How to Save Endangered Species (abroad)

An Atlas of Endangered Species is a beautifully illustrated guide to the diversity of life on earth, in a world where a species goes extinct every 3 hours. This book shows how species are adapting: Sharks can navigate using electromagnetic fields, sloths use algae as camouflage, albatross can fly for hours without beating their wings and orca pods have unique cultures and languages.

But our incredible world is at risk. In this book, Megan reveals the stories of scientists, rangers and conservationists who are fighting to save these extraordinary creatures from extinction, and how we all have a part to play.

Also read how to save endangered species in England.

The book begins with some sobering facts, but also hopeful stories about creatures that had been declared extinct, that are now thriving, thanks to conservation efforts worldwide.

The book features 19 animals from rhinos to elephants, and also one endangered species closer to home. Plus there is a chapter on our orange furry cousins: orangutans:

Orangutans are the victims of years of environmental destruction and illegal human activity. Illegal hunters shoot a mother high up in the tree, and wait for her and her baby to come crashing to the ground.

They then prise the youngster from the mother’s warm, bloodied fingers to be shipped across the world to sit in a cage for the remainder of its life (40 years). The other threat is habitat destruction for palm oil (sold in 50% of products in supermarkets).

Megan McCubbin is a qualified zoologist who is often featured presenting wildlife programs on TV, including BBC Springwatch and Autumnwatch. She often presents alongside her step-father Chris Packham.

This is a lovely book, well-written and beautifully illustrated. And I’m delighted to see that it’s been written by one of the generation of new young naturalists that are helping to change our perception and appreciation of the natural world. Iolo Williams

What are the world’s most endangered species?

Cathy Hansby

IUCN Red List says there are 44,000 threatened species (around a third of all creatures on earth), ranging from slightly concerned to extinct. At time of writing (2025), the world’s most endangered creatures are:

• Kakapo (NZ bird, due to hunting)
• Pangolins (wildlife crime)
• Aye-ayes (habitat loss & superstition)
• Purple frogs (loss of habitat in India)
• Numbat (Aussie marsupial, loss of habitat)
• Rhinos (poaching)
• Orangutans (palm oil)

Support Born Free Foundation (not zoos)

Born Free says conservation is best done in the wild, not in zoos that entertain, rather  than educate. Temperatures are wrong (too cold for elephants in London, too hot for polar bears). Many develop medical problems and there is high infant mortality for polar bears, lameness in elephants and mental health issues for apes.

In the wild, polar bears have around 1 million times more space, and apes swing from tree to tree. 83% of the British public wish a ban on keeping large animals in zoos.

Submit reports to Born Free about animal concerns for zoos (or circuses abroad) and for animals used in the media. Take photos and videos if you can.

And if abroad, contact the local police and tour operator. Also look up your local animal shelter before you travel, so you can report that too.

The big five threats, in plain English

• Habitat loss: hedgerows removed, wetlands drained, reefs broken, forests cleared.
• Climate change: warmer seas move fish, heatwaves dry ponds, seasons shift and food arrives late.
• Pollution (pesticides and plastics included): garden chemicals reduce insects, litter chokes wildlife, fertiliser run-off feeds algae blooms.
• Invasive species: released pets, hitch-hiking plants, or hardy newcomers that outcompete natives.
• Illegal wildlife trade: “cute” souvenirs, exotic pets, ivory, coral, or items sold as traditional remedies.

Use your spending power to reduce habitat loss and overfishing

Shopping can feel distant from wildlife, yet supply chains reach into forests, rivers, and oceans. The aim isn’t perfection, it’s consistency.

Here are a few practical swaps that tend to help:

• Buy less and buy better: fewer fast purchases usually mean less pressure on land and water.
• Choose certified sustainable fish when you can, and try new species to reduce demand on overfished favourites.
• Avoid deforestation-linked products where possible (for example, beef, soy feed, cocoa, and some palm oil), and look for clear sourcing.
• Pick reusable over single-use to cut plastic waste, especially when travelling or eating out.
• Choose peat-free compost and plants, then ask garden centres about their peat policy.
• Favour traceable brands that publish where key ingredients come from.

Fauna Brewing (vegan beer to help endangered species)

Fauna Brewing is a brand that was founded by a man who after a trip to Botswana, wished to create a beer that gives back, to charities that help endangered species. Based in Arundel (West Sussex), it has helped to raise over £60,000 to help threatened creatures across the world.

Some things it has funded include:

• Conservation areas for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
• Funding anti-poaching controls to save African painted dogs
• Paying for satellite trackers to help save endangered pangolins
• Helping to reduce human conflict for wild cheetahs
• Restoring habitats for red squirrels (to avoid culls)
• Planting wildflower meadows for pollinators
• Helping restore habitats for red squirrels
• Funding tree-planting in Africa and South America

Arundel is a historic market town dominated by the 11th castle and stunning Gothic cathedral. It sits on the River Arun, the town itself known for its steep high street with independent shops and tea rooms.

You can find Fauna Brewing beers in many shops and supermarkets, pubs and restaurants. Or buy online (including mixed cases):

These beers are naturally vegan (no bone or fish finings).

• Tidal Haze Pale (a juicy punch with citrus notes)
• Cheetah Lager (European-style lager with Vienna malt)
• Wild Dog IPA (malt heavy with stone fruit undertones)
• Chimp Pale Ale (a hazy pale ale with mango flavours)
• Bushy Tail Best (traditional bitter, floral and fruity)
• Meadow Maker (a golden pale ale, hint of tangerine)

Pangolin Table Beer

Pango Table Beer (lots of oats for a silky mouthfeel) uses profits to help African Pangolin, a charity helping to save the world’s most trafficked animals.

Often found in so-called ‘wet markets’, these beautiful creatures suffer terribly (some are even killed in front of diners, in order to ensure the ‘meat is fresh’).  All eight species are now threatened.

Greentings

Pangolins are the world’s only mammals to be covered in protective keratin scales, and like hedgehogs, will roll themselves into a ball if threatened. They eat up to 70 million insects each year, using tongues longer than their bodies (they are also known as ‘scaly anteaters’ or ‘walking pine cones’).

They have no teeth, so swallow small stones in order to grind up insects in their stomachs. They don’t see well but have good smell to  find insect nests. And when eating, they can close their ears and nostrils, to keep ants out! Single pups ride on the mother’s tail, until independent.