21 Endangered Species That Need Our Help

These Endangered Species need our protection. Scientists at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), use four different categories to measure exactly how close a species is to extinction. These categories include: vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered, and extinct in the wild. Sadly, every animal on this list falls somewhere in that range. In addition, Climate change rapidly, the ocean temperature is rising, our global ecosystem is out of balance.

Let’s Keep These Endanger Species!

Amur Leopard

Since 1996, the Amur leopard has been classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered with less than 70 individuals thought to exist today. It is hunted and killed for its beautiful fur, its habitat is being destroyed for human settlement and agricultural practices.

There are plenty of ways you can help to protect these animals. One of the best ways to start is by protecting the earth that we share. Simple ways to do this include buying sustainable products, cutting back on single-use plastics, reducing water consumption, and volunteering at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center near you. If you want to know more about what you can do for these creatures, visit the World Wildlife Fund for more information.

Sea Turtles

Two types of sea turtles are amongst the most endangered species in the world: the Hawksbill Turtle and the Leatherback Turtle In the past 100 years, the Hawksbill Turtle has lost 90 percent of its population, 80 percent of which has been lost in the past 10 years.

Therefore, As of 1996, the IUCN classified it as a critically Species In Danger. The Leatherback turtle is listed by the IUCN as Vulnerable, yet many subpopulations are facing extinction.

African Elephant

The largest land mammal, the African elephant, lives in the forests and grasslands of the Congo Basin and Coastal East Africa. Another keystone species, African elephants are crucial to the continuation of a variety of tree species and shape the environment for other species living in the area.

In addition, The African elephant population is currently threatened by habitat fragmentation due to human expansion as well as poaching.

Marine Iguana

The marine iguana is the only oceangoing lizard in the world and may only be found on the Galápagos Islands. Moreover, The protection of the area has been expanded in the past few years, as many species like cats and dogs that were introduced to the Galápagos prey on them.

Additionally, the changing climate has detrimentally affected their already limited population and impaired their breeding and species proliferation.

Orangutan

Since 2000, the Sumatran Orangutan has been classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered with approximately 80% of the population lost in the past 75 years mainly as a result of mass deforestation.

Moreover, This awful trend continues to put pressure on the remaining population of 6,600 Sumatran Orangutans that are estimated to remain on this earth.

The Sumatran Rhino

Three of the five species in the family of Rhinocerotidae are among the most Species In Danger in the world: the Black Rhino, the Javan Rhino, and the Sumatran Rhino. The Javan Rhino is the most threatened with extinction with the total population of only 60 surviving in one National Park in Java, Indonesia.

The Sumatran Rhino is Critically Endangered. It has been estimated that less than 100 exist today in the wild. The Black Rhino is classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered with three subspecies declared extinct in 2011.

Vaquita

With less than 100 thought to exist, the Vaquita is the rarest marine mammal in the world. Time is running out for these elusive little sea porpoises, with extinction predicted as soon as 2018.

For some species, time on planet Earth is running out. Human beings are the greatest threat to the survival of Species In Danger with poaching, habitat destruction. Also, effects of climate change causing a lot of the problems. Read on to learn about some of the beautiful creatures most in need of our help, protection, and conservation.

Giant Tortoise

The giant tortoise is a well-known species that can only be found on the Galápagos Islands. Similar to the marine iguana, species that were introduced to the Galápagos both prey on giant tortoises and compete with them for grazing space and vegetation.

In addition, Their species is at high risk due to improper conditions for breeding and diet restrictions.

Tiger

The tiger has long been hunted for its distinctive patterned fur. Of the nine tiger subspecies, three are already extinct, many are endangered. But, it is South China Tragically. The South China Tiger is thought to be extinct in the wild as it hasn’t been spotted since the 1970s.

Moreover, The Sumatran Tiger is the only surviving tiger subspecies indigenous to Indonesia and as of 2008. It has been classified by the IUCN as Critically Species In Danger. Less than 500 of these tigers exist today in comparison with a population estimation of up to 1,000 in 1978 Tiger. So, the Sumatran Tiger currently faces the biggest threat to their survival.

Red Panda

The Eastern Himalayas are home to many red pandas. They are a unique species, so preservation of their habitat is of great importance since they have specific diet requests.

In addition, it directly links the conservation of red pandas to the more significant environmental issue of conserving the forests in the Himalayas. They are often hunted for their fur and deforestation threatens their nesting areas.

White Shark

The largest known predatory fish, the great white shark, lives in most coastal and offshore waters with the highest concentrations from the Northeast and California coasts of the United States, South Africa, Japan, Oceania, Chile, and the Mediterranean.

So, Great white sharks are often hunted for their teeth and fins, and this fishing has significantly affected their numbers.

Southern Rockhopper Penguin

The southern rockhopper penguin resides in the subantarctic waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and the coasts of South America. It is also the most well-recognized crested penguins.

However, climate change has taken its toll on the southern rockhopper penguin’s foraging behavior. Rising water temperature levels replace the food availability and the foraging strategies, this being a high-risk issue for the species.

Polar Bear

Polar bears reside on the sea ice in the Arctic and primarily hunted by seals. Global warming is a significant threat to their cold habitat without which the polar bears will go extinct. Illegal hunting also threatens the waning polar bear population, and human development threatens their natural habitat substantially.

The melting of Antarctic ice sheets is one of the most visceral consequences of climate change. But, the full extent of their impact on the cycle remains mostly unknown. Now, researchers from the US and South Korea have run climate simulations that include the “iceberg effect”. In addition, they found that melting icebergs could play a significant role in slowing warming in the Southern Hemisphere.

Bigeye Tuna

Bigeye tuna can be found in the subtropical and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. This species is both an important commercial fish and a vital part of the aquatic ecosystems.

Moreover, there is a large market for bigeye tuna. They are regularly hunted and killed for profit, this being a significant threat to their proliferation and growth.

Saola

In 1992, the discovery of this mystical creature, sometimes referred to as the Asian Unicorn, in Vietnam was hailed one of the most spectacular zoological discoveries of the 20th century.

Yet already, this elusive and beautiful animal been deemed by the IUCN to be Critically Endangered and is one of the rarest large mammals to exist on Planet Earth.

Dugong

The manatee’s freshwater cousin, the dugong, can be found in the shallow waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The quality of shallow-water habitats that dugongs make their home is threatened by pollution and habitat degradation due to industrialization. These factors affect the growth of the vegetation that these populations use for food.

For all its richness, the region also has some of the highest rates of poverty on the planet. People here depend on the region’s natural resources—clean freshwater, healthy forests and mangroves, and abundant fish and wildlife. These resources must be managed sustainably to ensure their future. Local communities need the ability to protect their resources against illegal activities.

Gorilla

Cross River Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas are both classified as Critically Endangered and Endangered Species by the IUCN since 1996 – that is two out of five gorilla subspecies. There are currently only 200-300 Cross River Gorillas left in the wild and 900 Mountain Gorillas.

Conservation efforts by WWF, other organizations, and governments are making a difference for gorillas. New protected areas are being designated for some gorilla populations, and the population of mountain gorillas has continued to increase in recent years. So, leading to its downlisting from Critically Endangered to Endangered in November 2018.

Pangolin

Despite their tough appearance, these small, warrior built mammals are losing the battle against poachers and habitat loss. All eight species of pangolin are under threat, ranging from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered.

Moreover, They are the most trafficked animal in the world, hunted for their scales which can be sold on the black market for up to $3,000/kg.

Honeybee 

It is the honeybee that is responsible for the pollination of many of the world’s fruits and vegetables. Their important role in our agriculture makes their survival a concern for humans, for if honeybees were to go extinct human survival will more than likely also hang in the balance.

Therefore, this connection between our species is what prompted the United States Department of Agriculture and the Farm Service Agency to develop the Conservation Reserve Program to put honeybee habitat conservation and honey bee health at the forefront of beekeepers and crop growers minds.

Sumatran Elephant

In the past 25 years, the Sumatran Elephant has lost an astounding 70% of its habitat to deforestation for palm oil plantations, agriculture and human settlements. Less than 2000 are estimated to exist and in 2011, the Sumatran Elephant was classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered.

Some examples of illegal wildlife trade are well known, such as poaching of elephants for ivory and tigers for their skins and bones. However, countless other species are similarly overexploited, from marine turtles to timber trees. Not all wildlife trade is illegal. Wild plants and animals from tens of thousands of species are caught or harvested from the wild. Then sold legitimately as food, pets, ornamental plants, leather, tourist ornaments and medicine.

One-Horned Rhino

In the northern portion of India and parts of Nepal, the conservation of the greater one-horned rhino has been an ongoing struggle. Recent preservation efforts have increased the population of this species. But, poaching and habitat loss still put these animals at risk.

However, Greater one-horned rhinos are known as keystone species, as their presence has a strong influence on their ecosystem. Their disappearance would put other species at risk.

In conclusion, these Endangered Species Need Our Help & we must wake up.