Hi there everyone! Wishing you a Happy & fruitful 2021. I know 2020 was the worst year ever but this is a new set of 365 days so let’s hope for the best and try to make it the best.
So for the first blog of 2021, I thought to share some light on a few endangered animals in the world. I feel we do not talk about them probably because we don’t have any idea they exist. Honestly speaking, even I have heard about these animals for the first time and if we want our future generations to know about all these endangered living organisms then, it is critical that they are preserved.
Now, the first animal that I wish to draw your attention to is Amur Leopards. Located in the Far East of Russia, these species are the rarest big cats in the world.
One of the unique feature of this animal is its ability to run at a speed of 37 miles per hour. It can also leap up to 19 feet horizontally and 10 feet vertically.
Amar leopards have spots like fingerprints enabling one to identify them individually.
Its hair in summer are 2.5cm long but are replaced by 7cm long ones in winter, enabling it survive in both climates.
This is a night cat which is why photographers use infrared cameras to take pictures.
This species are highly protected in Russia, anyone found hunting the animal is likely to face fine up to 1,100,000 Rubles and jailed for 2 years. Storing, transporting or selling their parts carries a fine of up to 1 million Rubles and 2 year imprisonment. If a group is guilty of such crime, it can be fined close to 2,000,000 Rubles with a jail term of approximately 5-7 years Info source: https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/fascinating-facts/amur-leopards
At number 2 is the Black Rhino. These species roamed many places throughout Europe, Asia and Africa and were well-known to the early Europeans, who depicted it in their cave paintings.
Today, around 27,000 rhinos remain in the wild compared to 500,000 at the beginning of the 20th century. The decline is due to massive hunting and loss of habitat over decades, as a result very few survive outside national parks and reserved areas.
Three species of rhino including black, Java and Sumatran have been classified as critically endangered.
The feature that makes this creature unique is its pointed upper lips which allows them to pluck leaves and fruits from the branches.
The black rhino has a maximum speed of 55 km per hour with life expectancy rate between 35-50 years. It also has a gestation period of 15-16 months.
Source of info: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/rhino & https://www.google.com/
Bornean orangutan is in at number 3. The animal population has declined by more than 50% in the past 60 years, with its habitat been depleting by at least 55% over the last 20 years.
The Bornean orangutan differs in appearance from Sumatran orangutan, with a broader face and shorter beard with a slightly darker skin color.
The Northwest Bornean orangutan are the most threatened subspecies compared to the Northeast and central ones, as its habitat has been greatly affected by logging, leaving barely 1,500 individuals aside.
This species weigh between 66 -220 pounds and are 3.3 to 4.6 feet in height.
Source of info: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/bornean-orangutan
To conclude, it is pretty evident that over harvesting of such species and destruction of its natural habitats have been the cause of its verge of extinction.
Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed this short presentation.
Once again Happy 2021 to one and all.
IN THE WHITE 