Endangered Species/ Rainforest Animals Resource List | Tigers, Lemurs, Gorillas

Endangered Animals Around the World

As the number of species facing extinction has risen to an estimated 40% of all the known organisms, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has declared that our planet is facing a biodiversity crisis. Species are disappearing at an alarming rate of up to 1,000 times faster than what would be natural. Human behavior is the primary cause for these losses. Animals are losing habitat to agricultural and urban development and are often threatened by the pollution and invasive species brought by man. Poaching and killing animals in unsustainable numbers have already left some species unable to survive. The web of life on this planet is a fragile one and all species and ecosystems are interconnected. Studies have shown that reduced biodiversity increases the risk that diseases will jump from animals to people. In areas where biodiversity has dropped there have been an increase in infectious diseases like Lyme disease, SARS, and West Nile Virus. The destruction of even one species, is not good for any species.

Endangered Birds

While New Zealand has the highest percentage of endangered birds in the world, they are not the only country to suffer a sharp decline in their native bird populations. It has been estimated that at least 12% of the world’s bird species are now listed as endangered. In a few cases, predators or disease have helped bring these birds so close to extinction, but man is usually the main culprit. The exotic pet bird trade has been primarily responsible for the slow disappearances of some of the world’s most beautiful birds.

: The International Crane Foundation provides information about the species and conservation efforts.
: Once thought extinct, a few rare sightings of this bird have been reported.
: Despite over 40 years of conservation efforts, this little parrot remains one of the world’s most endangered species.
: Loss of habitat and the encroachment of other owl species have left the Spotted Owl on endangered species lists.
: The illegal caged bird trade has left this beautiful bird with numbers so low that scientists worry about its ability to recover.
: This little humming bird was discovered as a new species in 2005, yet is already threatened with extinction due to the clearing of its Colombian habitat for coca fields.
: If the loss of habitat doesn't stop, this lark become extinct in the next few years.
: On the Galapagos island of Floreana, a parasitic fly has caused one of Darwin’s finches to be listed as an endangered species.
: This large and flightless parrot is native to New Zealand where serious conservation attempts are being made to save it from extinction.
: The British cuckoo, noted for its unique call, was recently added to a growing list of endangered British birds.

Endangered Mammals

Some species are already on the verge of extinction when the first specimens are discovered. Habitat loss and poaching have already wiped out several mammal species within this century. In many cases, the damage done to these species has been unintentional. Invasive species like feral dogs and cats become predators to species that originally had none, and the pollution produced by man creates unlivable conditions.

: Boat strikes are to blame for 30% of manatee deaths each year.
: Poaching has decimated this rhino population and left it on the critically endangered list.
: Conservation efforts are ongoing to save the remaining wild population of these tigers.
: Loss of habitat continues to be a serious threat to the survival of mountain gorillas.
: A rapidly moving disease has reduced the population enough to put these marsupials on the endangered list.
: This close relative of humans and chimps is on the verge of extinction.
: With fewer than 600 elephants left in the wild, these animals are under serious threat.
: The only ferret native to North America is also one of its most endangered mammals.
: Despite Madagascar’s laws to protect lemurs, the aye-aye is on the brink of extinction.
: Once hunted for their skins and now losing habitat, these South American otters are in danger of becoming extinct.
: Poachers, predators, and loss of habitat have greatly reduced the chances of survival for these once common tamarins.
: Like the Hawaiian monk seal, pollution and predators have left the Mediterranean monk seal extremely endangered.
: The smallest member of the bear family is also one of the most endangered.
: The orangutan’s numbers continue to decline at alarming rates.
: This slow-moving anteater is becoming a victim to habitat loss and feral dogs and foxes.
: The endangered status of chimpanzees often seems to be forgotten, but poachers continue reduced their numbers.
: Deforestation has left this small mammal endangered in its native Sri Lanka.
: Despite laws protecting them, the langur numbers continue to dwindle as a result of the illegal pet and meat trades.
: Loss of habit in its Australian forests has left the glider vulnerable to extinction.
: Slash and burn agricultural practices have reduced the mountain tapir’s habitat.

Endangered Fish

Pollution and over-fishing have left the world’s oceans and rivers devoid of many previously abundant fish species. Sport fishing and industrial fishing with nets that injure wild life have also reduced the numbers of some of the world’s largest fish. Due to fear and misinformation, many shark species are now on the endangered species lists. Fish are in a fragile food chain that includes man. If that chain is damaged or destroyed, humans will also feel the effects of it.

: One of the largest freshwater fish is also one of the most critically endangered.
: The ornamental fish trade has diminished the numbers of this rare fish.
: Illegal poaching for the caviar trade has brought the numbers of these fish down to record lows.
: Long considered a delicacy in many cuisines, over-fishing has led to concern about the tuna’s possible extinction.
: The grouper cannot be farmed and is considered a luxury delicacy. Over-fishing has already destroyed many of the coralgrouper communities.
: Most scientists believe that there are still some Chinese Paddlefish alive in the wild, but they face imminent extinction.
: Alaska has been taking steps to conserve this species of fish.
: Despite its widespread distribution, the steelhead trout’s numbers have continued a steady decline since the 1970s.
: While many shark species are on the brink of extinction, scientists believe that the great white shark is now more endangered than the tiger.
: This unusual fish is seldom seen by humans, but deep sea fishing near Australia and New Zealand has put the blobfish in jeopardy.

Other Wildlife and Rainforest Resources

Conservation of the world’s animals and their biomes is critical to the survival of our species and our planet. Many organizations and governments are addressing the issues facing wildlife and the environment. Governments are working together to put into place international and local laws that will protect animals, but the issues of enforcement are an ongoing concern. Learning about these animals, their habitats and the efforts to protect them is the first step in understanding how we can save them from extinction.

: Information about some of the animals found in a rainforest.
: The University of Michigan has been developing this educational site on the world’s wildlife.
: In addition to raising awareness about rainforest conservation, Mongabay.com provides information about rainforests around the world and the animals that live in them.
: This well-respected international addresses issues in environment and sustainable development, as well as keeps track of the world’s endangered species.
: An organization for the conservation of great apes, particularly chimpanzees and orangutans.
: This group works to conserve wildlife and protect the environment.
: National Geographic takes a closer look at the world’s wildlife.
: The society works to save animals and their habitats around the world.
: This is one of the largest conservation groups in the USA.
: Since 1961, this group has worked to fund conservation efforts to save endangered species.