Why is saving endangered species important

Biodiversity loss has important implications for agriculture. M itigation of Floods Floodplains are ecosystems that border rivers subject to flooding.

Following excessive rains, flood waters flow over riverbanks and into these floodplain forests and wetlands. Some of the water is soaked up by the soil. P ollination of Crops and Natural Vegetation Many flowering plants rely on animals to help them mate by ensuring fertilization. Bees, butterflies, beetles, hummingbirds, bats, and other animals transport pollen, the male reproductive structures, from one plant to another, with enormous benefits to humanity.

In the U. C arbon Sequestration Carbon storage sequestration occurs in forests and soils primarily through the natural process of photosynthesis. The movement of carbon in and out of trees and soils is part of the Earth's global carbon cycle.

Forests and coral reefs contain massive carbon reservoirs, which significantly contribute to regulating the global climate. B uffering the Land against Ocean Storms Mangrove forest protect coastlines against Vegetated banks bind the soil, preventing erosion caused by wave and surface water flow.

P reservation of Soil Fertility Soils, with their active microbial and animal populations, have the capacity to supply adequate nutrients to plants in suitable proportions. Natural forest soil had a higher content of total nutrients and biomass. When deciding whether a species should be added to the Endangered Species List, the following criteria are evaluated: Has a large percentage of the species' vital habitat been degraded or destroyed? Has the species been over-consumed by commercial, recreational, scientific or educational uses?

Is the species threatened by disease or predation? Do current regulations or legislation inadequately protect the species? Are there other man-made factors threatening the long-term survival of the species? Species Protections Once a species becomes listed as "threatened" or "endangered," it receives special protections by the federal government. Endangered Species Day Endangered Species Day, which falls on the third Friday in May each year, is a day to celebrate endangered species success stories and learn about species still in danger.

Six Stories of Success Endangered Species. Read More. Donate Today. Sign a Petition. Donate Monthly. Nearby Events. All trick, no treat? The high price of harvesting cocoa for chocolate Read More. Learn More. The National Wildlife Federation Uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world. Join Ranger Rick Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities Learn More.

This is a staggering number by any measure, and even more alarming when one considers how much is already being done to try and bring these amazing plants and animals away from the brink of annihilation. Yet, despite the best efforts and intentions of some organizations, the problem is still getting worse. So why should you care?

Well, besides the obvious thought that no one should want to see any of these beautiful creatures gone forever, there are environmental impacts to consider. Whether plant or animal, many of the species on this list are an integral part of their respective ecosystems.

These systems can be delicate, especially as they are constantly being impacted by things like pollution and habitat destruction. In this case, we must not ask why these things matter, but what will happen if we continue to pretend that they do not.

Let us use the tiger as an example. Many subspecies of tiger have gone extinct over the past several centuries and most, if not all, the remaining subspecies are still at risk of extinction in some measure. They are hunted for their meat, their hide, and as pets. Their habitat has slowly disappeared thanks to logging, farming, and human population growth. Even climate change is having an adverse effect on these animals.