5 ANIMALS THREATENED BY EXTINCTION AND HOW TO HELP SAVE THEM

This is the same fate that many animals are now facing due to poaching. The populations of many amazing animals are now rapidly decreasing, and will continue to do so unless they can be protected. Here are 5 animals that are categorized as “critically endangered” by the World Wildlife Fund, and how http://www.conservationhub.org says you can protect them.

Amur Leopard

The Amur Leopard can be found in the forests of the Russian Far East. The Amur leopard is an amazing animal which can run at speeds of up to 37 miles per hour, and can leap more than 19 feet horizontally and up to 10 feet vertically. This solitary creature has been hunted for its beautiful fur and the population is estimated to be around 30 individuals.

Javan Rhino

Javan rhinos are the most threatened of the five rhino species. It is estimated that as few as 35 individuals remain in Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia. The Javan rhino was often hunted for its horn which can grow up to 10 inches long.

Vaquita

Discovered in 1958, the vaquita is a kind of small porpoise. Vaquitas are most commonly found close to those in Mexico’s Gulf of California, although they are known to swim away if a boat approaches. Vaquita are considered critically endangered due to the fishing industry, as they are often caught in gillnets and die, a problem known as bycatch. There is estimated to be less than 200 individuals left.

Cross River Gorilla

Cross river gorillas live in a region populated by many humans who have encroached upon the gorilla’s territory. The clearing of forests for timber and to create fields for agriculture, as well as poaching in the forest, had caused the population to drop below 300. The only hope of protecting these gorillas is by securing the forests that house them.

Sumatran Tiger

The Sumatran Tiger is the smallest surviving tiger subspecies, and are protected by law in Indonesia. Despite this, the population is less than 400 due to accelerating deforestation and rampant poaching. There still remains a substantial market in Sumatra and the rest of Asia for tiger parts and products; which means poaching will show no signs of decline.

What is being done to help?

There are a number of organisations which have been created with the sole purpose of ending animal poaching and protecting wildlife. These include:

World Wildlife Fund

Environmental Investigation Agency

The Born Free Foundation

World Conservation Union

The International Fund For Animal Welfare

International Whaling Committee