Question

Why are more and more species of animals becoming endangered?

Answer 1

Hint: A species of animal that is seriously at risk of extinction in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction are called endangered species.

Complete Answer:
The species become endangered for 3 main reasons given below :
1. Habitat loss:
- The degradation of many habitats by pollution threatens the survival of many species. Pollution may reduce and eliminate populations of sensitive species.
- For example, pesticides linked to the decline of fish-eating birds and falcons.
- Large habitat is broken due to various human activities like human settlements, industrialisation, digging of canals etc.
- Animals requiring large territories (e.g. mammals, birds) and some animals with migrating habitats declined.

2. Over-exploitation:
- Overexploitation of a particular species of biological system reduces the size of its population to an extent that it becomes vulnerable to extinction.
- For Example, marine fishes are likely to become endangered because marine fish populations are being overharvested.

3. Genetic variations:
- It occurs naturally or by human activity among individuals of the species and also allows to adapt the change with respect to the environment.
- Low genetic variation may increase the change of extinction.
- For example, overhunting reduces the population of breeding pairs which are fewer in number.

Note: The various ways by which we can conserve endangered species are,
- Poaching and hunting of animals should be banned.
- Deforestation should be banned.
- Wildlife habitats must be protected.
- More and more national parks, zoos, sanctuaries must be constructed.
- Afforestation must be promoted.