What Species Are Going Extinct?
At Wild Response, our mission is to create lasting solutions that protect endangered animals from extinction, while also improving the lives of wildlife rangers and their mission to keep animals protected from illegal poaching, habitat destruction, and more. As a wildlife non-profit, we believe that each of us has a moral obligation to preserve the world’s natural environment for future generations.
There are a number of species around the world that are on the verge of going extinct. Low wild populations, poaching, and other factors have contributed to the diminishing of these species, and in this post, we’ll look at five animals that are in danger of disappearing from the world entirely. Keep reading to learn more, and if you’re interested in our wildlife ranger training programs, please contact us right away to learn more.
Black Rhino
The black rhinoceros is one of the most endangered animals in the world, with only around 5,000 individuals remaining in the wild. These animals are poached for their horns, which are sold on the black market for use in traditional Asian medicine, despite there being no medical evidence to support any claims about the horns’ efficacy. The black rhino, along with other African rhinos, are on the verge of extinction due to extensive hunting and poaching.
With such low numbers in the wild, conservation efforts are critical for the survival of this species. In addition to anti-poaching initiatives, education programs that spread awareness about the dangers of wildlife trafficking are also important in saving the black rhino from extinction. At Wild Response, we offer military veteran programs, including our once-in-a-lifetime wildlife conservation expedition for special operations veterans. Through our unified efforts, we can make a difference in the protection of the black rhino and other endangered species.
Addax
The addax is a species of antelope that once roamed across the Sahara Desert in great numbers. However, due to hunting and habitat loss, there are now only around 500 of these animals left in the wild. The majority of the remaining population is found in Chad’s Zakouma National Park, which has been working to protect the addax from extinction through anti-poaching patrols and other conservation efforts, including those of the Wild Response team.
At Wild Response, we believe that the wild should remain wild, which is why our efforts are concentrated on protecting the addax and making sure the species can endure, despite a very low population. If you’re interested in helping protect the addax, you can do so by donating to our non-profit. Every little bit helps, and we make sure that your donation goes towards the protection and preservation of these animals.
Cheetah
The cheetah is the fastest land animal on earth, but this impressive feat has not been enough to save the species from decline. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are only around 7,100 cheetahs left in the wild, and the population is continuing to decrease. These animals are threatened by habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and illegal wildlife trafficking. In some areas of Africa, they are also killed by farmers who view them as a threat to their livestock. Poachers often seek cheetahs for their skins, which can be valuable on the black market. If the cheetah population continues to diminish at its current rate, the entire species could be gone in a matter of years.
At Wild Response, we believe wildlife rangers and conservation practitioners should get the training and equipment they need to protect endangered species. This allows us, as humans, to protect cheetahs and other large cats from extinction, preserving a beautiful creature that has been on this planet for a very long time. Cheetahs have been monitored and reintroduced to various African parks over the years, and if you’d like to learn more about cheetah preservation, please reach out today.
African Wild Dog
The African wild dog is a species of canid that is also known as the painted dog, due to its unique coat. These animals are social creatures that live and hunt in packs, and they once ranged across much of Africa. However, their population has declined sharply in recent years, and there are now only around 6,600 left in the wild. African wild dogs are threatened by habitat loss, human conflict, and disease. Wild dog packs have been known to share food and to assist weak or ill members of the pack, and pack members communicate through touch, actions, and vocalizations.
The average lifespan of an African wild dog is approximately 10 years, both in the wild and in captivity. With the population dwindling in recent years, it’s more important than ever to protect these animals and ensure they have a future on this planet. If you’d like to learn more about African wild dogs and how Wild Response is helping them persist, please contact us today.
Pangolin
The pangolin is a small mammal that is covered in scales, and it is believed to be the most trafficked mammal in the world. These animals are poached for their meat, which is considered a delicacy in some cultures, and their scales are used in traditional Asian medicine, even though there is no medical evidence to support any claims about their efficacy. All eight species of pangolin (four Asian and four African) are currently listed as endangered or vulnerable by the IUCN.
Pangolins can be found in 51 different countries, and each one feeds on up to 70 million insects every year. This makes them an invaluable member of their ecosystem as a natural pest controller, but with the pangolin being one of the most threatened species on the planet, those ecosystems would be irrevocably impacted by their extinction. If you want to help save the pangolin, partner with Wild Response by donating today or by learning more about the community partnerships within each area we work.
These are just five of the many animals that are at risk of going extinct due to human activity, including habitat destruction, poaching, and other factors. At Wild Response, we are committed to protecting wildlife and ensuring that these amazing creatures can continue to thrive for years to come. We believe in educating youth to become good stewards of the environment of tomorrow, and we work to create and achieve greater conservation goals that can only be achieved through both local and global partnerships.
There are many things you can do to help protect wildlife and prevent species from going extinct. One of the most important things you can do is to spread awareness about the issue. Talk to your friends and family about why it’s important to protect wildlife, and share this article with them to get the conversation started. You can also support organizations that are working to protect endangered wildlife, such as Wild Response. By donating to our cause, you can help us fund anti-poaching initiatives, conservation programs, and education efforts that are critical in saving species from extinction. Together, we can make a difference for wildlife.