old people where there are nurses to look after them. sometimes the government has to pay for this care. who do you think should pay for this care, the government or the family give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience., some people think that parents should teach their children how to be good members of society. others, however, believe that school is the best place to learn this. discuss both views and give your own opinion., in many places, people’s lifestyles are changing rapidly, and this affects family relationships. do you think advantages of such developments outweigh the disadvantages.

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Endangered Species — Circle of Life: Why Should We Protect Endangered Species

Circle of Life: Why Should We Protect Endangered Species

• Categories: Animals Endangered Species

About this sample

Words: 959 |

Published: Jan 15, 2019

Words: 959 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Works Cited

• Caro, T. M. (2007). Behavior and conservation: a bridge too far? Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 22(7), 394-400.
• Ceballos, G., & Ehrlich, P. R. (2002). Mammal population losses and the extinction crisis. Science, 296(5569), 904-907.
• Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 1531-1544 (1973).
• Honey, M. (2019). Losing Earth: The Decade We Almost Stopped Climate Change. WW Norton & Company.
• Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. (2005). Ecosystems and human well-being: synthesis. Island Press.
• Palmer, C., Finnoff, D., Shogren, J. F., & Pfaff, A. (2005). Economic models of wildlife trade and conservation. In Conservation and globalization (pp. 33-61). Island Press.
• Primack, R. B. (2014). Essentials of conservation biology. Sinauer Associates, Inc.
• Rands, M. R., Adams, W. M., Bennun, L., Butchart, S. H., Clements, A., Coomes, D., … & Kapos, V. (2010). Biodiversity conservation: challenges beyond 2010. Science, 329(5997), 1298-1303.
• Redford, K. H., & Sanderson, S. E. (2006). Endangered species, endangered knowledge, endangered environments. Endangered species research, 2(1), 1-5.
• Wagner, D. L. (2016). The plague of insects. Yale University Press.

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Protection of Endangered Species/ Wild Animals – IELTS Writing Task 2

Updated On Aug 02, 2024

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This article provides guidance for writing Agree-Disagree essays in IELTS, focusing on 'Protection of Endangered Species/Wild Animals'. It includes sample responses for band 7,8 & 9, relevant vocabulary, and connectors to help improve writing skills.

Table of Contents

• Band 7 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Protection of Endangered Species/ Wild Animals
• Band 8 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Protection of Endangered Species/ Wild Animals
• Band 9 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Protection of Endangered Species/ Wild Animals

IELTS Writing Task 2 Connectors Used in the Sample Answers for Protection of Endangered Species/ Wild Animals

Additional resources.

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Since agree-disagree questions form a significant part of IELTS Writing Task 2 , it is crucial to practise writing them. One example of such a question is ‘Protection of Endangered Species/ Wild Animals’.

You can familiarize yourself with the framework of Agree Disagree essays in IELTS by practicing subjects like ‘Protection of Endangered Species/ Wild Animals’, as Writing Task 2 can be difficult for many IELTS applicants. Additionally, you can review the IELTS Writing practice tests on a regular basis to achieve your desired band score.

Now let us move to the three expert-curated sample responses for varying IELTS band scores for the Agree Disagree essay, ‘Protection of Endangered Species/ Wild Animals’.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people think that a huge amount of time and money is spent on the protection of wild animals and that this money could be better spent on the human population. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion, use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice., you should write at least 250 words..

Band 7 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Protection of Endangered Species/ Wild Animals

It is true that wildlife has suffered as a result of the economic success that people have experienced recently. As a result, people’s interest in the conservation of wild animals has always grown. Some believe, however, that the time and money devoted to this noble endeavour are almost excessive and that they need to be used instead on initiatives that directly assist the human race. Although there is some merit to this way of thinking, I believe that more work should be done by humans to safeguard wild animals.

Firstly, wildlife plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance, pollinating crops, and preventing the spread of diseases. Ignoring their protection may lead to unforeseen consequences, affecting human well-being in the long run. Secondly, tourism, which often revolves around wildlife, contributes significantly to economies. By investing in the protection of wild animals and their habitats, countries can attract tourists.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of finding a balance. Some conservation efforts might seem extravagant, and redirecting a portion of those funds towards immediate human necessities could be beneficial. Governments and organizations should prioritize projects that address both wildlife protection and human welfare, ensuring a harmonious coexistence.

In conclusion, while there may be instances where funds for wildlife protection seem excessive, a comprehensive approach is necessary. Striking a balance between preserving our natural heritage and meeting human needs is key to building a sustainable and equitable future for both species. (241 words)

Band 7 Vocabulary

Check out the list of relevant vocabulary used in the above Band 7 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essay .

Meaning: to try to do something

E.g.: His endeavours failed because he did not put any effort into it.

Meaning: the quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward

E.g.: We were discussing the merits of regular exercise in the morning.

Meaning: not anticipated or expected

E.g.: Peter was not prepared for the unforeseen effects of his decision.

• Extravagant

Meaning: beyond any reasonable expectation

E.g.: Do not have any extravagant hope for your children.

Meaning: marked by agreement in feeling, attitude, or action

E.g.: The villagers maintained a harmonious relationship with their neighbors.

• Coexistence

Meaning: to exist together or at the same time

E.g.: The coexistence of the birds and the people in that area is noteworthy.

Meaning: treating everyone equally; fair

E.g.: The female employees protested for being denied equitable salary.

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Band 8 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Protection of Endangered Species/ Wild Animals

While there is so much human suffering, the spending of resources to protect wild animals presents an ethical dilemma. However, I disagree with the opinion given, because it is possible to allocate resources intelligently to benefit both the animal and the human population.

The protection of wild animals must be high on the agenda of every individual citizen and government. Firstly, the red list of endangered species is increasing every year. If wildlife extinction continues, then humans may face an ecological crisis which impacts on their own survival. For example, if the practice of whaling is not halted, the ecosystems of our oceans will be altered forever, and this may affect fish stocks on which so many communities depend for a living. Secondly, protecting wild animals means protecting the habitats in which they live, such as rainforests and wetlands. If habitat destruction is permitted, climate change will affect our capacity to produce food to sustain the growing human population.

The formation of wildlife reserves not only protects wildlife, it also brings benefits to communities. In order to generate revenue for their management and to eliminate poaching, responsible ecotourism to observe animals in the wild can be developed further. This has been shown to create jobs in such places as the Serengeti National Park in Africa. The result is increased prosperity when local communities, especially in developing countries, are involved in the running of wildlife safaris, which attract visitors to the reserves. Thus, the application of intelligent strategies brings benefits for humans and wildlife.

In conclusion, I disagree with the view expressed in the statement. It is in the interest of everyone to protect wildlife, and creative solutions have shown that this need not be a drain on scarce resources. (289 words)

Band 8 Vocabulary

Have a look at the IELTS Vocabulary for Band 8 sample answer on 'Protection of Endangered Species/Wild Animals'.

• An ethical dilemma

Meaning: a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two different things, relating to beliefs about what is morally right and wrong

E.g.: Governments are facing an ethical dilemma over the use of animals in laboratory testing for drugs and cosmetics.

• The practice of whaling

Meaning: the activity of hunting and killing whales

E.g.: In order to protect these beautiful creatures, the practice of whaling should be banned completely.

• Wildlife reserves

Meaning: protected areas for wild animals

E.g.: The creation of wildlife reserves is essential to save animals such as tigers from extinction.

• In the wild

Meaning: in a natural environment not controlled by people

E.g.: Animals in the wild are able to exhibit their natural behaviour.

• High on the agenda

Meaning: to be among the first things in the list of actions to be taken

E.g.: The security of its citizens must be high on the agenda of governments.

• Allocate resources

Meaning: to make money and materials available to do something

E.g.: If governments allocate more resources to improving public transport, this will reduce the problem of traffic congestion in cities.

• Ecological crisis

Meaning: a serious situation that occurs when the environment of a species or population changes in a way that threatens its continued survival

E.g.: Environmental degradation caused by human activity is provoking an ecological crisis which threatens our existence.

• Habitat destruction

Meaning: the process that occurs when a natural habitat, like a forest or wetland, is changed so dramatically by humans that the plants and animals which live there can no longer survive.

E.g.: The elephant population in the world is declining because of habitat destruction caused by human exploitation of the environment.

• To eliminate poaching

Meaning: to stop all illegal hunting of wild animals

E.g.: In wildlife reserves, guards should be employed to eliminate poaching and to protect endangered species of wild animals.

Meaning: organized holidays which are designed so that tourists damage the environment as little as possible

E.g.: Ecotourism will become increasingly popular in the future, as more and more people become aware of the need to protect the environment.

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Band 9 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Protection of Endangered Species/ Wild Animals

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To begin with, the dynamics which have contributed to the ailing health of the wildlife are majorly relevant to human actions. The usages of certain environmental deterrents like chlorofluorocarbons, DDT, and other hazardous pollutants have been major culprits in this regard. That being said, a lot of damage is already done, which to a larger extent is irrecuperable. The need of the hour, however, is to preserve and fortify the wildlife. For instance, the species of Asiatic Lion, which are only found in parts of India now, were deemed ‘Endangered’ mainly because of habitat loss owing to climate change, grazing, growing agricultural demands, etc. Therefore, it is of prime essence that the government and authorities should indeed focus on the judicial methods to safeguard the wildlife.

The government should invest in the rehabilitation of the natural environment, as in the purview of substantial development it is very crucial that nature and its resources are intact and unblemished. It could appear as an arduous deal to spend money and capital on wildlife. Conversely, it could promote and foster economical status as India largely attracts the international footfall for its flora and fauna, and hence it rather would be a prudential decision to strengthen the tourism baseline and capital bolstering.

Conclusively, it is in the best of human interest that the government spends and invests in the fortification of conservation of wildlife and is not at all an extravagance. (301 words)

Band 9 Vocabulary

Use the following Band 9 vocabulary while writing your essay on 'Protection of Endangered Species/Wild Animals' and improve your IELTS band score .

Meaning: the fact that there is too little of something

E.g.: There is a paucity of relevant information on the internet.

Meaning: to spend a lot of money on buying goods, especially expensive goods

E.g.: The millionaire splurged on his birthday party.

Meaning: something that prevents people from doing something by making them afraid of what will happen to them if they do it

E.g.: You should consider the deterrents of the project and be prepared with the solutions.

• Irrecuperable

Meaning: past/beyond redemption too bad to be redeemed or improved

E.g.: Always think before you act as your words and actions are irrecuperable.

Meaning: to strengthen something, esp. in order to protect it

E.g.: The palace walls are meant to fortify the women residing there.

Meaning: the limit of someone’s responsibility, interest, or activity

E.g.: This case falls within the purview of the Supreme court.

Meaning: difficult, needing a lot of effort and energy

E.g.: The traveler took an arduous journey to the unknown land.

• Unblemished

Meaning: not damaged or marked in any way

E.g.: The actress has unblemished skin and does not do any makeup.

Meaning: careful and avoiding risks

E.g.: The management needs to take some prudential decisions to make a good turnover.

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Connectors or Linking words helps to bring coherence to your writing and increase your chances of scoring a high band. So, check out the list of connectors / linking words for writing used in the sample responses for the IELTS Writing Task 2 – ‘Protection of Endangered Species/ Wild Animals’ given below.

• As a result
• However/Conversely/In contrast
• Firstly…Secondly
• In conclusion/Conclusively
• For example/For instance
• To begin with
• That being said

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic – Protection of Endangered Species/ Wild Animals – it is time for you to try writing on your own. For that, leave your answers as a comment below or you can use our Free IELTS Writing Essay Evaluation and Correction Service !

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How a chemical released by tiny marine animals can help protect North Atlantic right whales

Imagine sitting by the ocean, on the shore. A breeze gently passes you, carrying smells of salt and seaweed, and what you can only describe as the distinct scent of ‘the ocean’. But what exactly makes up this scent? 

Contributing to this marine aroma is a gas called dimethyl sulfide (DMS). This chemical is known for its importance in ocean-air gas exchange and food webs, and it now has the potential to help researchers understand how elusive animals—like the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale —behave. 

Threats to North Atlantic right whales

North Atlantic right whales, a type of baleen whale, are on the brink of extinction . There are approximately 350 individuals left and fewer than 70 breeding females. These numbers reflect an unstable population that is at risk of getting smaller as more calves and reproductive females are found injured or dead. The main causes of this unusual mortality event , which these whales have been experiencing since 2017, are entanglements in fishing gear and vessel strikes.

There have been several efforts to save injured and entangled whales at sea and prevent future impacts to the population. These include rescue missions to disentangle right whales from fishing gear and necropsies to determine their cause of death (which have remained consistent with IFAW research from 2019). Implementations of vessel speed restrictions also work to protect the species. Awareness continues to spread among citizens, mariners, and researchers with the use of Whale Alert to track whale sightings, allowing people on the water to react safely.

Through collaboration between researchers, scientists, policy makers, citizens, and fishermen, such protective measures are able to better conserve the North Atlantic right whale. While these safety measures are important and must continue, a new method of predicting the locations of right whales is urgently needed.

What is dimethyl sulfide?

DMS is a chemical compound released when tiny marine crustaceans called zooplankton graze on microscopic plants known as phytoplankton. Phytoplankton produce compounds including dimethylsulfoniopropionate ( DMSP ) to survive in the seawater. The water soluble DMSP uses sulfur from the surrounding marine environment to support regulating the balance of saline water within and around the phytoplankton cells.

DMSP-aided regulation has been shown to protect these cells against changes in environmental conditions such as salinity, light, nutrients, and oxygen. This ultimately contributes to phytoplankton’s ability to survive in changing environments, giving them niche plasticity.

When phytoplankton get eaten by zooplankton, the DMSP they store releases into the water and is broken down into DMS by bacteria. The resulting chemical aroma lingers in the ocean and atmosphere, where it can act as a foraging signal attracting other predators, including North Atlantic right whales, searching for zooplankton to eat.

Using DMS to track North Atlantic right whales

While predictive methods like species distribution and habitat suitability models have been used to map whale presence, predictive prey models using DMS are relatively new. Previous studies have demonstrated that DMS concentrations are spatially correlated to the biomass of zooplankton—a crucial food source for the North Atlantic right whale and other baleen whales. Given this correlation, a 2021 study demonstrated the potential to predict the presence of baleen whales based on these concentrations.

Over the last three years, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and IFAW collaborated on research showing that North Atlantic right whales were showing up in areas with the highest DMS concentrations, and subsequently locating zooplankton. IFAW is working alongside these groups to continue researching DMS with the aim of identifying potential connections between DMS and North Atlantic right whale aggregations.

In 2023, researchers boarded the Song of the Whale , a non-invasive research vessel monitoring mother whales and their calves, to collect data on their behavior, health, habitat, and threats. Researchers followed their migratory path from their calving grounds in Florida to the Gulf of Maine, during which they investigated DMS-right whale rates of merging in Cape Cod.

One key question that has supported this study is: how can North Atlantic right whales use the aroma from DMS to pinpoint the microscopic zooplankton? It turns out they have a unique nasal structure drawing them directly to these small organisms.

IFAW and other groups are testing one hypothesis outlined in a 2024 study to support a claim that right whales may have an olfactory advantage when it comes to tracking and locating food. The study found that whales like North Atlantic right whales, with a preference for zooplankton, have nostrils (nares) with wider spacing than other whales. Just as stereo-vision can help animals locate prey at specific distances and owls’ asymmetrical ears can pinpoint certain sounds through stereo-hearing, these widely spaced nares allow for a greater ability to pinpoint prey using smell—also known as stereo-olfaction. These whales know exactly what food they want and are equipped with the tools to find it!

Why use dimethyl sulfide to track North Atlantic right whales?

The purpose of this research is ultimately to understand the movements and locations of North Atlantic right whales to better predict future movements and protect them from threats of entanglement, vessel strikes, and noise pollution. With knowledge of where the whales are and where they might be going, an advanced notice could be given to fishermen to pull up their gear, preventing entanglement.

With climate change contributing to the northward shift in foraging grounds , North Atlantic right whale movement patterns are changing and interacting with human activity in different areas. This advanced notice will make it easier for different industries to plan ahead and protect the species.

Researchers ultimately hope to develop an easy-to-use system involving satellite tracking in order to remotely detect zooplankton and associated whales in near real time. By using colour-coded heat maps of DMS, there is a potential to gain greater predictive accuracy apart from visual sightings or acoustic recordings.

The fight to save the North Atlantic right whale is far from over. To learn more about what you can do to help save this critically endangered species, visit rightwhales.org .

Brian Sharp

Director – Marine Mammal Rescue

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