Wildlife constitutes the major part of our environment. It is important to conserve flora and fauna to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem. The existence of the world as we know is interdependent on the survival of one another. However, ironically it is because of the human activities that most of the animal species are now endangered and will extinct if proper steps are not taken in time.
Here are some of the various Endangered Species:
1. Kakapo:
Source: Wikipedia
The kakapo is the only species of flightless parrots in the world. Also known as owl parrot, they are large in size and nocturnal. As of December 2017, they have a total population of 154. For their conservation purpose, they are being kept at three predator-free islands namely Codfish, Anchor and Little Barrier islands.
2. Sumatran Rhinoceros:
Source: Wikipedia
Also known as hairy rhinoceros are smaller in size as compared to other rhinoceros. Once spread across Southeast Asia. They are now on the verge of extinction because of poaching. They were extensively hunted for their horns thus resulting in a sharp decline of their population.
3. Radiated Tortoise:
Source: Wikipedia
They are long-living species of lifespan up to 188 years. Mostly found in Madagascar, islands of Reunion and Mauritius. The main reason for their declining population is poaching and loss of their natural habitat.
4. Blue Whale:
Source: Wikipedia
They are the largest mammal to be found on Earth. Mainly found in Antarctic, North Pacific, and North Atlantic region. Other than whaling the more prominent threats to this species are global warming and change in ocean’s temperature affecting their food supply.
5. Addax:
Source: Wikipedia
Also known as white antelope, they were once found in abundance in North Africa. They are now rare due to extensive hunting for their meat and leather. They are easy targets because of their slow movements.
6. Red Wolf:
Source: Wikipedia
They are the rarest species of wolves. They were once spread throughout the Eastern United States, but their number declined due to excessive predator control program and habitat destruction.
7. Tapanuli Orangutan:
Source: Wikipedia
They are the newly discovered species of orangutan and the rarest great ape with a number less than 1000 in captivity. The major threats to this species include deforestation, hunting, and illegal wildlife trading.
8. Amur Leopard:
Source: Wikipedia
Though once present in abundance their population has been reducing to mere 57 presents in Russia and China. The major threats to them include forest degradation, inbreeding, and poaching.
9. Hawaiian Monk Seal:
Source: Wikipedia
They are found around the Hawaiian Islands and are one of the two remaining species of monk seals. There are only about 1400 of them present. The decline in their numbers is mainly due to habitat shrinking, starvation and marine debris entanglement. Previously they were extensively hunting for their meat, oil, and skin.
These are just some of many species that require our attention. It is high time that we realize the importance of wildlife and what they constitute to nature. For more information and insights, you can look up for “best nature blogs” on various searching platforms.