My Science School

            Like animals on land and water, birds in the sky too are equally vulnerable to survival threats.

            One among the endangered birds is the steppe eagle. It is a widespread migratory species that breeds in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Mongolia.

            In winters, they fly to Africa and Southwestern Asia. They mostly inhabit steppe, semi-desert areas, and lowland hills.

            Although considered to be common throughout its ranges, the population of steppe eagle shows a dropping trend.

            The major threats before these attractive birds are conversion of habitats into agricultural land, and collision with power lines. The species has already become extinct in countries like Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine.

            In a study conducted in 2014, it was found that steppe eagles are negatively affected by the veterinary use of a drug named diclofenac, which is used to treat livestock. Being scavengers, the birds have high chances of being exposed to the risk of diclofenac poisoning.

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               The diademed sifaka, though it might sound totally new to most of us, is a critically endangered member of the lemur family that is seen only in certain rainforests of eastern Madagascar.

               Typically, these primates have bare dark grey or black faces framed with white hair. There is also a patch of black seen on top of their heads. Since the head resembles a diadem or an ornamental crown, the animals are called diadem sifakas. The long silky fur and the orange or golden coloration, altogether make the primate strikingly attractive.

               The main threat before a diademed sifaka is destruction of habitat. Being very sensitive to even the slightest disturbance, sifakas vanish from the areas very soon. In addition to deforestation, they are also hunted for food. It has been reported that hunting happens even inside national parks and other reserves. The Duke Lemur Centre in North Carolina, USA, is one place where the primates are held in captivity for conservation and breeding.

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            The geometric tortoise is one of the most endangered reptiles on Earth, endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa. Its name arises from the geometric pattern that is seen on its high, domed shell. Typically, these shells are brown or black, with yellow stripes. Female tortoises can be identified by their larger size, and  smaller tails.

            What brings geometric turtles into the spotlight is their decreasing population. They are critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List. It is said that more than 90 per cent of the habitats where the tortoises reside have been destroyed in the past years, which in turn, has led to their decline. In addition to this, the introduction of invasive alien vegetation and animals like feral and wild pigs, have further led to habitat crises and competition for food.

            The hapless animals are also occasionally eaten by locals, or sought after for the pet trade. All these together have made it quite tough for this species to survive. At present, there are less than 3000 geometric tortoises alive.

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            The Galapagos sea lion is a coastal animal that breeds in the Galapagos Islands, as the name suggests. But some of them are also spotted on the Isla de la Plata, close to mainland Ecuador. These animals are most noted for their playful and social nature. They are seen in waters, sandy beaches and rocky areas that connect to waters.

            Typically, sea lions have smooth and streamlined bodies. It makes them smart hunters, especially of sardines. The animals are as well brilliant divers that can dive up to depths of 200 metres.

            However, in spite of their smartness, Galapagos sea lions face serious challenges for survival. The natural predators of these animals are sharks and killer whales. But their main threat is the El Nino event which disturbs the marine life on which they depend.

            Many of the animals migrated, while several others died of starvation. Other than El Nino, sea lions are also vulnerable to threats caused by humans.

            Currently, there are just less than 50,000 Galapagos sea lions alive.

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            The ring-tailed lemur is a larger primate found in the dry forests of Southern Madagascar. It is distinguished by its brownish-grey fur, and tail with black and white rings.

            Typically, these are highly social creatures that live in groups of around 20 individuals. Unlike others in their family, ring-tailed lemurs can tolerate extreme environments – like the hottest, driest and the coldest climates in Madagascar.

            But what is not-so-interesting about ring-tailed lemurs is their population. With the number falling to less than 2000 in the wild, they have been categorized as endangered by the IUCN Red List.

            The main threat facing them is habitat destruction. Reports suggest that much of their habitat is converted to agricultural farmlands, or harvested for charcoal production. Then there are as well dangers of hunting for food and pet trade.

            However, lemurs are very well bred in captivity. It is said that over a 1000 can be found across 140 zoos in the world.

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               The Mediterranean monk seal is the rarest pinniped species in the world. It is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, and the East Atlantic Ocean, along the coast of North-west Africa.

               Monk seals are known to have been first described by Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle in the 3rd century BC. For the ancient Greeks, they were sacred animals. However, modern man has torn apart the tradition, leaving the species with very little chances of survival. According to the IUCN Red List, Mediterranean monk seals are endangered animals, with less than 700 individuals.

               The main reasons for the dropping population of the monk seals are intentional killings for their fat, oil and skin and accidental killings during fishing activities. Like all other coastal species, seals too are threatened by the destruction of coastal ecosystems, particularly because they rest and nurse their young ones on the shores.

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           Nilgiri tahrs are stocky goats found on the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats across the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is also the state animal of Tamil Nadu. The other name of this wild goat is Nilgiri ibex.

            Generally, the goats are either dark brown or grey in colour. A fully grown male is about a metre tall, and weighs around 100 kg. But females are smaller in size. Both have short and coarse coats, as well as horns that curve backwards. As for their habitats – tahrs prefer cliffs and grass-covered plateaus high up in the mountains.

            Due to the decreasing number in their population, Nilgiri tahrs are listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List. There are just between 2000 and 2500 individuals alive today, with the biggest population spotted within the Eravikulam National Park, Munnar.

            Efforts for conserving the species have been taking place for the past few decades.

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            Mountain gorillas are large apes that live mainly in the national parks across the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With a population of around 800, they are a critically endangered species.

            By nature, mountain gorillas are shy, but strong. They can be very aggressive if provoked. Beating their chests, they let out angry roars, and attack their opponents. Mother gorillas may even fight till death to protect their young ones.

            Mountain gorillas are under the threat of extinction. Their main enemies are humans, who hunt them, and destroy their habitats. What worsens the situation is the civil unrest in their native countries. This results in a flow of rebels into forests, who often disturb the lives of animals.

            Another reason for the population decline of mountain gorillas is diseases. They are very vulnerable to diseases transmitted from humans, including common cold.

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            The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered whales in the world. It is a huge marine animal that grows up to 16 metres in length and 70 tonnes in weight. It is known to be an easy target for fishermen and hunters, as it swims close to shores, and floats when dead. Hence, its name right whale.

            Generally, these mammals are spotted along the Atlantic coast of North America. Compared to others in the whale family, right whales are slow swimmers. They are also known to be very playful and curious animals, often poking and bumping objects they find in water.

            However, the population of this species today, is just around 450! The biggest challenges for their survival are ship collisions, and entanglement in fishing nets. Besides, they have a history of being over-exploited by whalers for fat and bones. Another important factor contributing to their decline is climatic change.

            A study conducted in 2012 suggests that underwater noise created by ships could obstruct the ability of whales to communicate. This in turn, affects them while hunting food, and escaping predators.

            The International Whaling Commission is an important body that regulates whaling and addresses other issues faced by this species.

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               Sooty albatrosses are a type of albatross that spend most of their time in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. They nest on islands there.

               The interesting name of these birds comes from the sooty brown colour of their feathers.

               Like many other species, sooty albatrosses are endangered too. Scientists say that the decline in their population has happened over three generations, or 90 years. The reasons for this are many. One of them is the introduction of rats that consume the eggs of these birds. When uncontrolled, this slowly affects the population in that area. The birds are also highly vulnerable to avian cholera, and infections like erysipelas, caused by bacteria.

               Another reason is pollution caused by plastics, oil and chemicals, which affect the albatrosses negatively.

               Besides, there are also reports suggesting that many of these birds are injured or killed accidentally by fishing gear in the water.

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                African penguins are those smart-looking black and white birds found along the Southern African coast. In fact, they are the only penguins that breed on the continent. For their loud, braying call, these birds are also called jackass penguins.

               They breed only on the 24 islands situated between Hollamsbird Island in Namibia, and Bird Island in Algoa Bay, South Africa.

               The sad news is that the population of the African penguins shows a decreasing trend. As per recent surveys, there aren’t more than 70,000 individuals surviving.

               Organisations like Dyer Island Conservation Trust, SAMREC and Raggy Charters with the Penguin Research Fund in Port Elizabeth are working towards saving the birds from extinction.

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            A Spix’s macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world that is native to Brazil. It is a critically endangered parrot that is believed to be extinct in the wild. The last individual was spotted in 2000, but there are reports suggesting that one more was found in 2016.

            Physically, macaws are elegant birds with blue-grey plumage and bright tails. They are said to be relatively long-lived parrots that feed on plants. However, information about their species is limited.

            Experts say that a protected solitary male Spix’s macaw remained in the Brazilian wild till October 2000, but disappeared soon. There are some of them in captive breeding centres across the world. As of 2015, there were about 110 individuals.

            The main threat that is thought to have caused the extinction of Spix’s macaws is the destruction of habitats. Illegal pet trade too is suspected to have contributed to the loss.

            Now, the future of Spix’s macaws is dependent on captive breeding programmes.

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            The white-headed vulture is a wild bird found in the hot, dry woodland and tree savannas of Africa. Nevertheless, their population is dangerously low.

            Typically, white-headed vultures are colourful birds with a pink face and bright orange-red beak. Their name comes from the downy, white feathers on their head, which give it a sharp appearance. Like other vultures, these birds too feed on the dead bodies of large animals. But they are capable of killing small prey as well. It is known that the beak of a vulture is sharp enough to pierce and tear apart a prey.

            But more than ferocity, it is the population drop that brings a white-headed vulture to international attention. The IUCN Red List has classified this species as critically endangered, owing to a decreasing trend in their number.

            The reasons attributed to this fall are many. The shortage of suitable food sources, loss of habitat, and illegal trade are a few of them.

            Besides, many have died in the past due to the presence of toxic substances like diclofenac in food. It is a veterinary drug used to treat livestock, but affects vultures adversely. To avoid more deaths, most of their ranges are now protected by governments.

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          The Philippine eagle is the world’s largest eagle, found exclusively in Philippines. It is known to be the greatest raptor alive, preying on monkeys, flying lemurs, rats, snakes, squirrels, birds and bats. The bird can be spotted only on four islands-Samar, Leyte, Luzon, and Mindanao. It is also revered as the national bird of Philippines.

          Typically, the Philippine eagles have very long wings that grow up to two metres. They are distinguished by their ‘mane’ of brown and white feathers on the head. The species, which was once widespread throughout the islands, have become largely endangered over the past few decades. The present population is estimated to be between 250 and 750, making them a critically endangered species.

          Clearing of the vast tracts of tropical rainforests for commercial development and cultivation has led to the destruction of eagle habitats.

          The country offers protection to the birds, making it illegal to kill or trade them.

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          California condors are among the largest flying birds in the world that are native to North America. They were once seen in many parts of the continent, from California and other Pacific states to Texas, Florida, and New York. But today, the species is critically endangered in existence.

          Physically, the condors are just magnificent. While flying, their wings spread more than 2.7 metres from one tip to the other. It is said that these birds can fly above 4000 metres, and glide for hours without even beating their wings. Like all other vultures, these wild birds too, feed on dead animal meat.

          However, the population of California condors has been under threat for years. During the 20th century, it declined steadily, till a point where only 22 individuals remained in the world. Subsequently, they were taken into captivity towards the end of the 1980s in order to save the species. It is said that there were no California condors in the wild between 1988 and 1991. In the following years, birds were reintroduced to their natural habitats. This process helped, and as of now, there are around 435 individuals in the world.

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