The world is home to thousands of species of animals, but many of them are currently facing the threat of extinction. Here are five endangered animals you should know about and what you can do to help protect them.
1. African Elephants
African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, but they are also one of the most endangered. Their populations have declined by as much as 30% over the past few decades, mainly due to habitat loss and poaching for their ivory tusks. You can help protect African elephants by supporting conservation organizations and avoiding products made from ivory.
2. Giant Pandas
Giant pandas are one of the most beloved animals in the world, but they are also one of the most endangered. Their habitat in China's bamboo forests has been destroyed by human development, and there are only around 1,800 giant pandas left in the wild. You can help protect giant pandas by supporting conservation organizations and avoiding products made from their fur.
3. Leatherback Turtles
Leatherback turtles are the largest of all sea turtles and have survived for over 100 million years, but they are now facing the threat of extinction due to human activities such as pollution and overfishing. You can help protect leatherback turtles by supporting conservation organizations and reducing your use of plastic products.
4. Snow Leopards
Snow leopards are one of the most elusive big cats on Earth, and their populations have been declining due to habitat loss and poaching. There are estimated to be only around 4,000 snow leopards left in the wild. You can help protect snow leopards by supporting conservation organizations and avoiding products made from their fur.
5. Vaquita Porpoises
Vaquita porpoises are the world's most endangered marine mammal, with only around 10 left in the wild. They are found only in a small area of the Gulf of California and are threatened by illegal fishing practices. You can help protect vaquita porpoises by supporting conservation organizations and avoiding seafood caught using gillnets.