Kayla Jones | Writer
March 26, 2024
Currently, more than 41,000 species have been assessed to be under threat of endangerment. The salvation of these species is becoming increasingly urgent.
Humans have continuously stolen from animals all over the world. Deforestation is the number one leading cause of endangered species. As the human population grows, more habitats are destroyed to build more houses, roads, and buildings. Destroying these habitats ruins homes for animals and can pollute nearby water sources, destroying all of these species’ resources. Loss of habitat can also force species to move closer to more dangerous and unlivable environments.
Species also become endangered by over-exploitation or hunting. Thousands of species are put at risk from overhunting. In Africa, animals such as elephants are put at risk because their expensive and highly sought-after ivory. Around 15,000 elephants are illegally killed each year for the ivory trade. The African population has declined by approximately 30% in the past decade.
Here is a list of other endangered species:
The Javan Rhino – one of the rarest of the rhino species, around 75 left which can only be found on the island of Java, Indonesia.
The Amur Leopard – one of the rarest big cats in the world, around 100 left, only be found in a relatively small region of the far east of Russia and north-eastern China.
The Sunda Island Tiger – the smallest tiger subspecies in the world, estimated to be around 600 left, is found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
The Mountain Gorilla – a subspecies of the eastern gorilla, 1,000 left, found in mountainous regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda.
The Tapanuli Orangutan – species of orangutan, 800 left, found on Sumatra, Indonesia.
Let’s take a look at what some of our students do to help stop the continuous endangerment:
“I try my best to help out the environment but the best I have been able to do is recycle,” San Clemente High School senior Samantha Jones said. “Tigers are my favorite animal and I hate the idea of them never existing.” Recycling is an easy way to help reduce pollution and deforestation.
“My Idea to help stop endangerment is to put them in my lab,” senior Madeline Branch said. “From genetically modifying them and producing more. I might even dabble in some Jurassic animals and then create a park on a secluded island, that I promise is 100% safe. But realistically I try and support programs such as World Wildlife Foundation. ” Creating superficial animals and a real-life version of Jurassic Park might not be the best idea. However, supporting organizations that are actively helping the environment will increase change in endangerment.
Here is a list of charities and organizations that help endangered animals:
WWF
International Rhino Foundation
The Nature Conservancy
Wildlife Alliance
World Society for the Protection of Animals
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
Performing Animal Welfare Society
Panthera
Oceana
Born Free
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