Half of the world’s species could face extinction by the end of the century, putting us on course towards a mass extinction in less than 100 years. Act now on Endangered Species Day.
How many endangered species are there? While it’s difficult to know, the IUCN states there are 44,000 species currently threatened with extinction, with nearly 10,000 species listed as critically endangered and 67 that may already be extinct in the wild.
How fast is extinction happening? 10,000 times the natural rate!
How many species go extinct every year? Every year, 100,000 species could go extinct. If we break this down, that’s 1 every 5 minutes.
What are the biggest drivers of species loss? Exploitation, habitat loss, and climate change are the biggest threats to biodiversity today.
What species group is most threatened by extinction? Amphibians face the greatest threat, with 41% of the species at risk. Sadly, this group doesn’t receive as much funding for conservation efforts as other endangered species.
What other animals could go extinct in less than 50 years? Polar bears, chimpanzees, elephants, snow leopards, tigers, mountain gorillas, orangutans, rhinos, koalas, and so many more.
What about plant species? Sadly, 30% of the world’s trees are at risk, with over 400 tree species on the brink of extinction.
Does conservation work? Yes, conservationists have documented numerous success stories where concerted conservation efforts have led to the recovery of endangered species, including bald eagles, humpback whales, coral reefs in the Red Sea, grey wolves, and giant pandas.
How can you help save endangered species? The best way to save at-risk species is to set up a monthly donation through VAKOVAKO. By setting up a monthly donation, you’ll maximize your contributions and impact to conservation efforts.
