High school “__________________ ”Year: 20___ - 20____

Subject: English languageClass: _________

Topic: endangered species

Worked by: Accepted by:

CONTENT

I. INTRODUCTION

II. WHAT IS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES?

III. WHY ARE SPECIES ENDANGERED?

IV. TOP 5 MOST ENDANGERED SPECIES IN THE WORLD

V. WHAT IS BEING DONE TO HELP ENDANGERED SPECIES?

VI. HOW CAN YOU HELP?

VII. REFERENCESINTRODUCTIONEnvironment is the sum total of what is around something or someone. It includes living things and natural forces. The environment of living things provides conditions for development and growth, as well as of danger and damage. Living things do not simply exist in their environment. They constantly interact with it. Organisms change in response to conditions in their environment. The environment consists of the interactions among plants, animals, soil, water, temperature, light, and other living and non-living things.

The word environment is used to talk about many things. People in different fields of knowledge (like history, geography or biology) use the word differently. An electromagnetic environment is the various radio waves that equipment such as radio and radar can meet. Galactic environment refers to conditions between the stars. [1]

In psychology and medicine a person's environment is the people, physical things, places, and events that the person lives with. The environment affects the growth and development of the person. It affects the person's behavior. It affects the person's body, mind and heart. Discussions on nature versus nurture are sometimes framed as heredity vs environment.

WHAT IS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES?

Endangered species are those considered to be at risk of extinction, meaning that there are so few left of their kind that they could disappear from the planet altogether. Endangered species are threatened by factors such as habitat loss, hunting, disease and climate change, and usually, endangered species, have a declining population or a very limited range.

The current rate of extinction is thought to be far greater than the expected natural rate, with many species going extinct before they have even been discovered. Shockingly, current estimates suggest that a third of the world’s amphibians, a quarter of all mammals and one in eight birds are endangered.

Endangered species usually have a small or declining population size or a very limited range, meaning factors such as habitat loss, hunting, disease or climate change could cause them to disappear completely within our lifetimes.

The alarming rate at which species are disappearing is something which should be a cause for concern for us all. Not only do they add beauty and wonder to the natural world, they are also of great global economic importance. A great diversity of species maintains the ecosystems essential to our existence by helping to regulate our climate and by providing:

clean air and water food medicines building and clothing materials fertile soils

With so many species at risk of extinction, the ARKive project is working to help raise the public profile of the world's endangered species, through the emotive power of

wildlife films and photos. The ARKive project hopes to engage people with the natural world. We will only succeed in rescuing species from the brink of extinction if people know about their plight, importance and value.

WHY ARE SPECIES ENDANGERED?

Animals and plants face a large number of different threats with many of them being a direct result of human activity. Some of the most common threats include:

Habitat loss and habitat fragmentation – The ever expanding human population constantly requires additional space and resources. Land is being cleared to harvest products such as timber as well as to make way for human settlement, agriculture and transport links.

Hunting and poaching – A wide variety of animals have been hunted, or fished, beyond sustainable levels and now face possible extinction. Species, such as the tiger, are often hunted because they provide a resource such as food or parts which are used in traditional ‘medicine’. However, some species, such as the cheetah, have been persecuted after gaining a negative reputation for feeding upon livestock or crops or posing a threat to human safety.

Invasive species – Humans have introduced non-native species (both intentionally and accidentally) to a wide variety of habitats, often with devastating consequences. Introduced species may prove highly adaptable and outcompete native species for resources. Introduced predators can decimate local species which are not adapted to avoid predation, for example ground dwelling birds like the kakapo.

Climate change - Droughts, ocean acidification, the loss of sea ice and an increase in storms and extreme weather events can all threaten species’ survival. Sedentary species like plants or specialist species which inhabit small ranges or islands, or those with specific habitat requirements are particularly vulnerable.

Disease – Small populations, especially those which are limited in terms of genetic diversity are particularly vulnerable to disease. Disease can often be spread by domestic animals or accidentally introduced by humans travelling from an affected area to one which had not previously been exposed.

Collection / pet trade – Many animals and plants, such as the Venus flytrap, have been collected from the wild beyond sustainable levels to be sold through the pet trade or be kept in private horticultural collections.

Pollution – Acid rain, heavy metals, pesticides, plastic waste and oil spills all harm the environment and put species at risk. Chemicals are particularly harmful to species that live in water.

TOP 5 MOST ENDANGERED SPECIES IN THE WORLD

It is undeniable that the world is a big splendor of wonderful and amusing things. From plants, natural habitats, different species, and wildlife or, to sum it up, the flora and fauna; everything is a masterpiece until man twists the finest orderly hierarchy and co existence of everything on Earth. While the planet is blessed with diverse and unique creatures, man has intervened with the existence of various species and have put them at risk of extinction. Soon, the next generation will not be able to see an actual elephant and they will only be able to see them in the reminiscence of photos off the internet.

It is such a sad reality but it is unfortunately seems inevitable. With how we hunt these species down, the planet Earth will surely lose its most special species sooner than anticipated. The species will not have a good chance of surviving at all, and not only those already in danger but those who are common in today’s world as well. The day would come that we have to face the compelling aftermath of our actions. On the other hand, not only do man’s actions determine the fate of these animals, but climate change plays a major role in the decline of their existence as well.

5. Borneo Pygmy Elephant

With a remaining population of only 1,200 and a decline rate of 50% every 50 years since the time it was discovered in 1841, Boreno Pygmy Elephants have been on the lists of the  world’s most endangered species. Due to forests being transformed into residential or commercial areas, elephants are losing their habitats and are seen and exposed to people momentarily. This

aggravates their extinction as human settlements and interactions make them vulnerable. Some would even catch them by using snares. 20 percent of the population of these elephants have already experience injuries because of these abhorring man-made snares.

4. Mountain Gorilla

Being the second rarest known primate in the world, there is an estimated 302-408 Mountain Gorillas left alive on the globe. It was during the early 20th century when game hunters became aggressive in hunting them down. People had misconceptions that mountain gorillas can threaten them and can pose a risk to their safety. Despite the efforts on establishing conservation initiatives, their population is still not secured as there are recurring threats from poaching and habitat loss.

3. Javan Rhinoceros

Recognized to be the most endangered Rhinoceros species in the world, it is believed that there are only less than fifty Javan Rhinoceros left alive. They can only be found in Indonesia and Vietnam. The continuous ugly endeavors of human beings and loathing climate change, which is also a mere result of man’s indecent performances, will undoubtedly wipe out the Javan Rhinoceros sooner than expected.

2. Amur Leopard

The elusive Amur leopard has only 40 left alive in its population. Poaching is very big issue when it comes to the Amur leopard because their beautiful furs are being used for humanly desires like selling and trading. As this demeanor of man continues, more and more Amur Leopards distinct furs will be eradicated and, of course, will result in their world wide extinction.

1. Baji

Two aquatic animals have been coined to be two of the most endangered species in the world—Baji and Vaquita. The Baji only lives in the Yangtze River in China. Hence, it is called the Yangtze River Dolphin. It has always been one of the most extinct species since then. In an expedition done in 2007, there were only three Yangtze River Dolphins found. This was a very alarming situation but none of this news has made fishermen, who are catching dolphins, stop from what they have been doing for a living. Since 1986, various initiatives have been made to protect the Yangtze River Dophins. They have established five natural reserves along the middle and lower areas of the Yangtze River. These reserves have not been effective in preventing incidental deaths of the Yangtze River Dolphins and another rare cetacean species, the Yangtze fin-less porpoise.

WHAT IS BEING DONE TO HELP ENDANGERED SPECIES?

Conservation aims to protect the natural world and sustain biodiversity by carefully preserving and managing existing habitats and restoring areas which have been damaged or degraded.

Species conservation can also take place outside a species’ natural habitat. For example, caring for an endangered animal in captivity, such as in a zoo, or preserving endangered plants through the use of seed banks.

In areas where humans and animals are competing for space or resources, particularly in poorer developing countries, it is important that conservation work takes into account the needs of local people and works alongside them in protecting their native species.

Some commonly used conservation actions are as follows:

Habitat preservation – The ideal solution is to protect habitats before they are damaged. This can be achieved through the creation of national parks and marine protected areas. However, it is important to note that many larger species require extensive territories and designated protected areas may not be large enough to support them.

Habitat restoration – Where a habitat has already been degraded it is sometimes possible to restore the habitat by carefully managing the land, removing invasive species and reintroducing native species that had been lost from the area. Some species are bred in captivity or relocated from other areas for this purpose.

Ex-situ conservation – Many endangered species are bred in captivity to preserve their numbers and in some cases it is possible to reintroduce them to the wild. Some species, like the Golden arrow poison frog, have even been deliberately removed from the wild to protect them from the spread of disease and ensure that a small population is preserved. Plant species are often cultivated in nurseries and preserved via the use of seed banks.

Anti-poaching measures – In remote areas guards are sometimes employed to protect endangered species, such as the mountain gorilla, from poachers. This can be a way of involving local communities in the protection of their wildlife whilst also providing some employment opportunities.

Wildlife corridors – Where habitats have been fragmented by divisions such as roads, urban areas or farmland, populations become isolated and are unable to move throughout their natural range to find sufficient resources and mates. Wildlife corridors help to reconnect habitat fragments and maintain genetic diversity.

Laws and policies – Some endangered species are protected by law or trade in them is restricted. CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) is an international agreement between governments to ensure that trade in wild animal and plant specimens does not threaten their survival.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

As well as supporting conservation organisations there are some simple steps that everybody can take to help protect the natural world and the species in it. Here are some ideas:

Recycle – Help protect the rainforests - recycling one tonne of paper can save 17 trees and preserve the habitat of a whole host of endangered species.

Use less energy – An old tip but a good one, you can save yourself money and help the environment too. For example, energy saving light bulbs use 80 percent less energy than a standard bulb, yet produce the same amount of light.

Choose sustainable products – Make sure that all the products you buy are sustainably sourced, from food and paper to timber.

Make your voice heard – Petition for change! Many campaigns to help wildlife are underway but they need your support.

Clean up your act – Volunteer to take part in a litter pick or beach clean up. Get involved – Taking part in wildlife surveys is a fantastic way to enjoy the great

outdoors and find out more about your local wildlife. By assessing what species are present you can help scientists plan how best to protect them in the future.

Spread the word – Through the ARKive project we hope to educate and engage people with the natural world. If you are enthusiastic about saving species then why not encourage your friends and family to learn more. Find out how you can get involved.

REFERENCES

www.allaboutwildlife.com/ten-most-endangered-animals

http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environment

http://www.environment.gen.tr/what-is-environment.html