These are some of the Endangered Animals of Africa

These are some of the Endangered Animals of Africa

An endangered species means an animal or plant that might disappear forever. This could happen because there aren’t many left, or their habitat, where they live, is in danger. Being endangered is serious, and people try to help these creatures survive. Governments, like the U.S. government, have lists to keep track of endangered species. The federal list in the U.S. is called the Endangered Species Act. This helps protect them and their homes.

Pangolin

Pangolins, found mainly in South and Central Africa, face a grave threat due to the demand for their meat and skin. These scaly mammals, with a lifespan of around 20 years, are heavily trafficked for their skin and scales, which are believed to possess magical and curative properties. Some misconceptions even suggest that their scales can cure ailments like cancer or asthma, although there’s no scientific evidence to support this.

The Northern White Rhino

The unfortunate passing of the last male northern white rhino in 2018 at the Ol Pejeta conservancy in Kenya highlighted the dire situation faced by this species. With only two rhinos left, a mother and her daughter, protected around the clock by armed guards, the extinction of the northern white rhino looms large. Poaching remains a significant factor contributing to the decline of these majestic creatures, the second-largest land mammal after elephants.

Rothschild Giraffe

The Rothschild giraffe, a subspecies of the Northern giraffe, has earned a spot on the endangered species list due to habitat loss caused by human encroachment. These towering creatures, reaching heights of up to 6 meters, bear unique markings covering only half of their legs. As of 2019, their population stood at around 2500, primarily residing in conservation areas in Kenya and Uganda, a stark reminder of the rapid decline of giraffe populations.

Black Rhinos

Black rhinos (Diceros bicornis) are critically endangered rhino species native to Sub-Saharan Africa. With an estimated population of just 3,142 individuals, they have faced devastating declines, with extinction occurring in much of their former range. Today, black rhinos are primarily found in Kenya. Poaching has been a significant factor in their decline, with 96% of the population lost between 1970 and 1990. Additionally, habitat loss and climate change pose ongoing threats to their survival.

Mountain Gorilla

Living in dense forests at high altitudes, mountain gorillas face numerous threats, including habitat loss, disease, conflict, and poaching. With just 459 individuals remaining in the wild, according to a 2019 survey by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, efforts to protect these gorillas in reserves like Bwindi and Sarambwe are crucial for their survival.

Knysna Seahorse

The Knysna seahorse, one of only two endangered seahorse species globally, faces habitat degradation as its main threat. With their exceptional camouflaging abilities, these seahorses are challenging to study and protect. Limited to three estuaries in South Africa, their dwindling habitats have pushed them towards endangerment, as recognized by the IUCN.

Cuvier’s Atlas Gazelle

Found primarily in North African countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, the Atlas gazelle, also known as the Edmi, has faced severe population declines due to overhunting for various purposes, including skin, meat, and trophies. Recent efforts, such as the reintroduction of 30 gazelles into the Jebel Serj National Park in Tunisia, aim to bolster their numbers and prevent extinction.

Ethiopian Wolves

The Ethiopian wolf, often referred to as the last wolf of Africa, inhabits the high peaks of Northern and Central Ethiopia. Descendants of Eurasian gray wolves, these wolves face numerous threats, including habitat loss and human encroachment, leading to psychological stress as they adapt to changing environments.

Cheetahs

Once widespread across African plains, cheetah populations have drastically declined, with only an estimated 7,100 individuals remaining in 2016. Habitat loss and fragmentation have driven them out of 95 percent of their historical range, leaving them confined to specific regions in countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa.

African Penguin

Contrary to popular perception, penguins aren’t exclusive to icy landscapes. The African penguin, residing in warmer climates around the South-western tip of Africa, faces extinction due to industrial fishing activities around the Cape. Adapted to subtropical conditions, these penguins are ill-equipped to handle the threats posed by human activity.

Pygmy Hippo

Residing in West Africa, particularly around Upper Guinea, the pygmy hippo faces extinction due to various human activities, including poaching. Despite their smaller stature compared to their larger counterparts, pygmy hippos are equally aggressive and vulnerable to habitat destruction.

The Rarest Carnivore in Africa

The Ethiopian wolf holds the unfortunate title of Africa’s most endangered carnivore, being the continent’s sole wolf species.

How Many Endangered Animals in Africa? Africa is home to over 1,100 species of mammals and 2,600 species of birds, many of which are now at risk of extinction due to human activities such as poaching and habitat loss.