What is extinction?
Extinction happens when the last of a kind of animal or plant dies out, so it is gone forever. Once a species is extinct, it can never come back. Some animals, like the Malayan tiger, are in danger and need our help.
Why do species become extinct?
- Losing their habitat when forests are cut down.
- Too much hunting and illegal trade.
- Pollution of air, water and land.
Key idea
We can prevent extinction by protecting habitats, making laws against hunting, and running breeding programmes to increase animal numbers.
How we help
Governments protect forests as national parks and wildlife reserves so animals have safe homes. Laws make hunting and selling protected animals against the rules. In breeding programmes, zoos and centres help rare animals have more babies, then release some back into the wild.
Remember
- Protect habitats — keep forests safe.
- Obey laws — do not hunt protected animals.
- Support breeding programmes.