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Check out a list with some endangered animals in Brazil and in the world

Xtina Yu image in Unsplash

Endangered animals are those threatened with disappearing from Earth. Deforestation, illegal hunting and animal trafficking are some of the reasons that have put many animals into extinction. Despite being relatively common in nature, the extinction process is being intensified by human action.

Examples of endangered animals

Jaguar

The jaguar, the largest feline in the Americas, is on the list of endangered species in the vulnerable category. A Brazilian flag species, the jaguar is important for conservation actions in several Brazilian phytophysiognomies (Atlantic Forest, Amazon Forest, Cerrado and Pantanal).

Habitat destruction and predatory hunting are the main causes of the severe reduction in the jaguar population. They are classified by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and by IBAMA as a vulnerable species and are part of Appendix I of CITES (Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which lists endangered species. extinction, whose trade will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances.

Golden Lion tamarin

The image of the small primate, about 60 centimeters tall, has traveled the world and, since the 70s, it has been one of the symbols of the struggle for the conservation of biological diversity. This is because the golden lion tamarin has long been threatened with extinction.

The devastation of the Atlantic Forest almost exterminated the entire population of golden lion tamarins. Originally, the species was found throughout the coast of Rio de Janeiro, reaching Espírito Santo. With the intense occupation of the coastal zone in the state, accompanied by wood extraction and agricultural activities, the tamarins are confined to about 20 forest fragments.

Guara wolf

The maned wolf is an animal that is on the list of animals at vulnerable risk of extinction and has as habitat the Cerrado and Pampa biomes. The most common cause for the reduction of this species is related to deforestation. It is estimated that in the Pampas there is an average population of only fifty animals.

Giant panda

Giant pandas live in south-central China. It is estimated that there are 2500 individuals living in isolated points, which poses an obstacle to mating and collecting food from the animals. Furthermore, the difficulties in promoting the reproduction of pandas are enormous, since the females only come into heat once a year, for a maximum of three days.

Fin whale

The fin whale is the second largest species of whale, measuring around 27 meters in length and weighing an average of 70 tons. This species was once considered "endangered", but the ban on commercial hunting in the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Hemisphere contributed to its population increase.

Studies claim that species conservation campaigns must be maintained in order to preserve the species.

Lear's Macaw

The Lear's Macaw is a Brazilian species that is on the list of endangered animals in the "endangered" category, mainly as a result of animal trafficking and habitat destruction.

The Lear's Macaw is part of programs aimed at the conservation of species, including environmental education, awareness and community involvement actions.

african penguin

The African penguin inhabits the southern coast of Africa and its population has decreased by 90% since 1910. The main threats for the African penguin are the frequent oil spills that occur in the area in which it lives. In addition, industrial fishing in the region has forced the species to seek food farther and farther from the coast.

manatee

The manatee is a Brazilian species that is on the list of endangered animals in the "endangered" category.

Researchers estimate that there are about 500 individuals distributed in the states of Alagoas and Amapá. In the past the species was hunted, but currently the most common threats are related to human action, such as pollution and destruction of its natural habitat.

mountain gorilla

The mountain gorilla is a species of mammal found in Central Africa. It is classified as "endangered". Studies indicate that in 2008 there were approximately 680 specimens, causing it to be considered critically endangered, but this condition has changed due to actions taken to preserve the species. Records indicate that the population increased to just over 1000 individuals.

The main causes for the extinction of this species are related to hunting and diseases introduced by humans, such as respiratory infections.

Blue Whale

The blue whale is a species that existed in great abundance until the beginning of the 20th century, but was driven to near extinction after more than 150 years of intense hunting. Scholars claim that there are about 3,000 specimens of the species and that the number could increase if programs to protect it are implemented.

capuchin monkey

The capuchin monkey is a species of mammal native to Brazil and the main cause for its extinction is related to human action, such as deforestation, pollution and urban expansion in forest areas.

It is estimated that there are approximately one thousand individuals that are spread across the Atlantic Forest biome. According to the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), the species' population has already decreased by about 50% since it was first described, approximately 10 years ago.

IUCN Red List of Endangered Species

The Red List of Endangered Species of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), created in 1964, aims to provide information about the conservation of the planet's living beings. It presents relevant data on fauna and flora, but does not present data on micro-organisms.

The Red List serves as a warning about the constant loss of biodiversity on Earth. With these data, it is possible to support the fight for conservation policies and try to prevent the extinction of several species. The red list presents nine different categories for classifying a living organism. Check the meaning of each of them:

• Extinct (Extinct – EX): no specimen of the analyzed species is alive in nature or in captivity;
• Extinct in nature (Extinct in the Wild – EW): the analyzed species is no longer found in its natural habitat, existing only representatives in captivity;
• Critically endangered (Critically Endangered – CR): the species classified as Critically Endangered is at extremely high risk of becoming extinct from the wild;
• In danger (Endangered – EN): the studied species presents a high risk of becoming extinct in its habitat;
• Vulnerable (Vulnerable – VU): the vulnerable species is one that presents risks of becoming extinct in nature;
• Almost threatened (Near Threatened – NT): an almost threatened species is one that needs conservation measures so that it does not become vulnerable to extinction;
• Of little concern (Least Concern – LC): when compared to the other categories, species classified as of little concern do not present much risk of extinction;
• Deficient data (Deficient date – DD): the species studied does not have enough data to assess the level of conservation;
• Not rated (Not Evaluated – NE): species classified in this category have not been evaluated by IUCN criteria.

Learn more about each species by accessing the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. It is noteworthy that the preservation of species is important not only to contribute to the balance of the planet, but it is also a way to maintain and renew our natural resources.