What is an Endangered Species?

• A species that is at risk of extinction

• A species with a small or declining population, or a very small range.

What is an endangered species?

Thylacine

What is a Conservation Status?

The thylacine is Extinct

Least Endangered

Most Endangered (Extinct)

The little spotted kiwi is Near Threatened

The African elephant is Vulnerable

The green turtle is Endangered

The black rhino is Critically Endangered

Why are species endangered?

African penguins Siamang Golden-crowned sifaka

Hunting Over-fishing Invasive species

Cape fox Southern bluefin tuna Kakapo

Pollution Pet trade Habitat loss

Where are they found?

NOW!

When is it happening?

What is being done?

• Scientists study species in the wild using– Radio tracking collars– Ringing

AardvarkKemp’s ridley turtle Northern harrier

What is being done?

• Protect remaining populations

• Inform the public

Black rhino

Greater bilby

Black-necked crane

What is being done?

• Captive breeding programmes

• Reintroductions to the wild

Giant panda Scimitar-horned oryx

Wattled crane

A Success Story!!

This is the Antiguan racer.

It was once thought to be the most endangered snake in the world.

Thanks to captive breeding, re-introductions and the removal of rats, numbers are now increasing again.

How can you help?

• Be careful with your litter– litter pick your playground

• Recycle– recycling one tonne of paper can save 17 trees!

• Spread the word & Get involved!!– volunteer to take part in a local wildlife survey

Magellanic oystercatcher Green turtle

White stork

Activity

Sorting Endangered Species

Everyone will be given an Endangered Species card.

Read through your card and decide what is the biggest threat to your species (habitat destruction, hunting etc).

Place your species in the right ‘threat group’ then compare your card with the others in the same group.