What is an Endangered Species? A species that is at risk of extinction. Species with a small or declining population, or a very small range. Tiger Golden frog Grandidier’s baobab

Human Impact HIPPO Habitat alteration Pollution Population growth TeacherTube Videos - Whats your impact Human Impact What's Your Impact Today, species are disappearing at an extraordinary rate—an estimated 30 to 75 species a day. In most cases, these extinctions are the result of human activity. HIPPO Primary causes spell Habitat alteration Invasive species Pollution Population growth Overconsumption

Habitat alteration The greatest cause of extinction today Accounts for 85% of population declines of birds and mammals Habitat change hurts most organisms because they are adapted to an existing habitat. Alteration due to: Forest clearing Urban development Agriculture

Invasive species Accidental or intentional introduction of exotic species to new areas Cause problems with native species ex: spread disease New species do not have predators, usually take over area Example : European zebra mussels hitched rides on cargo and cruise ships and now pose a great threat to the health of the Great Lakes and other northeastern United States lakes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDK9uPOtFbU

Pollution Caused by many human activities: Air and water pollution - Logging causes soil erosion polluting streams - cars, power plants release carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide into air Agricultural runoff - fertilizers, animal wastes Industrial chemicals - Insecticides, oil spills

Population Growth Today, over 7 billion people are living on Earth. Human population growth exacerbates every other environmental problem. Today, over 7 billion people are living on Earth. Each year we add about 80 million more. This growing population puts tremendous pressure on the Earth’s resources, hastening destruction of habitat and increasing pollution.

Overconsumption Using resources faster than natural processes can replenish them Two meanings: Overharvesting of species from the wild (too much hunting, fishing…) Overconsumption of resources (too much timber cutting, fossil fuel use…)

HIPPO: Invasive species Pollution Population growth Overconsumption Habitat alteration Invasive species Pollution Population growth Overconsumption

How can you make a difference? Smart shopping: look for packages that are recyclable or made of recycled materials Go for a walk ,clean an area by picking up trash Earth hour: A world-wide initiative to have households, businesses, and schools turn off their electricity for at least one hour to reduce the impact on global climate changes on Earth. Earth Hour 2012 Official Video – YouTube Take a shorter shower/ turn off water while brushing your teeth