Endangered Species

Extinction
Extinction

Let’s Share

What comes to mind when you hear the

word extinction? Can you name any

species that have gone extinct?

Explore how extinction
events shape biodiversity

and ecosystems.

Objectives

Define extinction and

explain its significance in

the Earth's history.

Identify the human
impacts and different
causes of extinction.

Extinction

Extinction is the complete disappearance of

a species from Earth. This means that no

living members of the species exist anymore.

Here are some notable examples of

animals that have gone extinct:

Dodo Bird

Tasmanian Tiger

Two Types

BackgroundBackground

Background extinction

refers to the normal rate
at which species go extinct

due to natural causes.

Mass extinction happens
when a large number of

species go extinct in a short
period of geological time.

MassMass

Common causes of this rapid extinction rate

include habitat loss, climate change,

overexploitation, pollution, and invasive species.

Current Rate

Scientists estimate that species are currently
going extinct at a rate that is 100 to 1,000

times faster than the background rate.

The Toolache wallaby lost its habitat due
to extensive land clearing for agriculture

and livestock grazing, leading to its

extinction in the 20th century.

The Baiji suffered from severe habitat

degradation due to industrialization, dam

construction, and increased river traffic. Baiji

was last seen in the early 2000s.

Habitat Loss

Habitat loss occurs when
natural environments like

forests, wetlands, and coral

reefs are destroyed or

altered. This can happen due

to deforestation, urbanization,

agriculture, and mining.

The Toolache wallaby lost its habitat due
to extensive land clearing for agriculture

and livestock grazing, leading to its

extinction in the 20th century.

Steller’s sea cow, a large marine

mammal discovered in the Bering Sea,
was hunted to extinction within 27 years

of its discovery in 1741.
Overhunting

Overexploitation happens
when species are hunted,
fished, or harvested at

unsustainable levels.

Overexploitation can quickly

reduce population sizes,
leading to extinction.

The Falkland Islands wolf was hunted to
extinction by European settlers who saw

it as a threat to their livestock. By 1876,
the species was extinct, making it the

only canid species to become extinct in

modern times.

The woolly mammoth thrived during the
Ice Age. As the climate began to warm

approximately 12,000 years ago, the
mammoths' habitat started to shrink,

and so did their population, before finally

going extinct.
Habitat LossHabitat Loss

Climate change refers to
the long-term changes in

temperature, precipitation,
and weather patterns. It
can alter habitats, making
them unsuitable for certain species.

The saber-toothed cat was a top

predator during the Pleistocene epoch.

Environmental shifts, along with

competition from other predators,
contributed to its extinction around

10,000 years ago.

Invasiveness

Invasive species are non-native
organisms that are introduced
to a new environment. These
species can outcompete, prey
on, or bring diseases to native
species, leading to declines or

extinctions.

The dodo bird, native to the island of
Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, went

extinct largely due to the

introduction of invasive species like
rats, pigs, and monkeys by European

sailors. This led to the dodo's

extinction by the late 17th century.

The introduction of European settlers

brought with them dogs, which

competed with the Tasmanian tigers

for food and sometimes preyed on

young Tasmanian tigers. The last

known Tasmanian tiger died in

captivity in 1936.

Thank You!
Thank You!

ENDANGERED
SPECIES

Animals in Danger of Extinction

ENDANGERED SPECIES WITH IMPORTANT FACTS

Scientific Name: Panthera
pardus orientalis
Habitat: Temperate forests of
Russia and China
Population: Fewer than 100
individuals in the wild
Threats: Habitat loss, poaching,
and prey depletion
Conservation Efforts: Anti-
poaching measures, habitat
restoration, and captive
breeding programs

Amur
Leopard

Scientific Name: Pongo abelii
Habitat: Rainforests of Sumatra,
Indonesia
Population: Approximately
14,000 individuals
Threats: Deforestation, palm oil
plantations, and illegal hunting
Conservation Efforts: Habitat
protection, reforestation, and
rehabilitation centers

Sumatran
Orangutan

Scientific Name: Gymnogyps
californianus
Habitat: Rocky shrubland, coniferous
forests, and oak savannas in
California, Arizona, and Baja
California
Population: Around 500 individuals,
with more than half in the wild
Threats: Lead poisoning, habitat
destruction, and poaching
Conservation Efforts: Captive
breeding, lead ammunition bans, and
release programs

California
Condor

Scientific Name: Rhinoceros
sondaicus
Habitat: Tropical forests of Java,
Indonesia
Population: Fewer than 75
individuals
Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, and
small population size
Conservation Efforts: Protected
areas, anti-poaching patrols, and
habitat management

Javan Rhino

Scientific Name: Gorilla beringei
beringei
Habitat: Mountain forests of Rwanda,
Uganda, and the Democratic
Republic of Congo
Population: Around 1,000 individuals
Threats: Habitat loss, poaching,
disease
Conservation Efforts: Anti-poaching
patrols, habitat protection, and
ecotourism

Mountain
Gorilla

Scientific Name: Eretmochelys
imbricata
Habitat: Tropical coral reefs
Population: Estimated tens of
thousands, but critically endangered
Threats: Illegal trade of their shells,
habitat loss, climate change
Conservation Efforts: Protected
areas, anti-poaching laws, and
nesting site protection

Hawksbill
Turtle

Scientific Name: Panthera tigris
sumatrae
Habitat: Tropical rainforests of
Sumatra, Indonesia
Population: Fewer than 400
individuals
Threats: Habitat loss, poaching,
human-wildlife conflict
Conservation Efforts: Anti-poaching
measures, habitat protection, and
conflict mitigation

Sumatran
Tiger

Scientific Name: Panthera tigris
altaica
Habitat: Forests of the Russian Far
East
Population: Around 500 individuals
Threats: Poaching, habitat loss,
human-wildlife conflict
Conservation Efforts: Anti-poaching
patrols, habitat protection, and
community engagement

Amur Tiger

Scientific Name: Phyllobates terribilis
Habitat: Rainforests of Colombia
Population: Unknown, but critically
endangered
Threats: Habitat loss, pollution, frog
trading
Conservation Efforts: Habitat
protection, legal protection, and
captive breeding

Golden
Poison Frog

You have been talking about endangered animals your teacher has asked you to write.

In your essay, you should
- talk about the endangered animals you know
- describe why they are endangered
- explain how to protect them

Endangered Animals:
Why They are Threatened and
How We Can Protect Them

Endangered Animals:
Why They are Threatened and
How We Can Protect Them

Endangered animals are species at risk of extinction, and it's crucial to understand what puts them in danger and how we can help them. Some well-known endangered animals include the Asian elephant, the tiger, the polar bear, and various species of sea turtles. Each faces unique challenges that threaten their survival, and human activity is often the main cause.

Multiple Choice

Endangered animals are species at risk of extinction, and it's crucial to understand what puts them in danger and how we can help them. _____________________ include the Asian elephant, the tiger, the polar bear, and various species of sea turtles. Each faces unique challenges that threaten their survival, and human activity is often the main cause.

• Threatened species
• Vulnerable animals
• Endangered species
• Protected wildlife

Firstly, the Asian elephant is endangered mainly because of habitat loss and poaching. As forests are cleared for agriculture and urban development, elephants lose their natural homes and are forced into smaller areas. Poachers also hunt them for their ivory tusks, which are sold illegally, despite bans.

Multiple Choice

Firstly, the Asian elephant is endangered mainly because of habitat loss and poaching. As forests are cleared for agriculture and urban development, __________________. Poachers also hunt them for their ivory tusks, which are sold illegally, despite bans.

• their natural habitat is destroyed.
• their tusks are used for traditional medicine.
• they are thriving in urban areas.
• their population is increasing.

Another iconic species, the tiger, is endangered due to poaching and habitat fragmentation. As tigers need vast areas to roam and hunt, deforestation disrupts their territories, making it hard for them to find food and mates. Like elephants, tigers are also targeted for their body parts, which are sometimes used in traditional medicine.

Multiple Choice

Another iconic species, the tiger, is endangered due to poaching and habitat fragmentation. As tigers need vast areas to roam and hunt, _______________________, making it hard for them to find food and mates. Like elephants, tigers are also targeted for their body parts, which are sometimes used in traditional medicine.

• habitat loss increases their population
• poaching helps maintain their ecosystem
• tigers thrive in urban areas
• deforestation disrupts their territories

Polar bears are threatened primarily by climate change. Rising temperatures are melting the Arctic sea ice they depend on to hunt seals. As the ice shrinks, polar bears are forced to swim long distances or go without food for extended periods, affecting their health and ability to reproduce.

Multiple Choice

Polar bears are threatened primarily by climate change. ________________________________ As the ice shrinks, polar bears are forced to swim long distances or go without food for extended periods, affecting their health and ability to reproduce.

• Rising temperatures are melting the Arctic sea ice they depend on to hunt seals.

• Polar bears thrive in warmer temperatures.
• Climate change has no impact on their habitat.
• They are primarily threatened by overhunting.

Sea turtles face multiple dangers, from plastic pollution in the ocean to getting caught in fishing nets. They also lose nesting beaches to coastal development, making it harder for them to lay eggs. Furthermore, many people harvest their eggs, reducing their chances of survival.

Multiple Choice

Sea turtles face multiple dangers, from plastic pollution in the ocean to getting caught in fishing nets. They also lose nesting beaches to coastal development, _______________________ Furthermore, many people harvest their eggs, reducing their chances of survival.

• leading to more fishing opportunities.
• making it harder for them to lay eggs.

• causing a rise in sea levels.
• resulting in increased tourism.

To protect these animals, we can take several necessary steps. One way is to create and support protected areas where animals can live safely without human interference. Another is passing stricter laws to punish poachers and prevent illegal trade. Fighting climate change is essential, too; reducing greenhouse gas emissions can slow the melting of the Arctic and protect polar bears. Finally, raising awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and sustainable fishing practices can help protect sea turtles and other marine life.

Multiple Choice

______________________________________ One way is to create and support protected areas where animals can live safely without human interference. Another is passing stricter laws to punish poachers and prevent illegal trade. Fighting climate change is essential, too; reducing greenhouse gas emissions can slow the melting of the Arctic and protect polar bears. Finally, raising awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and sustainable fishing practices can help protect sea turtles and other marine life.

• Promote the use of single-use plastics.
• Ignore climate change and its effects on wildlife.
• Increase hunting quotas for endangered species.
• To protect these animals, we can take several necessary steps.

In conclusion, the survival of endangered animals depends on our efforts to reduce human impacts and take responsibility for their protection. By conserving habitats, enforcing laws, and promoting sustainability, we can help these animals and ensure they remain part of our planet's ecosystem for future generations.

Multiple Choice

In conclusion, the survival of endangered animals depends on our efforts to reduce human impacts and take responsibility for their protection. By conserving habitats, enforcing laws, and promoting sustainability, we can help these animals and ensure they remain __________ for future generations.

• extinct
• unavailable
• available
• threatened

Endangered animals are creatures whose survival is at risk due to habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and pollution. These factors have pushed many species to the brink of extinction, and it's crucial to understand their plight and take action to protect them.

Multiple Choice

Endangered animals are creatures whose survival is at risk due to habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and pollution. These factors have pushed many species ____________, and it's crucial to understand their plight and take action to protect them.

• overpopulated
• extinct
• endangered
• thriving

One such endangered animal is the Amur leopard. These magnificent big cats, once widespread across Eastern Russia, North Korea, and Northeast China, now face the threat of habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment. Poaching for their valuable fur has also significantly reduced their population. To protect Amur leopards, we must establish and maintain protected areas, implement strict anti-poaching measures, and raise awareness about their conservation.

Multiple Choice

One such endangered animal is the Amur leopard. These magnificent big cats, once widespread across Eastern Russia, North Korea, and Northeast China, now __________________. Poaching for their valuable fur has also significantly reduced their population. To protect Amur leopards, we must establish and maintain protected areas, implement strict anti-poaching measures, and raise awareness about their conservation.

• are critically endangered
• are classified as vulnerable
• are abundant in their habitat
• are thriving in the wild

Another endangered species is the African elephant. These gentle giants are hunted for their ivory tusks, leading to a drastic decline in their numbers. Habitat loss due to human activities like agriculture and urbanization further exacerbates their situation. To protect the African elephant, we must impose a complete ban on the ivory trade, create wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats, and support community-based conservation initiatives.

Multiple Choice

Another endangered species is the African elephant. These gentle giants are hunted for ______________, leading to a drastic decline in their numbers. Habitat loss due to human activities like agriculture and urbanization further exacerbates their situation. To protect the African elephant, we must impose a complete ban on the ivory trade, create wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats, and support community-based conservation initiatives.

• their meat

• their teeth

• their skin

• their ivory tusks

The Vaquita porpoise, the smallest species of porpoise, is critically endangered and found only in the northern part of the Gulf of California. It is often caught unintentionally in fishing nets, leading to its decline. To protect vaquitas, we must implement stricter fishing regulations, establish marine protected areas, and support research efforts to understand their behaviour and ecology better.

Multiple Choice

The Vaquita porpoise, the smallest species of porpoise, is critically endangered and found only in the northern part of the Gulf of California. It is often caught unintentionally in fishing nets, leading to its decline. To protect vaquitas, we must ____________, establish marine protected areas, and support research efforts to understand their behaviour and ecology better.

• eliminate all fishing activities
• expand commercial fishing areas
• increase fishing quotas
• implement stricter fishing regulations

In conclusion, these are just a few examples of endangered animals facing the threat of extinction. To protect these species, we must take immediate action to address the underlying causes of their endangerment. By creating and enforcing strong conservation policies, raising awareness, and supporting sustainable practices, we can ensure a future where these magnificent creatures continue to thrive.

Multiple Choice

In conclusion, these are just a few examples of endangered animals facing the threat of extinction. To protect these species, we must take immediate action to address the underlying causes of their endangerment. By ______________, raising awareness, and supporting sustainable practices, we can ensure a future where these magnificent creatures continue to thrive.

• hunting endangered species
• conserving habitats
• polluting natural habitats
• ignoring climate change effects

Open Ended

Write 3 ways to protect the endangered animals.