National Endangered Species Day 2025
- May 16 : 2025 Theme "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet" -

Dr N Munal Meitei *

Slow Loris rescued at Noney in November 2019 :: Pix - TSE

"Living wild species are like a library of books still unread. Our heedless destruction of them is akin to burning that library without ever having read its books"
-John Dingell.

The 5th State Level Shirui Lily Festival in Manipur will be held from May 20th to 24th, 2025 in Ukhrul focusing on promoting sustainable eco-tourism for preserving the rare and endangered species including state Flower, the Shirui Lily. Endangered species are our friends.

National Endangered Species Day is a momentous occasion that shines a spotlight on the urgent need to protect and preserve our planet's endangered species. This annual observance, celebrated on the third Friday in May, fall on May 16, 2025 to remember the crucial role that these species play in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.

The theme for 2025 is "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet". This theme highlights the importance of funding for conservation efforts and its impact on both people and environment. The day was created and founded by David Robinson and the Endangered Species Coalition in 2006.

On this day, we focus on some of the most iconic and critically endangered species facing extinction with a call to action-to learn about the amazing animals and plants at risk and to explore ways we can all contribute for their survival. These species serve as ambassadors for the broader issue of biodiversity loss and underscore the urgent need for conservation action.

Population explosion with intervention, loss of habitat, overhunting, pollution, disease, deforestation, loss of genetic variation, introduction of foreign species, climate change etc. are all pushing countless species towards extinction. This day also serves as a tribute to the efforts of conservationists, scientists and volunteers who dedicate their lives to protect the endangered species and their habitats.

Since life began on Earth, several creatures, due to changing physical and biological conditions of the environment, have come and gone or extinct. It is the law of nature. But the current rate of species extinction is much higher as compared to the past which is a matter of great concern.

Thus, to save the endangered species are the species, plants or animals that are at risk of extinction rests on our shoulders. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in the past two decades, the list of endangered species has more than doubled.

The IUCN maintains the comprehensive list of endangered species and the Red List of Threatened Species judges each species on five different standards. As per IUCN an endangered species has a 50-70% population decrease over 10 years. A total geographic area of less than 5,000 sq. km or a local population is in less than 500 sq. km or a population size of fewer than 2,500 adults.

A restricted population of 250 adults or a statistical prediction that it will go extinct within the next 20 years. IUCN identified more than 31,000 species threatened with extinction i.e. 27% of all assessed species.

Some of the examples are Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii), a critically endangered beautiful ape due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), also known for its beautiful shell and intricate pattern, faces numerous threats, including poaching, habitat destruction and climate change.

African Elephant (Loxodonta africana), the largest land mammals on Earth, are also under severe threat due to poaching for ivory and habitat loss. Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis), found in the Russian Far East and Northeast China, is one of the rarest big cats with fewer than 100 individuals in the world. India's rich tapestry of wildlife also faces a growing threat of extinction.

Here are seven of India's most critically endangered animals in 2024. The Bengal Tiger, the majestic National Animal's population has plummeted. Despite their adaptability, poaching, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict have pushed them to the brink. With less than 2,000 remaining in the wild, protecting these symbol of pride is crucial.

The Asiatic Lion, the king of jungle, once wide-spread, now cling to survival in a single park, the Gir. The pride animal faces threats like accidental deaths and habitat loss.

The Snow Leopard of Himalayas once roamed the whole ranges, but now, its number has dwindled due to poaching, competition with live-stock and habitat loss from infrastructure projects. Protecting these solitary predators is vital for the health of our mountain ecosystems.

The One-Homed Rhino which has seen success story in conservation nad rebounded from near extinction. Need for continued vigilance to secure their future. The Blackbuck which was once hunted to near oblivion, is now making a comeback. However, stray dogs, habitat loss and road accidents continue to threaten their recovery.

The Lion-Tailed Macaque, termed the Vanishing Jewel the endemic to the Western Ghats is facing a multitude of threats, endangering their small population.

The Resplendent Tree Frog, a rare frog species in Kerala, faces an uncertain future. Urgent conservation efforts are needed to save this little-known amphibian.

Manipur, literally meaning "A jeweled land", nestled deep within a lush green corner of North East India is known for its rich biodiversity. The State is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including many that are endemic to the region. The flora of Manipur is diverse, with over 3,000 species of recorded plants, including 56 bamboos, ferns and numerous endangered orchids blooming in the State.

The State is also home to over 500 species of animals, including the critically endangered Sangai and various other rare and endangered wild animals, including Hoolock gibbon, Stump-tailed macaque, Pangolins, Himalayan Yellow Throated Marten, Slow Loris and Monitor Lizards.

The main threats to our flora and fauna are deforestation, poaching, wild fire and climate change. The State Government has taken several steps to protect these endangered species including setting up the Protected Areas Networks and enforcing the Wildlife Acts and Rules.

But whatever the Laws we may have, the actual protection of the endangered species will come when we all join hands with a will to protect these lovely creatures.