The issue of endangered species has been a topic of discussion for quite a while. This is a problem that can be corrected, but many people don't know or don't care about it.
The subject needs to be treated more seriously. People need to know about the causes of endangerment and why it is vital that these causes be corrected.
An endangered species is an animal or other organism that risks extinction either because of its declining population or because it is threatened by environmental or predation changes.
Currently, scientists have named and classified approximately 1.7 million species. The natural rate of extinction is estimated to be at least one species every 100 years. This includes birds, fish, insects, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates and even plants.
It's important to note that there is a difference between threatened and endangered species. Threatened species are ones that are likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant part of their range.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's annual Red List of Threatened Species, approximately 16,300 plants and animals were at risk of extinction in 2007. Data from the group also shows that 231 species that once existed in the U.S. are now extinct.
There are several things that can cause species to become extinct. The primary cause is rapid habitat loss, which is caused mainly by humans.
Introducing exotic species into an environment, whether intentionally or by accident, can also contribute to extinction. As those species interact with an area's native species, there is the risk that harmful consequences can occur.
Overexploitation is another factor. For instance, when whaling was unrestricted during the 20th century, a number of whale species saw their populations drop to dangerous lows.
Nitro High School junior Jessica Stidham says she believes that humans are, in fact, the main factor contributing to the endangerment and extinction of animals.
"I think that one of the biggest causes -- if not the biggest -- that they are endangered in the first place is because of us humans," she said. "We exploit them, disturb them and in some cases even destroy their habitats.
"In order to try to save them, we need to stop. We need to protect them and their habitats."
When species become extinct, that can upset the balance of various ecosystems. Protecting these endangered species is the only way to save them.