About:

1. Endangered Species Day is observed on the third Friday of May every year. In 2020, it falls on the 15th of May.
2. This year 15th annual Endangered Species Day is celebrated.
3. The day provides us with an opportunity to observe and learn about the endangered species and the ways to protect them.
4. Endangered Species Day spread awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species, their habitats and to take necessary steps to protect them. 
5. Therefore, Endangered Species Day recognizes the national conservation efforts to protect our nation’s endangered species and their habitats.
6. On this day various events are held at various wildlife refuges, zoos, parks, community centres, aquariums, botanical gardens, libraries, schools and colleges etc. 

Background:

1. In the 1960s to 1970s concern over the wellbeing of animals with environment and conservation came out.
2. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 was signed into law on 28 December to raise the importance of wildlife conservation and restoration efforts for all imperilled species.
3. The first Endangered Species Day was created by U.S. Senate in 2006. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in the past two decades, the list of endangered species has more than doubled.
4. One of the most-recognized independent international systems of species assessment is the Red List of Threatened Species, created by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Endangered Species:

1. Endangered species are the species that are at the risk of extinction due to sudden rapid decrease in its population or loss of its critical habitat.
2. Endangered species could also be in danger thanks to factors like habitat loss, poaching and invasive species.
3. Species like plants or animals that were threatened with extinction could be called an endangered species.