This document discusses endangered species and defines key related terms. It notes that endangered species indicate environmental problems and their protection could benefit both wildlife and humanity. Several factors are listed that can cause a species to become endangered, such as habitat loss, hunting, pollution, disease, and competition from other species. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 aims to protect disappearing plants and animals in the US and elsewhere. Individual actions are suggested that may help endangered wildlife, such as learning about local species, volunteering, and avoiding purchasing illegal or unsustainably-sourced goods.

2. Endangered Means There’s Still Time Endangered species are like fire alarms. They tell us about problems in our home we call Earth. If we listen to their alarm calls, they could help us improve our lives and the health of our planet.

3. Definitions Endangered A species of plant or animal that is in immediate danger of becoming extinct and needs protection to survive.

5. Endangered Gray wolves are endangered in most of the lower 48 states.

6. Ways That Species Become Endangered Habitat loss Unregulated or illegal killing or collection Pesticides, pollution Competition with other species Disease Predation

7. Definitions Habitat The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.

8. Habitat It is because of habitat loss that prairie dogs are threatened.

9. Habitat Humans have developed more wild land Prairie dogs were considered pests by the settlers Thousands of prairie dog towns were killed off

10. Habitat Because of hunting there are less than 12,000 blue whales left worldwide. Blue Whale

11. Habitat Farmers use dangerous pesticides called DDT, causing bald eagles to begin laying eggs with shells so thin they often break. Bald Eagle

12. Endangered Means There’s Still Time An endangered species is one that is getting close to extinction if we don't help. Otter

13. Definitions Extinct A species of plant or animal that is no longer living. Dodo Bird

14. What other animals can you think about that are extinct?

15. Endangered Means There’s Still Time All living things are connected to each other including humans.

16. Endangered Means There’s Still Time Endangered species show us that our world may not be as healthy as we think.

17. In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was passed by our government to protect disappearing plants and animals.

18. More than 900 species of plants and animals in the U.S., and more than 530 species living in other parts of the world, are protected by the Endangered Species Act.

19. According to the Act, it is illegal to import, export, or sell animals and plants on the list across state lines.

20. What can you do to help endangered species?

21. Learn as much as you can about endangered species in your area Visit a nearby national wildlife refuge or nature center Volunteer to help Don’t buy species illegally taken from the wild Don’t buy products made from threatened or endangered species.

22. The most hope for endangered species lies in the hands of young people like you who care enough to make a difference.