Critically Endangered

Endangered – 4,150

Critically Endangered – 22

Endangered – 600

Why are animals becoming extinct?

Habitat Destruction Every year millions of acres of Rainforest, marshland, lakes and ponds are destroyed by man to make room for farming or to expand towns and cities.

Invasive Species Introducing new animals or plants into a country can have serious consequences. 24 rabbits were taken to Australia in 1859, now there are over 600,000,000.

Pollution Mankind releases chemicals into rivers and seas and into the air. This can poison animals directly and can also destroy their habitats.

Population There were only 1 billion people in the world 100 years ago. Now there are over 6 billion. These people need room to live and work and more farms to provide food. This doesn’t leave enough room for animals.

Overhunting Many animals provide food, clothing and materials for humans. However some humans are so greedy that they kill too many animals and do not allow their numbers to recover.