The world is at risk of losing many species on the verge of extension, with dwindling numbers and no end to the process in sight. A journal article by 13 scientists from eight different countries says the world is now in the sixth mass extinction of plants and animals.
Other scientists, however, feel that calling the current age a mass extension is a bit dramatic. While scientists agree humans damage the earth and changes should occur to protect species on the edge of extinction and our natural environment, the situation may not be as dire as predicted.
As with most things, the truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. One thing everyone agrees on is that some species are in danger of no longer existing. The list grows and changes from year to year, but here are five animals currently on the verge of extinction that might surprise you.
1. Giraffes
In 2016, giraffes moved onto the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s “Red List of Threatened Species” report into the vulnerable category. In the 1980s, there were 155,000 giraffes in Africa. Today, the number is under 100,000 — a reduction of around 40 percent.
Some ways to protect this gentle giant include protecting the existing giraffe habitat and supporting conservation efforts of African governments and preservation groups around the world.
2. Sumatran Rhino
The Sumatran rhino is one of the smallest rhinos in existence, and it has two horns. Its population declined rapidly by about 70 percent in 20 years. Scientists believe fewer than 80 Sumatran rhinos are still living.
The biggest threat to these rhinos comes from poachers who sell their tusks for traditional Asian medicine practices. However, climate change may also impact their numbers.
3. Bornean Orangutan
The Bornean orangutan is now on the critically endangered list, with estimates of numbers falling another 25 percent by 2025. Habitat loss is the biggest danger to this orangutan, as the forests in which they live are being felled and turned into paper and rubber plantations. Illegal hunting is another issue enhancing their loss of numbers.
Bornean orangutans only breed once every six to eight years, making conservation efforts difficult. To do your part, support organizations protecting their habitats, donate to national parks and reserve areas and buy products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which means the company uses sustainable forestry in the production of their goods.
4. Saola
Scientists discovered this species in 1992 in Vietnam and dubbed it the Asian unicorn. It’s considered the most endangered large mammal, so elusive that numbers are unknown but thought to be only a few hundred, but possibly far fewer.
The remote location and lack of conservation efforts put this species at extreme risk of extinction. Education is one of the best ways of protecting this species, so few have even heard of. Experts believe the only option for conservation is trapping and relocating these mammals to safe habitats because their numbers are too low for them to rebound naturally.
5. Elephants
For many years, elephants have stayed on the endangered species list. Hunting for their ivory tusks is one of the main reasons for declining numbers, but changes in habitat exacerbate the problem. The Asian elephant makes the top 10 list for endangered species, but its African cousin faces similar issues with declining numbers.
The biggest issue with overcoming their endangered status lies in the massive amounts of land both Asian and African elephants need to survive. As the human population increases and competes with them for precious resources, keeping them safe seems more and more difficult.
Small Steps to Big Changes
If humanity wants to keep these and other animals from becoming extinct, we must pay attention to how we care for the planet. Reducing your carbon footprint, contributing to conservation efforts and educating those around you about these animals and why they’re precious to our world are all ways to move toward a world where elephants, giraffes
| Megan Ray Nichols STEM Writer & Blogger nicholsrmegan@gmail.com https://schooledbyscience.com/Resume: https://schooledbyscience.com/about/ |
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