Many animal species are considered endangered all over the world. An endangered species is a type of organism, such as an animal or insect, that is threatened by extinction. In our world today global warming is a huge issue and is a big topic in discussions. There are many reasons that a species could become endangered such as pollution, diseases, and over-exploitation. However, the main two are loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation.  

Loss of habitat comes naturally. The climate, weather, and condition of a habitat could change drastically and species could be unable to adapt to it. Not only does the loss of habitat come naturally, but humans can also contribute. Cutting down trees and clearing acres of land for housing, industry, and new buildings can cause animals to lose their homes.

Genetic variation allows organisms to adapt to changes in the environment. Loss of genetic diversity and variation can be caused by inbreeding within a species. If there is no genetic diversity within a species then most of the population has a higher chance of being endangered if not being able to adapt to a new environment. Humans can affect genetic variation in a species as well. Overfishing and overhunting have reduced the populations of many animals. 

The International Union for Conservation of Nature keeps a list that defines the specific species and its cause for the threat of extinction. This list is called The Red List, and it has seven levels of conservation. Least concern, near threatened, vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered, extinct in the wild, and finally extinct.