Endangered species

Endangered species are species that are at risk of extinction. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has calculated the percentage of endangered species as 40 percent of all organisms based on the sample of species that have been evaluated through 2006. Many nations have laws offering protection to these species: for example, forbidding hunting, restricting land development or creating preserves.

Definition[edit]

An Endangered species is a species which has been categorized as very likely to become extinct in the near future. Endangered (EN), as categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, is the second most severe conservation status for wild populations in the IUCN's schema after Critically Endangered (CR).

Causes[edit]

The causes of species endangerment are varied, but they all have a direct or indirect link to human activities. The primary causes are habitat destruction, introduction of exotic species, and overharvesting. Other causes can include pollution, climate change, and disease.

Protection[edit]

Many nations have laws that protect endangered species. These laws can forbid hunting, land development or creating preserves. Some laws only cover native species, while others cover both native and non-native, or exotic species.

References[edit]

External links[edit]

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