National Endangered Species Day is observed every year on the third Friday in May. This year the day falls on May 21. Across the globe, the day is celebrated to raise awareness about endangered species of flora and fauna. On this day, wildlife refuges, zoos, aquariums, gardens, schools, libraries, museums, community groups and NGOs hold special programs to review how animal species are under the threat of extinction, how the drastic effects of climate change are disturbing the once peaceful ecosystem and discuss the ways to protect endangered species.
A simple act of kindness and compassion towards a single animal may not mean anything to all creatures, but will mean everything to one — Paul Oxton
We don’t own the planet Earth; we belong to it. And we must share it with our wildlife — Steve Irwin
One touch of nature makes the whole world kin — William Shakespeare
The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man — Charles Darwin
Bengal Tiger: India’s national animal is tiger and the Royal Bengal Tiger is one of its rare species which currently features under the endangered species segment. It is one of the biggest wild cats that looks majestic with its 10 feet long physique, weighing 550 pounds. Mostly found in Sundarbans National Park, also can be spotted in the Ranthambore National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park.
Red Panda: A furry reddish-brown, arboreal mammal, native to the eastern Himalayas, red panda is yet another species that is declining fast owing to poaching and loss of habitat.
Nilgiri Tahr: An endangered mountain goat species, Nilgiri Tahr is the Tamil Nadu state animal. It can be spotted in Eravikulam National Park, Nilgiri Hills, Anaimalai Hills, Periyar National Park, Palni Hills. The total number of Nilgiri Tahrs have decreased to 2500 in India.
One-horned rhinoceros: Hunted for its horns’ medicinal properties, this species of one-horned rhinoceros has shown significant dip over the past few years. These endangered Indian species can be mostly spotted in Kaziranga National Park, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary; besides the foothills of Himalayas in India and Nepal.
Snow leopard: To protect the snow leopard, the government of India has launched the first National Protocol on Snow Leopard Population Assessment. There are around 500 snow leopards found all over the world.
Asiatic lion: Another endangered species with steady decline in population would be this Asiatic lion. Only 650 of these lions are left and can be found in Gir National Park, India.
Black buck: Also known as the Indian antelope is an endangered species in India.
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