It's a tragedy that a large number of animal species have disappeared from the planet. Their extinction strips the Earth of its biodiversity and disturbs the delicate balance of several ecosystems. Sadly, this is an ongoing occurrence.

Endangered species, as defined by the Endangered Species Act (ESA), are those in danger of extinction in all or part of their range. These species may be in peril due to factors like over hunting or habitat destruction. A species may be classified as endangered when their population decreases by 50-70% or when fewer than 250 mature individuals remain.

In 2021, 41,415 species were listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List, with 16,306 labeled as endangered.The number of threatened mammals increased 21% between 2007 and 2020, with 1 in 4 mammals in danger.; humans are responsible for 99% of endangered species; the current extinction rate is 1000-10,000 times higher than the natural rate; and there are over 9000 species classified as critically endangered. Average population sizes of monitored mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians have decreased 68% since 1970; in certain parts of the world, the average is much higher, with Latin America and the Caribbean seeing a decline of 94%. Every 22 hours, a rhino is killed in South Africa, and 200-2000 extinctions occur annually -

Ways to conserve biodiversity include: legislation, nature preserves, reducing invasive species, habitat restoration, captive breeding and seed banks, research, minimizing climate change, and choosing sustainable products. It is vital to be cognizant of the state of threatened and endangered species. When apprised of their situation, we are empowered to stand up for them and best ensure their conservation through judicious use of resources. Show your support for the endangered species with this eco-freindly black hoodie made with organic and recycled materials.