Endangered Species Endangered Species any plant or animal

Endangered Species

Endangered Species • any plant or animal whose chance of survival and reproduction are in immediate jeopardy • those species facing extinction throughout all or a significant part of its range

Endangered Species • 1951 species listed – 578 animals in the U. S. – 796 plants in the U. S. • Many others proposed for listing

Threatened Species • likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future

5 Main Factors Why Species Become Endangered 1) Natural Causes - extinction recognized as natural biological process - overspecialization - competition - sudden climate change - catastrophic events i. e. earthquakes, volcanic eruptions

5 Main Factors Why Species Become Endangered 2) Hunting - unwise and unregulated hunting (Poaching) ex. Passenger pigeons - non-target species - hunting - trapping - poisoning - exceptional trophy species or species of commercial value ex. Spotted cats, rhinos

5 Main Factors Why Species Become Endangered 3) Introduced Predators - native species not adapted to cope with such a new and often devastating component of their environment ex. Mongooses in Hawaii

5 Main Factors Why Species Become Endangered 4) Non-Predatory Exotics - out compete native species for resources - population explosions due to no natural predators ex. Zebra mussels - introduce new diseases

5 Main Factors Why Species Become Endangered 5) Habitat Modification - habitat destruction and disturbance are the ultimate destroyers of wildlife - humans prime cause since 1600 - drainage alteration - agricultural - deforestation

Characteristics of Species Likely to Become Endangered • narrow habitat requirements or restricted distribution ex. Kirtland’s Warbler

Characteristics of Species Likely to Become Endangered • economic importance, especially those crossing national boundaries or living in international territories ex. Atlantic salmon

Characteristics of Species Likely to Become Endangered • species of large size, especially predators, or those intolerant of humans ex. Grizzly bears

Characteristics of Species Likely to Become Endangered • species that have limited number of offspring per breeding, have long gestation/incubation periods or require extensive parental care ex. Mountain gorilla

Characteristics of Species Likely to Become Endangered • species with highly specialized physical, behavioral, or physiological adaptations or high genetic vulnerability ex. Red wolf, Giant Panda

Protection Of Species 1966 Endangered Species Act – determine wildlife facing extinction in the United States – sponsored research on those species – authorized acquisition of land • formalized the National Wildlife Refuge to protect endangered species

Protection Of Species 1973 Endangered Species Act (ESA) – extended coverage to plants – recognized endangered species as valuable components of the ecosystem – recognized separate populations and subspecies – prohibits the killing, harming, or in any way “taking” endangered or threatened species