We live in times when it is very common to read about animals that are being categorized as endangered or extinct. And while this has become an everyday occurrence, owing to the indiscriminate poaching done by humans, it still continues to be sad. And it will always be so. But there are efforts made every single day by activists to protect these animals.
Citizens of different countries are trying to help in their own special way. And this brings us to a British photographer named Tim Flach, who spent 2 years photographing endangered animals as he could find. The photos are magnificent, no doubt about that. But they are also increasingly depressing, heartbreaking and tear-jerking. You would have to be a stone to not get affected by them.
They also serve as a warning. Someday, beauty is going to be extinct and we would forever be thirsty for it. Playing with lives isn’t a good thing to do and we ought to know that before we mess up even further.
Here are some of the majestic and extraordinary animals whose lives we have put in danger:
1. Philippine Eagle
Ironically, these birds, of whom only 600 are numbered, are also the national bird of the Philippines.
2. Iberian Lynx
Since 2000, there has been an increase in their conservation, leading to an increase in their number from 100 to 326. But more needs to be done.
3. Ring-Tailed Lemur
Even after extravagant conservationist efforts, their numbers continue to decrease, with just 2000 alive now. This decrease is due to poaching, hunting, and the usual displacement of animals.
4. Red Panda
Relatively unknown and hard to calculate, it is estimated that 10000 of such individuals still live. The population keeps decreasing.
5. Fireflies
Deforestation and pesticides have led to a loss of fireflies in many regions.
6. Saiga
One of the most endangered species, 12000 of them suddenly died in Kazakhstan.
7. Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey
Found in Southern China with a population of 8000-15000, they are under constant threat of extinction.
8. Shoebill
Intrinsic to Africa, only 5000-8000 struggle to survive.
9. Western Lowland Gorillas
Threatened by hunters, only 100, 000 live.
10. Proboscis Monkey
A 50% decrease has been noted in their population due to increased poaching.
11. Indian Gharial
Owing to the loss of their habitat and a decline in fish population, their numbers have dropped down to 235.
12. Marine Iguana
Not really endangered, but perpetually threatened by poaching and an increase in tourism.
13. White-bellied Pangolin
Exact numbers are not known, but they are being continuously poached.
14. Olm Salamander
The only blind salamander known to us, they have been susceptible to climate change.
15. Beluga Sturgeon
Although they can live up to 100 years, they aren’t allowed to by hunters. Their caviar makes them lucrative targets for hunters as it can fetch up to 10,000$ per kg.
16. Hooded Vulture
These giant vultures are critically endangered. Hunting and poisoning them has caused them a great deal of harm.
17. Northern White Rhinoceros
Only species with just 2 females are alive! There is a very slim chance of this species really surviving.
18. Egyptian Vulture
A 35% decrease has been seen in India itself, they are continually fighting for a chance at life.
19. Kaiser’s Newt
Vastly endangered, this animal has around 9000 individuals left.
20. Hippopotamus
They are vulnerable, as their population ranges between 120000 and 150000.
21. Giant Panda
Although their population has been on the rise, the rise hasn’t been that good. Their number has increased from 1596 to 1864.
22. Pied Tamarin
Only 170 live due to human expansion.
23. Sea Angels
Global warming and climate change have led to a decrease in their numbers.
24. Polar Bears
Not really calculated, but the numbers could be anywhere between 20 and 25,000.
25. African Elephant
Although there are 350,000 elephants still alive, there have been almost 144,000 elephants killed in the last ten years.
26. Cheetah
The last 119 years has led to a decrease of cheetahs from 100,000 to 12,000. In Iran, there are just 200 left.
27. Red Crown Crane
Only 1700- 2000 live.
28. European Honey Bee
Although the population has increased by 3%, the threat is still there. For, their extinction would be a huge problem for everyone on this planet.
29. Military Macaw
The bird has less than 10000 surviving members.
30. Arabian Oryx
Although growing, there are just 1000 individuals on Earth.
