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Facts About Endangered Species Conservation

One sad truth that comes with industrialization is the additional threat that comes to nature's other creatures. Endangerment of animals has become much more common over the past couple of centuries; however, as the new millennium marches forth, luckily, there also exist several conservation efforts that attempt to protect and re-establish once-existing animal populations.

International Union for Conservation of Nature
- One of the foremost institutes worldwide is the International Union for Conservation of Nature . This organization monitors animal populations around the world and maintains the "Red List." This list contains information related to the planet's endangered species. According to the IUCN website, "the current species extinction rate is between 1,000 and 10,000 times higher than it would naturally be."
The Forests
- The homes to the most threatened species are generally within forest and jungle regions. Land areas considered "forests" house about 70 percent of the world's animals. These areas are prime targets for conservation groups as forest area is dwindling rapidly due to excessive logging, which eliminates the habitat of species, often forcing them into urban districts.
Endangered Species Act
- The United States enacted a law known as the Endangered Species Act in 1973. This act creates protection by law for threatened animals located within the U.S. The law prevents endangered -- as well as threatened -- animals from being hunted and sold. It also gives the government authority to acquire designated lands which may be needed for conservation. This act enhances conservation efforts by providing funds to states containing programs to aid the protection of animals. Breaking the laws surrounding the Endangered Species Act can even result in criminal charges.
The Numbers
- According to EndangeredSpecie.com, over 1,000 species are considered "endangered" worldwide and around three percent of the world's land areas are considered refuges for animals due to governmental protection. The Red List states that out of endangered animals, roughly 58 percent consist of reptiles and amphibians, while 33 percent are mammals; the remaining consist of other varieties of species.

Animals & Science