Our planet is continually changing, causing habitats to be altered and modified. Natural changes tend to occur at a gradual pace, usually causing only a slight impact on individual species. However, when changes occur at a fast pace, there is little or no time for individual species to react and adjust to new circumstances. This can create disastrous results, and for this reason, rapid habitat loss is the primary cause of species endangerment. The strongest forces in rapid habitat loss are human beings. Nearly every region of the earth has been affected by human activity, particularly during this past century. The loss of microbes in soils that formerly supported tropical forests, the extinction of fish and various aquatic species in polluted habitats, and changes in global climate brought about by the release of greenhouse gases are all results of human activity.

A species that faces overexploitation is one that may become severely endangered or even extinct due to the rate in which the species is being used. Unrestricted whaling during the 20th century is an example of overexploitation, and the whaling industry brought many species of whales to extremely low population sizes. When several whale species were nearly extinct, a number of nations (including the United States) agreed to abide by an international moratorium on whaling. Due to this moratorium, some whale species, such as the grey whale, have made remarkable comebacks, while others remain threatened or endangered.

Due to the trade in animal parts, many species continue to suffer high rates of exploitation. Even today, there are demands for items such as rhino horns and tiger bones in several areas of Asia. It is here that there exists a strong market for traditional medicines made from these animal parts.

Disease, pollution, and limited distribution are more factors that threaten various plant and animal species. If a species does not have the natural genetic protection against particular pathogens, an introduced disease can have severe effects on that specie.  We MUST know, each species on our planet plays a role in the healthy functioning of natural ecosystems, on which humans depend.

To begin with, the ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface and home to the majority of living creatures. Till now humankind has considered ocean as a source of infinite resources because of its vast size and depth and unexplored frontiers. But pollution, over-fishing and over-hunting, mining, the destruction of the oceans’ richest areas, the massive occupation of the coasts and the alteration of their chemical composition and temperature are posing a great threat to this over 400 billion years old ecosystem. The populations of many species are decreasing at an unsustainable rate. The species listed as endangered from marine life families such as whales, dolphins, manatees and dugongs, salmon, seabirds, sea turtles, and shark are just a few names. According to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 620 marine animal species or specie population has been listed as extinct, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable, and the numbers are increasing.

Over and above, the threats to marine species are difficult to perceive because marine animals are not as visible as animals on land. But they are equally, vulnerable to problems such as habitat destruction and overexploitation. Animals living in shallow waters that breathe air, like turtles, manatees, dugongs, and whales are often hit by boats and caught in fishing gear. Species such as turtles that lay their eggs on land often lose their nurseries due to coastal development.

Not only are turtles at risk but also seahorses, the most intriguingly, spectacular and interesting creatures are under a great threat too. They are traded for making ornaments, souvenirs and medicines. The Cape seahorse or Knysna seahorse endemic in South Africa is one of the endangered seahorse specie. Found only in a few estuaries, its habitat is threatened because of development, water pollution and frequent floods in this area. Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that happened last year has taken a long and terrible toll over the marine life. Dwarf Seahorses already struggling prior to the oil spill are now on the verge of extinction. By far eight species are classified as threatened (vulnerable or endangered).

Nature is the art of GOD and we are destroying it for our selfish reasons unaware of it consequences. Think about it!!

Reference: Illustrated Encyclopedia of endangered animals.