Environment
Current Status of 11 Famous Endangered Animals
Animals are an important part of the ecological system as well as a real value to most economies. This has resulted in government interest to protect endangered animals whose lives have been threatened with extinction. Commonly known species are now disappearing from the wild due to climate change and human activities such as trophy hunting, deforestation, and poaching.
This article looks at the 11 most endangered species that have reported major declines in recent decades.
Current Status of 11 Famous Endangered Animals
1. Giraffes
Giraffes are currently listed as vulnerable species after it was noted that the number had declined by about 40 percent in a period of 30 years. This constitutes a loss of 66000 giraffes from poaching since 1985.
The estimated population in 2015 stood at 97,000. Currently, giraffes seem to be undergoing a silent extinction from the wild according to the international union for the Conservation of nature.
2. Gray Wolves
The status of the gray wolf species is currently of the least concern. The population is stable at about 7000 to 12000 of them in the 48 states.
Previously the Gray wolf was added to the list of endangered animals after farmers and ranchers poisoned and trapped them out of existence. However, they have regained their population and the federal government has moved a motion to remove the wolves from the endangered list since their population has increased
3. White Rhino
The white Rhinos are classified as the most endangered animals. They are the only rhinoceros species that cannot breed amongst each other thus, they are categorized as genetically distinct.
Previously, the northern species were only three but now only two females; Fatu and Najin are alive following Sudan’s death (the only male northern white species)
Since the two females are infertile, scientists are trying to use IVF to save these species. Interestingly, Victoria, a southern white rhino, in San Diego Zoo Safari Park, is now pregnant through IVF and scientists are watching her to see if she will reach full gestation.
4. African Gray Parrots
African grey parrots are classified as endangered animals after various reports on the high level of trapping for trade as well as the loss of habitat due to deforestation. Statistics show that 40,000 African grey parrots are taken from the forest annually: Every two parrots out of ten are at risk of dying
In 2016, during the CITES conference in South Africa, a total ban was applied on trade to save the threatened African grey parrot.
5. Tiger
Tigers are currently endangered species. There has been a 40 percent reduction rate from the original population, due to poaching, climate change, and deforestation.
It is estimated that there are about 3200 tigers in the world today, with a high risk of becoming extinct in the next ten years if measures are not put forward to protect them.
6. Mountain Gorilla
Mountain Gorilla is the most endangered type of gorilla in the wild. Currently, it is estimated that there are about 720 of them in the whole world.
Since 2010, there has been a positive increase in the population of mountain gorillas in the two parks, Virunga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where they are protected with an increase of more than 1000.
Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature reported that there are 400 of them in Bwindi and 604 others in Virunga.
7. Panda
The giant panda is currently categorized as a vulnerable species, with a population of 2060 and a 17 percent increase in the last 10 years.
It was previously classified as endangered in the red list but in 2016 the giant panda moved up the red list to a vulnerable species. This is after efforts by the Chinese Government to protect the forests where they live.
8. Amur leopard
The Amur leopard which originates from Russia Far East is a critically endangered species. Due to its spotted fur, it’s majorly targeted by poachers leading to near extinction. Currently, its population stands at 84.
The government of Russia together with WWF has put measures to protect this wildcat. For instance, in 2012, the government declared a safe protected area named Land of The Leopard National Park, amidst efforts to save this big cat.
9. Sea turtles
Sea turtles are currently considered endangered species with about 4,600 dying from fishing, and below 138,000 captured every year.
However, there is a report that indicated there has been a 90 percent reduction rate as compared to 71,000 that were killed through fishing in the last two decades. Capturing has also gone down with 60 percent.
10. Blue whale
The largest mammal on earth is currently an endangered species, with a population of about 10,000 to 25,000 remaining.
They were majorly affected by commercial whaling and through protection, this has greatly reduced. However, climate change, ship strikes, and pollution still threaten their existence.
11. Rare Black Panther
After disappearing for more than 100 years, the rare black panther made a rare appearance in Laikipia County in northern Kenya. It all started when people reported sightings of the panther, which led a group of biologists to set up nocturnal cameras in the area for a few months to capture high-quality images, to finally get a confirmation after multiple observations.
Endangered animals FAQs
Q: What is the #1 most endangered animal in the world?
A: The #1 most endangered animal in the world is the vaquita (Phocoena sinus), a small species of porpoise found in the Gulf of California. With an estimated population of fewer than 10 individuals remaining, the vaquita is critically endangered and on the brink of extinction.
Q: What are the 5 most endangered animals?
A: The 5 most endangered animals in the world are:
- Vaquita (Phocoena sinus): With fewer than 10 individuals remaining, this porpoise species is critically endangered.
- Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii): Found in Indonesia, their population has declined significantly due to habitat loss and poaching.
- Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis): This critically endangered big cat is native to Russia and China, with only around 80 individuals left in the wild.
- Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus): With a population of fewer than 80 individuals, this rhino species is critically endangered and restricted to a single national park in Java, Indonesia.
- Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli): With approximately 300 individuals remaining, this critically endangered gorilla subspecies is found in the forests of Nigeria and Cameroon.
Q: What is the cutest endangered animal?
A: The perception of cuteness can vary among individuals, but one endangered animal often considered cute is the red panda (Ailurus fulgens). Known for its vibrant red fur, bushy tail, and adorable facial features, the red panda is a fan favorite. Despite its charm, it is important to remember that this species, like many others, faces threats to its survival and needs conservation efforts to protect its populations.
Q: What is the least endangered animal in the world?
A: The term “least most endangered” can be interpreted as referring to an animal that is not endangered at all, meaning it has a stable population and is not currently threatened. One example of such an animal is the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Found in various parts of the world, the house sparrow is a common bird species that has adapted well to urban environments and is not currently facing significant conservation concerns.
