When a species is threatened it is a warning that there is a problem of some kind with the species. If an animal or plant is threatened it means that it may become endangered if we don't take immediate steps to protect it.
Animals or plants that are considered to be endangered are in danger of becoming EXTINCT and need our immediate attention and protection.
When a species becomes extinct, it is gone forever. This changes the food web it belonged to, which in turn disrupts the biodiversity of its habitat. Plants and animals also serve many other beneficial purposes to humans including medicinal, agricultural, ecological, commercial and or aesthetic or recreational uses. Species need to be protected and saved so that future generations can experience their presence and value.
How many Species are Endangered?
There are about 450 animals in the United States that are listed as endangered, and about 160 that are currently threatened.
Worldwide, there are about 975 animals listed as endangered and 200 listed as threatened. Does that mean that most of the endangered animals are in the United States? No! But it does mean that the United States is pretty good at getting the ones who are endangered listed on the endangered species list.Most plant and animal species that are actually endangered aren't on the list. Scientists have identified only about 1.5 million species in the world, and there could be as many as 30 million. Thousands of species become extinct every year before we even know they exist.
As species go extinct, we lose opportunities. Currently, about 40% of our medicine is made from things found in nature, and we have only explored about 5% of the known plant species for medicines.
Since 1600 A.D., more than 700 species of plants and animals have gone extinct. This is only counting the plants and animals that we know of.
The majority of plants and animal species in the world have never even been documented. There is no way of knowing how many of these undiscovered treasures were lost to extinction.
In one month, it is estimated that between 30 and 1,400 species will disappear. In one day alone, we can say good-bye to at least one plant or animal species.
Acknoledgements: School Project G/T
Made by : Hirom Alarcon,Valerie H.,Eladio V.
