Endangered Species Day

Endangered Species Day is celebrated on the third Friday of May and this year it is May 17th 2024. Endangered Species Day was established by Congress in 2006. Spearheading the movement, was the National Wildlife Federation. The goal of this day is to raise awareness and highlight the significance of protecting and restoring endangered species.

An endangered species is defined by an organism that is under the threat of extinction. Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the species is considered endangered if it meets one or more of the following criteria:

• the species is threatened by predation or disease
• the species has been over-consumed or over hunted for human use
• the majority of the species habitat been destroyed
• there is inadequate protections in place for the species
• there are other man-made factors threatening the species long term survival

The protection of endangered species is a crucial aspect of environmental conservation. When a species is identified as endangered, it signifies that the population of that particular species is at risk of extinction. Therefore, legal measures are put in place to safeguard these vulnerable creatures from human interference. These measures are comprehensive and encompass various activities that could potentially harm the species or further endanger its survival. Once a species becomes listed as endangered, it becomes illegal to interfere with the species in any way including but not limited to, harassing, harming, shooting, killing, collecting, or pursuing the species.

There are many ways top celebrate Endangered Species Day. One way to get involved is to participate in local events or activities organized by conservation groups, where you can learn more about endangered species and the importance of protecting their habitats. The National Wildlife Federation has resources on their website to find an event near you. You could also consider making a donation to a reputable wildlife conservation organization, or even symbolically adopting an endangered animal to support its care and protection. Another way to mark the occasion is to spread awareness through social media or by organizing your own event, such as a nature walk or a community cleanup focused on preserving local ecosystems. Engaging in educational activities, such as reading and sharing articles about endangered species, or watching documentaries that highlight conservation efforts, can also help raise awareness and promote understanding of the challenges facing these animals. If you have a green thumb, you might even plant native species in your garden to provide habitat and food for local endangered wildlife. By taking action in any of these ways, you can contribute to the conservation of endangered species and help ensure a brighter future for our planet’s incredible biodiversity.