10 Animals We Have Brought Back From The Doors Of Extinction

Because nature can never go out of fashion. And because animals are an integral part of our lives. Evolution and extinction form the normal cycle of nature. Over time, even we would be extinct. Did you know that there were a number of human species but today only we survive (Homo Sapiens)? Why? It is a way of nature. Before our polluting practices came about, species were getting extinct but the cause was NATURAL!

We have done a lot of damage. But thanks to the late realisation that hit us and we started to think intelligently about our fellow beings. Thanks to the various campaigns and various initiatives that people are more aware now. Thanks to the education system too, which is trying to instil the love for nature in the children. Yes, we have a long way to go, but what matters is that we have started!

Today let’s look at 10 gorgeous animals which were on the verge of extinction but have been saved due to our conscious efforts.

1. Amur Tiger: From only 40 to as many as 540

– The major reason for their dwindling numbers was poaching and hunting.

– They were found in Eastern Russia, Northern China And Korea peninsula.

– The tiger was saved when Russia became the first country in the world to grant the Tiger full protection.

– They form the largest unfragmented tiger population in the world.

– Current status: Endangered

 

2. Gray Whale: Fewer than 2000 to between 19,000-23,000

– Their size is that of a bus.

– They were hunted to the edge of extinction.

– They were known as ‘devilfish’ because they are very aggressive when it comes to        protecting them and their calves.

– They are found only in the Pacific ocean.

– They were protected due to international agreements.

– Current status: Least concern

 

3. Southern White Rhino: From 50-200 to 19,682-21,077

– Almost all of them are found in South Africa.

– It has two horns. The reason for their near extinction was poaching for their horns used in medicinal and ornamental use.

– They are not actually white but slate or brownish grey in colour.

– Thanks to various conservation efforts that they are the most abundant Rhinos in the world now.

– Current status: Near Threatened

 

4. The African Savanna Elephant: Current population- 352, 271

– It is the largest terrestrial animal. Its size is awe inspiring!

– Was poached for its tusks and the situation was utterly hopeless.

– CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) made a law by banning trade in ivory to control the situation. Thanks to their efforts, they   are doing much better now.

– Current status: Vulnerable

 

5. Mountain Gorilla: Current population- 700

– The majority of them are found in Africa.

– Mountain Gorilla’s had come to near extinction due to habitat loss and hunting.

– They have water phobia and they cross streams only if they don’t get wet.

– There was an International Gorilla conservation Programme set up in 1991.

– Current Status: Critically Endangered

 

6. Greater One-Horned Asian Rhino: From 600 to 3500

– Found in India and Nepal.

– Rhinos are the only mammals to have horns on their nose rather than their head.

– The Rhinos were hunted in the early days because they used to chew the tea crops. They are also poached for their horns and other body parts.

– Thanks to the efforts in India and Nepal alike.

– Current status: Vulnerable

 

7. Saiga: Current population- 40,000

– Found in Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

– It has been near to extinction due to habitat loss and hunting.

– Only the male Saiga have horns and they are used for medicinal purposes. They are also hunted for their meat and fur.

– However, there are efforts to bring them back to their normal numbers.

– Current status: Critically Endangered

 

8. Takhi: From 12 to more than 800

– They are the only remaining genuine species of wild horses in the world.

– They faced problems like hunting, diseases, harsh winters

– 12 Takhis were caught and made to breed in captivity. They were later left in the wild.

– Current Status: Endangered

 

9. Black Rhinos: Current population- 3725 in the wild

– Native to central and eastern Africa.

– They are mostly solitary in nature and recognise each other by scents. They have a heightened sense of hearing and can rotate their ears in all directions.

– The are also hunted for their horns.

– Thanks to the efforts, the numbers are now stabilizing.

– Current status: Critically Endangered

 

10. Golden Lion Tamarin: From 200 to 1000 in the wild

– Though the name says lion, it is actually a monkey!

– It is the national symbol in Brazil and also a native. It is among the rarest animals in the world.

– They usually give birth to twins.

– Current status: Endangered

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We have come a long way and we have yet a long way to go. I hope that we continue to preserve these precious and beautiful animals. At the end of the day, we are all dependent on one another and co-existence is the way to go!

Source: World Wide Fund For Nature

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