Some Facts about Endangered Species

There are some interesting facts about endangered species but let us first understand some terms about endangered species. Actually endangered species is just one term out of the terms used for species that face problems. But it is commonly used as a generic term for all. So we'll see first the terms.

Endangered Species Terms

VULNERABLE SPECIES - A species particularly at risk because of low or declining numbers or small range, but not a threatened species.

threatened species – a species whose population is not yet low enough to be in immediate danger of extinction, but who certainly faces serious problems. If the problems affecting these species aren’t resolved, it is probable that the species will become endangered. The eastern indigo snake and the red kangaroo are examples of threatened species.

endangered species – a specie, plant or animal, that is in immediate danger of becoming extinct. Its numbers are usually low, and it needs protection in order to survive. The Siberian tiger, the southern sea otter, the snow leopard, the green pitcher plant, and thousands of other plants and animals are endangered worldwide.

extinct species – an extinct species is one that is no longer living. The passenger pigeon, the dodo, and the Stegosaurus are examples of extinct species. These animals no longer exist on the earth.

Now some interesting (yet shocking) facts about the species

-> According to scientists, more than one and one-half million species exist on the earth today. However, recent estimates state that at least 20 times that many species inhabit the planet.

-> In India, 535 species of plants and 295 species of animals are listed as threatened or endangered.

-> Only a hundred of these listed species have recovery plans currently under development.

-> There are more than 1,000 animal species endangered worldwide.

-> There are more than 3,500 protected areas in existence worldwide. These areas include parks, wildlife refuges and other reserves. They cover a total of nearly 2 million square miles (5 million square km), though the number seems a very big one, it is only 3% of our total land area.

-> Aquatic species, which are often overlooked (because generally we do not see them daily unless we eat some of them), are facing serious trouble. One fifth of the India’s total aquatic species are in trouble.