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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The Reclusive Gila Monster Packs a Venomous Punch

Dogs Are Being Trained to Sniff Out Coronavirus in Humans

Spotify Playlists Have Gone to the Dogs ... and Cats ... and Hamsters

Once Thought Extinct, the Tasmanian Tiger May Still Be Prowling the Planet

Giant VW-sized Turtles Once Prowled South American Waters

Prehistoric Predator Rediscovered in Museum Drawer

Learn More

Should You Take a Conch Shell From the Beach?

The queen conch, a symbol of the Bahamas, is prized all over the world for its meat and its beautiful shell. But too much love has led to a serious decline in its population.

By Alia Hoyt May 6, 2020 Animals / Endangered Species

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

Top 10 Most Endangered Fish Species

Learn more about these endangered fish.

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