Many are unaware that animals disappear from our planet every day and at an unprecedented rate. This news seems scary, but don’t fret; this crisis is not inevitable. By understanding which animals are at risk, we can work together to preserve these species and help save our Earth.
- Bornean Orangutans
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Over the past 60 years, Bornean orangutan populations have declined by more than half. Bornean orangutans are the gentle giants of the Bornean jungle. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal, keeping their forests safe and healthy. The species’ main threat is human activities. This includes illegal orangutan poaching, unsustainable logging, and deforestation, notably from the palm oil industry, which destroys orangutan’s habitats for commercial gain. There are many programs you can take part in to help this declining population. The Orangutan Project is a program which allows you to support orphaned or injured orangutan children for a monthly subscription. Another low-maintenance way to help the Bornean orangutans is to check your food and makeup brands for the use of palm oil. By boycotting products with palm oil in them, you are supporting the protection of the Bornean orangutans.
- African Forest Elephants
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African savanna elephants’ smaller cousins, African forest elephants, are remarkable animals, crucial to the survival of their environment. These forest elephants play a vital role in the germination of the trees in the rainforest, as some seeds can only sprout after passing through the elephants’ digestive systems. The species’ biggest threats include habitat loss due to agriculture, livestock farming, infrastructure, and poaching for ivory. Since 1990, tens of thousands of African elephants have been poached every year to meet ivory product demands. To help this endangered species, you can donate to conservation programs, such as the African Conservation Foundation, advocate for stronger anti-poaching laws, or shop from elephant-supporting brands, like Ivory Ella, which has donated over 2 million dollars to elephant conservation.
- Blue Whales
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Blue whales are the largest animals on the planet. They are at the top of the oceanic food chain and are critical to the marine environment. The blue whale is becoming extinct largely due to environmental change. Their population is harmed by marine debris, ship strikes, and climate change, which have severely impacted krill, the blue whale’s main food source. Some ways to help prevent the extinction of the blue whale include boycotting single-use plastics (like plastic waterbottles), organizing beach clean-ups, and donating to whale protection organizations like Blue Whales Blue Skies, which works to reduce whale ship strikes.
- Black Rhinos
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Rhinos are one of the oldest groups of mammals. They are important members of their habitats and respective economies, particularly through ecotourism in countries like Namibia. The deadliest predator to the black rhino is poaching. Between 1970 and 1990, 96% of the black rhino population was wiped out due to the rhino horn trade. Rhino horn demand remains high on the international black market, where it is used in traditional medicine and as a symbol of wealth and status. Ways you can support this endangered species include donating to anti-poaching rhino sanctuaries, like the African Wildlife Foundation, and advocating for the protection of black rhinos.
The extinction of a species is not only an environmental issue but a reflection of humanity. By making an effort to protect our wildlife, we are helping to safeguard the future of our planet.
References
Explore endangered species and wildlife profiles worldwide | World Wildlife Fund. World Wildlife Fund. (n.d.). https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/