Endangered Species

Endangered Species
According to official records, there are more than 130000 animal species in India. According to some, the number may actually be much more than this. There has been a threat to this natural treasure with the increasing destruction of their habitat like the tropical forests and biosphere reserves. There are a number of causes which lead to the endangerment of a particular species such as habitat destruction, paucity of prey, overexploitation etc. The animal population has been declining by every passing minute and we are likely to face grave consequences until we do not react fast. Moreover, the plants and animals hold immense medicinal, agricultural, ecological and commercial value. This is the time when the endangered species must be protected so that our future generations are not deprived of experiencing this valuable treasure. Some of the animal species classified as endangered are :

Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros
The Indian Rhinoceros has been hunted for its horn, which is believed to have aphrodisiac properties and can be as long as 53 cm. There are only about 1500 of these animals left in the wild which are mainly found in the Kaziranga and Orang national parks.

Asian White Backed Vulture
These creatures, seen all over the subcontinent in large numbers until the ninety's are on the verge of extinction because of reasons such as poisoning due to feeding on dead cattle treated with certain anti-inflammatory drugs.

Asian Elephant
Loss of habitat and poaching have led to the near extinction of this gentle giant and there are only about 15 to 20 thousand of these creatures left in the wild. The Asian Elephant is mainly found in the terai region of Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Assam, Kerala and Karnataka.

Leopard
There has been much said about saving the Tiger, but far less attention has been paid to its dotted counterpart, which is equally threatened and their are only about 7500 leopards to be seen around in the Indian jungles. These are concentrated in parts of central India and north east.

Asiatic Lion
Found in the Gir national park, on last count their are only about 352 of these ferocious beasts left. Now is the time we should act and protect the Lion if we want our children to see and admire this marvellous creature.

Snow Leopard
The exotic looking creature is mostly seen in the upper reaches of the Himalayas. Poaching and paucity of prey have led to its near extinction, but thanks to environmentalist who woke up to this threat and took immediate measures for the animal's survival.

What can you do to Help
You can help protect the endangered species by doing whatever little you can. Mentioned below are some of the things you should and should not do

• Make sure you obey the rules while visiting an animal sanctuary and never pollute the environment.
• Join one of the local wildlife conservation organisations in your area.
• Plant trees and build a bird feeder in your backyard.
• Recycle stuff and try to use minimum non biodegradable material.

Time for some facts

• According to estimates, there are a total of one and a half million species on the planet. However, the number could be 20 times more than this.
• More than 1000 animal species in the world are considered to be endangered.
• More than 3500 protected areas exist in the world, which include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and other reserves.
• An endangered species is one which is low in number and is at an immediate risk of becoming extinct. Such species need special protection for their survival.

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