Which animals face the greatest risk of extinction?
There are many endangered species around the world, and the list can change based on the latest data and conservation efforts. However, some of the most critically endangered species include:
The Sumatran Rhino
According to the WWF, the Sumatran Rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is Critically endangered with only around 80 individuals remaining in the wild. This is due to a combination of habitat loss, poaching for their horns, and a decline in population due to a small gene pool.
They are native to the islands of Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia and are also known as the hairy rhinoceros or the Asian two-horned rhinoceros as they are the only Asian rhinoceros with two horns. This is one of the smallest rhinoceros species.
Sumatran rhinos are known to be solitary animals, and they are very elusive in the wild. They live in a variety of habitats, including lowland rainforests, montane forests, and peat swamp forests. They are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of leaves, fruits, and branches.
For more information like his weight, height, etc go here!
The Javan Rhino
The Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is a species of rhinoceros that is native to the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. They are one of the most endangered mammals in the world, with an estimated population of only around 67 individuals remaining in the wild.
Javan rhinos are very similar in appearance to the Indian rhinoceros, but they are smaller in size and have a more pointed upper lip. They are also known for their distinctive skin folds, which give them an “armored” appearance. They are herbivores and feed mostly on grasses and aquatic plants.
The Javan rhinoceros once had a wide range across Southeast Asia, but now they are restricted to Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia. The main threats facing the Javan rhino are poaching, habitat loss and fragmentation, and inbreeding due to a small population.
If you want to learn more head to Save the Rhino website!
The Vaquita (a small porpoise found in the Gulf of California)
The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is a small porpoise that is native to the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, in Mexico. It is the smallest and most endangered cetacean species in the world, with an estimated population of only around 10 individuals remaining in the wild as of 2021.
Vaquitas have a distinctively small, round head and dark circles around their eyes. They have a dark grey color on the upper body and a lighter grey color on the lower body. They are shy animals and have a preference for shallow waters with rocky bottoms and strong currents.
The main threat facing the vaquita is bycatch, accidental capture in gillnets used by local fishers, which is used to target the totoaba fish, whose swim bladder is valuable in the black market. Habitat loss and degradation also play a role.
To know more about its current state of extinction head to this article by National Geographic!
The Mountain Gorilla
The mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla that is found in the high altitude rainforests of the Virunga Mountains, which are located in the border area of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are one of the most endangered primates in the world, with an estimated population of around 1000 individuals remaining in the wild as of 2021.
Mountain gorillas are large, stocky primates that are covered in thick, dark fur. They have black skin and distinctive wide nostrils and expressive brown eyes. They live in tight-knit family groups led by a dominant male, called a silverback, who is responsible for the protection of the group. They are primarily herbivores, feeding on a variety of leaves, stems, fruits, and bamboo shoots.
The main threats facing the mountain gorillas are habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, and disease. Habitat loss is mainly caused by human activities such as logging, mining, and farming. Poaching for bushmeat, or the illegal trade in gorilla parts, is also a significant threat. Additionally, gorillas are susceptible to the same diseases as humans, including respiratory infections.
If you want more details on their behavior, habitat, size, and more, read this!
The Hawksbill Sea Turtle
The hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a species of sea turtle that is found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are known for their distinctive hawk-like beak and the beautiful, colorful patterns on their shells, which are used to make tortoiseshell products.
Hawksbill sea turtles are primarily found in coral reefs, rocky areas, and lagoons, but they also occur in seagrass beds, mangroves and sandy beaches. They have an omnivorous diet, feeding on sponges, jellyfish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
The hawksbill sea turtle is critically endangered. Their population has declined drastically due to human activities such as overharvesting of eggs and hunting of adults, as well as habitat destruction, pollution and climate change. Their shells are highly valued for their beauty, and they have been used to make tortoiseshell products such as combs, eyeglass frames, and jewelry.
Conservation efforts are underway to try to save the hawksbill sea turtle from extinction. These include protecting nesting beaches, reducing bycatch in fishing gear, and raising awareness about the importance of conservation and the negative impacts of harvesting eggs and adult turtles. Additionally, international trade in hawksbill sea turtle products is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
It’s worth mentioning that it’s important to be mindful of the impact of our actions on these animals and their habitats. Simple actions like not buying products made from sea turtle shells, respecting nesting sites and not disturbing sea turtles when we encounter them can make a big difference in their survival.
To know more about the danger this animal faces read this article by National Geographic!
A lot of species are facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, we just mentioned a few of them. We hope to keep bringing more to the spotlight in future posts. There are many organizations dedicated to protecting and conserving these endangered species, and their efforts can help to ensure that these animals have a chance to survive, read this post to find out about some of them.