Endangered Species
Black Rhino
The South China tiger is one of many endangered species.
Jessica Beattie
The list of endangered species in our world today is growing at alarming rates. The ESA (Endangered Species Act) reports “approximately 2,245 species are listed as endangered or threatened.” For the past several years many of the world’s most beautiful animals have been in grave danger of disappearing forever. Due to deforestation, hunting, and growing industrialization, these animals are facing a grave and uncertain future. Among these animals are the amur leopard, the black rhino, the hawksbill turtle, and the South China tiger. All of these species are considered critically endangered and are on the verge of complete extinction.
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) was signed on December 28, 1973 and provides for the conservation of species that are endangered or threatened. Even though there are still thousands of species that are threatened by extinction, many of the efforts made by the ESA and other organizations have helped many endangered species recover. Some animals that were on the endangered list that are not anymore include the American alligator, the bald eagle, the grizzly bear, the manatee, and the American grey wolf. Many of these animals were hunted and killed for their fur or skin, which was usually then sold on the black market. However, with the help and courageous efforts of the ESA and other foundations, many laws were passed that restricted or banned the hunting of these animals.
Over these years, zoos have become a vital part in keeping some endangered species safe from the wild. Many species that are on the verge of extinction have been recovered due to the efforts made by many zoos around the world. “Many scientists, biologists, captive breeding specialists, and veterinarians have contributed to the recovery of giant pandas, tigers, golden lion, tamarins, cheetahs, and black-footed ferrets, to name only a few” according to The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/SCBI/
According to Scientific American, “dozens of zoos across North America participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA’s) Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program, which aims to manage the breeding of specific endangered species in order to help maintain healthy and self-sustaining populations that are both genetically diverse and demographically stable”. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-do-zoos-help-endangered-animals/
For more information visit:
https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/directory?direction=desc&sort=extinction_status
