ENDAGERED SPECIES

•  When an animal’s habitat, or living space, is destroyed by humans, the animal can become an endangered species. Endangered species are kinds of animals that could face extinction (all members of their species dying out) if something is not done to change the way that humans are interacting with them.   As human populations increase, more and more space is needed for people. Construction projects are pushing animals out of areas where generations of their ancestors have lived their whole lives.  Forest and swamp habitats are especially threatened. Trees are cut down for home and business construction projects, and swamps are filled in so that neighborhoods can expand as the number of people continues to increase in certain areas. To prevent the extinction of animals because of their loss of habitat, humans have to become more conscious of animals populations when considering building and expansion projects. Even if a different option may not be as convenient as using the land occupied by animals, but the survival of the animals needs to be taken into consideration, too. Better planning and an awareness of how human  actions affect animals populations can go a long way toward making sure  a diverse animal population will be here for future generations to enjoy.

• Another major cause of endangerment for animals is overhunting.  The practice of shooting animals as a sport, or to harvest a desired   resource from a certain animal can quickly bring the animal’s extinction.  This is a world-wide problem, so the governments of countries around the world must unite to agree on laws that control which animals people are allowed to hunt, and that prevent such hunting if animal population numbers drop too low.

• There is still hope for animals who are already on the endangered species list. Some organizations are working hard to recreate habitat for endangered animals, and start breeding programs to help animal populations increase. We all have to be aware and think before we act.  The things we do can affect more than just ourselves.

Name:__________________________________

Answer the following questions based on the reading passage.   Don’t   forget   to   go   back   to   the   passage whenever necessary to find or confirm your answers.

1) What would be the result if world-wide laws were passed to protect animal habitats?

 

2) Give an example of something that can be done to help keep endangered animals from becoming extinct.

3) What statement supports the idea that the author believes animals need to be protected?

4)    Why do you think hunting for sport can get out of control?

5)  Why might protecting animals be a difficult choice for some   people?