ENDANGERED SPECIES

Endangered species It is in imminent danger of extinction throughout its range (where it lives). Endangered species of plants have been recorded to more than 500. In Pakistan Indus dolphin, Blackbuck, common leopard, Great Indian bustard, Houbara bustard, White-headed duck and Marbled teal are among the animal near to extinction. Threatened species It is likely to become endangered in the near future. Extinct Species It has been declared to be extinct from a locality .In Pakistan. Cheetah, tiger, Asian lion, Indian rhino, Cheer pheasant, Crocodile and Gavial have been declared extinct.

Cause of Extinction.

Fate of species.

Extinction has been the fate of most plant and animal species. It is a natural process of that will continue.

Habitat destruction.

In recent years, however, the threat to the welfare of wild plants and animals has increase dramatically— mostly as a result of habitat destruction. Tropical rain forests, the most threatened areas on the earth, have been reduced to 44% of their original extent.

Ecuador.

In certain areas, such as Ecuador, forest coverage has been reduced by 95%. This decrease in habitat has resulted in tens of thousands of extinctions.

Other habitats.

Habitats other that rain forest-grasslands, marshes, deserts, and coral reefs- are also being seriously threatened. Deserts, Submountainous tract and Wetlands are habitats in peril. We must protect them rapidly.

Other Causes.

Other causes of extinction include climate change, population, and invasions from foreign species. Estimation of Extinction Accurately estimating the number of extinctions is impossible in areas like rain forests, where taxonomists have not even described most species.

Effects of Extinction.

We are losing species that we do not know exist and we are losing resources that could lead to new medicines, foods, and textiles. Multifaceted conservation plan Main task. Saving species requires more that preserving a few remnant individuals is main task of this plan.

Requirement.

It requires a large diversity of genes within species groups to promote species survival in changing environments. This genetic diversity requires large populations of plants and animals.

Components.

Preservation of endangered species depends on a multifaceted conservation plan that includes the following components:

 A global system of national parks to protect large tracts of land and wildlife corridors that allows movement between natural areas.

 Protected landscapes and multiple-use areas that allow controlled private activity but also retain value as a wildlife habitat.

 Zoos and botanical gardens to save species whose extinction is imminent