Endangered Rainforest Animals

Animals are categorized under endangered species if they are at risk of becoming extinct either 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 that are characterized by heavy rainfall (1750 – 2000 mm). They 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 these animals are endangered or threatened. Let's take a look at some of the endangered rainforest animals.

Types of Endangered Rainforest Animals

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

Chimpanzee: Chimpanzees (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 (Gorilla gorilla) is classified as a critically endangered species. It is estimated that about 80 percent of the population has become extinct in the last three generations (one generation spans for approximately 22 years). The causes for its declining population are hunting, change in habitat quality, and disease-induced mortality. The gorilla is most abundant in the rainforests of West Central Africa.

Orangutan: Orangutan (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: The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris ssp. tigris) is mostly found 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. Besides Bengal tiger, the global population of other tiger species is decreasing at an alarming rate.

Jaguar: Jaguar (Panthera onca), the largest cat in America, is 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 declining population.

Toucan: With macaws, parrots, and toucans, the first thing that comes to our mind is, they are excellent pet birds. Toucan (Pan troglodytes) is 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.

Hyacinth Macaw: The hyacinth macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) were found abundantly in the rainforests of Brazil. Today, this along with the remaining macaw species are threatened in one way or the other. In fact, a few of them are already extinct. Loss of habitat and overexploitation for keeping as pet birds contribute to the declining population of this beautiful bird.

Harpy Eagle: Harpy eagle (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 (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 (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 decreasing number of gray mouse species.

Poison Dart Frog: Distributed in the tropical rainforest regions, this type of frog secretes toxins that are poisonous to prospective predators, hence the name. The bright color itself is a warning to other animals. Several subspecies of poison dart frog (Phyllobates sp., Dendrobates sp.) are identified scientifically. While many of them are categorized under the Least Concern group, some are endangered due to rapid loss in habitat.

Three-toed Sloth: Three-toed sloths are mostly found in Brazilian rainforests. The extra long claws are an identifying trait for this slow animal. While they serve as an adaptation for climbing trees and hanging from branches, sloths (Bradypus tridactylus) are quite clumsy while walking on land. A major threat to the three-toed sloth is destruction of forest trees. Also, their slow movement on land makes them vulnerable to potential predators.

Endangered Rainforest Animals List

Swift parrot Cockatoos Red goshawk Philippine eagle Little tern Regent honeyeater Waterfall frog Sharp snouted dayfrog

Mistfrog Rancho grande harlequin frog Panamanian golden frog Rice rat Giant armadillo Red slender loris Aye-Aye Madagascar lemur

Ringtailed lemur Javan langur Marmoset Spider monkey Proboscis monkey Golden-bellied capuchin Golden mantella Indian wild dog Giant panda

Spectacled bear Northern bettong Sharman's rock-wallaby Mahogany glider Giant otter Tapir Sumatran rhinoceros Javan rhinoceros Asian elephant

Considering the present scenario, the list of endangered animals is expected to grow in the coming years. Though there is no doubt that endangered animals are protected through various laws, organizations, and treaties, like the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (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.