Meaning

Endangered Species: species of all types that are at high risk for extinction due to low rate of evolution, natural selection, or adaptation

Risk Factors

• K-selected Species

  • Not adapted to unstable environmental changes

  • Lower population growth rate

  • Fewer larger offspring

  • Later reproductive stage

• Too Specialized

  • Specific habitat, climate zone, biome (latitude)

  • Specific food source

• Endemic

  • Diseases that are particularly found in a defined region within a specific plant or animal species

Why are Species Becoming Endangered?

HIPPCO

• Habitat Destruction

• Invasive Species

• Population Size (increasing human population)

• Pollution

• Climate Change

• Overexploitation (hunting, fishing)

Importance of Endangered Species

• Add to biodiversity

• Key species in their respective food webs

• May be an indicator species

• Community keystone or foundational species

How to Save Endangered Species

• Habitat protection - preservations

• Legislation and enforcement

• Sanctioned breeding programs (captive breeding)

• Education and knowledge