Key Points
- World Wildlife Day is celebrated annually on March 3, highlighting the importance of conserving wildlife and ecosystems.
- The theme for 2025 is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”, focusing on sustainable funding for biodiversity protection.
- Established by the United Nations in 2013, the day commemorates the signing of the CITES agreement in 1973 to regulate wildlife trade.
- Over one million species are at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction, climate change, and poaching.
- Iconic extinct species like the Dodo and Passenger Pigeon serve as reminders of urgent conservation needs.
Every year on March 3, the world comes together to celebrate World Wildlife Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. This year’s theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” emphasizes the need for innovative financial solutions to combat biodiversity loss amid a growing extinction crisis.
The day also serves as a reminder of humanity’s responsibility to preserve nature for future generations. Schools, communities, and organizations worldwide participate in events and campaigns to promote sustainable practices and conservation efforts.
History of World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day was officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 20, 2013, during its 68th session. The date, March 3, was chosen to commemorate the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. CITES plays a crucial role in ensuring that international wildlife trade does not threaten species’ survival.
The first World Wildlife Day was celebrated in 2014, and since then, it has become one of the most significant global events for wildlife conservation awareness.
Extinct Species: Lessons from the Past
Over time, several species have disappeared due to human activities like hunting, habitat destruction, and pollution. Here are some notable extinct species:
- Northern White Rhinoceros: The last male died in 2018, leaving only two females incapable of reproduction. Hunting led to their near extinction.
- Passenger Pigeon: Once numbering in millions, these birds were hunted into extinction by the early 20th century.
- Dodo: Native to Mauritius, this flightless bird was last seen in the 1660s, wiped out by sailors and invasive predators.
- Dutch Alcon Blue Butterfly: This butterfly disappeared from Dutch grasslands by 1979 due to habitat loss caused by farming and construction.
- Golden Toad: Last seen in 1989, this amphibian succumbed to chytrid fungus infections exacerbated by climate change and pollution.
Vanishing Flora: The Silent Crisis
Plants are equally at risk as animals when it comes to extinction. Some notable examples include:
- Hopea Shinkeng: Once abundant in the Eastern Himalayas, this plant has not been seen for over a century.
- Ilex Gardneriana: An evergreen tree species now extinct in India due to rapid deforestation.
- Madhuca Insignis: Native to Karnataka, this plant was declared extinct by IUCN in 1998 after years of habitat destruction.
- Sterculia Khasiana: Found in Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills, this plant has vanished but is being reintroduced through conservation efforts.
Why Conservation Matters Now More Than Ever
With over one million species currently at risk of extinction, World Wildlife Day underscores the urgency of addressing threats like habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, climate change, and pollution. The loss of biodiversity has far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, food security, and human well-being.
This year’s theme highlights the importance of financing conservation efforts globally while ensuring that communities benefit from sustainable practices.
How You Can Contribute
- Support organizations working on wildlife conservation projects.
- Adopt sustainable habits like reducing waste and avoiding products linked to deforestation or poaching.
- Raise awareness about endangered species through social media or community events.
- Participate in local clean-up drives or tree-planting initiatives.
