Bolivia is one of the countries with the most biodiversity in the world, which is known as mega-diversity, and in fact it is in seventh place in terms of this parameter. But as it happens in most of the world, many of these species are in danger of extinction due to various activities, most of the problems due to humans.
In this Green Ecologist article we collect 13 animals in danger of extinction in Bolivia.
Bolivian chinchilla rat (Abrocoma boliviensis)
To start with this article in which you will find information on endangered animals in Bolivia, we mention the Bolivian chinchilla rat. As its name suggests, it is a small rodent endemic to Bolivia, mainly from the cloud forests of the rocky areas. It has a coat that can be grayish or brownish in its dorsal area and whitish on the belly. This rodent feeds on herbs and shrubs.
According to the international union for the conservation of nature, the Bolivian chinchilla rat is threatened by the invasion of its habitat for agricultural or livestock purposes. Another threat is hunting for their fur.
Image: researchgate.net
Emperor marmoset (Saguinus imperator)
It is a species of monkey that lives in the treetops in both dry and rainy forests. It has a coat between black and gray, with yellow tones on the back. The emperors marmosets they are omnivorous animals.
Today, this species of marmoset is threatened by deforestation of their habitat and the use of their lands for mining and agricultural activities.
False vampire (Vampyrum spectrum)
It is one of the largest bats in the world. It has a dark brown or orange fur and inhabits forests, jungles and savannas, feeding on amphibians, insects, small birds and reptiles.
The false vampire bat is in danger of extinction in Bolivia and also in other countries where it lives. Their main threat is the destruction of their habitat by invasion, which destroys their dens and displaces other species, making it difficult for them to obtain food.
Bolivian dolphin (Inia boliviensis)
It's the only one typical cetacean of Bolivia and that lives in the rivers from the Bolivian Amazon region. It is a solitary species, except during the reproductive season, and it feeds on crustaceans, small fish and other aquatic animals.
The main threats to the bolivian dolphin They are the pollution of rivers and the destruction of their habitats to build dams.
Rhea or Andean ostrich (Pterocnemia pennata)
It is also called Cordilleran rhea, Darwin's ñandú, northern ñandú, suri, choique, petiso ñandú, ñandú of the heights, Andean ñandú. It is a bird that reaches up to 1.20 meters high and up to 25 kg. Despite being a bird, it cannot fly, but it is a great runner, reaching 60 kilometers per hour. It has a gray, whitish or brown plumage.
Its main threats are The hunt for its meat or its eggs, felling and burning of its habitat.
Satan beetle (Dynastes satanas)
It is a very rare and striking species due to its taxonomic characteristics. Their males are larger than the females and live in humid and wooded areas. It satan beetles they have a short life cycle of only two years.
Its main threats are alteration of their habitat by agricultural activities and the burning of trees.
Andean cat (Leopardus jacobita)
It is a small feline with grayish-silver fur, large and rounded ears, which give it a great sense of hearing. It is carnivorous and feeds on birds, rodents, and reptile eggs.
The main threats of the Andean cat They are hunting, the destruction of their habitat and the hunting of their main source of food, the Bolivian chinchilla.
Image: yandex.com
Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
The guanaco it is a mammal similar to the llama, but smaller. This herbivorous animal has a small head with large ears and eyes and lives in arid and semi-arid regions, but also in mountainous areas up to 4,500 meters above sea level.
His threats are also the hunting and destruction of their habitat. In fact, it is currently a protected species.
Chylimeric peccary (Catagonus wagneri)
It is also known as tagua and it is a endemic mammal of Bolivia and several South American countries. It lives in dry areas with thorny vegetation and feeds on cacti and other plants.
Their main threat is hunting for their meat. It was believed to be an extinct animal until its rediscovery in 1975.
Puma or mountain lion (Puma concolor)
It is a feline that lives throughout the entire American continent. In South America it lives mainly in the vicinity of the Andes mountains. It is one of the largest cats in the world and lives in areas of dense vegetation, where it lurks hidden for its prey.
The main threats of the cougar or mountain lion they are commercial or sport hunting and the destruction of their habitats.
Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus)
It is a medium-sized bear that lives in Andean areas. It is omnivore, although its diet is mainly of plant origin, so it can also be considered an opportunistic carnivore.
The Andean bear or spectacled bear It's one of the animals in greater danger of extinction. Their main threat is hunting, because they are considered a danger or a pest. Also for sporting reasons.
Green Macaw (Ara militaris)
It is a large macaw with a long tail. In it, green feathers predominate, although it also has yellow, blue and red tones in different parts of the body, but in lesser quantity. It inhabits trees and deciduous forests in lowlands and streams.
The main threats of the green macawBoth in Bolivia and in other countries, they are hunting and modifying their habitat.
Andean condor (Vultur gryphus)
This is a scavenger bird It can fly to great heights and is one of the largest. In fact, it can weigh 15 kg and measure 3 meters with open wings. They are of dark plumage and with the area of the white neck and live in mountainous areas with strong winds that they take advantage of to rise. The greatest threats that cause the population status of the Andean condor alarming are the destruction of habitat, the inhabitants of the regions in which they live, as they dispute over land and livestock, and the hunters.
Here we explain more about why the condor is in danger of extinction.
How we can help endangered animals in Bolivia
Among the actions that we can carry out to help protect endangered animal species in Bolivia we highlight:
- Do not introduce invasive alien species.
- Putting protection and conservation measures for the species of these animals that are especially threatened in Bolivia.
- Do not consume products that have any relationship with the illegal traffic of these species.
- Report illegal illegal hunting and trafficking activities that we are aware of or find in Bolivia.
- Be part of associations and projects that work in defense of species that are at risk of extinction in Bolivia.
If you want to read more articles similar to Animals in danger of extinction in BoliviaWe recommend that you enter our category of Endangered Animals.
