The “H” in HIPPO There are many reasons in our world why plant
and animal species become rare and endangered, or under the
threat of extinction. However, environmental scientists and
naturalists – like we educators here at the NEW Zoo – have
noticed that there are five main reasons that can account for
the majority of species becoming threatened. We us an acronym to
help us remember – and teach people– about these five core
reasons for animal endangerment. That acronym is the word HIPPO,
meaning that every letter in “HIPPO” stands for something that
is causing species to become endangered. Over our next five blog
entries, we’re going to focus on each of these issues – to help
you not only understand them better, but also to help you learn
how you can avoid contributing to these factors. The first
letter in HIPPO is, of course, the “H,” which stands for HABITAT
LOSS. This is the first “big reason” why species are becoming
threatened and endangered. A habitat is an animal’s (or
plant’s!) home, and every habitat