One of the most fascinating aspects about our planet is its biodiversity. We do not know for certain how many species call Earth home. Millions of species have been discovered so far, and the number of undiscovered species is perhaps just as much. But what we do know for certain is that many species have gone extinct and many are on the verge of going the same way. Throughout history, a whole range of species has gone extinct and that’s how Nature works. But now we’re losing and endangering a whole lot of species at an alarming rate because of our indiscriminate behaviour. This includes everything from habitat destruction to excessive hunting and poaching. Though measures are in place to conserve many species, many are critically endangered today. So endangered that the population of some of these animals remains in one or two digits.
Vaquita: A recent study conducted by the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita (a rare marine mammal), suggests only about 10 individuals remain
Javan rhinoceros: Despite an increasing number and the unexpected pleasure of discovering two newbonis, the population of the Javan rhinoceros is said to be a dismal 70-odd today
Amur leopards: The number of Amur leopards (found at the Russia-China intersection) in the wild is believed to be 80-plus.
India update: The scene is no different in India. From snow leopards and sangai (a deer species) to bird species such as the Bengal florican, many are endangered, crying for our immediate attention.
Picture Credit : Google