Endangered Rainforest Animals

Animals are categorized under endangered species, if they are at risk of becoming extinct, may be because of their few numbers or due to the change in the environmental condition. As per the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) data, about 40 percent of the total organisms are on the verge of extinction in the near future. In 1963, the IUCN created the Red Data List of more than 15,500 species, after evaluating the extinction risk of various species and subspecies worldwide. This list, is also known, as IUCN Red List of Threatened Species or IUCN Red List.

Among the many ecosystems, rainforests are those forest areas, characterized by heavy rainfall (1750-2000 mm). Rainforests represent one of the richest ecosystems on Earth and are referred to as the 'Jewels of the Earth'. It is estimated that more than 50 percent of the total animal species are native to the rainforests. However, due to climate change and human encroachment of land, many of the animal species are endangered. Let's take a look at some of the endangered rainforest animals.

Golden Lion Tamarind Monkey: Golden Lion Tamarind Monkey (scientific name Leontopithecus rosalia) is found in the lowland coastal region of the state of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). It is included in the endangered species list as the extent of its occurrence is less than 5,000 km². The reason for its population decline is humans hunting for its magnificent fur.

Chimpanzee: Chimpanzee (scientific name Pan troglodytes) are found almost all over the world, especially in the African forests. Though the chimpanzee is a widespread and abundant species of apes, their population has declined in the past few decades, mainly because of human exploitation and loss of habitat.

Gorilla: In the Red Data List, gorilla (scientific name Gorilla gorilla) is classified as critically endangered species. It is estimated that about 80 percent of the population has become extinct in the last three generations (one generation is 22 years). The cause for its declining population is hunting, change in habitat quality and disease-induced mortality. The gorilla is most abundant in the rainforests of West Central Africa.

Orangutan: Orangutan (scientific name Pongo abelii) is listed in the critically endangered species, as the population decline is estimated to about 80 percent in the last 75 years. It is found in the Southeastern rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo. Habitat destruction and hunting are major threats to orangutans.

Bengal Tiger: Bengal tiger (scientific name Panthera tigris ssp. tigris), occurs mostly in India. It is also found in Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal. According to biologists, poaching and habitat loss are the primary causes for decline in its population.

Jaguar: Jaguar (scientific name Panthera onca), the largest cat in the Americas, are found in Mexico, and the rainforests of Central and South America. It is classified as near threatened species. Hunting is the major cause for its population decline.

Toucan: Toucan (scientific name Pan troglodytes) are mostly found in the rainforests of Central and South America. The majors threats to its population are loss of habitat and capture for commercial pet markets.

Harpy Eagle: Harpy eagle (scientific name Harpia harpyja) is a near threatened species. It is found in the lowland rainforests of Central and South America. The harpy eagle is endangered mainly because of habitat loss and hunting.

Manatee: According to IUCN Red List, Manatee (scientific name Trichechus senegalensis) is classified as vulnerable species. It occurs in the coastlines and rivers of rainforest regions of Africa, Caribbean, Amazon Basin and Florida. Loss of habitat is the cause for its decreasing population. If the present situation continues, there is a probability that about 30 percent of the Manatees will be extinct in the next three generations (90 years).

Gray Mouse: The gray mouse (scientific name Microcebus murinus), which was abundant in the 1990s, is classified as least concern/lower risk species. It is native to Madagascar. There is no major threat to this species. However, it is believed that change in the habitat quality may result in the decrease in the number of gray mouse species.

Though, there is no doubt that endangered animals are protected through various laws, organizations and treaties like the World Convention On International Trade In Endangered Wild Flora And Fauna (CITES), more public awareness programs should be implemented to gain public notice. This way, we can protect animals from extinction and conserve the biodiversity of nature.