Endangered Species Day

17TH ANNUAL ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY: May 20th, 2022

The status endangered is given to species that are considered at high risk for extinction in the wild. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is a comprehensive assessment of the species that are at risk of extinction. Assessments for their conservation status are based on their population size, habitat, range, ecology, threats, and conservation actions. These assessments are vital for scientists, governments, and organizations to identify the species and habitats that are most at risk. As biodiversity levels continue to decrease, these assessments can guide conservation projects toward critical locations.

What are the threats to biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the variety of living things on earth. Scientists can study biodiversity at different levels focusing on specific ecosystems or they can compile data on a whole continent. These assessments can help scientists understand the health and complexity of an ecosystem based on the number of species found in a habitat. Biodiversity is currently under threat from many different factors. The easiest way to remember the different threats that face biodiversity is with the acronym H.I.P.P.O.

Understanding the threats to biodiversity can help citizens participate in conservation in their everyday lives. Using the Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Conservation PACTS is a great way to get involved in helping endangered animals. Listed below are five easy ways to get involved in conservation and help protect biodiversity from the threats that it faces.

Habitat Loss -Support farming and agriculture practices that protect native habitats and prevent habitat loss.
- Find alternative food and drink products that protect vital habitats. Purchase Bird Friendly Coffee items to help protect rainforest habitats in South America. To learn more about bird-friendly coffee, visit our Bird Friendly Coffee page. To purchase bird-friendly coffee, visit our online shop.
Invasive Species – Plant native backyard habitats at your house to promote native species over invasive species. These habitats can help native plants thrive and provide a haven for many important pollinator species and native birds.
- To find native plants that will work best for your location, visit Edge of The Woods and Plants for Birds.
Pollution – Know Plastics! Participate in the Lehigh Valley Zoo’s #KNOWPLASTICS campaign to help eliminate single-use plastics.
Human Population – When everyone works together to lower their carbon footprint, it can decrease the impact humans have on biodiversity. Some easy ways to lower your carbon footprint are: carpooling, shopping for local produce, using reusable/renewable products, and buying clothes secondhand.
Overharvesting – Opt for renewable and sustainable resource options when possible.

60% of Pennsylvania is covered by trees. This provides vital habitat for many of the species in the state. Even with large areas for native animals to live, there are over 20 species considered endangered in Pennsylvania. Do you know any of the endangered species here in Pennsylvania? Scroll down to find five species endangered in Pennsylvania. See the full list on the PA Game Commission Website.

Celebrate Endangered Species Day at home this year by taking a nature walk to learn about the native plants and animals that live right in your backyard. To help you identify the plants and animals in your backyard, consider downloading some of the apps below as identification tools for your walk.