An endangered animal is a type of organism that is threatened by extinction. Species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation. Plus, it is us, humans, who are the main cause for 99% of the endangered animal species. So, let’s dig deeper at some examples of animals that have been suffering from extinction, and why.
One of the reasons for endangered animals is loss of habitat. A loss of habitat can happen naturally or from human activity. As the years pass, the climate changes. Certain animals native to that area most likely adapt to the previous climate and are unable to adjust to the new climate. Resulting in the species being endangered and soon extinct.
Human activity can also contribute to a loss of habitat. Development for housing, industry, and agriculture reduces the habitat of native organisms. This can happen in a number of different ways. Development can eliminate habitat and native species directly or indirectly. Directly affecting the environment is like deforestation. Indirectly affecting the environment is cutting down trees that other species depend on. As trees are destroyed, habitat is lost, which also leads to them being endangered.