Last Updated on June 15, 2024 by Rojgar Buddy Team

In our natural world, many animals and plants face challenges that put their survival at risk. Governments and conservationists use specific terms to describe how much danger a species is in. Two important terms are “endangered” and “threatened.” While these words might seem similar, they have distinct meanings that help us understand how close species are to disappearing forever.

What Does “Endangered” Mean?

When we say a species is endangered, we mean that it is in serious danger of becoming extinct. Extinction means that there are no more of those plants or animals left anywhere on Earth. This is a very serious situation. Species can become endangered for many reasons:

1. Habitat Loss: This is when the places where animals and plants live are destroyed. For example, forests might be cut down, wetlands drained, or coral reefs damaged.
2. Pollution: Sometimes, chemicals or waste from human activities can harm animals and plants. This pollution can make it hard for them to survive.
3. Overhunting or Overfishing: When people hunt or fish too many animals, it can make it hard for those species to survive. They might not be able to reproduce fast enough to replace the ones that were taken.
4. Climate Change: As our planet warms, it can change habitats and make it hard for some species to survive. For example, polar bears need ice to hunt seals, but if the ice melts too quickly, they can’t find enough food.

When a species is classified as endangered, governments and conservation organizations work hard to protect them. They might make laws to stop people from hunting them or destroying their habitats. They might also try to help them reproduce more so that their populations can grow again.

What Does “Threatened” Mean?

A species that is threatened is also at risk, but the risk is not as severe as for endangered species. It’s like a warning sign that says, “If we don’t do something, this species could become endangered soon.”

Species can be threatened for many of the same reasons as endangered species. The difference lies in how urgent the situation is. For example, a species might be threatened if its habitat is being destroyed but it still has enough members left to survive for now.

When a species is classified as threatened, governments and conservationists also take action. They want to prevent the species from becoming endangered. They might create protected areas where the species can live safely. They might also educate people about why it’s important to protect these species and their habitats.

How Do Scientists Decide If a Species Is Endangered or Threatened?

Scientists who study animals and plants use a lot of information to decide how much danger a species is in. Here are some of the things they look at:

1. Population Size: How many of these animals or plants are there? If there aren’t many left, they might be endangered.
2. Habitat Range: Where do these species live? If they only live in one small place, they might be more at risk.
3. Reproduction Rate: How quickly can these species have babies? If they reproduce slowly, it can be harder for their populations to grow again.
4. Threats: What is causing problems for these species? If the threats are serious and happening quickly, the species might be in more danger.
5. Conservation Efforts: Have people already started to help these species? If so, are those efforts working?

By studying all of these things, scientists can make educated guesses about how much danger a species is in. They can then decide if it should be classified as endangered or threatened.

Examples of Endangered and Threatened Species

Let’s look at some real examples to understand the difference better:

1. Giant Panda (Endangered): Giant pandas are endangered because their bamboo forests are being cut down for timber and farming. There are only about 1,800 giant pandas left in the wild.

2. African Elephant (Threatened): African elephants are threatened because they are often hunted for their tusks (ivory). However, there are still several hundred thousand African elephants left, so they are not yet endangered.

3. Leatherback Sea Turtle (Endangered): Leatherback sea turtles are endangered because they often get caught in fishing nets and their nesting beaches are disappearing due to coastal development.

4. Snow Leopard (Endangered): Snow leopards are endangered due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. There are estimated to be only around 4,000 to 6,500 snow leopards left in the wild.

5. Blue Whale (Endangered): Blue whales are endangered due to decades of commercial whaling that drastically reduced their population. Although whaling is mostly banned now, their numbers have not yet recovered fully.

In each of these cases, scientists and conservationists are working hard to protect these species. They use laws, education, and conservation projects to try to help them survive.

Why Does It Matter?

You might wonder why it’s important to protect endangered and threatened species. Here are some reasons:

1. Biodiversity: All living things are connected. If one species disappears, it can affect many other species too. This is called biodiversity.
2. Ecosystems: Animals and plants help keep our planet healthy. For example, bees help pollinate flowers, which helps plants grow.
3. Medicine: Some plants and animals have chemicals in them that can help us make medicines.
4. Economics: Protecting species can also be good for our economy. For example, tourists might come to see endangered species, which can create jobs and bring money to local communities.

By understanding the differences between endangered and threatened species, we can work together to protect them. Governments, scientists, and people all over the world are trying to make sure that future generations can enjoy the incredible diversity of life on Earth. It’s a big job, but by working together, we can make a difference.

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