Endangered Species

A species you may know as an officially threatened animal is the panda - only about 2000 remain alive in the wild. They were heading towards extinction in prior years. However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature officially declared pandas not ‘endangered’ as of 2016. About 17 species are still currently considered “critically endangered” by the World Wildlife Fund. Animals such as the Black Rhino, Hawksbill Turtle, and Sunda Tiger remain endangered. (WWF)

The Black Rhino, scientifically known as the Diceros bicornis, is different from similar white rhinos in that they have a hooked upper lip instead of a squared one. They feed on trees and bushes and stand around 4-6 feet with a weight range from 1000-3000 lbs. (Black Rhino WWF)

Habitat: These rhinoceros originate from eastern and southern Africa, in savannahs, wetlands, and grasslands.

Why are they endangered: These animals have been endangered due to various unforgiving events since the mid 20th century. As Europeans moved into America, they vacated land, killing a lot of these rhinos. From 1960 to 1996, the black rhino population decreased by 98%. While rhinos have successfully brought themselves forward from this near-extinction point, poaching and trafficking of rhino horns still pose a significant threat to these critically endangered animals. Numerous Asian countries, mostly Vietnam and China, have a large poaching market, where people in these countries use the rhino horns for special products.

What’s being done: Currently, there are institutions set up to monitor and connect the DNA of a poached animal to a horn being sold to catch poachers. Anti-wildlife trafficking policies and systems from the WWF and South Africa have been established. (Black Rhino WWF)

Secondly, the Hawksbill Turtle is a sea creature on the critically endangered list. Their scientific name is Eretmochelys imbricata and they are distinguished by their unique overlapping scale pattern that curves into a serrated edge. Hawksbills feed on sponges, sea anemones, and jellyfish. They weigh 90-150lbs and are about 3 feet long. (Hawksbill Turtle WWF)

Habitat: Hawksbill Turtles live in the ocean, near coral reefs.

Why are they endangered: These turtles now lack enough nesting and food accessibility. Also, pollution and wildlife markets have affected them. In Asia, Hawksbill shells are valuable. Fishermen commonly trap these turtles in their nets or on hooks and it can deeply injure them.

What’s being done: Fishing gear with safer hooks are manufactured now, to help save any turtles that are accidentally or collaterally caught. The WWF is gaining more information about this turtle species by satellite use that is intended to be temporary and not injure the turtles. The trackers eventually fall off but they do give us information on feeding habitats and movement patterns. (Hawksbill Turtle WWF)

Sunda Tigers are found in Asia, specifically Sumatra, in the southeast. The scientific name is Panthera tigris sondaica. There are under 400 of these tigers left on the island. They are 200lbs on average and can be up to 8 feet in size. It is unique through its close orange and black stripes and has a distinct beard and mane. The tigers’ diet consists of fish, wild boars, and deer mostly but any animals in proximity are potential prey. These tigers can run up to 40 miles per hour. (Sumatran Tiger) However, as prey is getting more scarce due to habitat loss, they now have to look farther for food. (Sunda Tiger WWF)

Habitat: In the forests of Sumatra, the Sunda Tigers lurk, constantly looking for opportunities to hunt prey.

Why are they endangered: The expansion of oil palm, coffee and acacia plantations create the issue of habitat loss for tigers. Also, tiger poaching occurs as the bones and even teeth are used in different products. Some jewelry in Asia use Sumatran tiger teeth and a wine can be made from their bones. (Sumatran Tiger)

What’s being done: Animal and population monitoring is taking place in response to the endangerment of the Sunda Tigers. Also, Fauna and Flora International is actively conserving the habitats of these animals in National Parks in Asia where the majority reside. (Sunda Tiger WWF)

These animals and all other endangered species suffer mostly due to human action. Their preservation is a priority for many international organizations. Unlike species like the dodo bird or tasmanian tigers, may have a chance at long-term survival.

Works Cited 

“Sumatran Tiger” Fauna & Flora International. Retrieved 21 Feb. 2022, https://www.fauna-flora.org/species/sumatran-tiger/. 

2022. “Sunda Tiger” WWF, World Wildlife Fund. Retrieved 20 Feb 2022, https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/sunda-tiger. 

“Black Rhino.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund. Retrieved 20 Feb 2022, https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/black-rhino. 

“Hawksbill Turtle.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund. Retrieved 20 Feb 2022, https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/hawksbill-turtle.