Project of Environmental Studies
Project Name
ENDANGERED SPECIES
Submitted By:
1.Hitendra Jeevanrao Jagtap (09CE5012 / B3 / 1)
2.Umesh Siddharth Tayade (09CE5014 / B3 / 15)
3.Bhushan Ramesh Vankudre (07CE1061 / B3 / 19)
4.Amol Chandramohan Wasaikar (09CE5011/ B3 / 23)
Under the guidance of
Prof. Mrs. Jyoti K. Joshi
Ramrao Adik Institute Of Technology,
D.Y. Patil Group, Nerul
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ENDANGERED SPECIES
An endangered species is a population of organisms which is at risk of
becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental
or predation parameters. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has
calculated the percentage of endangered species as 40 percent of all organisms based on the
sample of species that have been evaluated through 2006. Only a few of the many species at risk
of extinction actually make it to the lists and obtain legal protection. Many more species become
extinct, or potentially will become extinct, without gaining public notice.
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The wildlife of India is varied and one of the richest wildlife of the world. The wildlife of India
is having the several endangered species that are living critically in India that too in the verge of
extinction. The species are endangered as due to the reasons like:
they are few in number they are threatened by the environmental and climatic parameters
The endangered species of the Indian Wildlife are identified by the different international
organizations like World Wildlife Fund (WWF), International Union for Conservation of Nature
and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). There are many reasons
that have been on the verge of extinction in India. The reasons for it are:
1.the loss of the species in the biological entity
2.destabilization of an ecosystem
3.endangerment of other species
4.loss of irreplaceable genetic material and associated bio-chemicals
India is so varied and rich in the wildlife as it holds 400 species of mammals and 1200 species of
birds. To go on the Wildlife Safari is the best way to explore the natural flora and fauna of the
Indian Wildlife Sanctuary. There are about 80 National Park and 400 Wildlife Sanctuaries. The
National Parks in India are giving their best support in the conservation of these endangered
species such as Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian Elephants, Indian Rhinos, Siberian Crane, leopards
and lions. The list of endangered species are categorized into certain categories like: Critically
Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU) and Threatened. This classification of
animals is done by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
(IUCN) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in the year 2004.
There are many such unique variety of the animals that has been kept in the National Parks and
the Wildlife Sanctuaries. There are more than 350 species of mammals that inhabit in the
country. The species that ranges from Indian Elephants, Indian Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tigers
etc. As the endangered species are classified into four categories and they are Critically
Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable and Threatened.
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The animals who are listed under the Critically Endangered are as under:
Jenkin's Shrew
Malabar Large Spotted Civet
Namdapha Flying Squirrel
Pygmy Hog
Salim Ali's Fruit Bat
Sumatran Rhinoceros
Wroughton's Free Tailed Bat
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 animals
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.
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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
aroundin 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
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paucity of prey have led to its near extinction, but thanks to environmentalist who woke up to
this threat and took immediate measures forthe animal's survival.
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.
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.
Causes of Endangerment
When discussing the causes of endangerment, it is important to understand that individual
species are not the only factors involved in this dilemma. Endangerment is a broad issue, one that
involves the habitats and environments where species live and interact with one another.
Although some measures are being taken to help specific cases of endangerment, the universal
problem cannot be solved until humans protect the natural environments where endangered
species dwell.
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There are many reasons why a particular species may become endangered. Although these
factors can be analyzed and grouped, there are many causes that appear repeatedly. Below are
several factors leading to endangerment:
Habitat Destruction
Our planet is continually changing, causing habitats to be altered and modified. Natural changes
tend to occur at a gradual pace, usually causing only a slight impact on individual species.
However, when changes occur at a fast pace, there is little or no time for individual species to
react and adjust to new circumstances. This can create disastrous results, and for this reason,
rapid habitat loss is the primary cause of species endangerment. The strongest forces in rapid
habitat loss are human beings. Nearly every region of the earth has been affected by human
activity, particularly during this past century. The loss of microbes in soils that formerly
supported tropical forests, the extinction of fish and various aquatic species in polluted habitats,
and changes in global climate brought about by the release of greenhouse gases are all results of
human activity.
It can be difficult for an individual to recognize the effects that humans have had on specific
species. It is hard to identify or predict human effects on individual species and habitats,
especially during a human lifetime. But it is quite apparent that human activity has greatly
contributed to species endangerment. For example, although tropical forests may look as though
they are lush, they are actually highly susceptible to destruction. This is because the soils in
which they grow are lacking in nutrients. It may take Centuries to re-grow a forest that was cut
down by humans or destroyed by fire, and many of the world's severely threatened animals and
plants live in these forests. If the current rate of forest loss continues, huge quantities of plant and
animal species will disappear.
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Introduction of Exotic Species
Native species are those plants and animals that are part of a specific geographic area, and have
ordinarily been a part of that particular biological landscape for a lengthy period of time. They
are well adapted to their local environment and are accustomed to the presence of other native
species within the same general habitat. Exotic species, however, are interlopers. These species
are introduced into new environments by way of human activities, either intentionally or
accidentally. These interlopers are viewed by the native species as foreign elements. They may
cause no obvious problems and may eventual be considered as natural as any native species in
the habitat. However, exotic species may also seriously disrupt delicate ecological balances and
may produce a plethora of unintended yet harmful consequences.
The worst of these unintended yet harmful consequences arise when introduced exotic species
put native species in jeopardy by preying on them. This can alter the natural habitat and can
cause a greater competition for food. Species have been biologically introduced to environments
all over the world, and the most destructive effects have occurred on islands. Introduced insects,
rats, pigs, cats, and other foreign species have actually caused the endangerment and extinction
of hundreds of species during the past five centuries. Exotic species are certainly a factor leading
to endangerment.
Overexploitation
A species that faces overexploitation is one that may become severely endangered or even
extinct due to the rate in which the species is being used. Unrestricted whaling during the
20th century is an example of overexploitation, and the whaling industry brought many species of
whales to extremely low population sizes. When several whale species were nearly extinct, a
number of nations (including the United States) agreed to abide by an international moratorium
on whaling. Due to this moratorium, some whale species, such as the grey whale, have made
remarkable comebacks, while others remain threatened or endangered.
Due to the trade in animal parts, many species continue to suffer high rates of exploitation. Even
today, there are demands for items such as rhino horns and tiger bones in several areas of Asia. It
is here that there exists a strong market for traditional medicines made from these animal parts.
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More Factors
Disease, pollution, and limited distribution are more factors that threaten various plant and
animal species. If a species does not have the natural genetic protection against particular
pathogens, an introduced disease can have severe effects on that specie. For example, rabies and
canine distemper viruses are presently destroying carnivore populations in East Africa. Domestic
animals often transmit the diseases that affect wild populations, demonstrating again how human
activities lie at the root of most causes of endangerment. Pollution has seriously affected multiple
terrestrial and aquatic species, and limited distributions are frequently a consequence of other
threats; populations confined to few small areas due to of habitat loss, for example, may be
disastrously affected by random factors.
Why Save Endangered Species?
Plants and animals hold medicinal, agricultural, ecological, commercial and
aesthetic/recreational value. Endangered species must be protected and saved so that future
generations can experience their presence and value.
Medicinal
Plants and animals are responsible for a variety of useful medications. In fact, about forty percent
of all prescriptions written today are composed from the natural compounds of different species.
These species not only save lives, but they contribute to a prospering pharmaceutical industry
worth over $40 billion annually. Unfortunately, only 5% of known plant species have been
screened for their medicinal values, although we continue to lose up to 100 species daily.
The Pacific yew, a slow-growing tree found in the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest, was
historically considered a "trash" tree (it was burned after clearcutting). However, a substance in
its bark taxol was recently identified as one of the most promising treatments for ovarian and
breast cancer.
Additionally, more than 3 million American heart disease sufferers would perish within 72 hours
of a heart attack without digitalis, a drug derived from the purple foxglove.
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Agricultural
There are an estimated 80,000 edible plants in the world. Humans depend upon only 20 species
of these plants, such as wheat and corn, to provide 90% of the world's food. Wild relatives of
these common crops contain essential disease-resistant material. They also provide humans with
the means to develop new crops that can grow in inadequate lands such as in poor soils or
drought-stricken areas to help solve the world hunger problem. In the 1970s, genetic material
from a wild corn species in Mexico was used to stop a leaf fungus that had previously wiped out
15% of the U.S. corn crop.
Ecological
Plant and animal species are the foundation of healthy ecosystems. Humans depend on
ecosystems such as coastal estuaries, prairie grasslands, and ancient forests to purify their air,
clean their water, and supply them with food. When species become endangered, it is an
indicator that the health of these vital ecosystems is beginning to unravel. The U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service estimates that losing one plant species can trigger the loss of up to 30 other
insect, plant and higher animal species.
The northern spotted owl, listed as threatened in 1990, is an indicator of the declining health of
the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest. These forests are the home to over 100 other old-
growth dependent species, which are at risk due to decades of unsustainable forest management
practices.
Pollution off the coast of Florida is killing the coral reefs along the Florida Keys, which serve as
habitat for hundreds of species of fish. Commercial fish species have begun to decline, causing a
threat to the multi-million dollar tourism industry, which depends on the quality of the
environment.
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THE PLIGHT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES
There are now 41,415 species on the IUCN Red List and 16,306 of them are threatened with
extinction, up from 16,118 last year. This includes both endangered animals and endangered
plants.
One in four mammals, one in eight birds, one third of all amphibians and 70% of the world’s
assessed plants on the 2007 IUCN Red List are in jeopardy. The total number of extinct species
has reached 785 and a further 65 are only found in captivity or in cultivation. In the last 500
years, human activity has forced over 800 species into extinction.
For every species that is alive today, perhaps a thousand more have lived previously and become
extinct. Most of these extinctions occurred before humans evolved, and the species are known to
us only through fossils. Extinctions are a natural part of evolutionary processes, but through most
of the history of life on Earth, biological diversity has been increasing.
Periodically, however, major changes in the conditions on Earth have caused the collapse of
living systems, and large percentages of species a have become extinct. These species will never
return. It takes millions of years for life forms to diversify again.
The current extinction crisis is unique, in that the loss of biodiversity is occurring very rapidly,
and the causes of the crisis are the activities of a single species: human beings. Some scientists
believe the current crisis began when humans and their domestic animals first began to colonize
the various parts of the globe.
Others believe it began around 1600, when human population growth exploded, and the level of
per capita resource consumption began to rise dramatically in some parts of the world.
Of the species that are best known, the so-called "higher animals," more than one percent have
become extinct in the last 400 years and the overwhelming majority of these extinctions
are anthropogenic. Many more species are in danger of becoming extinct if we do not act quickly
to conserve them.
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Conclusion:
"This we know: the earth does not belong to man,
man belongs to the earth. All things are connected
like the blood that unites us all
Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it
Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself."
Source:
www.wikipedia.com
www.endangeredspecies.org
www.indianwildspecies.org
www.incredibleindia.com
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