The world and its life, as we know it, is facing dangers that are far from being accurately and entirely comprehended by the common man. In the wake of events that have stirred the environment and the ecology, it is time we take the onus on ourselves to have knowledge about the extent of the impact that our actions have. With more and more animals being listed under ‘endangered’ and ‘extinct’ lists, it is time to not only question but judge our actions which leave the habitat of all these animals and their lives in the threat of extinction. Here’s a list of the animals that have been recently included in the Red List of Endangered Species from around the world. Remember, if they go down, we go down. By Shubhanjana Das
1. Giraffes
Giraffes have long been excluded from conservation practices and that is evident with the two subspecies of the giraffe now being listed as a critically endangered species. At this pace, it won’t be long before the giraffes enter extinction in the near future.
2. Vaquita Porpoise
If you’re hearing that name for the first name, then we have already made our point. Only 10 vaquita remain in the world, according to reports. Without instant and bold intervention for their conservation, the porpoises will enter permanent extinction. The reason behind their scanty number? Gill nets.
3. Amur Leopard
Hunted and killed for its fur, the Amur Leopard has been on IUCN’s Critically Endangered list since 1996. With rampant exploitation of its habitat for agricultural practices to feed the ever-increasing global population, there may be less than 70 Amur Leopard left in the whole world.
4. Sea Turtles
One look at our oceans, and it shows exactly why more and more marine animals are facing extinction. The oceans will, by 2050, have more plastic than fishes. Among the Hawksbill Turtle and the Leatherback Turtle, the former has lost 90% of its population, the 80% being in the last decade. The sub-population of the leatherback faces extinction as well.
5. Saola
It was only in 1992 that the discovery of this mystic mammal was declared one of the most spectacular zoological discoveries of the 20th century. Often referred to as the Asian Unicorn, the Saola was spotted in Vietnam. As of now, it is declared by IUCN as critically declared and is one of the rarest mammals to roam the earth.
