Preserving Our Natural Heritage: National Endangered Species Day 2023 Shines a Spotlight on Conservation

In 2006, David Robinson and the Endangered Species Coalition collaborated to establish a significant event, which has been celebrated consistently ever since. This occasion, known as National Endangered Species Day, takes place annually on the third Friday of May. This year, on May 19, we will commemorate the 18th occurrence of this special day. 

Various entities such as wildlife refuges, zoos, aquariums, gardens, schools, libraries, museums, community groups, nonprofits, and individuals come together to organize exclusive programs and events suitable for individuals of all ages. These activities aim to raise awareness and promote engagement with endangered species. It is heartening to witness the global participation of people from diverse corners of the world in these events and others like them.

National Endangered Species Day 2023 Theme

Each year, National Endangered Species Day unveils a fresh theme that revolves around the promotion of environmental and wildlife conservation. For the year 2023, the chosen theme is "Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act!" This theme aims to commemorate the milestone achievements of the Endangered Species Act and highlight the critical importance of its continued success in safeguarding endangered species and their habitats.

What are endangered species?

Throughout the existence of life on Earth, various creatures have come and gone, succumbing to the ever-changing environmental conditions. Extinctions are a natural part of the world's processes, but alarming evidence suggests that the current rate of species extinction far exceeds historical norms. This raises significant concerns that warrant our attention and reflection.
Endangered species, in this context, refer to those species facing a high risk of extinction. They experience a sharp decline in population or the loss of their vital habitats. Endangered species encompass both plants and animals, representing those that are on the brink of vanishing from our planet.

List of India's endangered species

Over the past 50 years, human population growth, development, and deforestation have led to the loss of wildlife habitat and food sources. The sixth mass extinction event is underway, with over 500 terrestrial animal species on the verge of extinction within two decades. In India, a densely populated country experiencing rapid human activity and land development, numerous endangered species urgently need protection.

1. Bengal Tiger

India is home to 70% of the world's Bengal tiger population, which accounts for over half of all tigers. Despite their adaptability to various environments, Bengal tigers have faced a decline in numbers. Factors such as poaching, trophy hunting, habitat loss due to urbanization, and human-animal conflict have pushed the species to the brink of endangerment. They now occupy only 7% of their historical range, with fewer than 2,000 individuals remaining in the wild.

2. Asiatic Lion

The Asiatic lion, smaller than its African counterparts and distinguishable by its longer tail tuft and prominent belly fold, was historically present across southwest Asia to eastern India. However, today, the entire population of this species is confined to Gujarat's Gir National Park and its surroundings. Classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 2010, the Asiatic lion faces a precarious situation. With only around 500-650 individuals remaining in the country, conservation efforts are crucial to their survival.

3. Snow Leopard

Snow leopards, once inhabiting vast regions across Asia's mountain ranges, now have significantly diminished habitats. Presently, they are limited to Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the western and eastern Himalayas, with an estimated population of around 500 in India. This decline can be attributed to human activities, including poaching for fur and body parts, as well as a scarcity of prey due to competition with domestic livestock for high-altitude grazing areas. The conflict between remote communities and snow leopards, along with the encroachment of hydroelectric and mining projects on their natural habitat, further threatens the species.

4. One-horned Rhinoceros

The one-horned rhinoceros, also known as the Indian rhinoceros, primarily inhabits India and the Himalayan foothills. Unfortunately, this species has been subjected to intense hunting for its horns, believed to possess medicinal properties, and targeted as agricultural nuisances. Additionally, the population faces challenges during flood seasons when rhinos are compelled to seek higher ground outside of protected areas, increasing the risk of conflicts with humans. These factors have led to a severe decline in numbers, with the population nearly decimated at the start of the twentieth century, leaving as few as 200 individuals remaining.

5. Blackbuck

The blackbuck, also known as the Indian antelope, currently faces a critical status as one of India's most endangered species. Rampant poaching, especially for their pelts in the historical princely kingdoms, along with habitat destruction, has led to their decline. In 1947, there were approximately 80,000 Blackbucks, but within two decades, that number plummeted to 8,000. Conservation efforts have managed to increase the population to around 25,000; however, ongoing threats such as predation by stray dogs (of which India has a high population), pesticide exposure, and vehicle collisions continue to pose risks to the species. Blackbucks are found in small herds across India in open grasslands, dry scrub areas, and lightly forested regions. They have also been introduced in Argentina and the United States to aid in population expansion.