The rapid loss of species today is staggering—happening 1,000 to 10,000 times faster than the natural extinction rate. According to WWF, with an estimated 100 million species on Earth, at least 10,000 species go extinct every year. Each loss weakens the ecosystems and biodiversity we depend on for clean air, water, and food. This isn’t just about wildlife—it’s about us and the future of life on our planet.
As you may already know, we care deeply about endangered species and have created a series of award-winning audiobooks about the island of Infinity, home to the last one of every extinct animal species. You can download Part 1 (52 minutes) here, on our website. For a limited time, all 4 apps (the whole dramatised adventure with music, narration, and sound effects) are FREE to download in the App store and Google Play.
Losing animals to extinction is more than just sad—it means losing valuable ideas for solving human problems. Many inventions, like self-cleaning surfaces and fast trains, were inspired by nature. When species disappear, we lose the chance to learn from their unique abilities, which could help improve technology, medicine, and sustainability. Protecting animals is also protecting the future of innovation.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, over 26,500 species are in danger of extinction. This includes 40 percent of amphibians, 34 percent of conifers, 25 percent of mammals and 14 percent of birds.
But there’s hope!
We can all make a difference right now, by making small changes to our everyday lives.
Even the smallest actions in our daily lives can make a huge difference. Here’s how you can help:
🌱 Choose Certified Products – Look for labels like FSC for wood, MSC for sustainable seafood, or Fairtrade for ethically made goods. These choices protect forests, oceans, and communities.
♻️ Cut Plastic Waste – Use reusable bags, bottles, and straws to reduce the plastic pollution that harms marine life. Join a local cleanup and be part of the solution, like this one, ‘Clean Up’ in the UK!
🐝 Create a Wildlife Haven – Plant native flowers to help pollinators like bees and butterflies thrive. Build a hedgehog shelter or bird feeder to support local wildlife.
🌍 Use Your Voice – Advocate for conservation policies and contact your representatives to push for stronger environmental protections. Every voice matters!
🚿 Save Water – Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, fix leaks, and collect rainwater to nurture your garden. Every drop saved helps.
🚫 Avoid Harmful Products – Don’t buy items made from endangered species, like ivory, exotic leather, certain tropical woods, tortoise shell, coral, and some animal skins. Check that your product has a CITES permit before you part with your cash. Certain leather products, including some made from caiman, crocodiles, lizards and snakes require permits. You can read a Buying Smart Guide on WWF website.
We’re in an extinction crisis, but together, we can change the future. Every action, no matter how small, counts. Let’s protect our planet’s biodiversity before it’s too late. 🌍💚
For more ways to help, visit: WWF UK
Resources for Teachers and Families:
In addition to our audiobooks, our website also provides a wealth of free resources for educators and parents, including lesson plans, slides, and information on endangered species. These materials can be used to supplement your child’s learning experience and further deepen their understanding of extinction and conservation.
Download our FREE lesson plans and slides about Extinction and Biomimicry. We also have a selection of classroom activities on our website.
For even more exploration of the natural world, tune in to our Stories, Science & Secrets podcast for kids. Join Matthew, Elaine, Steve Punt and special guests, as we delve into the fascinating world of biomimicry and the inspiring ways science learns from nature’s genius.