Of the 8 million species on the planet, we have identified, proportionally, no more than about one in ten.

The World Animal Day is celebrated every year on 4^th October, also known as the Feast of Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of animals and ecology. This Day is aimed at raising the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe. This Day is not to be confused with World Biodiversity Day (May 22), and International Animal Right Day (December 10).

The definition of endangered species includes any type of organism that is threatened by extinction. Species are considered endangered of extinction for two main reasons, namely loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation which is caused by many factors like, for example, uncontrolled hunting (poaching) and changes in climatic conditions.

Sadly, the conclusion of the 2018 State of the World's Birds Report (an accurate report produced by BirdLife International that aims to analyse the health of bird populations around the world) is that the species of birds on Earth are experiencing a significant decline. The report states: "These statistics are not only bad news for birds, they are also a warning for the planet as a whole. The health of bird species is a good measure of the state of ecosystems in general. Because birds are so widespread, being present in almost every type of ecosystem and, therefore, being one of the most studied groups of animals, they are good indicators of the state of the environment".

Elephants and tigers, but unfortunately also many other animals, coral included, are seriously threatened with extinction because of both human activities (poaching) and because of global warming which, in particular, is literally killing coral reefs.

It is estimated that today in the African continent there still exist approximately 415.000 elephants. Analysing these data in detail, we find, unfortunately, that more than 95% of these beautiful mammals have disappeared in less than a century; indeed, this species entered the International List of the Most Endangered Species in 1989.

Unfortunately, the estimate is high: tigers are thought to have lost about 95% of their historic natural habitat (source: worldwildlife.org). This severe reduction puts tigers at risk of extinction. Agriculture, road building and other associated human activities have fragmented and destroyed this valuable natural habitat. Of course, climate change has also played a major role in this important reduction.

In order to save the rhinoceroses, conservationists have thought of and adopted the drastic solution of sawing off their horns, which are highly prized by illegal poachers who sell them at a high price on the illegal market; but in order to stop rhino poaching, we need to tackle its root cause: namely stop consumer demand for rhino horn. Without consumer demand, there will be no incentive for poachers or traffickers to chase rhinos.

Habitat destruction, illegal poaching and contamination of natural habitats all are major threats to endangered species. All species deserve their natural habitats to thrive and we have an obligation to protect our environment for future generations. The United Nations General Assembly, at its 68th session held on 20th December 2013, chose and established 3rd March as “World Wildlife Day”. The purpose of world days such as this one is to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our Planet and our existence making it in harmony with nature and all that is enclosed in it and in this case with the fauna and flora.

In environmental matters, one of the most important agreements governing international trade in wild animals is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, the so-called CITES.

The rapid loss of sea ice due to global warming is severely affecting its natural habitat, thus the Polar Bear could face extinction if global warming continues unabated. Unfortunately, if climate change remedies are not implemented quickly, polar bears risk becoming extinct forever. This is what emerges from several studies on the subject: researchers are convinced that the loss of sea ice, caused by rising temperatures, would force all 19 known subpopulations of polar bears (from the Beaufort Sea in Alaska to the Siberian Arctic) to move onto land and away from their food reserves in the sea. The risk of prolonged fasting by these adult mammals, particularly females, would lead to a drastic reduction in the lactation of cubs. This would lead to a reduction in reproduction and, inexorably, to a rapid decline of this wonderful species.

The climate emergency and thus the issue of environmental protection put in evidence the necessity for urgent society-wide mobilization. In the EU some governments are adopting legal tools to give companies a greater role in today’s societal and environmental issues. For example: France recently (22 May 2019) published its Action Plan for the Growth and Transformation of Enterprises (PACTE) urging companies to adopt an Environmental Management System in order to organise and manage their environmental impact. Companies and businesses should all keep in consideration their impact on the environment and become more green changing their practices contributing more to a greener economy.