Endangered animals are species that, due to a variety of threats, face the risk of becoming extinct These threats include destruction of habitat, hunting, pollution and climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the leading international organization for assessing the conservation status of species, and has classified many species as being endangered, vulnerable or critically endangered.
The five best examples of endangered animals and why they are in danger are as follows:
1. The African Elephant: This majestic animal is facing a number of issues that threaten its survival, including poaching, habitat destruction, and conflict with humans. In some countries, the population of African elephants has decreased by up to 90%, and they are now classified as critically endangered. If these issues are not addressed, the African elephant will be lost forever.
2. The Asian Tiger: The number of wild tigers in Asia has decreased significantly in recent years, and they are now classified as endangered. The main threats to their survival are poaching, deforestation, and the illegal trade of their body parts for traditional medicine. If action is not taken soon, the wild Asian tiger could soon become extinct.
3. The Amur Leopard: This species of leopard is found in the Russian Far East and China, and has been classified as critically endangered. Its main threats are poaching and habitat destruction. Their population is estimated to be as low as 60, and their future is uncertain.
4. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle: This species of turtle is found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the world’s oceans and is classified as critically endangered. The main threats to its survival are illegal fishing, over-exploitation, pollution, and destruction of its nesting habitats. Without urgent conservation efforts, the hawksbill sea turtle may soon disappear.
5. The Mountain Gorilla: This species of gorilla is found in the mountainous regions of east-central Africa and is classified as endangered. Their main threats are poaching, loss of habitat, and diseases. As the population of mountain gorillas is small, they are highly vulnerable to extinction if urgent conservation action is not taken.
Overall, endangered animals face many threats that put them at risk of becoming extinct. It is important to take action to protect these species, and to raise awareness of the threats they face. Conservation measures, such as strengthening law enforcement and creating protected areas, are key to ensuring the survival of these species for future generations.