What is a protected species?

A protected species is a species that is endangered or in danger of disappearing. Protected species can be animals, plants or other organisms whose populations have decreased significantly or whose habitat is threatened. Protected species are important to preserve because they are part of nature’s diversity and ecosystems.

Protected species can be protected by various means, such as limiting their hunting or trading, establishing protected areas or restoring their habitats. The protection of protected species is also important in terms of human well-being, as they can provide us with, for example, medicinal substances or other useful resources.

Identifying and protecting protected species is an important part of nature conservation and sustainable development. It is important that we understand the importance of protected species and do our part to preserve them for future generations.

Sources: IUCN, Ympäristö.fi