World Wildlife Conservation Day is on December 4 and we’re so excited to spread awareness about preserving Earth’s endangered flora and fauna. What do you think the most invasive species on Earth is? Monkeys? Catfish? Locusts? It’s us, humans. Nature’s most magnificent creatures are becoming endangered and being pushed to the brink of extinction by the greed of some humans, and this is causing irreparable harm to the wildlife ecosystem.
History of World Wildlife Conservation Day
World Wildlife Conservation Day is an occasion to be aware, reflect, and take action when it comes to issues that are threatening the planet’s wildlife biodiversity balance. Driven by the demand for illegal animal parts and products on the black market, humans have been hunting, poaching, and slaughtering several wildlife species to the brink of extinction
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Human interference in the world’s natural ecosystem has been ongoing for centuries. In the modern world, as humans traveled and settled in different parts of the world, they cleared land for farming, cut forests for shipbuilding, and began hunting and trapping for money. Over the years, wildlife hunting and poaching became more common and wildlife populations started to decline across the globe.
On November 8, 2012, Hillary Clinton, the Secretary of State at that time, put out a call to action to raise awareness and engage conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts about World Wildlife Conservation Day. She also outlined the White House’s strategy to address the global problem of wildlife trafficking.
Unfortunately, even today, the illegal trade of endangered species on the black market is rising. Although governments across the world are trying their best and, in some cases, succeeding to stop this act, not all species are safe from poachers and hunters. This not only affects the wildlife but also the lives of millions of people who live within or close to forested areas in different parts of the world. So, it is time we act and work together to preserve and protect the wildlife to ensure their survival.
World Wildlife Conservation Day timeline
The European explorers arrive in America and begin hunting wildlife for European markets.
Hunters and conservationists form organizations to support hunting laws and wildlife restoration.
President Richard Nixon passes the Endangered Species Conservation Act, establishing protection for threatened and endangered species.
Secretary of State Hilary Clinton urges conservationists to raise awareness on World Wildlife Conservation Day on December 4.
World Wildlife Conservation Day FAQs
How do you classify a species as endangered?
If the population of a certain species declines between 50% to 70% and if its population is restricted to less than 250 mature individuals, the species is classified as endangered.
Can extinct species come back to life?
There have been some natural occurrences and successful experiments in the past that have brought back extinct species to life. But this is extremely rare.
What is the latest species to go extinct?
Sadly, there are many animals on this list including the northern white rhinoceros, Spix’s macaw, baiji, and many more!
How to Observe World Wildlife Conservation Day
Spread the word
The greatest and noblest thing you can do today is to educate those around you. Spread awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation to your friends and family.
Take a pledge
Take the wildlife pledge. Join millions of other individuals in protecting our planet’s most endangered species and acting against illegal poaching or anything that negatively impacts the wildlife
Donate to the cause
You can make a charitable donation to the World Wildlife Fund (W.W.F.). All of the donations you make go directly towards training and equipping wildlife protectors.
5 Astonishing Facts About Wildlife That Might Surprise You
The list of endangered species is disheartening
As of now, there are 41,415 species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list and 16,306 of them are extremely endangered species.
Protect the rhinos
Javan Rhinos are the most critically endangered species — only 67 of them remain!
We are the baddies
In the last 500 years, human activity has forced 869 species to extinction.
Asian countries top the list
Indonesia, China, and India are among the countries with the most threatened mammals and bird species.
The numbers are dropping
In a shocking survey, it is found that the wildlife population size dropped by 68% between 1970 and 2018.
Why World Wildlife Conservation Day is Important
It is a day to make a difference
World Wildlife Conservation Day is not just a day to learn about wildlife and endangered species. It is a day in which we can actually make a difference by protecting and preserving our wildlife.
It brings people together
The love for nature and wildlife is something that most people have in common. By spreading awareness and doing your part to preserve wildlife, you can meet a lot of people who share the same interest as you.
Wildlife conservation is an important lesson
Although mankind is responsible for the endangerment and extinction of several species, the fact that good-hearted humans can work together to protect our wildlife is a lesson that everyone needs to learn. Today is the day to do so!
World Wildlife Conservation Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | December 4 | Wednesday |
2025 | December 4 | Thursday |
2026 | December 4 | Friday |
2027 | December 4 | Saturday |
2028 | December 4 | Monday |