Back in 2006 The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimated that approximately 40% of the world’s animals were classified as endangered. Since then the situation has continued to deteriorate, with the growth of the human population and to a lesser extent climate change both to blame.
Over the past 60 years the global population has increased from 2.5 billion to 6.8 billion people and by 2050 this figure is expected to reach 9.5 billion. With this population growth has come the rapid destruction of many habitats where animals live.
The Amazon rainforest is the clearest example of this, with the rate of deforestation actually increasing between 2000 and 2005 compared to the previous five years. At its current rate the Amazon rainforest will be 40% smaller within two decades.
To help to raise awareness of the plight of some of the world’s most endangered animals the website http://www.animaladoptions.org.uk has been launched, focusing on 10 of the most endangered animals still alive today.
One of the best ways in which people can help endangered animals is through animal adoption gift packs. AnimalAdoptions.org.uk highlights the plight of each of 10 critically endangered animals, allowing people to make a highly informed choice as to which animal they’d like to adopt.
The animals featured include polar bears, where global warming is become an increasingly serious threat, and orangutans - http://www.animaladoptions.org.uk/
Some of the lesser-known animals covered include the Amur Leopard, where they are less than 50 still living in the wild today, and Hawksbill Turtles, which are one of three species of turtles classified as critically endangered.
The Animal Adoptions site also includes profiles on six of the top animal charities - http://www.animaladoptions.org.uk/
