The number of species that are endangered increases every day, and it's an issue that is overlooked and ignored by millions. In today's society, we have people worrying more about a presidential candidate's alleged emails or the newest and greatest lip stain. There are thousands of species endangered, but here are just a few that you probably didn't know about.
1. Amur Leopard
These leopards live in forests in the mountains of Russia, and similar to other leopards, can run up to 37 mph, jump 10 feet vertically and 19 feet horizontally. They are poached for their spotted fur that is traded for hundreds of dollars. There are less than 70 of these beauties left in this world.
2. Hawksbill Turtle
These creatures live in tropical oceans, primarily in coral reefs and feeding off sponges. They are critically endangered because of illegal trade of their shells, and fishing by catch. Sea turtles need to reach the surface to breath and once they are caught in a net or by a hook, they drown.
3. Pangolin
These scaly-skinned mammals, found in Africa and Asia, curl up into a ball when approached by a predator, but it doesn't help them much from the international illegal trading of their species. Their meat and scales are sought after especially in China and Vietnam.
4. Saola
Discovered recently in 1992, these cousin of cattle that resemble antelopes are found only in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos. Extremely vulnerable to hunting and habitat loss, the actually population is unknown, but thought to be a few hundred at maximum and a few dozen at minimum.
5. Sumatran Orangutan
6. South China Tiger
Believed to be extinct in the wild, these tigers exist only in zoos and in South Africa where there are plans to reintroduce them to the wild. There has been no wild sightings of them in more than 25 years.
7. Vaquita
Found only in the gulf of California, these are the rarest marine mammal. Illegal trade and fishery by catch will make them extinct. There are less than 100 left.
8. Mountain Gorilla
These 500 pound animals are in danger as poaching, war, charcoal production and disease are decreasing their numbers, which are less than 900 today.
9. Javan Rhino
The 60 Javan Rhinos that exist today are in Ujung Kulon National Park, which is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, is also being overrun by an invasive species which leaves the land barren of food. Illegal trade, reduced genetic diversity and disease also has an affect on it's minimal population.
10. Black Spider Monkey
Rainforest destruction is a challenge to these monkeys who play an important role in seed dispersion.
11. Sea Lion
Sea Lions, who enjoy hanging out in large colonies on rocks and sandy shores, are victims of by catch, disease from introduced species such as dogs, and climate change which impacts the abundance of food.
12. Brown Bear
Brown Bears are important in the management of other species and, while numbers are stable, they are considered high priority for conservation due to hunting and habitat loss.
Are you doing your part to protect these voiceless animals? Make your impact on this world a good one and help spread awareness and protection of these animals, and hundreds more, that are endangered.
