More than 31,000 animal species are currently threatened with extinction, which means 27% of all assessed species. There are many causes why these beautiful creatures are at risk, including habitat loss, poaching, climate change, or loss of genetic variation.
At the moment, the leading cause of extinction is habitat loss. Some of the most common industries created by humans are causing the most significant land ‘clearings’ in the World. Due to sectors like construction, lumber, petroleum, livestock, and plant agriculture, pieces of land like the Amazon Rainforest of South America are rapidly disappearing. These lands are home to hundreds of animal species, and they have nowhere else to go.
But don’t forget, extinction can happen naturally as well, without the involvement of humans. Just think of dinosaurs. Because of the impact of an asteroid, the climate on Earth changed, and dinosaurs were unable to adapt, becoming endangered, then extinct.
However, that doesn’t mean that we should watch how these species are becoming more and more endangered. Starting with small steps, we can make a massive change. We can save these animals from extinction by researching the origin of the products we buy, growing native plants, buying from local small businesses, or walking instead of driving to our destination.
Graphic courtesy of WireFence.com
