Changes in our natural environment are leading a wide range of species to become vulnerable and endangered over time. While individual changes might not transform their habitats overnight, they can make a big difference when we all do our part to conserve the natural world.
This leads us to a relevant and time-sensitive question: what animals are going extinct?
In this article, we’ll take a look at some animals that are going extinct on Earth and what humans can do to bring their populations back to sustainable levels. Even the biggest changes start small, so don’t hesitate to do what you can to raise awareness and make the world a better place for both humans and animals that are almost extinct.
POLAR BEARS
Most polar bears live on sea ice in the Arctic, and even small increases in global temperatures can have a significant impact on their habitat. With less and less ice available every year, polar bears are now one of the most well-known animals that are almost extinct.
Polar Bears International and other leading organizations are working to conserve polar bears by protecting ice in the Arctic and conducting important research. The organization has also educated the public on reducing our emissions, and therefore helping reduce the rate of ice loss to maintain polar bear habitats for years to come.
Through our Venture Bracelets, Fahlo is trying to help. A percentage of every purchase goes toward animal conservation and research to protect animals that are going extinct.
MARINE TURTLES
Marine turtles are another example of animals that are almost extinct and face several challenges due to human intervention in their natural environment. These turtles are often caught inadvertently by nets and other heavy-handed fishing methods that don’t differentiate between various marine life.
Marine turtle populations are near-to-extinct animals also due to direct poaching and hunting for a variety of resources. Major wildlife organizations, like our partners at the Sea Turtle Conservancy, are taking steps to limit illegal turtle trades and place additional restrictions on fishing tactics that continue to threaten marine turtles and other highly vulnerable species.
Like our Venture Bracelets, our Journey Bracelets offer you a chance to protect sea turtles that are going extinct. A portion of profits supports the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s work and research efforts.
ORANGUTANS
Modern scientists believe that there were roughly 230,000 wild orangutans on Earth as recently as 100 years ago. Today, there are between 50,000 to 65,000 total, including both Bornean and Sumatran populations.
Groups like the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme are advocating for new limits on hunting and poaching of these almost-extinct animals. Similar groups are also advancing restrictions on the orangutan pet trade as well as a renewed focus on the preservation of traditional orangutan habitats.
TIGERS
Tiger populations were consistently declining for over 100 years, but they have started to rebound over the last few decades. Contemporary research indicates that there are still a total of roughly 4,000 wild tigers around the world—unfortunately, that still leaves these animals that are going extinct seriously vulnerable to even small changes in their habitat.
Project Tiger, launched in India in 1973, is one of the most successful wildlife conservation movements aimed at protecting these near-to-extinct animals. It has helped increase the numbers of the Bengal tiger, the most numerous of the tiger species.
To safeguard the future of these magnificent creatures, conservationists emphasize the need for stronger wildlife laws, habitat preservation, and concerted global efforts to halt illegal poaching and trade. Only through sustained and collaborative conservation efforts can we promote the survival of these animals that are going extinct.
GORILLAS
Gorillas, the world's largest primates, are also among the many animals going extinct. Their existence has been specifically threatened by habitat destruction, poaching, and diseases like Ebola.
The Eastern Gorilla is now listed as critically endangered, with fewer than 6,000 of them remaining in the wild. Conservation efforts, including anti-poaching patrols and community engagement, are vital to ensure their survival.
Organizations like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund have been pivotal in this fight, protecting habitats and fostering a deeper understanding of these majestic creatures. Purchasing our Traverse Bracelets here at Fahlo contributes to their cause.
ELEPHANTS
African and Asian elephants are impressive symbols of the wild, yet they are on the list of animals that are almost extinct due to poaching for ivory and habitat loss. Conservationists are racing against time to secure protected areas and enforce stronger anti-poaching laws.
Save The Elephants and similar groups are at the forefront protecting elephants’ futures, implementing innovative strategies to safeguard these gentle giants. By supporting such organizations through the purchase of Fahlo’s Expedition Bracelet, we can ensure elephants continue to roam the savannas and forests of their ancestors.
RHINOCEROS
With its unique horn, the rhinoceros has been hunted relentlessly for years. This has led to a drastic decline in their populations around the world.
The Javan and Sumatran rhinos are especially at risk, with fewer than 80 of each species believed to exist. Rhino conservation involves habitat management, anti-poaching efforts, and reducing the demand for rhino horn.
The International Rhino Foundation is actively working to increase the populations of these near-to-extinct animals, and have been doing so through stringent protection and breeding programs.
CHEETAHS
Known for their incredible speed, cheetahs face extinction due to habitat loss, conflict with humans, and illegal wildlife trade. With an estimated 6,500 cheetahs left in the wild, conservation initiatives like the Cheetah Conservation Fund are critical.
They support habitat restoration, community education, and research to enhance our understanding of these animals that are going extinct. By fostering healthy human-cheetah coexistence, we can hope to see these cats long into the future.
LEOPARDS
With fewer than 100 left in the wild, the Amur leopard is one of the world's most endangered cats. Habitat loss and poaching are the primary threats to their survival.
Organizations like the World Wildlife Fund have implemented measures to combat these issues, such as creating protected areas and bolstering anti-poaching activities. Ensuring a future for these almost-extinct animals is an ongoing battle that requires global awareness and action.
VAQUITAS
The vaquita is the world’s smallest and rarest marine mammal. It is critically endangered, with the population dwindling to around ten individuals. Caught as bycatch in illegal gillnet fishing, their situation is dire.
The fight to save these animals that are almost extinct is led by groups like the Save the Vaquita, which advocates for strict enforcement of gillnet bans and the promotion of alternative fishing techniques. Their survival hinges on immediate and effective conservation measures.
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
These 10 species are just a few of the animals that are going extinct due to significant threats from both natural and man-made risks. While no individual person can completely protect these populations from endangerment or extinction, we should all be doing everything we can to ensure they flourish for generations to come.