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NATIONAL ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY

4 min. read
April 7, 2014 7:02 pm CDT

NATIONAL ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY | THIRD FRIDAY IN MAY

Each May as the third Friday comes along we celebrate National Endangered Species Day. An opportunity to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species.

#EndangeredSpeciesDay

An endangered species is an animal or plant at serious risk of extinction. There are many reasons why that contribute to extinction:

  • Climate change;

  • Natural disasters;

  • Pollution;

  • Human encroachment;

  • Genetics;

  • Poor reproduction; and

  • Population decline resulting from an increase in natural predators.

The Endangered Species Act guides how to conserve and protect threatened species and their habitats domestically and abroad.

The Act is administered by two federal agencies, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The FWS maintains a list of all the endangered species, which includes birds, insects, fish, reptiles, mammals, crustaceans, flowers, grasses, and trees. In late 2019, President Trump announced a major overhaul to the law that would reduce regulations. Because of this, it’s more important than ever to support the ESA.

National Endangered Species Day encourages learning about wildlife habitats and the actions necessary to protect them. Protecting critically imperiled species from extinction is important to our ecosystems.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY

Every year you can participate with thousands of others at learning events hosted by wildlife refuges, zoos, parks, community centers, aquariums, botanical gardens, libraries, and schools.

One such opportunity to participate in 2024 is Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary!

Designated as the Official Destination for National Endangered Species Day, Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary is honored to announce its participation with Neal Portnoy's "Where Art Advocates for Survival."

Art enthusiasts and wildlife advocates can join us at Portnoy Gallery in Las Vegas during the unveiling of a captivating new series by the talented artist Neal Portnoy – "The Endangered Series Collection."

Tickets to this exclusive show are minimal. Early ticket purchase is strongly recommended.

This is more than an event; it is an opportunity to be part of a moment that will echo the efforts to safeguard our natural world.

For more information about the event and to secure your tickets, please visit Where Art Advocates for Survival Exhibition and Fundraiser.

The 50th anniversary of the Federal Endangered Species Act was observed in 2023.

Year-Round Participation and Observation Opportunity

  • Attend a lecture or seminar by a conservation group.

  • Visit a zoo.

  • Learn more about endangered species.

  • Donate to an endangered species organization.

  • Hold a fundraiser.

  • Don’t buy illegal wildlife products, such as ivory.

  • Avoid unsustainable food products, such as palm oil.

  • Donate to a conservation group or wildlife organization.

  • Educate yourself on endangered species.

  • Learn more about the Endangered Species Act.

Use #EndangeredSpeciesDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY HISTORY

Passed with bipartisan support, President Richard Nixon signed the Federal Endangered Species Act into law on December 28, 1973.

The longer the amount of time a species remains listed, the more it becomes likely to recover. Here are some listed species today:

Endangered animals:

  • Javan Rhinoceros (an estimate of 67 left).

  • Mountain Gorilla (an estimate of 1100 left).

  • Asian Elephant

  • Sumatran Orangutans (an estimate of about 7,500 left).

  • Snow Leopards (less than 4,000 left).

Endangered plants:

  • Western Underground Orchid (Australia, less than 50 left).

  • Philippine Pitcher plant (Philippines, less than 200 left).

  • Jellyfish tree around (Seychelles, about 100 mature plants left).

  • Corpse flower (Indonesia, around 1,000 left).

  • Wood's cycad (South Africa, around 300 left).