Introduction

Ask anyone what they know about threatened and endangered species and you may hear about rhinos being poached for their horns, or lions being targeted by trophy hunters. But if you ask the same people to tell you about threats to animals in North America, the answers might not be so forthcoming. There is a strong global awareness of the African “Big Five” (elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and African buffalo), and important conservation efforts have rightly been focused on these species for many years. However, there is a tendency to overlook our treatment of animals in other parts of the world who are just as important, both collectively and as individuals. Indeed, while many people in North America would be somewhat aware of the plight of lions and rhinos on a continent on the other side of the world, they would be less likely to be aware of the threats facing animals closer to home.

North America is home to countless species of amazing eco-engineers whose members not only play a vital role in a healthy ecosystem from which all of North America’s human society benefits, but which are made up of individual animals who deserve our respect, care, and protection. And yet, these animals are extensively exploited by multiple human activities. Our North American Big Five and Little Five campaign seeks to show the interconnected ways in which these animals – some loved and revered, and others maligned or considered “pests” – are exploited and harmed by humans. We hope to encourage empathy and action to better protect these animals and, in doing so, support both better welfare for the individuals involved and a healthier ecosystem across the continent.

Explore the North American Big 5 and Little 5

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