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It is said that a species is threatened or endangered when its population has fallen between 80% and 90% in the last decade or three generations and / or their number is less than 250 mature individuals. A species in this situation has a high risk of disappearing in the short or medium term, which is why conservation measures for these are essential. animals.
Introduction
There are currently 47,677 species on the Red List, of which 36% are in danger of extinction, although the number of endangered species could be much higher due to the enormous biodiversity on Earth. It is difficult to control all the animals in the world, since scientists estimate that there could be about 20 million species waiting to be discovered, which at the same time could also be in danger. In reality, many of these species yet to be discovered will never be discovered, because unfortunately they will disappear before that happens. 12% of birds, 21% of mammals, 28% of reptiles, 30% of amphibians, 35% of invertebrates, 70% of plants and 37% of water fish hitherto known sweet are threatened.
List of endangered animals
However, there is a list of prominent species about to disappear, if conservation efforts do not arrive in time. These are the most threatened animals in the world:
- Saiga antelope: The use of male horns in traditional Chinese medicine is one of the main reasons for this devastating reduction, in which its population has dropped to 97% in recent years.
- Red tuna: This species is on the verge of collapse due to the huge amount of illegal catches. Also, fattening farms could cause their next demise.
- Many primates it faces an unprecedented threat of extinction due to the destruction of tropical forests, trade and illegal hunting. Some cases are very serious: the Cross River gorilla only has 250 copies, while the orangutans of Borneo and Sumatra could become extinct in the wild this year.
- Iberian lynx: It is the most threatened feline on the planet, as there are currently only about 200 specimens located between Sierra Morena and Doñana. The fragmentation of their habitat, the loss of food and the mortality caused by humans (poisons, shots, run over) are their most notable dangers.
- Polar Bear: The thawing of the Arctic, pollution or the impact of oil extractions have placed it in a difficult situation. Its current population could shrink considerably by mid-century if things don't change.
- giant panda: There are just over 2,500 specimens. Its natural habitat, in the mountains of China, has been fragmented and has caused its population detriment.
- Magellanic Penguin: Various species of penguin have declined and many point to their near disappearance by mid-century. Because they are displaced by warm ocean currents, distancing themselves from their natural habitat, many of them end up dead or dying in some sad place on the planet.
- Sumatra tiger: Its population has been reduced in a brutal way due to the destruction of its habitat, especially the deforestation caused by the unsustainable exploitation of its wood.
- Leatherback turtle: It is the largest sea turtle, but also the most threatened in the world.
- Java rhino: It is estimated that there are less than 60 specimens in two populations located in Java and Vietnam, in both national parks trying to survive.
If you want to read more articles similar to Species on the verge of extinctionWe recommend that you enter our category of Endangered Animals.
