The world is turning into a concrete jungle to satisfy greedy humans’ needs for comfort and modernization. People are exploiting natural resources; trees have been cut, decreasing the forest area. You might wonder, what does reduction in forest area imply? Firstly, the oxygen and Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere might get abnormal, leading to global warming effects in a critical state, rising sea levels, and lastly, stripping the animals from their sustainable habitat.
The food chain is an exciting concept mentioned in the 5th grade. It shows how a sustainable cycle in nature is maintained. Humans have developed a tenacious habit of disrupting nature’s natural course, affecting our fellow biotic species. Animals live in harmony, while humans cause disharmony. According to national geographic BlogSpot, around 46% of the world’s forested area has been lost between 1960 – 2016, accounting for about 1.3 million square kilometers.
Imagine the competition between animals for food and other essential things needed for their survival. South Africa’s environment minister Dr. Edna Molewa at the 17th Conference on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, discussed ways to protect these endangered species and an initiative. Here is the list of 15 endangered species.
Zebra
Zebra, the iconic animal species in the African savannas, has been considered an endangered species by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The causes of endangerment include poaching, loss of habitat, and competition within the livestock. The wild population of the Zebras is estimated to be less than 2,000 individuals. The majority of the Zebra habitats are in deserts and grasslands in Kenya and Ethiopia. Furthermore, Zebras are differentiated into three species depending on the length of their legs, stripes width, placement of stripes, and ears; those species are Common Zebra, Mountain Zebra, and Grevy’s (named after a French president) Zebra. Among the three species of Zebra, the Grevy’s Zebra is at threat of endangerment.
Giraffes
Giraffes are a vulnerable species according to the IUCN, which means measures need to be put into place to protect them, or else Giraffes might get completely extinct. As mentioned in the introductory paragraph, the primary reason for animal extinction is linked directly or indirectly to the loss of habitat. Thus, forested land used for development, agriculture, and road cuttings profoundly impacts the Giraffe population. Climate change-induced droughts also contribute to Giraffe endangerment and Giraffe, bones, and skins trade, where the US plays a significant role in the trade market. The species have declined by 40% in 30 years. The Kordofan species of Giraffe is down to 2000 individuals living in Kenya’s protected lands. Therefore, Giraffes’ protection should be on red alert as the tallest mammals on Earth might get erased from the face of the Earth.
Horses
Horses that we see almost everywhere are endangered, which comes as a shock when you hear it. The Przewalski species of horses have been affected the most. The Przewalski Horses are considered a wild species. Sadly, this species struggles due to interbreeding with their domestic cousins, hunting, habitat loss, declining water resources, diminishing water resources, and lack of genetic diversity due to interbreeding in closely related horses. Steps like reintroducing the species to stir up the endangered species population are in progress.
Howler Monkeys
Howler Monkeys that live in the rainforests are on a path of endangerment. The majority of Howler Monkeys come from the Central American region. The male variety of Howler Monkeys is black, while the female type is brown. These primates’ existence is a threat due to human activity and nature. Howler Monkeys are herbivores that feed on fruits, flowers, and leaves. Rainforest has been reduced due to forest fires, which affects the habitat of the species. Another factor is Human predation, which endangers the species. Many say that the Yucatan black Howler monkey population might decline by 60% in 30 years. Only about 250-2,500 individuals of Maranhao red-handed Howlers have been living today in the wild.
Ground Squirrels
Ground Squirrels are considered a rodent. You might seem surprised at how a rodent can be an endangered species when they are highly capable of adapting and reproducing. While this might be true, species’ survival depends on the availability of space favorable to the species. Due to the agricultural development of land and urbanization, the favorite places for Ground squirrels are declining. Nelson’s antelope, a species of ground squirrel, has been reduced by 20%. Hence, the Californian Protection Act protects the species.
Dolphins
The Dolphins in the Indian rivers, Indus and Ganges, have been predicted to be on a path to extinction. Even though there have been efforts to study the Dolphin’s habitat and endangerment causes, limited information has been obtained about it, putting them at significant risk. The species conservation would not succeed as very little knowledge is available about the Indus and Ganges Dolphins. The population estimate for the Indus Dolphins in the Indus River is about 1,200, while the Dolphins in the Ganges are about 3,500. These population counts are extremely low, and efforts need to occur to save the cheerful Dolphins.
