Endangered Species

Endangered species are animal popluations that are at risk of extinction. Natural extinctions do occur, but human beings play an integral role in animal extinction and preservation.

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Learn More

The Super-cute Axolotl Is Also a Ruthless Carnivore

The axolotl can regenerate virtually any of its limbs or organs and has a face that's totally irresistible.

By Jesslyn Shields Oct 14, 2019 Animals / Endangered Species

Romeo the Lonely Frog Finally Finds His Juliet

Scientists finally find a mate for a captive Bolivian frog that was thought to be the last of his species.

By Jesslyn Shields Jan 30, 2019 Animals / Endangered Species

Sea Turtles Are Making a Huge Comeback, Thanks to the Endangered Species Act

A new study reports that the U.S. Endangered Species Act has helped marine mammal and sea turtle populations to significantly regenerate.

By Patrick J. Kiger Jan 29, 2019 Animals / Endangered Species

Would King Kong Be Considered an Endangered Species?

Sure, he could pummel all his fellow beasts in a brawl, but could he stand the test of time?

By Robert Lamb Jan 23, 2019 Animals / Endangered Species

Splitting Tigers Into Subspecies Could Help Save Them From Extinction

There is only one tiger species, but new research reports the existence of six subspecies — information that could help us save these dwindling predators.

By Jesslyn Shields Nov 6, 2018 Animals / Endangered Species

Are Frogs on the Brink of Extinction?

Frogs are like the canary in the coal mine for the state of the environment. And the bad news is they are not doing well.

By Jesslyn Shields Animals / Endangered Species

Planting Milkweed Will Help Save the Monarch Butterfly

Milkweed is the only thing a monarch butterfly eats. Their numbers are dwindling, but this common backyard weed could save them.

By Jesslyn Shields Sep 11, 2018 Animals / Endangered Species

Rainbow Chameleons Display True Colors When Courting

Scientists discovered some new chameleon species with some very colorful characteristics.

By Nathan Chandler Apr 24, 2018 Animals / Endangered Species

Mary River Turtle Is Last of Ancient Lineage

The Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) Reptiles List includes 100 reptiles, including the punk rock Mary River turtle, that have lineages dating back to the Age of Dinosaurs.

By Jesslyn Shields Apr 17, 2018 Animals / Endangered Species

Does Goodbye to the Last Male Northern White Rhinoceros Mean the End of the Species?

Only two female northern white rhinos remain after the passing of Sudan, the last male of its subspecies.

By Jesslyn Shields Mar 20, 2018 Animals / Endangered Species

DNA Database Helps Nab Rhinoceros Poachers

DNA technology is helping to curtail the brutal trade in poached rhino horns.

By Carrie Tatro Jan 19, 2018 Animals / Endangered Species

Panda Populations Are Growing, But Their Habitat Remains at Risk

Panda populations are flourishing, and that's good news. But with the threats of infrastructure and livestock, can that trend last?

By Jesslyn Shields Oct 3, 2017 Animals / Endangered Species

Yellowstone Grizzly Bears Lose Endangered Species Protections

After 42 years of protection, the Yellowstone grizzlies will lose their status. Critics worry the bears could become targets for trophy hunter.

By Laurie L. Dove Jun 23, 2017 Animals / Endangered Species

How Charismatic Megafauna Work

People flock to zoos to see pandas, lions and monkeys — the ones often referred to as "charismatic megafauna." They also attract a lot of donations. But is there a downside to making some creatures the stars of the animal show?

By Alia Hoyt Animals / Endangered Species

Leopards Have Lost 75 Percent of Historic Range, New Study Finds

Farming, prey decline, illegal trading and legal hunting all threaten the charismatic but secretive big cats.

By Christopher Hassiotis May 9, 2016 Animals / Endangered Species

More Than a Hashtag: Can Social Media Help Save Endangered Species?

Social media couldn't save Cecil the Lion. But the outrage at his death may be helping save other endangered animals and species.

By Karen Kirkpatrick Nov 12, 2015 Animals / Endangered Species

How the Coelacanth Works

The coelacanth is a real-life case of the living dead (well, kind of). The massive prehistoric fish was close to being left for extinct — until one was found in 1938. What makes this ancient creature so significant?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus Animals / Endangered Species

10 Signs of a Modern Mass Extinction

Seven out of 10 biologists surveyed believe the Earth is undergoing a mass extinction. This is just one of the Top 10 biggest warning signs that we're in the middle of a widespread, human-caused mass extinction.

By Tracy V. Wilson Animals / Endangered Species

5 Ways You Can Help Animal Victims Gulf Oil Spill

The Gulf oil spill mutilated tons of habitat for innocent animals and compromised the health of so many others. Read about the Gulf oil spill and learn about its devastating effects.

Animals / Endangered Species

Learning From Panda Play Mei Xiang and Tian Tian

Meet giant pandas, Mei Xaing and Tian Tian. Learn how the crew at the National Zoo enrich Mei Xaing and Tian Tian's diets.

Animals / Endangered Species

A Panda Keepers Life Brenda Morgan's Story

Brenda Morgan has a soft spot for giant pandas. Learn more about Morgan and her love for these amazing animals.

Animals / Endangered Species

A Panda Keeper's Life Mei Xiang and Tian Tian

Learn about the zookeeper who cares for Mei Xaing and Tian Tian. Mei Xaing and Tian Tian are the giant pandas babies at the National Zoo.

Animals / Endangered Species

A Panda Keepers Life Panda Trainer

Ever woner who is crazy enough to try to train pandas at the zoo? Read on to learn all about giant pandas and how they are trained in zoos.

Animals / Endangered Species

A Panda Keepers Life Weight Watcher

Learn about what it takes to care for two little, giant pandas. Learn how the crew at the National Zoo help take care of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian.

Animals / Endangered Species

Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing Meet the Pandas

In honor of giant pandas everywhere, we're taking you back! Remember Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing, two giant pandas that were gifts from the Chinese Government.

Animals / Endangered Species