Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed moving 23 animals and plants off the endangered species list, declaring them extinct. Perhaps the most well-known of the species deemed gone forever is the ivory-billed woodpecker. These extinctions are part of an accelerating crisis driven by human actions. John Yang and Tierra Curry, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity, discuss.Five Facts
- Who determines whether or not species have gone extinct, and how?
- What are some of the causes or contributions toward extinction for species as described in this piece?
- When were some of the last recorded sightings of some of these species?
- Why are "a million" species at risk of extinction?
- How can human behavior change to help protect species from extinction?
Focus Questions
- Based on the causes of extinction mentioned here, including invasive species, pollution, climate change and habitat destruction, which do you think can be best addressed by national governments taking more action?
- Which can best be addressed by individuals, private organizations and local communities?
For More
- You can watch this video from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for an explanation of the Endangered Species Act:
- How can you help? Check out these invention lessons on battling invasive species , saving sea turtles and more
