Animals depend on their natural habitat for survival, in order to find enough food and water in order to survive.
The best way to preserve the world's animal species, is to protect their habitats and today, many animal species are declining due to habitat loss, including deforestation in forests, destruction of coral reefs and climate change causing the ice to melt in the polar regions.
A number of areas of jungle, wetlands and coastal regions have been declared sanctuaries in order to try and protect the species that live there.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was set up to control the movement of live wild animals and plants and their products, across international borders.
CITES today, has been signed by more than 120 countries around the world and completely prohibits the trade of more than 400 species.
