On the third Friday of May every year, the world comes together to observe Endangered Species Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of endangered species and promoting conservation efforts to protect them. This year, Endangered Species Day falls on May 16th, 2025, and serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address the growing threat of extinction faced by many species around the globe.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that over 27,000 animal species are threatened with extinction, including 40% of amphibian species, 33% of reef-building corals, and 30% of coniferous trees. The main drivers of extinction are habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overfishing, and the wildlife trade. As species disappear at an alarming rate, ecosystems are disrupted, and the delicate balance of nature is threatened.
In Uganda, several species are endangered, including:
- Animals include mountain gorillas, chimpanzee, African elephant, and Rothschild’s giraffe
- Plants: Osyris lanceolata (a medicinal plant), Warburgia ugandensis (a tree species used for medicine and timber), Entandrophragma angolense (a valuable timber tree) and Vitellaria paradoxa (formerly Butyrospermum parkii) commonly known as shea tree
- Fish: Nile tilapia (due to overfishing and habitat degradation), and various species of cichlid fish in Lake Victoria
- Indigenous farm seeds: traditional crop varieties such as beans, bananas, and sweet potatoes, which are being lost due to the promotion of hybrid and genetically modified crops
The country’s rich biodiversity is under threat due to habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting these species and preserving Uganda’s natural heritage.
Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity. By safeguarding habitats, reducing pollution, and addressing climate change, we can help ensure the long-term survival of many species. Moreover, conservation has numerous benefits for human well-being, including improved air and water quality, increased food security, and enhanced ecosystem resilience.
As we observe Endangered Species Day 2025, individuals can make a difference by taking action to support conservation efforts. We can learn about endangered species, educate ourselves about the conservation efforts underway to protect them, and support organizations that work to protect endangered species and their habitats. By reducing our carbon footprint, choosing sustainable products, and supporting companies that prioritize environmental responsibility, we can contribute to a more sustainable future. Additionally, participating in local conservation initiatives, such as park cleanups, tree planting, or wildlife monitoring, can also make a significant impact.
In the words of Rachel Carson, “The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” Let us focus our attention on the wonders of the natural world and work towards a future where endangered species can thrive. By working together, we can make a difference and ensure the long-term survival of many species.
