In this two-part series, read on to learn some interesting facts about the 10 most endangered animals in the world and how we, as a race, should be more cognizant of the plight of these beautiful creatures.
10. Gorillas
Gorillas share close to 97% of their DNA with humans! They are capable of feeling emotions and even behave like us sometimes – did you know they can laugh? There are two species, the Eastern Gorilla and the Western Gorilla, and they both have two subspecies. Three out of four are Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The only one that isn’t is the Mountain Gorilla, a subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla.
9. Rhinos
Rhinoceros comes from two Greek words Rhino and Ceros, which when translated into English mean nose horn. Human beings are almost entirely responsible for this beautiful creature nearing extinction. Poaching for their distinctive horns is their biggest threat. Three of the five species of rhinoceros are among the most endangered species in the world: the black rhino, Javan rhino and the Sumatran rhino. The Javan rhino is the closest to extinction with only about 50 left, of which most are in the Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia.
8. Sea Turtles
Hawksbill Turtles and Kemps Ridley Turtles are on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Hunting is one of the biggest threats to sea turtles, with poachers targeting their eggs, shells, meat and skin. They are also at risk from habitat loss and pollution as well as climate change. Sand temperature determines the sex of hatchlings with eggs developing as females in warmer temperatures. That means even small temperature changes could skew the sex ratio of populations.
7. Saola
The Saola is one of the rarest large mammals on Earth. It was first discovered in 1992 in the Annamite Range in Vietnam. The Saola is elusive and so rarely seen it’s known as the Asian unicorn.
6. North Atlantic Right Whale
They are gentle giants that stay close to coasts and spend a lot of time at the surface skim feeding on zooplankton, all of which makes them an easy target for hunting. They were almost wiped out by hunters for their blubber and are now one of the most endangered large whales. They are now protected, and hunting is illegal, but population recovery is slow. They are only about 400 left, out of which, only 100 are breeding females. Females don’t breed for the first ten years of their life and then will give birth to a single calf every six to ten years. Vessel traffic also creates noise that interferes with their ability to communicate. Whales use sound to find mates, locate food and avoid predators, as well as to navigate and talk to each other.
Stay tuned for the Top 5 World’s Most Endangered Animal Species in the second part of the blog series. Can you guess which animals will feature on the IUCN Critically Endangered List?
*All images for this post sourced from Google and WWF
Wildlife crime encompasses a range of illegal activities that threaten the survival of animal and plant species worldwide. At its core, it includes poaching, the illegal hunting or capturing of wildlife, and the illicit trade of their products. This crime not only targets endangered species but also affects ecosystems and biodiversity as a whole. Understanding the definition and scope of wildlife crime is crucial for nature lovers and activists who seek to protect the delicate balance of our natural world. The severity of wildlife crime is underscored by its connection to organized crime syndicates, which operate across borders, making it a global concern that transcends local and national jurisdictions.
Poaching poses one of the most significant threats to wildlife, particularly for endangered species like elephants, rhinos, and tigers. These animals are often hunted for their ivory, horns, or skins, which are sold for high prices in illegal markets. The demand for these products fuels a cycle of violence and destruction, as poachers often use sophisticated techniques and equipment to carry out their activities. The impact of poaching extends beyond the immediate loss of individual animals; it can destabilize entire ecosystems and disrupt food chains, leading to broader ecological repercussions. For wildlife enthusiasts, recognizing the signs of poaching and its consequences is essential for advocacy and conservation efforts.
Illegal wildlife trade networks operate on a global scale, facilitating the movement of poached animals and their parts. These networks exploit weaknesses in legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, often involving corrupt officials and dangerous criminal organizations. The trade in wildlife is not limited to charismatic megafauna; it also includes a wide range of species, from reptiles and birds to plants. The complexity of these networks makes it challenging for law enforcement agencies to combat wildlife crime effectively. Awareness of the intricacies of these trade routes is vital for activists who wish to dismantle such operations and promote sustainable practices.
The impact of wildlife crime on biodiversity cannot be overstated. As species are driven to extinction, the natural balance of ecosystems is disrupted, affecting not only wildlife but also human communities that rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods. The loss of biodiversity can lead to diminished natural resources, increased human-wildlife conflicts, and reduced resilience to environmental changes. For nature lovers, the health of ecosystems is intertwined with their passion for wildlife, making it imperative to address the underlying causes of wildlife crime and advocate for stronger protections for both animals and their habitats.
Legislation and enforcement play critical roles in the fight against wildlife crime. Many countries have implemented laws aimed at protecting endangered species and regulating wildlife trade. However, the effectiveness of these laws often hinges on enforcement capabilities and international cooperation. Successful prosecutions of wildlife crime serve as powerful case studies that highlight the importance of accountability in deterring illegal activities. Engaging local communities in conservation efforts is another key strategy to combat wildlife crime, as these communities can be both victims and protectors of wildlife. By fostering a sense of stewardship and providing economic alternatives, it is possible to build a more sustainable future for both wildlife and people.
Understanding the historical context of wildlife crime is essential to grasp the significant challenges faced in the global fight against this pressing issue. For centuries, humans have exploited wildlife for various purposes, ranging from sustenance to ornamentation. The rise of the industrial age marked a pivotal moment, as demand surged for animal products like ivory, fur, and exotic pets. This exploitation was often fueled by colonial expansion, where resources were extracted with little regard for ecological consequences. As a result, many species faced severe population declines, prompting early conservation efforts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which laid the groundwork for modern wildlife protection laws.
As the 20th century progressed, wildlife crime evolved alongside changes in technology and commerce. The advent of global trade agreements and advancements in transportation made it easier for illegal wildlife products to cross borders. Organized crime syndicates began to recognize the lucrative potential of wildlife trafficking, leading to a dramatic increase in poaching, particularly of endangered species. Iconic animals like elephants and rhinoceroses became prime targets due to the high value of their tusks and horns. The illegal wildlife trade transformed from opportunistic poaching into a sophisticated, multi-billion-dollar industry, with complex networks operating across continents.
The impact of wildlife crime on biodiversity cannot be overstated. As species are driven to extinction due to poaching and habitat destruction, the ecological balance is disrupted, affecting entire ecosystems. This loss of biodiversity has far-reaching implications, from diminishing resilience against climate change to disrupting food webs. The decline of keystone species can trigger cascading effects, leading to the deterioration of habitats and the extinction of other flora and fauna. Recognizing these consequences has led to increased advocacy for stronger wildlife protection measures and greater awareness of the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems.
In response to the growing crisis, legislative frameworks have emerged to combat wildlife crime. International agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) aim to regulate and monitor the trade of endangered species. Countries have also enacted national laws to strengthen enforcement against poaching and trafficking. Successful prosecutions of high-profile wildlife crime cases serve as pivotal moments that not only bring justice but also raise public awareness. These cases illustrate the importance of collaboration among governments, NGOs, and local communities in the fight against wildlife crime.
Community involvement has emerged as a critical component in the fight against wildlife crime. Local populations are often on the front lines, witnessing the effects of poaching and habitat loss firsthand. Empowering communities through education, alternative livelihoods, and participatory conservation initiatives has proven effective in reducing reliance on illegal wildlife trade. By fostering a sense of stewardship for local wildlife, communities can play a vital role in protecting their natural heritage. Additionally, understanding wildlife trafficking routes and hotspots is essential for targeted enforcement efforts, as these areas often indicate higher levels of illegal activity. Engaging local stakeholders in these efforts not only aids in conservation but also promotes sustainable development, aligning the interests of both wildlife and people.
Cami Ciotta
MojoStreaming
Creator of an upcoming TV Series on Wildlife Crime - If you would like to learn more contact Cami at producer@wildlifecrimeseries.com
Coming to MojoStreaming on November 1st just in time for the holidays. We will have a large selection of Wildlife Watercolors that you can print off and frame yourself! All for under $25.00! Choose your favorite, add to cart, print, frame, gift it or keep for yourself.
We will have special sales to where you can buy for under $20.00! Hint Hint like Black Friday. Here are just a few examples of what you will find.
TOP 10 World’s Most Endangered Animal Species
In this two-part series, read on to learn some interesting facts
about the 10 most endangered animals in the world and how we, as a race, should
be more cognizant of the plight of these beautiful creatures.
10. Gorillas
