It is fairly common knowledge that there are many endangered animal species around the globe today. What most people do not realize is just
how endangered these species of animal are. Animals that are familiar to us via zoos and public education may be unknown to our grandchildren and their children.
The following are just a few of the animals listed as officially endangered, along with some staggering statistics. All of these species have intensive conservation efforts being promoted by environmentalists, but still need our help.
1.
Giant Panda - An 1,600 pandas remain in the wild today.
2.
Rhinoceros - Three out of the five remaining species of rhino are listed as critically endangered. Only about 60 estimated Javan Rhinos, 300 estimated Sumatran Rhinos and 3600 estimated Black Rhinos remain in the wild. The population of Indian Rhinos has increased to over 2,000 due to conservation efforts (including anti-poaching education) and the formation of national parks. However, it is still listed as endangered. The White Rhino is listed as vulnerable, with an estimated population of 14,500.
3.
Tigers - 6 of 9 subspecies remain, with around 5,000 estimated living in the wild. One of these subspecies - the South China tiger may or may not exist in the wild at all. There are 59 known South China tigers in captivity. This subspecies is one of the ten most endangered species of animal in the world.
4.
Cetaceans - (Whales and Dolphins) - 300,000 cetaceans are killed annually by fishing gear alone. Only approximately 350 North Atlantic Right Whales remain. Experts estimate that only 500 Vaquita remain and the subspecies could be extinct within a decade.
5.
Elephants - Estimates show that there are 300,000 - 600,000 African elephants and 25,600 to 32,750 Asian elephants left in the wild. Many elephants have been killed by poaching, and the recent years of anti-poaching education are paying off as elephant numbers increase.
6.
Great Apes - (Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Bonobos, Orangutans) - Great apes are threatened by the illegal bushmeat trade. They are also taken as pets, leaving many mistreated and abused when their owners can no longer handle these naturally wild animals. Great apes are also susceptible to many of the same illnesses as humans. According to a study in 2006 the recent outbreaks of the Ebola virus in central Africa may have killed more than 5,000 Gorillas alone. Cross River Gorillas are critically endangered with a population estimate of only around 200-300 remaining in the wild. Chimpanzees were once found in 25 African countries, and are now only found in 21. The numbers in the remaining 21 countries are extremely low due to habitat destruction and the illegal bushmeat trade. Approximately 10,000 Bonobos remain in the wild.
7.
Marine Turtles - 6 out of 7 subspecies of marine turtles are considered endangered or critically endangered.
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