Endangered Species Day 2023

What is  Endangered Species Day?

  Endangered Species Day is an annual observance held on the third Friday of May in the United States. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats. The event aims to educate the public about the threats faced by endangered species and the need for conservation efforts to prevent their extinction.

 The history of Endangered Species Day dates back to the early 2000s when various organizations and individuals recognized the need to raise awareness about endangered species and their conservation. The United States Senate Proclamation: Endangered Species Day was first proclaimed by the United States Senate on May 11, 2006. The resolution, introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein, designated the third Friday of May as Endangered Species Day. The first Endangered Species Day was celebrated on May 19, 2006. It aimed to encourage people of all ages to learn about endangered species, the reasons behind their endangerment, and the importance of protecting their habitats. 

  In India, there is not a specific day designated as "Endangered Species Day" like in the United States. However, the country has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and protecting its endangered species. India is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, including several iconic endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros, Asiatic lion, snow leopard, and many more. The Government of India, in collaboration with various conservation organizations, has implemented several initiatives and programs to protect endangered species and their habitats. 

 Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, Project Tiger aims to conserve and protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It involves the establishment of tiger reserves across the country and the implementation of measures to address threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

 Project Elephant: Initiated in 1992, Project Elephant focuses on the conservation and welfare of Asian elephants. The project aims to protect elephant habitats, mitigate human-elephant conflict, and address issues related to poaching and illegal trade.

 Indian Rhino Vision 2020: This conservation initiative, launched in 2005, aims to increase the population of the Indian rhinoceros in the wild. It involves habitat restoration, anti-poaching efforts, and translocation of rhinos to new protected areas.

 National Mission for Clean Ganga: This program, launched in 2014, aims to clean and rejuvenate the Ganges River and its ecosystem. The mission focuses on reducing pollution, conserving biodiversity, and protecting the endangered Gangetic dolphin and other aquatic species.

 Wildlife Protection Act: The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 is a significant legislation that provides legal protection to wildlife in India. It prohibits hunting, poaching, and trade of endangered species and their derivatives, along with regulating activities related to wildlife conservation and management.

  India's marine ecosystems are home to a diverse array of species, and unfortunately, several marine species in India are classified as endangered. Here are some notable endangered marine species found in Indian waters

• Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea): The Olive Ridley Sea turtle is a marine turtle species that nests along the coastlines of India and Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India. They face threats such as habitat destruction, accidental capture in fishing gear, and pollution.

• Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): The hawksbill turtle is another endangered sea turtle species found in Indian waters. It is known for its beautiful shell, which has unfortunately led to illegal trade and poaching. Loss of nesting beaches, entanglement in fishing gear, and habitat degradation are major threats to their survival.

• Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin (Sousa plumbea): The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin is a species of dolphin found along the Indian coastline. Habitat degradation, pollution, and accidental entanglement in fishing gear pose significant threats to their population.

• Dugong (Dugong dugon): The dugong, also known as the "sea cow," is a large marine mammal found in the coastal waters of India. It is threatened by habitat loss, accidental capture in fishing gear, and overfishing of seagrass, which forms a significant part of its diet.

• Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus): The whale shark, the largest fish in the world, frequents the coastal waters of India. Despite being a filter-feeding species, they face threats such as accidental entanglement in fishing gear, boat strikes, and illegal hunting for their fins and meat.

• Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris): The Irrawaddy dolphin is a critically endangered dolphin species found in the rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas of India, including the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems. Habitat degradation, pollution, and accidental entanglement in fishing gear are major threats to their survival.

• Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica): The Ganges River Dolphin is another endangered dolphin species found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems. It faces similar threats as the Irrawaddy dolphin, including habitat degradation and pollution.

  Efforts are being made by the Indian government, conservation organizations, and local communities to protect and conserve these endangered marine species. These initiatives involve habitat conservation, promoting sustainable fishing practices, reducing pollution, implementing stricter regulations, and raising public awareness about the importance of marine conservation.

     Happy Endangered Species Day 2023

Author

-Pradip Namdeo Chogale

Naganwadi, Kolhapur,

19 May 2023

Note_ This is introductory basic information to all readers about Endangered species around us.