1-1. Endangered species

An endangered species is a group of animals that could soon become extinct Extinction happens when the last of the species has died out and there will be no more. Many species are nearly extinct and could disappear off the face of the earth very soon if we don' t do anything to save them. There are many reasons why species become endangered but most of them are due to humans. However, there are things that we can do to save endangered species.

Habitat destruction is the main reason why animals become endangered and this happens in two ways. When humans move into a new area, the animals habitat - where they live - is destroyed and there is nothing to eat because humans chop down trees and build houses and farms Animal habitats are also destroyed because of pollution. Chemicals in rivers and poisons on farms cause the destruction of habitats and animals can no longer live there

Endangered species are also the result of hunting and fishing. Animals such as the Arabian oryx have been hunted to the edge of extension because of the high price up their meet. Other animals are killed for their fur, Bones or skin, or just for sport. Some seal species are now on the verge of extension because they are killed for their fur to make coats. Tigers are shoot to make medicine and tea from their bones and crocodiles are caught to make bags and shoes. Overfishing means that large sea creatures like whales, tuna and sharks have all become endangered species, Because too many are caught to make things like shark’s fin soup.

So what can individuals and governments do to protect animal and plant species from becoming endangered? We should take care not to pollute natural areas, and farmers or companies who destroy animal habitats should face a financial penalty. The public can help out by refusing to buy any products that are made from animals body parts such as seal fur coats or crocodile bags. Governments can help, too, by making it against the law to hunt, fish or trade in endangered species. They can also provide funding for animal sanctuaries and zoos, to protect animals from extinction by breeding more endangered animals which they later release into the wild. If we all cooperate by taking these steps, we will protect our planet so that our children and their children can enjoy it too.