Endangered species are organisms that are at risk of becoming extinct in the near future if measures are not taken to protect and conserve them. Extinction occurs when a species no longer has any living individuals. This can happen due to a variety of factors, including habitat loss, overhunting, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. Human activities, such as deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization, have greatly accelerated the rate of species endangerment and extinction.

Endangered species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and biodiversity. Their loss can have far-reaching ecological consequences and disrupt entire food chains. Additionally, the extinction of a species means that all the unique genetic and biological traits that it possessed are forever lost. Conservation efforts, such as protected areas, captive breeding programs, and public awareness campaigns, are important in ensuring the survival of endangered species and preventing further extinctions.