Good morning everyone,
Today, we gather here to observe National Endangered Species Day—a day that urges us to reflect and take action. It is not just a day marked on calendars. It is a movement to protect the incredible variety of life we share this planet with.
Each year, the third Friday of May reminds us that countless species are on the brink of extinction. And they are not just animals in far-off lands. They are birds, plants, and creatures that once flourished in our backyards, forests, rivers, and skies.
Why are species becoming endangered? The reasons are both vast and deeply human. Habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, pollution, and illegal wildlife trade are pushing many species toward extinction. We are not just talking about rhinos and tigers. Even bees, frogs, butterflies, and sea turtles are rapidly declining.
Let’s take a moment to understand what it truly means for a species to be endangered. It means their population is so low that they face the risk of disappearing completely from the Earth. The International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, maintains the Red List of Threatened Species, which is a global inventory of the conservation status of species. This list now includes over 42,000 species that are threatened with extinction. That’s nearly 30% of all species evaluated.
Now think about that for a moment. One in every three species assessed is in danger. Imagine walking through a forest and not hearing a single bird call. Imagine an ocean without dolphins or coral reefs. This is not science fiction. It is the reality we are facing if we do not act now.
But there is hope.
Organizations, scientists, and communities worldwide are working tirelessly to save these species. Projects to protect habitats, enforce anti-poaching laws, and rebuild populations through captive breeding programs have shown us that recovery is possible. The story of the Bald Eagle in the United States is an inspiring example. Once almost extinct, it has made a strong comeback thanks to protection efforts and public awareness.
Closer to home, species like the Amur Leopard, Indian Vulture, and Asiatic Lion are slowly recovering because of conservation action. These are signs that our efforts are not in vain.
But the responsibility doesn’t only lie with governments or conservationists. Each one of us has a part to play.
What can we do?
We can start small. Say no to single-use plastic. Support local conservation projects. Avoid products made from endangered animals. Raise awareness on social media. Teach children about the beauty of nature and the importance of biodiversity. Every voice counts. Every action matters.
It is also important to understand that the loss of species affects us directly. Bees and butterflies, for example, are not just pretty to look at. They are vital pollinators. Without them, our crops won’t grow. Forests regulate our climate. Oceans absorb carbon. Each species has a role. When we lose one, the entire ecosystem weakens—and that affects human life too.
Biodiversity is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It supports the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Protecting endangered species is about protecting ourselves and the future of our planet.
Today, on National Endangered Species Day, let us commit to being stewards of the Earth. Let us remember that extinction is forever—but prevention is possible. The power lies with us. Let’s use it wisely.
Let us not be the generation that let nature slip away. Let us be the generation that stood up, spoke out, and saved what could still be saved.
Thank you.