Saving Earth: 10 of the world's most threatened species on the verge of extinction
Planet Earth is in dire need of solutions. Astronomer Carl Sagan once said that we have a responsibility "to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known." Our campaign Saving Earth focuses on nature and wildlife conservation and this column will feature stories on the pressing needs of our planet and hopefulness of our fight.
At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, there were many viral images that purported to show wildlife returning to the streets after lockdown measures were announced in most parts of the world. The images were later reported to be fake news and while we hope it is that easy to save the planet, the dire truth is that it is not. For one thing, as the global temperature continues to rise in spite of the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, a recent study showed that the planet is on course for a warming range of between 2.6°C and 3.9°C — much higher than was earlier predicted.
This not only poses a risk to humans but also to wildlife — many species are already threatened because of human activity. Perhaps the most famous species to have gone extinct is the African dodo — the phrase "dodo-brained" is used to describe one who is not smart enough, implying that the dodo went extinct because of its nature, rather than humans' relentless hunting.
While there are more laws in place to prevent the same happening, threats like global warming, habitat destruction, and poaching still pose threats to the species. World Conservation Day is observed on July 28. Ahead of this special day, MEA Worldwide (MEAWW) takes a look at the 10 most threatened species that are on the verge of extinction. For most, only severe conservation practices will ensure their survival.
Cross River Gorilla
Gorillas share about 93 percent similar DNA with humans — and they are capable of feeling emotions as we do. Unfortunately, gorillas are some of the most threatened animals in the wild, with the cross river gorilla being the most threatened. There are only about 150 to 180 adult cross river gorillas left in the wild.
Hawksbill Turtle
The Hawksbill Turtle is considered to be "critically endangered". They are found mainly throughout the world's tropical oceans, predominantly in coral reefs, and feed mainly on sponges by using their narrow pointed beaks to extract them from crevices on the reef, but also eat sea anemones and jellyfish. The estimated population is fewer than 25,000 nesting females across their range in the tropics. The species are widely hunted for their shells — Hawksbill shell combs have been popular in Japan for more than 300 years, and many women use them in their wedding attire.
Javan Rhinoceros
The Javan Rhino, also known as the Sunda Rhino or the lesser one-horned rhino, is only found in the lowland tropical rainforests of one location in the world, the Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia. While it once roamed all over Asia from Northern India to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and another Indonesian island, Sumatra — only between 46 to 66 individuals are left now. In 2011, the second population found in Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam was confirmed as extinct. Tragically, the last remaining rhino from this population was shot by poachers and its horn removed.
Vaquita
The vaquita is the world's smallest and rarest marine mammal. It has been classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 1996, and in 2018, there were only around 6 to 22 vaquitas left. The latest estimate, from July 2019, suggests there are currently only 9. Their biggest threat is from the illegal fishing of totoaba, a large fish in demand because of its swim bladder.
Amur Leopard
The Amur leopards are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and between 2014 and 2015, there were only around 92 Amur leopards left within their natural range. That number is now estimated to be less than 70. Like all species on our endangered list, humans are their biggest threat. They are hunted for bones and coats.
Pangolin
You may have seen this species floating around on the news recently because some reports have suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 virus — responsible for the current pandemic — possibly emerged from shuffling and selection of viral genes across different species like bats and pangolins before transferring to humans. Unfortunately, pangolins are some of the most endangered species on the planet and they are traded for scales and meat. In June 2020, China increased protection for the native Chinese Pangolin to the highest level, which closed an important loophole for the consumption of the species within the country. Additionally, the government will no longer allow the use of pangolin scales in traditional medicine.
North Atlantic Right Whale
The North Atlantic right whale 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 and the "right whale to hunt," hence its name. There are currently only around 400 of them left, and only about 100 breeding females. They are now protected, and hunting is illegal, but population recovery is slow. They are still very much at risk of extinction, with boat strikes and entanglement in fishing gear some of the biggest threats.
Tooth-billed Pigeon
The tooth-billed pigeon is a close relative of the dodo and is only found in Samoa. Illegal pigeon hunting threatens the species, of which there are currently 70 to 380 left in the wild, with no captive populations to aid conservation efforts. Large areas of their home have been cleared to make space for agriculture, destroyed by cyclones, or taken over by invasive trees. They are also at risk of predation from invasive species, including feral cats.
Kakapo
The kakapo — also called owl parrots — are flightless, nocturnal, ground-dwelling species from New Zealand. They are critically endangered with only around 140 individuals remaining, each one with an individual name. They were once common throughout New Zealand and Polynesia but now inhabit just two small islands off the coast of southern New Zealand. Genetic diversity is low among the remaining kakapo, which could affect survival in the future, especially if they are struck by a disease.
Gharial
The gharial are a species of crocodile from India. They have long thin snouts with a large bump on the end which resembles a pot known as a Ghara, which is where they get their name. They spend most of their time in freshwater rivers, only leaving the water to bask in the sun and lay eggs. There are only around 100 to 300 left in the wild.