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Endangered Species Day 2010 seems particularly notable considering it's the year of biodiversity.
From the American pika and the Yellowstone grizzly in the American west to Africa's primates and rhinos to several species of whales swimming the depths of the oceans, threats to wildlife around the world have left no region untouched.
Many endangered species continue to be eaten, despite their status —and while some are plenty exotic and it may seem to some Americans like something we don't do here... we do.
Some endangered species are ridiculously adorable (as a new resident of Colorado, right now the prairie dog is the one my knees go weakest for), while some are less than glamorous.
Because many species are waiting to be classified as endangered but lack the official status, they do not receive the same protections—but that doesn't mean they should be ignored.
What you can do
If you're curious, find out if you know your endangered species. Educate yourself on what you don't know about these species and take some action to help their survival, rather than contribute to their destruction:
Help protect national parks and open spaces.
Make sure your diet isn't contributing to deforestation and habitat destruction.
Avoid buying tropical lumber or wood products.
As a landowner, find out if any plans on your property would interfere with species habitats.
Teach kids about endangered species and what they can do to help.
Related Posts:
WWF's Top 10 Endangered Species to Watch in 2010 (Slideshow)
10 Endangered Animals Which Aren’t in the Spotlight, But Should Be
Quiz: Know the Biodiversity Hotspots?
Which 10 Countries Have the Most Endangered Species?
