Endangered Species

Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing.

- Psalm 5, 1

Many species of bird, animals, insects and plants are threatened with extinction due to habitat destruction through deforestation, urban & industrial development, climate change, mining and oil exploration, agricultural expansion, overfishing, conflict and war and other human pressures. Extinction refers to the end of a species' existence either regionally, in the wild or sadly, a complete elimination! Just imagine! Apart from losing its intrinsic right to exist and, similar to us, give glory to its Creator, humanity would also be deprived of the unique message that that species offers us!

However, we no longer need to imagine the extinction of species because it is happening right now! Many of these species are known to us but according to scientists, many others will become extinct before we ever discover them especially those in the tropical forests and the deep seas!

Happy are all who take refuge in the Lord

- from Psalm 2, 12

Inform ourselves by viewing Red List Data

To check out some of the endangered species in your own country, just look for the Red List data supplied by your national parks and wildlife service (NPWS) and by nature conservation groups.

Online Resources - International

Check out the Red List data supplied by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources here.

Online Resources - Ireland

Check out the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2014-2019 compiled by BirdWatch Ireland and the RSPB Northern Ireland.

Check out our section on Nature Reference Books for more information.

Listen to the sound of my cry, my King and my God,

for to you I pray.

- Psalm 5, 2