Extinction is a normal process, but recent studies have been made that show just how fast our animal species are disappearing.
Earlier this year, news broke about a study which determined that the world is in its sixth mass extinction of plants and animals. Our animal species are dying at an alarming rate. Most of the factors that contribute to this are: climate change, loss of habitat, poaching, trophy hunting, etc.
This news alarmed many because we could lose a vast majority of the world's animals.
This list is made to create awareness of this problem that plagues us today. Please, if you can, make any donations to WWF.com.
1. Black Rhino
Black rhinos live approximately 25-40 years and they are mainly herbivores. Black rhinos have slowly depleted mainly because of poaching, due to popular demand for medicinal use in China, Hong Kong and Singapore. The females only reproduce every two and a half to five years which makes conserving the animal a lot more difficult.
2. Hawksbill Sea Turtle
The hawksbill sea turtle is an omnivorous turtle that is found in the tropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The species mainly avoid deep water and prefer coastlines. Their mating occurs every two to three years. The hawksbill turtle's egg is still a delicacy in many parts of the world and they are often killed for their flesh and shells.
3. South China Tiger
The South China tiger is on a critical list of endangered species as there are only about a two dozen left. Their two main culprits have been: lost of habitat and an incredible high amount of poaching. After mating, the gestation period is about three months and the tigers are fully independent at 24 months. Without protection, the tiger can live up to 15 years but this is expanded whenever they are in captivity.
4. Mountain Gorilla
It is estimated that there are around 700 mountain gorillas left in the world. Although their numbers has seen a steady growth in the past years, they still face a vast amount of threats mainly from poaching. Mountain gorillas are omnivores and live in communities of up to 30 gorillas. Gorillas are generally calm and non-aggressive unless they are being attacked.
5. Elephants
The elephants main threat is poaching for their ivory, yet the alarming rate in which these animals are losing habitats is also an important factor. Adult elephants eat 300-400 pounds of food per day and mostly eats plants (they also like bananas and sugarcane). Today, there are roughly 35,000-40,000 elephants left in the world. Why are they endangered? The elephants mating season is short and their gestation period can last up to 22 months, making elephants more vulnerable because of how slow they reproduce.
6. Lemurs
Ring-tailed lemurs are mainly found in Madagascar and are mainly herbivores (fruit is also a part of their diet). They mostly live in groups called "troops" and the groups can contain seven lemurs and can go up to 30 lemurs. Lemurs are quickly disappearing because of lost of habitat.
7. African Lion
The African lion is in a vulnerable state because of poaching and loss of habitat. They are the only big cats that live in big groups called "prides" and the female lion is the primary hunter of the pride. Their gestation period often lasts 110 days after they are born, 11 months after their birth, cubs begin to hunt but stay with their mother for two more years. Today, very few African lions are left (less than 21,000) and many individuals have taken initiative to prevent this animal from facing extinction.
8. Polar Bears
Although polar bears are not on the endangered list, scientists are predicting that climate change will change that in the future. Polar bears are strong swimmers and often swim hundreds of miles from land. The Polar bear has a thick coat that grows even under their paws to protect them from the harsh cold of their environment. Under their white coat lies a black coat that helps them better when soaking in the suns rays. The females usually give birth in the winter and the majority of the time, they give birth to twins.
9. Bees
Bees are not considered a wild animal nor, are they in any extreme danger of being extinct. It is important to talk about them because their numbers are depleting dramatically. Recently, the bees depletion has been getting much media attention. Bees have been dying at a dramatic rate because of pesticides and habitat loss. Since 1974 there has been a 60 percent reduction in beehives and the number of bee colonies per hectare has depleted a whopping 90 percent since 1962. Please, if there is a beehive in your home, call a professional that can safely remove it and relocate it. There are also alternatives to prevent bees from coming to your home, google home made bee prevention tips that are eco-friendly and also save our bees!
10. Musk Oxen
Musk oxen are one of the oldest species to inhabit earth. They have lived in the Antartic for thousands of years and now face some problems mainly due to global warming. The musk oxen are herbivores and feed near water. Their herd is often led by one single female and when threatened, they form a circle around their young with their horns facing outward towards the danger. Musk Oxen are protected and live in reservations located in Alaska, Norway and Siberia.
