The number of (0) THREATENED (THREAT) animal species continues to rise at an alarming rate. Scientists warn that without urgent action, many iconic creatures could face 1EXTINCT within our lifetime. The 2PROTECT of endangered wildlife has therefore become one of the most pressing issues of our time. Habitat 3DESTROY caused by farming and logging remains the single greatest threat, followed by illegal hunting and climate change. A number of international 4ORGANISE are working tirelessly to reverse these trends, often alongside local 5GOVERN that have agreed to protect key areas of forest and ocean. Raising public 6AWARE is also crucial, since ordinary people can make a real difference through their everyday choices. Recent 7BIOLOGY research has shown that even small, protected reserves can help populations recover when managed carefully. Despite all the bad news, conservationists remain cautiously 8HOPE about the future of several species once thought to be beyond saving.