Orange-fronted parakeets are small, brightly coloured forest-dwelling birds. They are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, and as nationally critical in New Zealand which means, according to the Department of Conservation, that “the next stop is extinction.”
The amount of land that is protected as national parks is 25%, and although comprising of only 0.03% of the earth’s surface, the landmass of Costa Rica contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity.
As the wealth of nations such as China and Taiwan has increased, so has the demand for shark fins, resulting in a rise in the number of threatened species of sharks from 15 in 1996 to more than 180 in 2010.
Today, the total population of Florida panthers is estimated to be between 100 and 160 animals. Sadly, this increase in numbers has resulted in more panthers becoming involved in vehicle collisions on Florida’s roads.
The golden langur is endemic to the Indo-Bhutan region, in a small area of western Assam in India and the foothills of the Black Mountains of neighbouring Bhutan.
The reason why bamboo will be so seriously affected by climate change is the plant’s unusual reproductive cycle.
For animals that migrate over vast distances, new roads can dissect their traditional routes, and bring about many deaths to those attempting to cross.
Elephants can raid crops, damage water supplies, demolish homes and grain stores, and even kill or injure people and their livestock. People often retaliate in an effort to protect themselves and their livelihoods, by resorting to extreme measure such as poisoning and shooting elephants.
In one such state, Idaho, wolves are doing well, numbering over 740 wolves. However, with more wolves, there has been more conflict with livestock farmers.
Of the world’s 18 species of penguins, 11 species are listed by the IUCN as Vulnerable or Endangered, that’s 61% of all penguins. If the Near Threatened category is added, that figure jumps to 83%.