Endangered species are indicators of environmental problems and help warn of issues that can impact human well-being. When a species goes extinct, such as the passenger pigeon, it is gone forever. Habitat loss from expanding human development is a major cause of endangerment, affecting species like spotted owls which rely on old-growth forests and whooping cranes which use drained wetlands. Conservation efforts can help protect habitats and prevent further species declines.

1. Endangered species are like fire alarms. They tell us about problems in our home we call Earth. If we listen to their alarm calls, they could help us improve our lives and the health of our planet.