Our Earth is a home for more than 30 million species of animals. Unfortunately, a number of those species are at risk of being extinct due to man’s intervention both for personal consumption or entertainment. These vulnerable species can even be found throughout the world. Have we passed the animals extinction in the 20th century?
Vulnerable is the condition when the animal species is nearly extinct. There are many reasons why these animal species are at risk of being extinct, such as being used for their fur, the oil they produce or even as a source of food. Here they are, the most 5 vulnerable animals on Earth we need to protect.
- Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
This animal species is the most critically endangered animal species out there. This bird inhabits the Southeastern US and parts of Cuba. This is a huge woodpecker that was extinct in 2004.
Even now, there are only some woodpeckers that we still can find around. This ivory-billed woodpecker is a very vulnerable animal. According to the Nature Conservancy, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the local communities, they have worked hard for many years to keep these landscapes intact and help the bird survive.
- Javan Rhinoceros
The Javan Rhinoceros is another top vulnerable animal species out of the five other rhino species. This species is noticeable for having dusky grey color and has a single horn which can be 10 inches long.
You will be able to see a number of loose folds on the skin and it looks like the armor plating. Compared to the closely-related greater one-horned rhinoceros, the Javan rhinoceros has smaller head and less-apparent skin folds.
Let’s get closer with Javanese rhinos and find out the interesting facts about them!
It is estimated that there are only around 58 to 58 rhinos alive. Those are residing in Indonesia, specifically in the Ujung Kulon National Park. Once, this animal lived throughout northeast India and Southeast Asia. In 2010, Vietnam’s last Javan rhinoceros was poached for its horn.
- Amur Leopard
The Amur leopard is a species of rare leopard which is found only in the northern Russia’s Primorye region which is very snowy and cold. One time, this species of leopard was also found in Korea and China, however, the leopard is obsolete in those regions. It has other names such as the Far East leopard, the Manchurian leopard or the Korean leopard.
The Amur leopard is able to run at speeds up to 3y7 miles per hour and reported to leap more than 19 feet horizontally and up to 10 feet vertically.
Unfortunately, this critically endangered Amur leopard is solitary. It is known nimble-footed and strong as it carries and hides unfinished kills. As a result, it won’t be taken by other predators.
They can live up to 15 years in wild and 20 years in captivity. According to the Census records, there are only 84 Amur leopards in the world today.
- Northern Right Whale
Northern right whale is the most vulnerable whale species. It can be easily identified by its white calluses on its head against the dark grey body. Moreover, it also has a broad back without any dorsal fin and long arching mouth beginning above the eye.
This whale species is found around the Atlantic coasts of Canada and the US. There are around 300 to 350 different whales found. This whale is greatly hunted for its oil as well as its easy production process. Hence, this whale is protected.
Get the complete list of whales around the world and learn their characteristics!
- Vaquita
Vaquita is a species of animal belongs to a family of porpoise. It is also known as the world’s rarest marine mammal as it is on the edge of extinction.
This marine mammal is easily noticed by its black dark grey top or dorsal surface, pale gray sides and white with long light gray markings underside. It also has a large dark ring around its eyes and dark patches on its lips which form a thin line from the mouth to the pectoral fins.
Spend time reading these ways on how to encounter the problems of endangered mammals, who knows everyone can do that together!
Vaquita can be mostly found close to the shore in the Gulf’s shallow waters, though it tends to swim away if there is any boat approaches.
Unfortunately, there are only about 10 individuals are remaining. It was first discovered in 1958 and a little over half a century later, it faces the brink of extinction. Vaquitas are often caught using gillnets used by illegal fishing operations, even though in the protected marine areas.
Climate change is another factor affecting the availability of their food and habitat. In the last few years, their population has declined drastically.
Some feline species are even in danger, just like mentioned in endangered -feline species.