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Animals on the Brink of Extinction

Author: Sydney Scott


In 2022 it’s common knowledge that humans depend on nature, and other inhabitants of the earth to survive, and to thrive. Yet, despite this fact, we greatly take advantage of our beautiful world; contributing to deforestation, pollution, loss-of-habitat, and poaching.


We end up destroying the lives of many innocent animals that are just fighting to survive; in this ever-changing world, humans continue to claim their lands.


In time it’s become inevitable that many species of animals will go extinct - because of the actions of humans.


Following are just a few of the many species that are critically endangered.



African Forest Elephant



African Forest Elephants are one of the two species of African elephants that are alive today. They’re the smallest living species of elephants. They tend to live in dense tropical forests located in the Republic of Congo, and Gabon.


Nowadays there are an estimated 95,000 individuals in Gabon. This number is devastating compared to the estimated millions in the 19th century.


The population is believed to have reached critical condition in the 1990s and the 2000s. In 2013 a group of poachers killed 26 in one month. After this massacre the site enlisted appropriate park guards, and also installed multiple video cameras to keep watch. Another incident occured in 2014 when poachers killed 68 individuals from April-June. This number alone makes up 7% of the total population of African Forest Elephants killed. This group was found hunting for sport, as they killed juveniles that had not yet developed tusks. African Forest Elephants are known to develop their tusks around the age of 1-3 year of age.


Vaquita



Vaquita’s are a species of Porpoise, and are the smallest Cetaceans currently living. They are endemic to the Gulf of California, in Mexico.


Unfortunately many have said that Vaquita’s will inevitably be extinct in the next decade, give or take. They were only fully documented in the 1980s, and the first population estimation survey took place in 1997 - the estimation was 570 individuals. Then by 2007 the population dropped to under 150 individuals. As of now, there are an estimated 10 living individuals.


Their sole threat is fishing in the Gulf of California. They are caught in nets, as well as poisoned by toxic byproducts of fishing, or commercial boats. An effort was made to try and increase the population of Vaquita in captivity, but the effort only stressed beauties out, and resulted in the death of one female.


The fate of the Vaquita is in the hands of the Mexican Government. It goes to show, as in 2021 the government opened a, “no tolerance,” fishing area in the gulf, and did not take any action. Therefore the extinction of the Vaquita’s is looking inevitable - considering the Mexican government has not acknowledged the critical problem. The governments announced that if they see more than 60 boats in the area at one time, then, they will take action, however if the amount is below 60 it is acceptable. “It appears that fisheries authorities want to drive the Vaquita to extinction,” said an expert.


Amur Leopard


The Amur Leopard is a Leopard subspecies. They are Native to the Primorye Regions of Southern Russia and Northern China.


In 2015 the population estimation of the Amur Leopard was around 60 individuals. In 2021 a population estimation reports that there are around 110 individuals living today.


The main threats to Amur Leopard populations are illegal poaching, deforestation, and inbreeding depression - meaning that due to inbreeding the mortality rate of cubs is high, and fertility is not optimal for the population to increase enough.


The increase and survival of their species is promising with 70% of their habitat protected, and population increasing. However, Illegal poaching must come to an end, as it will continue to pose a significant threat.



Following are some great charities that need attention - and perhaps a donation :)




https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/ - at the Sheldrick wildlife trust organization you can adopt an animal for a year, providing a donation. Part of this means you’ll be updated on the happenings in your friends life.


https://www.padi.com/aware - Project Aware consists of many professional divers that strive to keep the underwater world clean, as well as help creatures escape from debris.







There are many more charities in addition to these.


A Poem by A.C Fernadez


The Great Ones


You have existed

in your domain

initial form,

then transformation.

Always sought

by the huntsman,

long ago for food,

now for greed.

You are the Great One.

The Silent one

who cannot be ignored.

Your presence, so profound.

Tusks turned to Ivory.

A precious life, taken

for a commodity

adorning necks

and collecting dust,

while your bones lay blanching

in the harsh Kenyan sun.

I love you, and I always have.

My Soul cried,watching you 

fall to the ground

as the bullets

entered your body.

And you, my young one,

my grey Brother,

I died with you while

they continued to shoot,

as you fought death

from the vulnerability

of your knees.

My body absorbed

each painful blow.

I bled with you,

our life forces absorbed

by the crimson soil.

There is no prize worthy

of the horror

your Brothers and Sisters

have encountered

at the hands

of man's avarice.

There is nothing

to be applauded.

Three million dollars

worth of tusks burned,

as a message to the world

your lives are more precious

than Illegal trade.

I watched the proceedings

with great humility

and reverence.

For, as they burned

your grandeur,

I saw your Spirits

rise to the sky

from that great Altar.

A fiery burial

to symbolize

you will never, ever

lose your dignity and grace



How can you help?


The best way you can help endangered animals - is to learn about them.


  1. Educate yourself on the problems, therefore in time you’re able to act upon your beliefs and what must be done. Tell people. Educate people. Spread awareness.


  1. Keep your house eco-friendly, and always watch for ingredients. For example…. Many things you buy from the market contain Palm Oil - this oil is usually harvested from palm in the natural habitat of a lot of wildlife species, therefore unknowingly you are contributing to deforestation of their natural environment; and home.

  2. Purchase sustainably.

  3. Look into the website. - https://actionnetwork.org/forms/endangered-species-coalition-activist-network

References


African forest elephants. https://www.en.wikipedia.org


African Forest Elephants. https://www.worldwildlife.org




Mexico end ‘zero tolerance’ fishing zone meant to protect endangered porpoises. https://borderreport.com




The Great Ones - A.C Fernandez. https://www.allpoetry.com



Written by: Sydney Scott

 
 
 

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