Up and about, protecting endangered species (5)
I believe the answer is:
panda
'endangered species' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'up and about protecting' is the wordplay.
'protecting' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'PANDA' is hidden within 'up and about'.
(Other definitions for panda that I've seen before include "Chinese bear-like mammal" , "See 17" , "One bearlike" , "(a cuddly-looking bear)" , "WWF symbol" .)