National Endangered Species Day is celebrated on the third Friday in May, with a focus on protecting threatened wildlife. This day recognizes endangered species as plants or animals at risk of becoming extinct due to various factors such as human development, climate change, natural disasters, pollution, and poor reproduction. Established by Congress, National Endangered Species Day also acknowledges the progress made in wildlife conservation since the inception of the Endangered Species Act in 1973.
The Endangered Species Act currently safeguards over 1,600 species in the United States and is administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The FWS maintains a comprehensive list of endangered species across multiple categories including birds, insects, fish, reptiles, mammals, crustaceans, flowers, grasses, and trees. However, recent changes to the Endangered Species Act by former President Donald Trump in 2019 have raised concerns, including the impact of climate change on habitat and the consideration of the economic cost of protecting species.
To raise awareness about endangered species, an interesting approach is being taken by matching each zodiac sign with a specific endangered animal. For example, Aries is likened to the teporingo, or volcano rabbit, due to their vitality and driven nature. Taurus is matched with the Siamese crocodile for their territorial behavior, while Gemini shares traits with the social and vocal ring-tailed lemur. Cancer is symbolized by the Loggerhead turtle, demonstrating a motherly and nurturing instinct.
Leo is associated with the Barbary hyena, known for its majestic mane and deceptive behavior akin to a Leo’s charm. The endangered wallaby embodies the perfectionist nature of Virgo by pausing fetal development until conditions are ideal. Libra is reflected in the aesthetics of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, and Scorpio’s transformative energy is embodied in the corpse flower. Sagittarius’s optimism is seen in the smiling Axolotl, while elitist Capricorn resonates with the regal and exclusive Javan rhino.
Aquarius’s independence is mirrored in the Marine iguana, as the only lizard in the world that feeds on sea plants. Lastly, Pisces’s whimsical nature is captured by the enchanting pink fairy armadillo, known for being nocturnal and easily stressed. Each zodiac sign is uniquely matched with an endangered species to draw attention to the importance of conservation and preservation efforts. By learning about these animals and their characteristics, individuals can better understand the significance of protecting endangered species and their habitats. National Endangered Species Day serves as a reminder of the critical need to safeguard our planet’s biodiversity for future generations.
