Our planet is made up of well over a million different species that we know by name, and an estimated 20 million more that we don’t. Each plant and animal plays a crucial role in the beauty and uniqueness of our precious Earth. These species do not only add character and beauty, though. Every species alive helps to maintain the natural balance of our planet through their role in the food chain, and habitat. Today however, an estimated 40% of species on our planet are endangered. Without our knowledge and help, the future for many of these species will be short-lived.
One of the most tragic truths about our planet’s vanishing species is that the problem is almost entirely man-made. Species naturally come and go over time. Changes in habitat, diseases and natural predators all contribute to the natural loss of species. But today, man poses a deadly threat to almost half of the species alive today. And if all of those species, or even half of those species were to face extinction, the consequences on our planet would be unimaginable. Poaching, hunting, destruction of habitat, oil spills, pollution, and global warming are the largest contributors to the endangerment of inumerable mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects and plants. These issues are all within the control of human kind.
Bald Eagle – These beautiful birds have a wingspan of up to 6½ feet. In 1782 an estimated 50,000 Bald Eagles were a prevalent species on the North American Continent, and were made the symbol of the United States of America. Today, Bald Eagles fight for survival due to the destruction of their natural habitat, illegal hunting, and food contamination by pesticides.
Bonobo — The African Rainforest of the Dominican Republic of Congo is home to these fantastic creatures. Like humans, Bonobos communicate with each other through a wide variety of facial expressions, and have a complex social system that could be described as a community. The demolition of the rainforest is destroying the Bonobo’s home and pushing their species toward extinction.
Bison — Before 1800, Bison were one of the most common sights in North America. An estimated 70 million bison roamed the land until human settlement on the continent rose. Human’s killed bison for their hide and as a sport, nearly wiping the species out by 1900. Conservationists have worked hard to protect and undo the damage done 200 years ago. While efforts have been mildly successful, Bison remain on the world’s endangered species list.
Boa Constrictor — Native to Central and South America, the boa constrictor can grow to be 13 feet long! These non-venomous snakes spend their 25-30 years alive in underground holes and in trees. This slithering species made its way onto the endangered species list because human beings hunt it for its beautiful, colorful skin.
Camel — These hump-backed creatures call the desert lands of China and Mongolia home. This interesting species has adapted over thousands of years to be able to survive the intense desert climates that most creatures could not survive in. The Camel’s natural home is now used as a Chinese nuclear testing range. The creature is now listed as “critically endangered” as it’s numbers dwindle down close to extinction.
Caribou — Related to the Deer family, Caribou have beautiful, large antlers. Caribou are found in the mountainous regions of the North America, most commonly in Canada. Wolves and humans hunt caribou. Mining for Coal, oil, gas and diamonds have contributed to the destruction of the Caribou’s natural habitat. Global warming has also played a crucial role in the destruction of the Caribou’s natural cold and snowy environment.
Catfish — China’s Mekong River is where this interesting species of fish originates. The Mekong Catfish is now considered critically endangered. This fish needs long stretches of river to migrate, feed and mate. Unfortunately, water quality in many areas along the river is very poor, and human development along the river is destroying the catfish’s natural habitat.
Cheetah — These incredible large spotted cats are fast and fierce predators that once claimed land throughout Asia and Africa as their territory. Today, Cheetahs are considered extinct in most of their original territory. However, there is still a small population of Cheetahs in Sub-Saharan Africa and extremely few in Iran. Cheetahs are disappearing for several reasons: poaching, loss of prey, and destruction of habitat are a few. Why can’t a Cheetah ever prosper?
Crane — The Whooping Crane is truly a magnificent bird. These birds journey between Canada and Mexico each year. In the 1800’s human westward settlement turned the Cranes prairie lands into farmland leading the species dangerously close to extinction. In the 1940’s there were only 14-16 Cranes left. Their numbers have steadily increased, thanks to the help of conservationists, and today there are about 320 Whooping Cranes alive.
Crocodile — Scientists have traced the Crocodile origins to about 210 million years ago in the Triassic Dinosaur period, where it is believed that one of the Crocodiles earliest ancestors existed! There are 23 different species of Crocodiles living today, including the Alligator. This animal can be up to 14 feet long and weigh up to 1,000 pounds! The Crocs have viciously sharp teeth, but often swallow their small prey whole. Destruction of their natural habitat and hunting has put these large predators on the endangered list.
Chimpanzee — The chimpanzee is believed to be the closest primate related to mankind. They spend their time during the day on the ground, but sleep in makeshift nests in the trees at night. Chimps use their hands in similar ways as humans. They eat with their hands, throw things at their enemies and even make tools for cracking nuts and finding food! The chimpanzee comes from Africa. Much of the habitat that the Chimps once called home has been taken over by farmland, roads, and the logging industry. Chimps in the wild are captured illegally and kept as pets. The biggest threat to Chimpanzee’s is being hunted for bushmeat. Wild meat is a major part of human diet in certain areas of the world.
Dolphin — Dolphins are very smart and playful creatures. They live in the oceans all over the world. They can live up to 40 years and travel up to 40 km/hr. Dolphins are endangered for several reasons. Many dolphins get caught in fisherman’s nets when they are fishing for tuna, which fatally injures or drowns this magnificent creature. In the 1960’s and early 70’s Dolphins were widely hunted for meat. Today there are laws protecting the species from this, but the damage has had a lasting effect. Pollution is probably the most major killer of this spectacular species. Unclean water cannot only kill dolphins, but it also contaminates their food, making their diet potentially very dangerous. Because dolphins are at the top of the ocean food chain, extinction of these creatures would drastically hurt the overall food chain and leave numerous other sea creatures in danger.
Elephant — The elephant is largest land animal in the world. Elephants have a great sense of community, they even mourn their dead! Elephants are a big help to their habitat in Africa and Asia. They eat tons of vegetation, which clears paths for grazing animals, allows certain plants to get more sunlight, and provides breaks in the habitat when a fire breaks out. Between 1979 and 1989 about 8 elephants were poached per hour. 50% of elephants disappeared off the face of the Earth because of these dramatic numbers.
Falcon — Falcon’s are the swiftest birds in the world, and they live right here, in the US and Canada. Falcons have never been high in number, but today they are close to extinction. Scientists believe that the reason for the disappearance of this incredible bird is due to the use of pesticides.
Flamingo — You will find this pink bird in lakes and lagoons around the world. Flamingos can be a wide variety of shades of pink, from pale pink to hot pink, to reddish pink. It was believed that the species of Flamingos was extinct in 1924. The bird was not rediscovered until 1957. The reason for the disappearance of Flamingo’s is loss of habitat by man, and poor water quality.
Giraffe — Giraffe’s are tall and have long, lean necks to reach high into trees for food. The giraffe can be found in Africa where many of them have been wiped out by hunting and climate change.
Great White Shark — The movie Jaws was inspired by this fierce predator. This shark is usually about 15 feet, but some have been recorded at 20 ft long and 5,000 lbs! Unfortunately, the Great White Shark is now endangered. These sharks have a slow reproductive rate. Great Whites are hunted by fisherman for their jaws, teeth and skin.
Grizzly Bears — Grizzly bears can be found in Alaska, Canada and the North Western United Sates. Grizzly Bears generally run away from danger, but don’t threaten their cubs, home or food, because they may attack! Grizzly bears are hunted by poachers and home owners who see them as a threat to their community.
Humpback Whale — The Humpback Whale sings songs with complex vocal ranges. These whales hunt in groups, by circling around its prey and cornering it. The Humpback Whale’s numbers are dwindling due to poaching. Their numbers are slowly increasing thanks to the help of worldwide conservationists, but they are still on the endangered list.
Kangaroo — Kangaroo’s can travel up to 30 miles per hour, and leap 30 ft! Female Kangaroos carry their babies, called “Joeys” in their front pouch. They eat mostly grass, and can survive without water a long time. Humans hunt kangaroo’s for meat and hides. Humans have also introduced non-native animals to the Kangaroo’s natural Australian habitat. These alien species have increased competition for food and habitat for the kangaroo.
Killer Whale — Killer whales are playful, beautiful creatures that are a staple figure in our earth’s oceans. The disappearance of salmon, an important part of the Killer Whale’s diet, are disappearing. Killer whales are also being killed of by PCB poisoning and ecosystem deterioration. Oil spills, being tangled in fisherman’s nets, and boats are also contributors of the decline of the Killer Whale species.
Koala — The Koala “bear” is not actually a bear at all! The Koala’s got this name because they look like Teddy Bears. This adorable looking Australian animal actually has very sharp teeth and claws. Like the Kangaroo, mother Koala’s carry their young in a front pouch. Koalas were killed for their fur, but today Koala hunting is illegal.
Leopard — Found in Africa, the South Saharah, and northeast Asia, the Leopard is best known for its uniquely spotted fur. They are very fast, and can run up to 100 km per hour. These wild cats can even climb trees and swim! Human settlement destroyed much of the Leopards natural habitat, and the Leopards had to turn to hunting farmed cattle and livestock. This lead to human’s shooting Leopards to protect their farm animals. In the 1980’s and 90’s Leapord fur was very fashionable, which lead to a large increase in illegal poaching.
Lion — The Lion lives in Africa and Asia and is easily recognizable by its large hairy main. They can run up to 50 mph, and jump up to 36 ft! The world Lion population has been cut in half since the 1950’s due to hunting, poaching, and agricultural expansion.
Monarch Butterfly — This beautiful creature has incredible orange, black and white coloring. Their wingspan is about 4 inches, and they weigh under .5 ounces. Global warming and habitat changes are the main causes of the endangerment of this species.
Owl — Owl’s are nocturnal animals and are wonderful nighttime hunters. The live in Forest regions that have trees that are around 200 years old. These area’s are known as “Old Growth Forests”, and 80% of these forests have been cut down, destroying most of these creatures habitat.
Panda — The Panda “Bear” is actually not a bear species at all. Panda’s can be up to 300 pounds! Panda’s are found in the Bamboo forests of Asia. Bamboo makes up 99% of the Panda’s diet. Today, more Panda’s live in captivity than in the wild. It is estimated that only around 700-1,000 Pandas exist in the wild. The Panda’s habitat is being destroyed, and without bamboo forests, they cannot survive.
Penguin — Penguins survive to the age of 15-20 in cold arctic climates. These creatures spend about 75% of their lives in the water. Penguins are endangered for many reasons. Penguins are hunted by numerous natural predators. Oil spills, pesticides and habitat destruction due to global warming, are all major contributors to the endangerment of penguins.
Polar Bear — Polar Bears are protected from their cold, arctic climates by their thick fur and heavy layers of fat for insulation. Chemicals in the environment and global warming are the Polar Bear’s biggest threats.
Rhinoceros — The Rhinoceros is big, bulky and has 2 horns. There used to be many species of rhinoceros. Today all but 2 are extinct. And the last remaining rhino’s face extinction today. The black Rhinoceros is disappearing faster than any other large animal on the planet. Hunting and poaching are the main causes for this unfortunate decline.
Sea Otter — Of all the world’s animals, Sea Otters have the thickest fur. These creatures live up to 20 years and can be up to 65 pounds. Amazingly, Sea Otters eat about ¼ of their body weight each day. Fisherman, oil spills, and loss of habitat are the main killers of Sea Otters today.
Tiger — In the past 100 years about 95% of tigers have been wiped out. Most of today’s surviving tigers live in India. Tiger’s are loners, and like lots of personal space. Loss of habitat has made this very hard for Tiger’s, and has lead to their near extinction.
Zebra — Zebra’s are best known for their incredible black and white stripes. The zebra looks like a horse, but is far less tamable. Zebra’s live in Africa, where most of their natural habitat has been destroyed and turned into farmland.
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