Top 10 Endangered Species

In a normal process of evolution, lots of organisms have evolved and thrived in varied habitats. While many continue to live and reproduce till date, some have already become extinct. There are also a number of animal species, whose population has reduced to such an extent that they are on the verge of becoming nonextant in the near future. They are grouped under endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Here, we shall take a look at the top 10 endangered species along with the reasons for decrease in their population.

Top 10 Endangered Species in the World

According the IUCN data, the number of endangered species accounts to 40 percent of the total species of organisms that are identified till 2006. This is a huge carving out of the list of all endangered species, considering the fact that there are about 3-30 million species on our planet. The endangered organisms include species of plants, insects, birds, fish, reptiles and mammals. So can you guess, what are the top 10 endangered species? Listed below are the top ten endangered species according to the World Wildlife Federation (WWF):

Beluga Sturgeon
The beluga, also known as great sturgeon or European sturgeon, is the biggest sturgeon species having a slightly upturned mouth. An ancient fish, it is also recorded as the biggest freshwater European fish (about 5 m in length). The body is elongated in shape and grayish green in color. Beluga is highly valued as a good caviar, which is indirectly responsible for its decrease in number.

Hawksbill Turtle
Characterized by a tapering head that resembles a hawks beak and inhabiting the tropical reefs , the hawksbill turtle is one of the most endangered species. Identifying features include colorful carapace and strong claws present in each of the flippers. Hawksbill turtle population declines because of slow reproduction rate and human activities such as the use of eggs for human consumption and killing turtles for flesh and shell.

Alligator Snapping Turtle
Identified as the biggest freshwater turtle in North America, the alligator snapping turtle looks like an ancient turtle species because of its appearance. You can identify it from beaklike jaws, huge head, spiked shell, rough carapace and thick fleshy tail. Factors responsible for less number of alligator snapping turtles are hunting for captivation, shell and meat.

Mako Shark
Do you know the mako shark is the fastest swimming shark and can cover a distance of 60 miles per hour. It thrives well in both cold and warm waters, and in shallow water and deep water. Even though mako shark does not eat humans, it shows an aggressive behavior, especially when threatened. Captivating mako shark for sport is the main cause for its declining population.

Tiger
Even though tiger occupies the top position in trophic levels, it is listed in the top ten endangered species of animals. The main reason for decreased population is poaching for their skin, bone and other body parts. As per animal conservation data, there are approximately 3,200 tigers in their natural habitat.

Giant Panda
Native to some parts of China and a member of the bear family, the giant panda is included in the top 10 endangered species. It can be identified from distinctive black patches around the eyes, ears and other body parts. Possible threats to the giant panda bears are habitat reduction due to developmental projects and hunting for flesh. It is estimated that less than 2,000 giant pandas survive in the wild.

Black Rhinoceros
Black rhino is another endangered animal included in the top ten list. Generally speaking, almost all the species of rhinoceros are at a risk of extinction. It is characterized by two distinctive horns, and long, pointed prehensile upper lip. The prospective reason for declining number of this huge animal is hunting for horns.

Green Cheeked Parrot
Green-cheeked parrot is indigenous to Brazil and Mexico. Distinctive features of this endangered bird are dark-colored head, green body with a gray breast and dark maroon tail. Similar to some parrot species, it has the unique ability to mimic human voice. Because of this, its demand is very high in the pet market, leading to reduction in number.

Goldenseal
Also known by the name yellow root, goldenseal, a herb, is widely used as a natural remedy for several ailments, ranging from allergic skin conditions to painful hemorrhoids. Due to its therapeutic benefits, the demand for goldenseal has increased to more than 30 percent in the last few decades. No wonder, this yellow root herb is a member of the endangered plants list.

Big Leaf Mahogany
Big leaf mahogany is one of the timber that is in demand in the world. The import for this hard wood is found to be highest in the United States. At maturity (requiring 100 years), it grows to a height of about 150 feet. Main reasons for it becoming endangered are slow growth and over exploitation for its valuable timber.

Top 10 Endangered Species in Africa and India

The environmental condition of a habitat may change significantly, which makes it challenging for survival of an organism. And if the number of predators in the habitat is high, it further reduces the possibility of survival for the species. Thus, one of the endangered species facts is that it may be threatened in a particular region, while it may not in another habitat. Being identified as most biologically diverse areas of the world, endangered species in Africa and India are studied in detail.

Top 10 Endangered Species in Africa

• Ethiopian wolf
• Addax
• African elephant
• Mountain gorilla
• African wild dog
• Pygmy hippopotamus
• Cheetah
• Black rhinoceros
• African penguin
• Africa lion

Top 10 Endangered Species in India

• Indian vulture
• Tiger
• Himalayan wolf
• Ganges shark
• Pygmy hog
• Jenkin's shrew
• Sumatran rhinoceros
• Salim Ali's fruit bat
• Namdapha flying squirrel
• Malabar large-spotted civet

So, this was an overview regarding top 10 endangered species. It is an undoubted fact that loss of habitat and increased predation are the two prime reasons for endangering a particular species. To be more precise, human intervention in terms of land encroachment, hunting and excessive exploitation are responsible for the declining population of most of the species.