Endangered Species Day 2024: History, significance, and theme
Every year on the third Friday of May, Endangered Species Day is observed. It's a global event committed to raising awareness about endangered species' plight and the urgent need for conservation. This year the day falls on May 17, 2024, and the theme is "Celebrate Saving Species." It's an opportunity to contemplate the significance of biodiversity and each species' vital role in the ecosystem.
The evolution and impact of Endangered Species Day
Created and founded by David Robinson and the Endangered Species Coalition in 2006, this global day of action and celebration has continued annually. Since its inception, Endangered Species Day has evolved into a worldwide event, mobilizing wildlife refuges, museums, community groups, gardens, schools, libraries, non-profits, and individuals across the globe to take action in support of endangered species.
What are endangered species?
Since life began on Earth, numerous creatures have gone extinct due to changing physical and biological environmental conditions. While natural extinctions are historical, scientific evidence suggests the current species extinction rate surpasses the natural background rate. An endangered species is an organism threatened by extinction due to two main factors: habitat loss and genetic variation loss.
Raising awareness and uniting against extinction
Endangered Species Day is an important event shedding light on the risk factors behind species getting endangered. It raises awareness about the environmental consequences of human activities, a major contributor to animal habitat loss and subsequent species endangerment. The day aims to unite people in mitigating reckless human actions that exacerbate the vulnerability of animals.
Endangered Species Day activities
Supporting conservation organizations through donations or volunteering and adopting sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact are impactful ways individuals can contribute to wildlife conservation efforts. Educating and advocating for endangered species protection and participating in citizen science projects further enhance these efforts. By taking these actions, individuals play a vital role in safeguarding the planet's biodiversity and preserving habitats for future generations.
Endangered species in India
India is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, yet it also grapples with the challenge of endangered species. The Asiatic lion, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, Bengal tiger, snow leopard, one-horned rhinoceros, blackbuck, resplendent tree frog, Kashmiri red stag, Indian bison (gaur), and Namdapha fying squirrel are among the endangered species in India.
