Endangered SpeciesFourth Grade

GPS S4L2b

Endangered - Any species that is in danger of becoming extinct and needs protection in order to survive.

Threatened - Any species that is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future if it is not protected.

Extinct - A species that is no longer living.

Definitions

Habitat Destruction

Pollution

Hunting

Invasive Species

Human Contributions

Probably the most important factor that contributes to species endangerment.

Many animals depend on forests, wetlands, and other environmental factors for food, shelter, and protection.

Some ways that humans use land and the environment can be very harmful to many animals.

Habitat Destruction

Animals affected by habitat destruction include:

Back to Human Contributions

Habitat Destruction

Panda Mountain Gorilla

Lemur

Pollution can damage an animal’s habitat. It can also cause animals to become very sick, or even kill them.

Pollution come from many different sources, including: cars, pesticides, and fertilizers.

Animals that are not directly exposed are also affected by pollution because depend on affected animals for food.

Pollution

Animals affected by pollution include:

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Pollution

California Condor

HawksbillTurtle

Some humans hunt animals for food, while other hunt animals as a sport.

Some animals are hunted because they have certain characteristics that humans consider valuable, such as their fur or hide.

Hunting

Animals affected by hunting include:

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Hunting

Elephant Python Snow Leopard

A plant or animal that is introduced to a new environment that is not considered to be its natural environment.

Humans have intentionally and unintentionally introduced invasive species into new environments.

Invasive species threaten native plants and animals, as well as human activity.

Invasive Species

Types of invasive species:

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Invasive Species

Feral Pig Ship Rat European Rabbit

We must do our part in protecting endangered species.

What can you do to help?

Protection