Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai’i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
Why do animals and plants become endangered?
Although extinctions occur naturally, the current rate of plant and animal extinctions is much higher than the natural or historical rates. Habitat loss is the primary cause of higher extinction rates. Other causes include habitat changes, over-exploitation of wildlife for commercial purposes, the introduction of harmful nonnative species, pollution, and the spread of diseases.
Learn more: Endangered Species Act
Related
Are salmon endangered worldwide?
No, salmon are not endangered worldwide. For example, most populations in Alaska are healthy. Some populations in the Pacific Northwest are much healthier than others. These healthy populations usually occupy protected habitats such as the Hanford Reach on the Columbia River and streams of Olympic National Park. Learn more: Western Fisheries Research Center - Questions and Answers about Salmon
What are the differences between endangered, threatened, imperiled, and at-risk species?
Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), plant and animal species may be listed as either endangered or threatened. “Endangered” means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. “Threatened” means a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. States have their own ESA-type laws, so species can have different Threatened...
What is the threat from West Nile Virus (WNV) to endangered and threatened bird species?
This is an issue of great concern, as these populations are already struggling to survive in the current environment. If some of these species are more vulnerable to fatal WNV infection, WNV may ultimately lead to their extinction or significantly set back the progress of the recovery programs.
Where are salmon most endangered?
Certain populations of sockeye salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon, and Atlantic salmon are listed as endangered. Sockeye salmon from the Snake River system are probably the most endangered salmon. Coho salmon in the lower Columbia River may already be extinct. Salmon are not endangered worldwide. For example, most populations in Alaska are healthy. Some populations in the Pacific Northwest are...
What is an invasive species and why are they a problem?
An invasive species is an introduced, nonnative organism (disease, parasite, plant, or animal) that begins to spread or expand its range from the site of its original introduction and that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy, or to human health. A few well-known examples include the unintentional introduction of the West Nile virus, chestnut blight, the South American...
An Endangered Honeycreeper, the ‘Akeke‘e (Kaua‘i Akepa), in Hawai‘i
Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai’i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
An Endangered Puaiohi (Small Mountain Thrush) in Hawaii
Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai'i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai'i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
Female Pallid Sturgeon
CSRP Biologist Sabrina Davenport holding reproductive feamle pallid sturgeon, PLS11-020.
CSRP Biologist Sabrina Davenport holding reproductive feamle pallid sturgeon, PLS11-020.
Black-Footed Ferret
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center is working to develop an oral vaccine to protect the endangered black-footed ferret from plague.
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center is working to develop an oral vaccine to protect the endangered black-footed ferret from plague.
An Endangered Humpback Chub
The Colorado River basin supports one of the most distinctive fish communities in North America, including the federally endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha). One of only six remaining populations of this fish is found in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. USGS scientists and their cooperators are responsible for monitoring the Grand Canyon population.
The Colorado River basin supports one of the most distinctive fish communities in North America, including the federally endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha). One of only six remaining populations of this fish is found in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. USGS scientists and their cooperators are responsible for monitoring the Grand Canyon population.
An Endangered Yellow-Legged Frog
USGS biologists are leading the monitoring and reintroduction effort of the Southern California mountain yellow-legged frog -- federally listed as endangered with only 200 wild adults remaining in the mountains surrounding Los Angeles County.
USGS biologists are leading the monitoring and reintroduction effort of the Southern California mountain yellow-legged frog -- federally listed as endangered with only 200 wild adults remaining in the mountains surrounding Los Angeles County.
Big Invaders and Tiny Fish: Endangered Species Day
Kids! Listen up—it's Endangered Species Day, and we have two podcasts for you: giant, invasive predators that eat endangered animals, and the tiny Devil's Hole pupfish, which lives on a watery shelf no bigger than a walk-in closet.
Kids! Listen up—it's Endangered Species Day, and we have two podcasts for you: giant, invasive predators that eat endangered animals, and the tiny Devil's Hole pupfish, which lives on a watery shelf no bigger than a walk-in closet.
How do you know when an animal is becoming endangered or extinct? What is the determining factor?
linkListen to hear the answer.
Why do animals become endangered?
Listen to hear the answer.
An Endangered Red Hawksbill Sea Turtle Swims Over a Threatened Elkhorn Coral in Virgin Islands National Park
linkThis photo shows an endangered hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) swimming over a colony of elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata).
USGS scientists are doing research on sea turtles and corals in Florida and the US Virgin Islands.
An Endangered Red Hawksbill Sea Turtle Swims Over a Threatened Elkhorn Coral in Virgin Islands National Park
linkThis photo shows an endangered hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) swimming over a colony of elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata).
USGS scientists are doing research on sea turtles and corals in Florida and the US Virgin Islands.
Endangered Humpback Chub
U.S. Geological Survey scientists estimate that the adult population of humpback chub (Gila cypha) in the Grand Canyon increased 50 percent between 2001 and 2008.
U.S. Geological Survey scientists estimate that the adult population of humpback chub (Gila cypha) in the Grand Canyon increased 50 percent between 2001 and 2008.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), such as the one hiding here under a boulder, and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) are occasionally seen in Hurricane Hole. Hawksbills feed mostly on sponges while Greens eat mostly sea grasses.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), such as the one hiding here under a boulder, and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) are occasionally seen in Hurricane Hole. Hawksbills feed mostly on sponges while Greens eat mostly sea grasses.
Endangered California Condor
An endangered California condor flies over the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, California.
An endangered California condor flies over the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, California.
Endangered Hawaiian Hoary Bat
An endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, a species that is sometimes killed by wind turbines.
An endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, a species that is sometimes killed by wind turbines.
Endangered Burrowing Owl
An endangered Burrowing Owl near a site in Cape Coral, FL.
An endangered Burrowing Owl near a site in Cape Coral, FL.
An Endangered Devils Hole Pupfish
A Devils Hole pupfish swims above the algae mat that typically covers the shallow spawning shelf in Devils Hole.
A Devils Hole pupfish swims above the algae mat that typically covers the shallow spawning shelf in Devils Hole.
Related
Are salmon endangered worldwide?
No, salmon are not endangered worldwide. For example, most populations in Alaska are healthy. Some populations in the Pacific Northwest are much healthier than others. These healthy populations usually occupy protected habitats such as the Hanford Reach on the Columbia River and streams of Olympic National Park. Learn more: Western Fisheries Research Center - Questions and Answers about Salmon
What are the differences between endangered, threatened, imperiled, and at-risk species?
Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), plant and animal species may be listed as either endangered or threatened. “Endangered” means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. “Threatened” means a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. States have their own ESA-type laws, so species can have different Threatened...
What is the threat from West Nile Virus (WNV) to endangered and threatened bird species?
This is an issue of great concern, as these populations are already struggling to survive in the current environment. If some of these species are more vulnerable to fatal WNV infection, WNV may ultimately lead to their extinction or significantly set back the progress of the recovery programs.
Where are salmon most endangered?
Certain populations of sockeye salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon, and Atlantic salmon are listed as endangered. Sockeye salmon from the Snake River system are probably the most endangered salmon. Coho salmon in the lower Columbia River may already be extinct. Salmon are not endangered worldwide. For example, most populations in Alaska are healthy. Some populations in the Pacific Northwest are...
What is an invasive species and why are they a problem?
An invasive species is an introduced, nonnative organism (disease, parasite, plant, or animal) that begins to spread or expand its range from the site of its original introduction and that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy, or to human health. A few well-known examples include the unintentional introduction of the West Nile virus, chestnut blight, the South American...
An Endangered Honeycreeper, the ‘Akeke‘e (Kaua‘i Akepa), in Hawai‘i
Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai’i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai’i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
An Endangered Puaiohi (Small Mountain Thrush) in Hawaii
Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai'i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
Many species of Hawaiian honeycreepers have persisted into the 20th century because high elevation rain forests on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai'i are cool enough to limit transmission of introduced avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum).
Female Pallid Sturgeon
CSRP Biologist Sabrina Davenport holding reproductive feamle pallid sturgeon, PLS11-020.
CSRP Biologist Sabrina Davenport holding reproductive feamle pallid sturgeon, PLS11-020.
Black-Footed Ferret
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center is working to develop an oral vaccine to protect the endangered black-footed ferret from plague.
The USGS National Wildlife Health Center is working to develop an oral vaccine to protect the endangered black-footed ferret from plague.
An Endangered Humpback Chub
The Colorado River basin supports one of the most distinctive fish communities in North America, including the federally endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha). One of only six remaining populations of this fish is found in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. USGS scientists and their cooperators are responsible for monitoring the Grand Canyon population.
The Colorado River basin supports one of the most distinctive fish communities in North America, including the federally endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha). One of only six remaining populations of this fish is found in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. USGS scientists and their cooperators are responsible for monitoring the Grand Canyon population.
An Endangered Yellow-Legged Frog
USGS biologists are leading the monitoring and reintroduction effort of the Southern California mountain yellow-legged frog -- federally listed as endangered with only 200 wild adults remaining in the mountains surrounding Los Angeles County.
USGS biologists are leading the monitoring and reintroduction effort of the Southern California mountain yellow-legged frog -- federally listed as endangered with only 200 wild adults remaining in the mountains surrounding Los Angeles County.
Big Invaders and Tiny Fish: Endangered Species Day
Kids! Listen up—it's Endangered Species Day, and we have two podcasts for you: giant, invasive predators that eat endangered animals, and the tiny Devil's Hole pupfish, which lives on a watery shelf no bigger than a walk-in closet.
Kids! Listen up—it's Endangered Species Day, and we have two podcasts for you: giant, invasive predators that eat endangered animals, and the tiny Devil's Hole pupfish, which lives on a watery shelf no bigger than a walk-in closet.
How do you know when an animal is becoming endangered or extinct? What is the determining factor?
linkListen to hear the answer.
Why do animals become endangered?
Listen to hear the answer.
An Endangered Red Hawksbill Sea Turtle Swims Over a Threatened Elkhorn Coral in Virgin Islands National Park
linkThis photo shows an endangered hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) swimming over a colony of elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata).
USGS scientists are doing research on sea turtles and corals in Florida and the US Virgin Islands.
An Endangered Red Hawksbill Sea Turtle Swims Over a Threatened Elkhorn Coral in Virgin Islands National Park
linkThis photo shows an endangered hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) swimming over a colony of elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata).
USGS scientists are doing research on sea turtles and corals in Florida and the US Virgin Islands.
Endangered Humpback Chub
U.S. Geological Survey scientists estimate that the adult population of humpback chub (Gila cypha) in the Grand Canyon increased 50 percent between 2001 and 2008.
U.S. Geological Survey scientists estimate that the adult population of humpback chub (Gila cypha) in the Grand Canyon increased 50 percent between 2001 and 2008.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), such as the one hiding here under a boulder, and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) are occasionally seen in Hurricane Hole. Hawksbills feed mostly on sponges while Greens eat mostly sea grasses.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), such as the one hiding here under a boulder, and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) are occasionally seen in Hurricane Hole. Hawksbills feed mostly on sponges while Greens eat mostly sea grasses.
Endangered California Condor
An endangered California condor flies over the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, California.
An endangered California condor flies over the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, California.
Endangered Hawaiian Hoary Bat
An endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, a species that is sometimes killed by wind turbines.
An endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, a species that is sometimes killed by wind turbines.
Endangered Burrowing Owl
An endangered Burrowing Owl near a site in Cape Coral, FL.
An endangered Burrowing Owl near a site in Cape Coral, FL.
An Endangered Devils Hole Pupfish
A Devils Hole pupfish swims above the algae mat that typically covers the shallow spawning shelf in Devils Hole.
A Devils Hole pupfish swims above the algae mat that typically covers the shallow spawning shelf in Devils Hole.
Updated Date: April 2, 2025