Every day, a heart-breaking number of animals face harsh threats to their existence. Whether they are viewed as cute, strong, or beautiful, we as a community need to evaluate what we are doing that is causing harm to the unique species around the world. Here are four of the lesser known endangered species and what you can do to help them
1. Black-footed Ferret
Located primarily in North America, there are only approximately 370 of these 2.5-pound cuties left. The Black-footed Ferret was once thought to be extinct, but obviously, there was a small but impressive comeback.Advocates for endangered species are credited to the minor recovery of the Black-footed Ferret, but habitat loss and the sylvatic plague are still very powerful enemies.
One fun fact about the Black-footed Ferret is that they are the only ferret species that is native to North America.
One awesome way modern technology is helping this species is the distribution of peanut butter flavored sylvatic vaccines through the use of drones. Turns out they're used for more than quick deliveries through Amazon.
Commonly, one species is dependent on another species to thrive. In this case, the Black-footed Ferret is entirely dependent on successful Prairie Dog colonies. Reintroduction of the Black-footed ferret into these colonies, as well as prevention of non-native diseases, is difficult, but necessary for the growth of this species.
Advocacy groups, like World Wildlife Fund, are making great strides in releasing the Ferrets into Prairie Dog colonies and doing their best to monitor the success or failures that take place. To "adopt" a Black-Footed Ferret, visit www.worldwildlife.org/species/black-footed-ferret
2. Hawksbill Turtle
Found primarily in tropical oceans, specifically around coral reefs, the Hawksbill feeds on sponges that threaten the reefs overall health. The removal of sponges is also vital for other ocean species that feed off of the reef. Coastal development decreases nesting and feeding habitats for the Hawksbill, making it one of their biggest threats. The biggest threat is, not surprisingly, wildlife trade. Because of the beautiful scales and colors, the Hawksbill is illegally hunted and made into jewelry and ornaments. Lastly, because sea turtles need to break the surface to breathe, they have encountered entanglement in nets and painful fishing hooks.Awesomely enough, LED lights have become an option in more fish-friendly fishing gear. While the development of new fishing products is a great start, some advocates say an easier way is to change the way turtles perceive dangerous fishing gear. Because turtles can see certain wavelengths that a lot of fish species cannot one ecologist (John Wang) suggested we put our efforts into finding the right wavelength. After finding a good fit, there was a 60% reduction in turtle by-catch at their experiment site in Indonesia.
Advocacy groups are working with local fisheries to develop and use more "turtle-friendly" fishing hooks. To donate to the research and development of more gentle fishing equipment, go to www.worldwildlife.org/species/hawksbill-turtle
3. Saola
The Saola, nicknamed the Asian unicorn, has only been known to humans for the last two decades. Because of the still semi-new discovery, not much is known about the Saola. None exist in captivity and we still don't have an accurate measure of how many exist.It is hard to determine a population because scientists have only documented four run-ins with Saolas. The discovery of the Saolas are the first large mammals new to science in over 50 years! One fun fact about the Saola is that both males and females grow sharp horns.
Because of the rarity and mystery of this species, many advocates and scientists put Saola at the top of the priority list of endangered species. Also due to the rarity, hunting is a major threat.
All that can really be done is the development of protected areas, research on the species, and strengthening law enforcement in regard to hunting.
4. Bonobo
With only between 10,000-50,000 left, the Bonobo is one of our closest living relatives. We share 98.7% of DNA with the bonobo (and the chimpanzee).One fun fact about the Bonobo is that they are mostly led by females and tend to be more peaceful communities.
The Bonobo was actually the last great ape to be scientifically described. Because of the still new title of the Bonobo, a lot remains unknown, specifically where exactly they live. Only a section of the Bonobos known habitat lies in protected areas.
Poverty in neighboring human-communities has led to increased poaching of the Bonobo. The numbers of the Bonobo have been consistently declining for the past 30 years, and because of the low reproductive rate and continuing threats, the decline is expected to continue for the next 45 to 55 years.
To adopt a Bonobo and help with conservation research, go to www.worldwildlife.org/species/bonobo