Did you know that some of your favourite animals might disappear forever if we don’t protect them? That’s why we celebrate National Endangered Species Day every year – to remember how important it is to take care of animals and plants that are in danger of going extinct. India, along with the rest of the world, has celebrated National Endangered Species Day on the third Friday of May every year since 2006. This year the National Endangered Species Day will be celebrated on May 16.
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History
National Endangered Species Day was started in 2006 by David Robinson and the Endangered Species Coalition in the US to help people learn about animals and plants that are in danger of disappearing forever.
Why is it celebrated?
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, forty percent of animals, insects and plants on this planet are at risk of extinction. The day is celebrated to raise awareness about endangered species-animals and plants that are at risk of extinction because of things like habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and hunting. It reminds us why it is important to protect these species and their homes to keep nature balanced and healthy for future generations.
How is it celebrated in India?
In India, National Endangered Species Day is observed with activities that teach people about the country’s endangered animals. Schools, wildlife groups, museums, and communities organise events such as workshops, online campaigns, and educational programs to spread awareness and encourage people to help protect these species.
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India’s Endangered Animals
Here are some important endangered species in India that you should know about:
- Bengal Tiger: India’s national animal, the Bengal tiger is critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
- Asiatic Lion: Found only in the Gir Forest of Gujarat, this lion is smaller than African lions and critically endangered.
- Snow Leopard: Lives in the Himalayan mountains and is endangered because of habitat loss and conflicts with humans.
- Red Panda: Looks like a mix of a cat and bear, lives in forests, and is threatened by deforestation and poaching.
- Great Indian Bustard: One of the heaviest flying birds, critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Blackbuck: A beautiful antelope endangered because of poaching and habitat loss.
- Gharial: A long crocodile found in rivers, endangered mainly due to polluted water.
- Pangolin: A unique ant-eating mammal poached for its scales and meat, critically endangered.
- One-horned Rhinoceros: Mostly found in northeastern India, vulnerable but recovering due to conservation.
- Nilgiri Tahr: A mountain goat living in the Western Ghats, endangered due to habitat loss and climate change.
- Indian Bison (Gaur): The largest wild cattle, threatened by poaching and habitat loss.
- Kashmiri Red Stag: Critically endangered deer species found in Dachigam National Park.
Word Check:
An endangered species is one that’s at serious risk of extinction — meaning it could disappear from the planet entirely. This can happen for several reasons:
- Habitat loss, such as deforestation and urban development
- Poaching and illegal trade
- Pollution, including plastic and chemical waste
- Climate change, which affects food sources and breeding cycles
- Invasive species introduced by human activity
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