Ever heard of an animal called the pika? Or the pichi? How about the golden-rumped sengi? If you haven't, you're not alone. They're all animals on the endangered species list, but WWF - no, not the wrestlers - has been working hard to protect them as well as other animals that are close to extinction. Find out more about the World Wildlife Fund!
World Wildlife Fund - WWF's Smackdown on Pollution
Animals, insects and plants are threatened by factors like global warming, toxic pollution, deforestation, overfishing and poaching (hunting animals illegally). Many species have become extinct, or are near it, so the World Wildlife Fund has made it their mission to preserve nature and protect animals around the world. But WWF doesn't determine which species are considered endangered - the IUCN (the World Conservation Union) does. By working with the IUCN, scientists and environmentalists, WWF is determined to protect wildlife so that we'll have a healthy planet for future generations.
World Wildlife Fund - Protecting the Endangered
Although WWF works to protect all endangered species, they pay special attention to tigers, rhinos, elephants, great apes, pandas, whales, dolphins and marine turtles, which all need extra protection in order to survive. To find the complete list of critically endangered species, check out the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species.
World Wildlife Fund - How You Can Help!
With so many endangered species around the world, WWF needs your help! By making a cash donation, your money will help fight poaching and prevent habitat loss. You can even adopt an animal in the wild (adoption fees cost $25 for a single tiger, elephant, panda or gorilla). You won't be able to take it home with you, but you will get an adoption certificate and computer desktop images of your adopted animal. So what are you waiting for? Head to the official World Wildlife Fund website, www.wwf.org to get more info on how you can help protect endangered animals and their habitats!
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