Endangered animals and plants

1. Today, many species of animals and plants are facing the threat of 
    extinction.
2. Their numbers are getting fewer so it is feared that they will be 
    completely extinct from the world in the near future. 
3. These species of animals and plants are called endangered 
    species.
4. Examples of endangered anamals species are as follows. 
                         
                                   Rhinoceros                                                   Hornbill
5. The Rafflesia, pitcher plants and Venus flytrap are examples of 
    endangered plant species.
                        
                                Rafflesia                                                   Pitcher plant
6. Animals and plants are facing the treat of extinction because of 
    human activities. Such as activities include:
    a) illegal and excessive logging
    b) illegal and excessive hunting
    c) excessive development


Illegal and excessive logging
1. Trees are cut to supply timber. Timber is widely used in 
    construction as well as to make furniture and paper.
2. Logging activities become a threat to many species of plants and 
    animals when they are carried out on a large scale(excessive).
3. Illegal logging activities are carried out by irresponsible people. 
    They carry out logging activities without licences or logging 
    outside licensed area.
4. These illegal and excessive logging activities not only destroy 
    many plant species, but also destroy the habitat of many animals.
5. Excessive logging also causes the animals to lose their food 
    source and it can lead to the extinction of the animals. For 
    example, giant pandas are facing the threat of extinction because 
    of the destruction of their habitats. The giant pandas only eat 
    parts of bamboo trees. Many of these trees have been cut down 
    for development and agricultural.


Illegal and excessive hunting
1. Most animals like tigers, elephants, blue whales and rhinoceroses 
    are facing the threat of extinction because they are being hunted 
    by humans.
2. These animals are hunted down for food, sport and to get their 
    valuable parts.
3. Excessive hunting can greatly reduce the number of these animals 
    and may lead to extinction.


Excessive development
1. As the world's population increases, there is more demand for 
    food supplies, shelter and other basic needs.
2. To fulfil these demands, there is an increase in human activities 
    such as agriculture and development.
3. Forests are cleared excessively for farming, to build houses, 
    factories, highway and other development projects.
4. Deforestation due to excessive development becomes a threat to 
    many species of animals and plants. For examples, many wild 
    animals lose their habitats. They have to find new habitat 
    elsewhere. Without a place to live, no animal can survive.