ENDANGERED SPECIESAlthough we cannot do anything about the plants and animals t

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Today’s topic in this series of lectures on our planet is about ensuring the survival of our very important plant and animal species. In this lecture, I want to discuss one way that we can do this.
No one will ever see a huge dinosaur thundering through the forest. No one will ever see a paradise parrot flash its rainbow colours across the sky. The fact is that many animals and plants have been wiped out. Sadly, they are extinct It is too late for them. Extinction is forever.
We can’t do anything about the species that have already disappeared, but today, there are many animals and plants that could still become extinct in the future if we do not act now. They are endangered. The African elephant and rhinoceros have become endangered because of the value of their tusks. Australian parrots and reptiles are smuggled onto planes because certain people in other countries are prepared to pay thousands of dollars for them. And there are many other species around the world that are endangered because they no longer have a place in which to live and reproduce safely.
The main cause of extinction is the destruction of habitats. A habitat contains all that a living thing needs
to survive: space, light, water, food, shelter and opportunities for reproduction.
The population of the world is growing rapidly, and this is placing great demands on land and resources for housing and for growing food. When vegetation is cleared and swamps are drained for agriculture, mining and suburbs, or when rivers are dammed to store water, plants are destroyed and animal life is threatened.
In other words, humans are changing and destroying the habitats of animals and plants, which is, in turn, reducing their chances of survival.
So, how can we conserve habitats and help save endangered species? Well, one way is to protect their habitats permanently in national parks or nature reserves. National parks have been created in many countries. They encourage peopleto enjoy the beauty and diversity of the animals and plants that live there without harming them. By supporting and visiting these parks people can become more aware of the species that live there, and how the parks work to protect them.
It is very important that, when visiting a national park, we keep them safe for future generations of plants and animals by obeying a few rules:
  Firstly, follow the fire regulations. Don’t throw cigarettes, or build fires — except at certain times of the year, in especially allocated areas and facilities.
  Secondly, remember to leave pets at home. Pets such as cats or dogs can hunt birds or other small animals. Some pets might even escape and become a serious threat.
  Thirdly, place all rubbish in a bin or take it home. Plastic bags or leftover food are dangerous to the animals and harm the environment.
  Don’t pick the flowers or damage the plants. Flowers create the next generation of the plant.
  Also, for the same reason, birds’ eggs must be left in their nests.
The loss of species in the past is sad. However, there is hope for the future. Despite the demands of our increasing population, we can work to protect the plant and animal species we still have.
So I would like to conclude by saying that I believe that, with strongpublic awareness and support of these national parks and reserves, the future of endangered species can be ensured.