When people think of endangered species, they often think of animals like the panda, snow leopard, or polar bear. However, there are thousands of animals on the endangered species list.
And the sad truth is, the list of animals going extinct keeps getting longer, with there being more species now on the list than ever before. Many of these species you’ll likely have never heard of. However, there are many on the list that you wouldn’t expect.
Being aware of what animals are going extinct is important to protecting the planet. Here are five animals you might not know are going extinct.
 

1. Mice

To many, mice are no more than a household nuisance.
And while a nuisance they may be, mice are a very important part of the ecosystem. They serve as a food source to predators of all sizes. And they serve as a link between plants and predators.
Yet, dozens of species of mice are going extinct around the world. For example, the Alabama beach mouse has been nearly wiped out in recent years due to severe hurricanes. The New Mexican jumping mouse is also endangered due to droughts and wildfire.
So, maybe think twice next time before you set that mouse trap.
 

2. Hummingbirds

If you’re an avid gardener, you know how useful hummingbirds can be to the prosperity of your garden.
Unfortunately, 10 percent of the hummingbird population is at risk of extinction. This extinction is due largely to habitat loss which, as we all know, is one of the many detrimental effects of climate change.
As food becomes more scarce for hummingbirds, many of them will need to alter their migration patterns.
To keep hummingbirds happy, try to keep your bird feeder full at all times.
 

3.  Bees

We’re a ways off from having a shortage of the sweet, nutritious honey we get from bees. However, the endangerment of some bee populations is particularly worrisome to scientists.
Bees are pollinators, and therefore, they help keep plant life thriving in all sorts of environments. Without bees, plants would struggle to grow and in turn, many other species would struggle to find shelter and food.
The rusty patched bumble bee was just recently placed on the endangered species list and is now under federal protection. This bumble bee used to thrive in 28 states, but now, it is scattered across only 13.
Another type of bumble bee, known as the Bombus affinis to scientists, has seen a 90 percent loss in population since the 1990s.
So, if you have a bumble bee hive that you’d like to get rid of, consider an eco friendly bee removal service that will relocate the bees.
 

4. Corals

We often don’t think of coral as a living species. However, corals play a key role in the survival of many underwater ecosystems.
The first coral to be added to the endangered species list were the Staghorn stony coral and the Elkhorn coral. In the past decade, the Staghorn coral has declined drastically, losing close to 90 percent of its population.
If you’re a scuba diver, you may want to look into coral conservation projects.
 

5. Deer

Seeing a deer grazing in the wild is a magical experience.
Unfortunately, right now, there are 23 species of deer that are listed as endangered.
The Key deer, for example, which only exists in the Florida Keys, came dangerously close to extinction in the 1990a. Now the population is at nearly 800. However, deer are killed at a rapid rate. Drivers account for nearly 70 percent of deer deaths, so make sure to use extra caution when driving past deer crossing signs.
 
How do you feel about the possible extinction of these species?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
 

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