Endangered Species Concept

Endangered (EN) - IUCN Classification - Environment
Notes
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An endangered species is an organism that is on the verge of extinction. It is a plant

or animal species that is so rare that it is on the verge of extinction, particularly one that
has been threatened by human activity. The destruction or pollution of a species'
native habitat is a major factor in its endangerment or extinction. Other factors include
overhunting, intentional extinction, and the unintentional or intentional
introduction of alien species that compete for environmental resources with native
species. When the best available evidence indicates that a taxon meets any of the criteria
for Endangered (EN), it is considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
In this article, we will discuss IUCN Classification - Endangered (EN) which will be
helpful for UPSC exam preparation.
What is IUCN Red List?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened
Species, which was established in 1964, has evolved to become the world's most
comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal,
fungi, and plant species.
The IUCN Red List is an important indicator of the health of the world's biodiversity.
It is far more than a list of species and their status; it is a powerful tool for informing
and catalysing action for biodiversity conservation and policy change, which is
critical to protecting the natural resources we need to survive.
It provides information on range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and/or
trade, threats, and conservation actions to help inform necessary conservation
decisions.
Criteria for Endangered Species

Population size has decreased by ≥70% in the last ten years or three generations,
whichever is longer.
The estimated extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 km2, and the estimated area
of occupancy is less than 500 km2.
Population size is estimated to be less than 2,500 mature individuals, with a
continuing decline of at least 20% expected within five years.
The population size is estimated to be less than 250 mature individuals.
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Quantitative analysis indicates that the likelihood of extinction in the wild is at least
20% within 20 years or five generations.
Protection of Endangered Species at National Level

In India, endangered species include a wide range of rare wild animals, aquatic
animals, and insects.
Indian wildlife is known for having one of the richest varieties in the world, with
numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and so on.
There are several endangered species in Indian wildlife that are on the verge of
extinction.
An endangered species is defined as a population of a living being that is on the
verge of extinction for a variety of reasons.
They are either few in number or are threatened by changing environmental or
predation parameters.
Various national and international organisations, including the World Wildlife Fund
(WWF), the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
(IUCN), and the Wildlife Institute of India, have identified endangered species in
India (WII).
Examples of Endangered Species

African Penguin, African Wild Dog, Asian Elephant, Asiatic Lion, Blue Whale, Bonobo,
Bornean Orangutan, Chimpanzees, Dhole, Ethiopian Wolf, Hispid Hare, Giant Otter, Giant
Panda, Goliath Frog, Gorillas, Green Sea Turtle, Grevy's Zebra, Hyacinth Macaw,
Japanese Crane, Lear's Macaw, Malayan Tapir, Markhor, Persian Leopard, Proboscis
Monkey, Pygmy Hippopotamus, Red-breasted Goose, Rothschild Giraffe, Snow Leopard,
Steller's Sea Lion, Scopas tang, Takhi, Tiger, Vietnamese Pheasant, Volcano Rabbit, Wild
Water Buffalo
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Endangered Species
vedantu.com/biology/endangered-species
Species Become Endangered due to Two Tactors:
Habitat Loss:
Natural disasters can result in habitat destruction. For example, dinosaurs have been
extinct for 65 million years. The hot, dry environment of the Cretaceous period abruptly
altered, most likely as a result of an asteroid impact. As a result of the asteroid's collision,
debris was thrown into the atmosphere, decreasing the quantity of heat and light reaching
the Earth's surface. The dinosaurs couldn't adjust to their new, cooler environment.
Dinosaurs became extinct after becoming endangered.
Habitat loss can be exacerbated by human activity. The habitat of native organisms is
reduced as a result of development for housing, industry, and agriculture. Increased
contact between wild animals and humans can also be a result of habitat loss. People
may have increased exposure to wild species when development puts them closer to a
species' range. Poisonous plants and fungi are likely to spread closer to people's homes
and schools. There are also increasing sightings of wild animals.
This can occur in many different ways. Indirectly, development can endanger species.
Other organisms may use some species, such as tropical forests fig trees, as a habitat.
Species that rely on tree habitats may become endangered as a result of tree destruction.
As a species' range expands, it's possible that habitat will be lost. Hundreds of square
kilometres are covered by many creatures.
Loss of Genetic Variation:
Genetic variety refers to the diversity found within a species. It's why people's hair might
be blond, red, brown, or black. Species can adapt to changes in the environment due to
genetic variation. In general, the larger a species' population, the greater its genetic
diversity.
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Natural selection can result in a drop in genetic variation. Cheetahs are an endangered
African and Asian species. There is virtually little genetic diversity among these large
cats. Cheetahs went through a long period of inbreeding during the previous ice age,
according to biologists.
As a result, there are very few genetic differences amongst cheetahs. Fewer cheetahs
reach maturity because they are unable to adapt to changes in the environment as
quickly as other animals. Cheetahs are also considerably harder to procreate in captivity
than other large cats like lions.
Many animal species have been decimated as a result of overhunting and overfishing. A
breeding pair consists of two adult individuals of the species that are not related and are
capable of producing healthy offspring. As the number of breeding couples diminishes,
genetic variation decreases.
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Endangered (EN) - IUCN Classification - Environment

An endangered species is an organism that is on the verge of extinction. It is a plant

What is IUCN Red List?

Criteria for Endangered Species

Protection of Endangered Species at National Level

Examples of Endangered Species

Species Become Endangered due to Two Tactors:

Loss of Genetic Variation:

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