This article is about the insect. For other uses, see Cockroach (disambiguation).
 Cockroaches (or roaches[1][2][3]) are insects belonging to the order Blattodea (Blattaria). About 30 cockroach species out of 4,600 are associated with human habitats. Some species are well-known pests.
 Cockroach
 Temporal range: Late Jurassic–Present 
 PreꞒꞒOSDCPTJKPgN
 
 Common household cockroaches
 A) German cockroach
 B) American cockroach
 C) Australian cockroach
 D&E) Oriental cockroach (♀ & ♂)
 Scientific classification
 Kingdom:
 Animalia
 Phylum:
 Arthropoda
 Class:
 Insecta
 Superorder:
 Dictyoptera
 Order:
 Blattodea
 Families
 Anaplectidae
 Blaberidae
 Blattidae
 Corydiidae
 Cryptocercidae
 Ectobiidae
 Lamproblattidae
 Nocticolidae
 Tryonicidae
 Modern cockroaches are an ancient group that first appeared during the Late Jurassic, with their ancestors, known as "roachoids", likely originating during the Carboniferous  period around 320 million years ago. Those early ancestors, however, lacked the internal ovipositors of modern roaches. Cockroaches are somewhat generalized insects lacking special adaptations (such as the sucking mouthparts of aphids and other true bugs); they have chewing mouthparts and are probably among the most primitive of living Neopteran insects. They are common and hardy insects capable of tolerating a wide range of climates, from Arctic cold to tropical  heat. Tropical cockroaches are often much larger than temperate species.
 Modern cockroaches are not considered to be a monophyletic group, as it has been found based on genetics that termites are deeply nested within the group, with some groups of cockroaches more closely related to termites than they are to other cockroaches, thus rendering Blattaria paraphyletic. Both cockroaches and termites are included in Blattodea.
 Some species, such as the gregarious German cockroach, have an elaborate social structure involving common shelter, social dependence, information transfer and kin recognition. Cockroaches have appeared in human culture since classical antiquity. They are popularly depicted as large, dirty pests, although the majority of species are small and inoffensive and live in a wide range of habitats around the world..

Despite existing protective laws, hunters often target zebras for their skins and meat. Climate change further exacerbates the challenges for zebras, who struggle with drought and extreme heat waves, jeopardizing their food and water sources. 

Moreover, urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation affect zebra habitats, increasing conflicts between humans and zebras. 

International Zebra Day aims to raise awareness about what these creatures face, and by doing so, it calls everyone to action. Learn more about facts, the latest data, and global initiatives that can help you with the cause below.

Zebras' black and white stripes are a natural bug repellent and marker of individual identification. 
Zebra foals are born with brown and white stripes. Some even have spots. 
Their adaptive digestive system allows them to efficiently extract energy from fibrous grasses, contributing to their survival in environments with scarce food.
Zebra stripes regulate their body temperature and help them camouflage themselves in the African continent.
Their wide-set eyes and swiveling ears help them detect potential threats in their surroundings.

IUCN reported Plains Zebras to be near threatened. However, a 2020 study reported that the population had decreased by 25% since 20021.

IUCN categorized Mountain Zebras as Vulnerable3. With over 34,000 mature individuals, its population is rising due to the recovery from a drought in the 80s. However, the threat remains, hence the vulnerable status.

The most unfortunate of the three zebra species is the endangered Grévy's zebra. Its population declined by more than half for the last three decades2. Habitat degradation, competition with livestock, and local hunting are the top threats that led to their status.

Save the Stripes, launched by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, focuses on conserving the endangered Grevy's zebra in Kenya. It works on habitat protection, anti-poaching, and community engagement.
Grevy's Zebra Trust conserves the Grevy's zebra in Ethiopia and Kenya. They conduct monitoring, research, and community outreach programs to ensure the survival of this endangered species.
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) works to conserve key African landscapes, including zebra habitats. It uses community-based conservation projects, habitat protection, and anti-poaching initiatives.

1979:
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) included Grevy's zebras in its appendices, regulating their international trade.

2008:
The IUCN moved down the status of Mountain Zebras from Endangered to Vulnerable.

2010:
The UN General Assembly declared 2011-2020 as the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity, indirectly promoting zebra conservation efforts.

2015:
The UN adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, which include targets related to wildlife conservation.

2016:
The IUCN updated the status of the Plains zebra from Least Concern to Near Threatened.

September 22 is World Rhino Day, an annual commemoration of the five species that share our planet - the Black, White, Indian, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos. 

This event reminds us of these creatures' challenges, including habitat loss and poaching. More importantly, it encourages collective action to save these vital members of our global ecosystem.

Not only about rhinos, but this day also catalyzes necessary conversations about biodiversity, underscoring the invaluable role each species contributes to our ecological balance.

The World Wildlife Fund established World Rhino Day in 2010 with the initiative of Lisa Jane Campbell and Chantal Dickson. The event raises awareness about protecting the various ecosystems where rhinos exist.

The first World Rhino Day involved protests and auctions that raised awareness and promoted the protection of both African and Asian rhino species. In 2011, the day gained support from organizations like the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and Save the Rhino International. 

The increased awareness helped stress the importance of protecting rhinos from poaching and illegal horn trading.

Today, World Rhino Day has become a global platform for advocating stricter anti-poaching laws, encouraging generous campaigns and supporting innovative conservation projects. This year, the theme is "Five Rhino Species Forever."

The celebration of World Rhino Day brings attention to the critical need to protect the world's five remaining rhinoceros species. These animals face two significant threats: rampant poaching and habitat loss. 

For one, rhino horns are a status symbol in Yemen and Oman and are in high demand for traditional Chinese medicine. Thankfully, South Africa, home to 68% of the world's rhinos, has reported a significant decrease in rhino poaching, from 3.9% of the population in 2018 to 2.3% in 20213. 

However, habitat loss is another significant issue for rhinos; human activities like agriculture and urbanization cause deforestation. Moreover, climate change disrupts weather patterns, affecting the rhinos' habitats and food sources.

Additionally, conflicts can arise between rhinos and humans; rhinos can damage crops or injure people., 

Conservation efforts face several obstacles, including a lack of funding, difficulties monitoring vast wilderness areas, and corruption. Finding sustainable solutions for these challenges is critical. The journey may be arduous, but it is more important than ever.

From 2007 to 2016, more than 7,000 African rhinos have been lost to poaching for the illegal wildlife trade1. This demand depends on the unproven health benefits of a rhino horn, perpetuating a cycle threatening rhino populations.
According to the 2022 State of the Rhino Report by IRF4, there are less than 27,000 rhinoceros left in the wild. Here is the breakdown for each species:
Javan Rhinos - 76
Sumatran Rhinos - 80
Black Rhinos - 6,195
Greater One-horned Rhino - 4,014
White Rhino - 15,942
In 2011, IUCN declared the Western black rhino subspecies extinct after extensive searches in northern Cameroon.