Protecting Endangered Species: What You Can Do

Endangered Species Endangered List

Endangered List: Species on the Brink

خطرے سے دوچار انواع: معدومی کے کنارے پر

Understanding and protecting our planet's most vulnerable species

About Endangered Species

An endangered species is a type of organism threatened by extinction due to sudden population decline or habitat loss. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) maintains the Red List, the world's most comprehensive inventory of global conservation status.

"When we save species, we're actually saving ourselves by preserving ecosystems that provide clean air, water, and food."

Currently, more than 42,100 species are threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List - about 28% of all assessed species.

The IUCN categorizes species into nine groups ranging from 'Not Evaluated' to 'Extinct'. The 'threatened' categories are Vulnerable, Endangered, and Critically Endangered. Primary threats include habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overexploitation, and invasive species.

Major Threats

Habitat Loss

Deforestation, urbanization and agriculture destroy natural habitats

Climate Change

Rising temperatures alter ecosystems and food chains

Pollution

Chemicals, plastics and waste poison environments

Overexploitation

Overhunting, fishing and wildlife trade reduce populations

Conservation Steps

Protecting endangered species requires coordinated global efforts:

Habitat Protection

Establish protected areas and wildlife corridors to preserve ecosystems.

Anti-Poaching Measures

Strengthen law enforcement and community monitoring against illegal hunting.

Captive Breeding

Maintain genetically diverse populations in controlled environments.

Public Awareness

Educate communities about conservation and sustainable practices.

Policy Advocacy

Lobby for stronger environmental laws and international agreements.

Featured Endangered Species

Snow Leopard Vulnerable

Found in Pakistan's northern mountains, only 4,000-6,500 remain worldwide

Threats include habitat loss, climate change, and poaching for fur and bones used in traditional medicine. Pakistan has established protected areas in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Indus River Dolphin Endangered

One of the world's rarest mammals, found only in the Indus River

Population estimated at 1,800. Major threats include water pollution, habitat fragmentation from dams, and accidental capture in fishing nets.

Himalayan Brown Bear Critically Endangered

Only about 150-200 remain in Pakistan's Deosai Plains

Threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and human-bear conflict. Deosai National Park provides critical protection for this subspecies.

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