How Many Extinct Animals Have Extinct Or Alive Found
Due to poaching, pollution, climate change and habitat loss, extinction has become a global crunch — now more than ever. Although yous'd similar to imagine the possibility of sea turtles and tigers going the way of the dullard is improbable, extinctions are more likely than you might want to believe.
Advances in science provide promise that some species could be saved, but, in the concurrently, major losses could severely alter the world'southward ecology. Hither are thirty animals currently teetering on the brink of extinction.
Scimitar-Horned Oryx
Due to over-hunting, drought and excessive livestock grazing, the number of scimitar-horned oryx dwindled rapidly, and this creature became extinct in the wild. However, in recent years, these graceful, antelope-looking creatures have been slowly reintroduced in Chad, Tunisia and Niger.
These desert dwellers are uniquely capable of handling arid climates, unlike other livestock. To deal with lack of water, the oryx can handle an internal body temperature of 116 degrees Fahrenheit in order to sweat less and conserve the water it has ingested.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Named for their narrow beaks, hawksbill bounding main turtles are hunted for the distinctive blueprint of overlapping scales on their shells. Commonly, hawksbill shells are sold as "tortoiseshell" — looking similar to the popular eyeglasses design.
Found throughout tropical waters, hawksbills utilize their distinctive beaks to extract and feed on sponges as well every bit bounding main anemones and jellyfish. These critically endangered creatures help maintain the oceans' coral reefs, so their extinction could take astringent impacts on marine ecosystems the earth over.
Black Rhino
Native to Namibia, the black rhino is the smaller of the two species of rhino that call the continent of Africa habitation. According to the Earth Wild fauna Fund, the blackness rhino'southward population dipped to a celebrated low betwixt 1960 and 1995. Thanks to invasive European hunters and colonizers, this 98% driblet brought the species' numbers to less than ii,500 individuals.
Although they are still considered critically endangered, black rhinos take seen a resurgence in contempo years with their population reaching between 5,042 and 5,455 individuals. Even though protections are solidly in place, these creatures are nonetheless impacted by poaching, as their horns remain popular on the blackness market.
Amur Leopard
Amur leopards are a favorite of big game poachers. The World Wild animals Foundation estimates that only 84 Amur leopards be in the wild today. Hunted for their cute coats, these leopards are now considered critically endangered.
Although people often acquaintance leopards with savannas, this rare species lives in the temperate forests of Russia. Like other leopards, the Amur leopard is known for its speed, traveling upwardly to 37 miles per hour.
Bornean Orangutan
Native to the forests of Borneo and Sumatra, the orangutan in question has experienced a population drop of near 50% since the 1960s. The primary factor? Human interference — such as logging and hunting — has caused a harsh reduction in the species' habitat. In total, nigh 105,000 individuals remain.
The orangutan's prominence varies by region. For instance, in northwest Borneo, habitat reduction has been and then severe that only ane,500 individuals remain today. Comparatively, individuals in central Borneo number about 35,000.
Giant Tortoise (Pinta Island Tortoise)
When y'all think giant tortoise, you might think of the Galápagos Islands and Charles Darwin — and yous wouldn't exist wrong. A number of subspecies of giant tortoises are spread beyond the world'south islands. Some have dome-shaped shells, while others have saddleback shells. Regardless, giant tortoises on the whole are considered a "vulnerable" species.
One such subspecies, known every bit the Pinta Island tortoise, saw the concluding of its species pass away in 2012. Known equally "Lonesome George," the sole surviving tortoise from Pinta Island (1 of the most northerly islands in the Galápagos) was thought to be 100 years quondam. Researchers tried to save the Pinta subspecies by finding George a mate but didn't succeed.
Malayan Tiger
Until 2004, researchers thought Malayan tigers were Indochinese tigers, but Dna testing revealed the specimens to be separate subspecies. Found on the Malay Peninsula besides equally in Thailand, these tigers are considered "critically endangered."
The Malayan tigers' numbers have dipped drastically depression, with a total of 250 to 340 individuals nevertheless in being in the wild. Unlike other endangered species, which often see a resurgence afterward protection measures are put in place, the Malayan tiger has experienced a steady reject.
California Condor
In 1987, N America'southward largest country bird went extinct in the wild due to habitat loss, poaching and lead poisoning. Fearing the California condor would completely disappear, the United states regime captured the 27 remaining wild condors, planning to breed them at zoos in San Diego and Los Angeles.
Since this conservation effort was initiated, condors have been reintroduced into the wild, including in parts of Arizona and Utah near the Grand Coulee and Zion National Park, respectively. Despite these proactive measures, the California condor is still listed as "critically endangered" with less than 500 individuals surviving today.
Spix's Macaw
Also known as the little blueish macaw, this species is native to Brazil, with its last remaining flock living in the northeastern part of the country. Sightings of the Spix'due south macaw are extremely rare, with just two reported glimpses between 2000 and 2016.
In fact, sightings are and then rare that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has accounted them extinct in the wild. To help bolster the species' numbers, the Brazilian government has organized a captive breeding program.
Saola
Dubbed the "Asian unicorn," the saola is a mysterious brute. Little is known nigh the animal, which calls the evergreen forests of Lao people's democratic republic and Vietnam home. In fact, the saola — meaning "spindle horn" in Vietnamese due to those iconic parallel horns — was only discovered in 1992.
This detect, which occurred less than iii decades ago, marked the first discovery of a new big mammal in more than 50 years. Although it'due south unclear merely how many saola exist in nature today, they are considered a "critically endangered" species.
Cantankerous River Gorilla
Dissimilar other primates, cross river gorillas are incredibly wary of humans — not to mention, they live in rugged, densely-forested areas. Consequently, researchers accept had a difficult time counting them, but contempo estimates put this critically endangered species' population in the ballpark of 200 to 300 individuals.
Humans pushed the gorillas deeper into the forests and further damaged their habitats by immigration forests for timber, growing crops or maintaining livestock. Every bit with many endangered species, poaching presents a huge problem, although the governments of Cameroon and Nigeria are working together to stop this threat.
Southern Rockhopper Penguin
Known for its distinctive yellowish brows (or crests), the southern rockhopper penguin calls the subantarctic waters of the western Pacific and Indian Oceans as well equally the waters around the southern coast of South America home. Instead of being named after those colorful crests, the penguins got their name considering of their hopping movements.
Over the class of the last iii decades, this species' population has fallen sharply — by estimates of 25% or more than. Climate change — with its changing water temperatures — every bit well every bit the later effects of oil spills and commercial fishing go along to threaten this vulnerable population.
Greater One-Horned Rhino
Found throughout Nepal, northern Republic of india, Bhutan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, the greater one-horned rhinoceros (or Indian rhino) isn't so mighty when it comes to population numbers. Hunted for sport — also because they were considered ingather-destroying pests — the species came close to extinction in the early 1900s.
At that time, just 200 or and then greater one-horned rhinos lived in the wild. Luckily, the rhinoceros's conservation has been successful and so far, cheers to a joint effort betwixt the Indian and Nepalese governments. Although these creatures are all the same considered vulnerable, roughly 3,500 individuals roam the grasslands of Republic of india and Nepal today.
Dugong
Cousins of the manatee, dugong are distinct from their relatives due to their dolphin-like tails. Dugongs are strictly marine mammals — no freshwater, please — grazing in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Traditionally, this species, which is rich in cultural significance, was hunted by folks living in Australia and the Pacific Islands.
However, commercial fishing for the dugong's meat and oil has greatly fragmented the creature'due south population. Despite being protected in many countries, the dugong's slow rate of reproduction paired with ongoing hunting get out it vulnerable to extinction.
Sumatran Tiger
Known every bit the smallest tiger subspecies, Sumatran tigers are the terminal remaining tigers in Indonesia. Less than 400 individuals struggle to survive in the sparse patches of forest on the island of Sumatra.
Due to deforestation and poaching, this species could bring together its relatives on the extinct listing. Despite increased conservation efforts — poachers in Indonesia face hefty fines and jail time — a market place still exists for tiger pelts. Even if the poaching is curbed, Sumatran tigers are still losing their habitats and food sources at a rapid rate.
Vaquita
Dubbed the world's rarest marine animal, the vaquita is a relatively new discovery — and already on the brink of extinction. Showtime spotted in 1958, this special porpoise often drowns in gill nets used past illegal fishing operations off the coast of United mexican states.
Experts estimate the species is critically endangered with roughly 30 individuals living in the wild. The Mexican government, various environmental organizations and fifty-fifty actor/activist Leonardo DiCaprio successfully worked to ban gill nets, but the ban did little to help the vaquita population. Now, researchers are attempting to implement a captive breeding program, to footling avail.
Vancouver Isle Marmot
The Vancouver Island marmot is an extremely rare mammal. As you may have guessed, information technology is native — and contained — to its namesake isle in British Columbia. In 2003, researchers counted less than thirty marmots living in the wild in colonies, leading to its inclusion on Canada's federal Species At Risk Act (SARA).
Thankfully, recovery efforts take proven successful. In 2019, more than than 200 marmots populated more than 20 colonies in the island's mountains. Despite this population increase, changes in weather patterns and the clearcutting of forests still threaten marmots to this day.
Western Chimpanzee
Highly social and devoted to their offspring for many years, chimpanzees are humans' closest cousins. In fact, 98% of our genes line up. Most chimps spend their time in the treetops of the forests of fundamental Africa, only coming down to grab a bite to eat. (Relatable content.)
Perhaps human's close relation to these animals makes their endangerment fifty-fifty more than upsetting. Due to poaching and habitat loss, the chimpanzee population has dropped to less than 300,000 individuals.
Socorro Isopod
One of only seven freshwater species in a family unit that'due south often establish among saltwater marine life, the Socorro isopod might be tiny, merely its touch is immense. Due to the diverting of several warm springs in New Mexico that fed the isopod's marshland habitat, the species is now confined to 164 feet of habitat.
In 1978, the species was added to the endangered species listing. Nonetheless, near all the Socorro isopods were wiped out when an invasive root dammed the h2o period into the creature's delicate habitat.
Blood-red-Crowned Roofed Turtle
This freshwater turtle is native to South Asia — and loves basking in the sunday. The red-crowned roofed turtle population has declined in Nepal, Republic of india, Bangladesh and elsewhere due to a variety of factors.
In addition to being harvested for their shells and meat, these turtles are oftentimes caught in line-fishing nets and become victims of h2o pollution, habitat loss and the later on-effects of hydro-electric power structures. It'south estimated that fewer than 400 adult females exist in the wild, causing Republic of india to institute a captive breeding program for this endangered creature.
Red Wolf
The scarlet wolf is native to the southeastern United States and is a notable subspecies of the wolf and coyote, which interbred thousands of years agone. With a unique lineage, the red wolf has been deemed uncommonly worthy of conservation.
Unfortunately, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 didn't fully protect mixed species like the ruby wolf. In 1996, the IUCN added the species to its critically endangered list. Due to ongoing hunting, the red wolf population in N Carolina dropped to less than 60 individuals in 2016.
Salt Creek Tiger Beetle
The Salt Creek tiger beetle dwells in the ground, snapping up prey similar a cat waiting to pounce. After a university-sponsored survey, Nebraska added the beetle to its endangered species listing in the 1990s, a proficient decade before the U.Southward. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In 2014, i,110 acres of wetlands were dedicated to conservation efforts. A 2009 study indicated that only 194 developed beetles existed, but, by 2013, that number increased to 365 beetles.
Yangtze Finless Porpoise
These critically endangered porpoises are named later the Yangtze River — the longest river in Asia. Not to mention, the Yangtze is one of only 2 rivers in the earth that is home to species of dolphins. The other species was the Baiji dolphin, although it was declared extinct in 2006.
Today, betwixt 1,000 and ane,800 finless porpoises exist in the wild. A myriad of factors, from pollution and shipping traffic to the use of hydroelectric dams, has devastated the population. Yangtze finless porpoises are now more endangered than China's iconic panda.
Keen White Shark
Known equally the largest predatory fish on Earth, the great white shark can weigh up to 5,000 pounds. All the same, opposite to what Jaws (1975) taught you, great whites are only responsible for a third of almanac shark attacks worldwide.
Despite their reputation, these carnivores are considered a vulnerable species. Scientists have determined the species' population is decreasing due to overfishing — not to mention accidentally communicable these predators in mortiferous gill nets.
Marine Iguana
Charles Darwin once described these Galápagos Isle natives equally the "about disgusting, clumsy lizards." With salt-encrusted heads and crocodile-like tails, marine iguanas won't be winning whatsoever beauty pageants, merely their unique features make them more than than capable on both land and in water.
Unfortunately, the marine iguana is constantly threatened by non-native species on the Galápagos. Feral cats, rats and dogs routinely eat the iguanas' eggs and young.
Carmine Panda
About the size of a domesticated cat, ruby pandas live in the trees of the Eastern Himalayas, using their bushy tails for balance. Like the better-known black and white pandas, this species has an extended wrist bone, which acts like a pollex and allows them to munch on bamboo.
Sadly, these endangered animals are victims of deforestation. Their habitats are constantly shrinking due to logging and agriculture. Today, less than 10,000 individual red pandas exist in the wild across Myanmar, Nepal, India and China.
Bigeye Tuna
Bigeye tuna can weigh in at a whopping 460 pounds, but its massive size can't keep this big fish out of hot water. Due to overfishing, this species' population has faced a precipitous decline. In 2012, more than 450,000 metric tons of bigeye tuna were defenseless past commercial fisheries.
Added to the Greenpeace International ruby-red list in 2010, the fish is at risk of disappearing, and nearly researchers advise eating other types of tuna to allow this species to recover. Moreover, rising ocean temperatures have taken a toll on marine phytoplankton — bigeye tuna'due south primary source of nutrient.
Stream Toad (Ansonia Smeagol)
The Ansonia smeagol — or stream toad — was named after the large-eyed character in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings series. It lives in upland streams in mountainous areas in Malaysia.
While related stream toads can be found in India, Thailand, Borneo and the Philippines, the Ansonia smeagol is detail to Malaysia. This makes the species rare — and easily threatened. Unfortunately, the expansion of tourist resorts has impacted the toad's habitat every bit well.
Polar Bear
Thank you to water-repelling, insulated coats, polar bears tin withstand extreme temperatures. As a result, these marine mammals spend well-nigh of their fourth dimension in the water or on the ice in the Arctic Bounding main — and l% of that fourth dimension is dedicated to hunting for food.
Unfortunately, climate modify has had a devastating impact on polar bear populations. Their body of water ice habitats are melting speedily. Since 2008, the polar bear has been listed every bit "threatened" under the U.s.' Endangered Species Act.
African Elephant
Native to roughly 37 countries in Africa, the African Elephant is the largest terrestrial animal on Globe, weighing up to 6 tons. Both subspecies — the savanna elephant and the forest elephant — are hunted for their prominent tusks.
Roughly one 3rd of the full African elephant population is made of forest elephants, which are more ofttimes than not the chief targets of ivory trade poachers. It'south estimated that 415,000 individuals exist in the wild, making the species a vulnerable population.
Source: https://www.reference.com/pets-animals/animals-brink-extinction?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740005%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex
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