Endangered Species Day: History, Events, and celebrations

Endangered Species Day: The species that are at high risk of extinction are known as endangered species. There may be various reasons like loss of habitat, loss of its population, etc. that increases the risk of a particular species becoming endangered or going extinct.

In the past, many species became endangered and slowly went extinct, but the rate of extinction is quite high over the past few decades. This is a fact to worry about the loss of biodiversity mainly caused due to environmental exploitation.

In the 1960s, the concern about endangered species was taken on a serious note. Followed to this in 1972, the protection of endangered species was enacted with the laws “the U.S. Endangered Species Act.” Two federal agencies administer the act – the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.

Later on, in 2006, the day was observed as Endangered Species Day to grab the attention of people about the protection of endangered species. Since 2006, this event is observed every year on the 3rd Friday of May month.

This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of conservation of endangered species, their habitat, and necessary measures for their protection, etc. You can also be a part of this movement and contribute to the protection of endangered species.

This day provides an opportunity for every individual to make necessary conservation efforts for the protection of endangered species in their country.

Endangered Species Day History and Wiki

In 2006, Endangered Species Day came into existence as a day to honor the concern about these species. Many people participate in different ways to celebrate the day in support of the protection of endangered species.

Some people join the conservation group, whereas some people host events to raise awareness about the protection of these species. We have gone a long way from where it has begun, and now Endangered Species Day has become one of the popular movements for the conservation of endangered species.

In 2006, a senator of the United States declared that the movement started in 1972-73 will be carried out as Endangered Species Day every year. The day will be celebrated on the 3rd Friday of May month annually. In 2006 the beginning of the worldwide event was celebrated on 19th May.

In 2007, 18th May was the day we celebrated Endangered Species Day. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had updated a list of plant and animal species. These species were listed as candidates for conservation under ESA (Endangered Species Act). As per the list, there were 280 species selected for ESA protection (recognized by U.S Fish & Wildlife Service).

In 2008, 16th May was the date. Various events were organized to spread awareness about the conservation of endangered species. In America, more than 90 events were held across the country to celebrate the day.

In 2009, various conservation programs were organized by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with the aim of conservation of endangered species. This year we celebrated Endangered Species Day on the 15th of May.

Endangered Species Act co-administered with U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to protect the threatened species and their habitat for the betterment of the ecosystem.

In 2010, Endangered Species Day celebrations were held on 21st May. The Fish and Wildlife Service was ready with plans to execute to protect these species.

In 2011, on 20th May, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cosponsored many events with various conservation organizations to celebrate this day.

In 2012, the critics of Endangered Species Day decided to test the rate of recovery of these species. Surprisingly the results were quite satisfying. Almost 90% of endangered species were recovering at a satisfactory rate. 18th May was the date in the year 2012.

In 2013, This day was observed as the 8th annual celebration on the 17th of May. The Director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Dan Ashe said that Endangered Species Day is an excellent opportunity to recognize the work done by committed people for the protection of these species.

In 2014, it was the 9th annual celebration of Endangered Species Day. The day was celebrated on 16th May as a reminder to the world that many species have become endangered due to various environmental issues. We have to do all possible efforts to protect these species to maintain proper balance in the biodiversity & environment.

In 2015, on 15th May, the celebration of Endangered Species Day was organized with a lot of enthusiasm. Many young people participated in the annual Saving Endangered Species Youth art contest. Along with this, many other events (nearly 200 events) were organized across America to spread awareness about the conservation of these species.

The year 2016 was the 11th anniversary of Endangered Species Day on 20th May. In America, this day was celebrated with many special events and programs to recognize the efforts of protecting many endangered species of the country.

In 2017, on the 19th of May, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service employees had planned to raise awareness at local elementary schools about endangered species protection.

Also, the art contest for grades K-12 was organized, focusing on the protection of endangered species. This was the eighth annual art contest organized by the Arkansas Ecological Services Field Office in partnership with Arkansas Game & Fish Commission & Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.

There were more than 600 entries in this art contest from 36 schools. All the winning artwork (1st to 3rd place in all four age categories) was displayed through 1st June.

In 2018, The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Endangered Species Coalition, the International Child Art Foundation & the Association of Zoos & Aquarium sponsored an event named “Saving Endangered Species.”

This was an art contest for the children in grades K-12 to celebrate Endangered Species Day 2018. The main objective of this contest was to make people aware of wildlife and the importance of protecting these species.

It was an excellent opportunity for everyone to contribute to the Endangered Species Day celebration, especially those who missed the chance last year.

In 2019, endangered species day was celebrated on the 17th of May i.e., the third Friday of May month. UN’s biodiversity and ecosystem arm IPBES has reported at the starting of this month. This report notifies that around one million species are endangered worldwide and are very close to extinction.

This was a very challenging picture that we came across last year. As per conservationist Rob Shumaker, “there is no time to delay, the action is needed now itself.” Everyone needs to put effort into protecting the endangered animals and their habitat as well.

Every individual effort will be counted to conserve the environment, which is must require for the survival of all the creatures of the planet, including endangered animals.

Endangered Species Day 2020

We have celebrated the 15th anniversary of Endangered Species Day this year. The day was celebrated on 15th May 2020. It is a platform where each individual can show their support to conserve the threatened species worldwide.

Various events were organized to grab the attention of the world, expecting their valuable contributions. People participated in this day in several ways. For example:

• People participated in the “Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest” to show their concern about protecting endangered species.
• They Created their own local event to spread awareness about the protection of endangered species.
• Volunteer in a clean-up program.
• Recycle or choose to purchase sustainable products for the conservation of the habitat of endangered animals, etc.

Endangered Species Day 2021

This year world endangered species day, specially dedicated to endangered organisms, was celebrated on the 21st of May.

A USA-based organization, Endangered Species Coalition, is acting against the extinction of our rare and most valuable organisms every day.

On 22nd May, the Wolf Conservation Centre celebrated world endangered species day by raising awareness about endangered wolves such as red wolves and Mexican grey wolves.

Audubon Society on social media shared the knowledge about Hawaii’s most endangered seabird species that they are still there, and now it’s time for their protection.

Mission blue celebrated endangered species day by raising its voice for the endangered Hawaiian monk seals.

On 2021 endangered species day, PETA declared that 69 big cats were seized from Tiger King Park, and now that space is free from any tigers for the “ongoing Endangered Species Act Violation.”

Further, AWF shows gratitude towards the brave rangers and scouts for taking care of and protecting Africa’s endangered species on this occasion.

Bat Conservation International has celebrated endangered species day 2021 by sharing some interesting facts about the critically endangered Jamaican Flower Bat.

Fort Worth Zoo, this year, asked for support to continue the conservation actions for the house of more than 50 endangered and threatened species, including Asian elephants and blue-throated macaws.

Also, NOAA Fisheries on this endangered species day raised awareness for protecting, conserving, and recovering our marine life and released a five-year action plan for saving nine critically endangered species.

Besides, several other organizations are also putting efforts specifically to protect and conserve different species globally.

World Endangered Species Day 2022

Last year, various national and international organizations worked to raise awareness about saving endangered animals like blunt-nosed leopard lizards, North Pacific right whale, monk seals, Orinoco crocodile, giant anemone, etc.

Endangered species day 2022 will be celebrated on May 20th, 2022. There are about 16,306 species that are under the endangered category of IUCN’s red list.

This year, some of the top endangered animals are Javan Rhinoceros, the vaquita, tiger, mountain gorilla, Asian elephant, orangutan, leatherback turtles, etc.

This year, the endangered species coalition has organized an art competition for K-12 grade students to bring awareness about endangered species. Folks from the U.S. or U.S. territories could take part in that contest. The deadline was March 1st, 2022.

Another chalk art competition will be held from May 20th, 2022, to May 22nd, 2022, to celebrate endangered species day.

For the observation of endangered species day 2022, another awareness program is going on. It encourages people to take nature walks to identify 17 local animals or plants at this 17th-year ceremony.

Explore Uganda, an organization, has raised awareness for saving our endangered species on the international mother earth day. That is another contribution to celebrating endangered species day.

Another organization stands for trees and encourages people to donate towards community development, saving endangered species, wildlife habitats, biodiversity, etc.

Several upcoming events are coming to shed light on the souls of individuals and organizations to reduce the environmental impacts. This can only save them from getting extinct.

Name of Some Endangered Species:

The day-by-day change in the climate is affecting the environment of the planet. These environmental changes are not only affecting us but also affecting the wildlife adversely. As a result, many species have been threatened and if not protected will be extinct very soon.

Some of the endangered species includes:

How Can We Celebrate National Endangered Species Day?

Endangered species day activities:

• One of the best options to prove your dedication to wildlife & endangered species conservation is to join the National Wildlife Federation. Become a member and take part in various efforts for the conservation of these species.
• Support Endangered Species Day and raise awareness about the protection of these species through social media. You can update your Facebook cover image and DP to promote this event worldwide. In addition, share this article with friends.
• Every year many events are organized to celebrate Endangered Species Day. You can join any of these events and contribute your share to this Day.
• You can join Endangered Species Coalition Activist Network to get notified by email for taking necessary actions.
• Awareness about endangered species protection, especially among the children is very important to make them aware of the threats to wildlife and how they can help.
• You can start tree planting (also flowers) to grab the attention of pollinators.
• Start implementing the recycling process to deal with unwanted trash causing marine pollution.
• You can go one step ahead and create fundraisers to support the events and programs planned for the protection of endangered species.
• Another best way to celebrate this event is by sponsoring an endangered animal.
• You can take initiative to clean up your parks, beaches, rivers, etc. as it will also impact the conservation of endangered species.
• Make use of Eco-friendly products and also recommend the same to others.
• Make strict rules and regulations to control wildlife criminal activities to save endangered species.

Earth is home to millions of species including plants, animals, birds, humans, etc. All these species play their role to maintain balance in the ecosystem. If any species becomes endangered it creates an imbalance in the ecosystem.

We need to follow the rules and regulations of the Endangered Species Act for the protection of these species. Apart from this, you can also be an active participant by raising awareness about the importance of the protection of these species.