Africa’s Most Endangered Animals

AFRICA’S MOST ENDANGERED ANIMALS

In this week’s blog we take a look at five of the most endangered African animals. These animals are in grave danger of becoming extinct and although there are measures being taken they are currently at great risk. The main causes of the decline in population of these animals are sadly linked to humans. It is important that people recognise the harmful effects of poaching, hunting and land clearing on our ecosystem. And how they affect the dwindling populations of these special animals.

The Black Rhino

Since 1996, the black rhino has been classed as an endangered species in Africa. In the most part due to poaching as the market for rhino horn in the far east is sadly booming. Rhino horn can sell for a huge amount of money and poachers methods are getting more sophisticated.

Despite the fact that many organisations and charities are working hard to turn things around for the black rhino. In an attempt to protect them and increase their population. Because it requires huge financial resources and manpower it is a very difficult challenge.

Currently there are only about 5,500 black rhinos left and although this number is small, in 1993, there were under 2,500 left so we can take positives from these figures. It shows how although a slow process, wildlife organisations are helping the black rhino to increase its numbers.

success has been due, partly by educating people that there are no medicinal effects from using rhino horn. Also by protecting the remaining black rhinos and having anti-poaching patrols and initiatives in place. It is vital for wildlife charities to work with governments, game reserves and local communities to make progress.

The rhino is one of the oldest groups of mammals and they are vital for creating land for conservation. This means their existence is also essential to maintain the populations of other animals.

It is essential that we all realise the importance of the black rhino and support the organisations that work so tirelessly to protect them. Safari goers must appreciate the special experience of being able to see one of the endangered African animals.

The Rothschild’s Giraffe

The Rothschild’s giraffe, also commonly known as the Ugandan giraffe or the Baringo giraffe and it is another African endangered species. This species is extinct in Sudan and can only be found in Uganda and Kenya. 60% are located in Uganda and there are estimated at less than 2500 Rothschild’s giraffes left in the wild.

Rothschild’s giraffes are easily identified as it has a unique pattern on its coat. It’s pattern is more jagged than other species of giraffes and they don’t have any patterns on their coats below their knees.

A large issue is that their habitats are often destroyed when farmers cut down forests in order for them to keep livestock and grow crops. Wildlife organisations work tirelessly to protect their habitats by working with local communities to educate them of the harmful effects of this practice. They also spend time helping to protect the giraffes that are still in the wild so that they can breed and numbers can start to rise again.

Another issue that organisations face is the fact that not many people are aware of the fact that there are many sub-species of giraffes. Which means that the Rothschild’s giraffe are often overlooked.

Hippopotamus

In Africa, there are two different species of hippopotamus: the ‘large’ hippo and the ‘pygmy’ hippo. Hippos are widely hunted and it is easy to source hippo meat in Africa. Many communities are concerned that hippos are a danger to humans. Indeed, hippos kill more humans every year than any other animal in Africa.

As a result many hippos are shot every year leading to a drop in numbers pushing them into the Atrrican endangered species list. National parks are used to protect the remaining hippos that are left in the wild.

However wildlife organisations also have a huge role educating local communities on the effects that consuming hippo meat is having. And highlighting the limited numbers of hippos in the wild.

African Wild Dog

The unique African wild dog also known as the painted wolf, is undoubtedly one of the most endangered African animals. There are only 6,600 of them left in the wild. The African wild dog is a very social animal and they travel in packs of between 10 and 25 dogs.

Although poachers are not a threat to the African wild dog, they are considered by many to be a threat to humans. This often leads to them being shot and killed if communities start to feel at risk.

Disease is also a big killer of the African wild dog as they can suffer from rabies and distemper. Unfortunately due to their pack mentality and fact that they travel in close proximity disease spreads easily and can wipe out whole packs.

Wildlife organisations spend time creating wildlife corridors for the African wild dogs. Population growth is encouraged in nature reserves where they are able to hunt freely and don’t come into contact with humans. This isolation from other livestock and agricultural farms not only minimises the spread of diseases. But also means that they cannot be seen as a threat to humans.

Whilst these nature reserves and wildlife corridors aid the African wild dogs. It is imperative that local communities realise that the African wild dog is a highly-endangered mammal. Because of this they should not go hunting for the dogs.

With proper education and protected areas for the wild dog it is possible that their numbers could rapidly increase over the next decade.

African Elephants

Last, but certainly not least, are African elephants. The African elephant is the world’s largest land animal but they are widely hunted by poachers. They kill them to sell their ivory tusks. Consequently they are well known as a major African endangered species.

It is important that everything possible is done to help protect these elephants. Their presence helps to maintain habitats for other species. These animals and plantlife would be vulnerable and may even become extinct without the African elephants. Some of these species include tree’s which require the elephants for germination and dispersal.

Although the African elephants’ main threat is the poaching. Many local communities and governments force the elephants out of their habitats because they want to develop the land for agriculture and housing.

Wildlife organisations are aiming to educate people about the horrors of poaching the elephants. In addition they educate local communities to be able to live in harmony to protect the African elephant then it is possible that they could have a bright future.

We hope that you have enjoyed learning about these interesting animals. Perhaps your eyes have been opened to the damage that humans can cause to the the animal world. By damaging animals’ habitats, poaching animals and hunting them numbers can dwindle with alarming speed.

Each of these animals are vital to the ecosystem and to maintain the balance, something must be done to prevent these animals from becoming extinct.

Please contact us to discuss where you can travel to get the best chance to see these African endangered species.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel

Africa’s Most Endangered Animals