Now and then, there seem to be one animal or another falling into the endangered zone. This can be largely traced to indiscriminate hunting and the rising value of these animal parts on the black market.
For example, the Ivory-black market has been on a constant rise, and about 1 kilogram of ivory can fetch up to $1,800 in value. At such ridiculous rates, it is no surprise that elephants have slipped into the endangered species in recent times. Discover what you need to know about animals that are endangered.
About animal endangerment
The accelerated rate of animal extinction and endangerment is due to human activities like overfishing, poaching, and deforestation. However, salvaging the present situation would also require intentional human intervention.
Although some species can be salvaged through scientific experiments and intentional breeding, others might be lost forever if we do not do something about it.
Some of the most endangered animals currently
In this section, we will shed some light on the animal that are considered endangered.
Giant tortoise
Commonly found in the Pinta island of Ecuador, the giant tortoise has long served as a source of tourist attraction from different parts of the world. However, since the death of George (seemingly the last of his kind at that time), about 17 more and counting have been found on the island.
Brazilian Spiz’s Macaw
This animal was driven to endangerment due to deforestation. Since then, all attempts to set up a natural habitat for them have failed. Currently, they are mostly only seen in zoos.
Scimitar Oryx
One might mistake these creatures for an antelope at first glance, however, the shape of their horns would simply state otherwise. The animal is priced for its horns, for which they were hunted until their population rapidly fell.
As far back as 2000, they were declared extinct in the wild, with remnants only found in breeding programs worldwide. Due to the success of the breeding program, some have been released back into the wild.
Southern Rockhopper Penguin
These penguins get their name from the way they move and their habitat. They are usually found in rocky areas where they live and breathe. However, due to commercial fishing, their numbers have fallen drastically, with some statistics stating it to be a decline by over 30% in the last 30 years alone.
Amur Leopard
Poaching, deforestation, industrial encroachment and inbreeding have all contributed to the endangering of these species. However, efforts made to save them have been successful so far. Within the past decade, statistics put their population to have risen beyond the 100 mark.
Examples of other endangered animals
The list of endangered animals has been on a steady rise in the last decade. Therefore, these animals are mostly now placed in reserves, zoos or special breeding programs to increase their population. The currently listed endangered animals are:
- Bornean Orangutan
- Eastern lowland Gorilla
- Sunda tiger
- Black rhino
- African wild dog
- Asian Elephant
- Black-footed Ferret
- Blue whale
- Bluefin Tuna
- Bornean Elephant
- Black-footed Ferret
- Yangtze Finless Porpoise
- Western Lowland Gorilla
- Vaquita
- Bonobo
- Chimpanzee
- End Whale
- Ganges River Dolphin
- Greene Turtle
- Hector’s Dolphin
- Indian Elephant
- Indus River Dolphin
- Eed Panda
- Sea Lions
- Sea Turtle
- Sei Whale
- Sri Lanka Elephant
- Tiger
The survival of endangered animals largely lies in the paths of humans. Although certain poaching laws and checks have been put in place to prevent endangerment, we certainly have to do more to succeed.