According to the IUCN Red List, as of 2020, there are 29,461 animal species listed as threatened with extinction, out of a total of 128,918 animal species assessed. This means that over 23% of the world's known animal species are facing the threat of extinction.
Some of the major reasons why animals become endangered include:
1. Habitat destruction and fragmentation: As human populations grow and expand, the natural habitats of animals are being destroyed or fragmented, making it difficult for them to survive.
2. Overexploitation: Many animal species are being overexploited for food, fur, medicine, or other commercial purposes, driving their populations to decline.
3. Climate change: Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and other climate-related impacts are affecting the habitats and food sources of many animal species, making it difficult for them to adapt and survive.
4. Pollution: Pollution from various sources, such as industrial waste, pesticides, and plastics, can have detrimental effects on animal populations and their habitats.
5. Invasive species: Non-native species introduced into an ecosystem can outcompete native species for resources, leading to declines in the native species' populations.
6. Disease: Diseases can spread rapidly among wild animal populations, causing significant population declines.
It is important to note that the conservation status of animal species can change over time, as some species may recover due to conservation efforts, while others may become more endangered due to new threats. However, the overall trend is a decline in the populations of many animal species, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation action to protect and preserve our planet's biodiversity.