Species are considered extinct when they haven’t been seen for a long time. The rate of extinction is increasing rapidly, and it is estimated that between 30% and 50% of all species could disappear by 2050. This is mainly due to human activities like destroying habitats, polluting the environment, and causing climate change. As cities expand into rural areas, animals lose access to food, water, and shelter. Pollution from plastics, chemicals, and noise and light also harm wildlife and the ecosystem.

Hunting is another factor that reduces the number of animals in the wild. People pay to kill animals like elephants and lions, leading to a significant decrease in their populations. Poachers also capture and kill animals for the illegal wildlife trade. For example, in Brazil alone, more than 38 million animals are taken by poachers every year, with birds being the most common victims.

Animals and plants depend on each other for survival. Pollinators like bees and butterflies help plants grow and provide food for herbivores and humans. When herbivores decrease in number, predators that rely on them for food also suffer. Some animals and insects have a close relationship, like birds that feed on insects living on hippos. If hippos become extinct, these birds will also disappear. A study found that about 60% of large herbivores are at risk of extinction.

Fortunately, conservation efforts have shown progress. For example, the number of rhinos in the wild has increased from less than 100 in 1985 to around 21,000 now. Giant pandas have also seen an increase in their population, with around 1800 living in the wild and 300 in captivity. As a result, they are now considered “vulnerable” rather than “endangered.”