My Science School

            The addax is a critically endangered desert antelope found in the Sahara Desert in Africa. It is also known as a white antelope.

            This animal has many interesting features and one of them is the ability to change colour of its coat, depending on the season. It could be grey or brown in winter, and sandy or white in summer. The neck and head of these animals is mainly brown.

            The addax is a desert animal that can live in a very harsh climate where no other animals can survive. This also means they have no particular competition for food or water. Under such circumstances how could their population drop to levels as low as to become ‘critically’ endangered? Well, the only answer to this would be human activities.

            The biggest threat these animals face is from people who visit their ranges in vehicles. They kill these slow-moving antelopes. It is said that when a car follows a herd of addax, they desperately try to escape, and later run out of energy, only to get killed.

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               A radiated tortoise is one of the most attractive species in the family, native to Southern Madagascar. Typically, these groups of tortoises have bright yellow skin coloration with black markings on the head. They also have high-domed black to brown shells, covered with yellow or orange star like patterns. This is what particularly makes the animal stunning.

               Radiated tortoises generally lead solitary lives, but are sometimes found grazing together.

               To protect themselves from predators, the tortoises pull their soft limbs and head inside their hard shells. They also make loud screeching noises during times of crises.

               Another interesting characteristic is their lifespan. Radiated tortoises live for a very long time, sometimes up to the age of 188! However their lives are often cut short by merciless humans and their activities. As a result, this species have become critically endangered. The reasons for this are poaching and destruction of habitat. The commercial trade of these aquatic beings and their pet trade are illegal.

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            A numbat is a rare marsupial animal that is native to parts of Australia. Also known as banded anteaters, they have long sticky tongues that help them pick up termites which they eat exclusively. Usually, these animals make shelters out of old and fallen trees that have hollow logs.

            Numbats were once found across the Southern part of Australia, including Western Australia, South Australia and parts of New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory. But now they are restricted to isolated areas in South-Western Australia.

            The main reason for this sort of population fall is habitat loss. Their ranges have been cleared for agriculture, and destroyed by bush fires. Besides, these are slow-moving animals that can be easily caught by predators like cats, dogs and foxes.

            In recent decades conservation programmes were active and several numbats were reintroduced to a few sites including Yookamurra Sanctuary in South Australia, and Scotia Sanctuary in New South Wales as part of captive breeding and translocation programmes.

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            Cottontop tamarins are small species of primates native to the forests of South America. Presently, the population of these animals is at a dangerous level. Surveys indicate that there are just less than 6000 individuals in the world, making them a critically endangered species. Out of these, only 6000 tamarins can be found in the wild. The tropical forest edges and secondary forests from Costa Rica to north western Columbia are the places where the remaining wild population can be spotted.

            The interesting name of the tamarins comes from the elegant white fur that flows over their heads and shoulders. Typically, they are small primates with a body length of around 20 cms and tail length of 33 cms. These primates are very social and live in troops with around 14 members. Fruits, insects and green plants make up the majority of a tamarin’s diet. But they also eat rodents, reptiles, eggs and tree sap.

            The major threat for the survival of cottontop tamarins is deforestation. Besides, illegal pet trade and scientific research too contribute to their falling numbers.

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               The Malayan tapir is the largest of the tapirs native to Asia. In fact, they are the only members of this family seen in the continent, though in very small numbers. The rainforests in the Malayan Peninsula, Myanmar, Thailand and the Indonesian island of Sumatra are the places where tapirs can now be spotted.

               The number of animals surviving in the wild is unknown, but some surveys show that there aren’t any more than 2500 individuals.

               The appearances of tapirs are quite confusing. Though they look similar to pigs and elephants, tapirs are in fact related to horses and rhinos. Malayan tapirs are herbivores feeding on grass and nuts, water plants, and fruits.

               Generally, these are solitary animals with poor eyesight and a strong sense of smell. They are also excellent swimmers and divers.

               As we saw, tapirs need dense forests to survive. Hence, the primary reason for the decline in their population is loss of habitat, caused by deforestation. They are also known to be poached for meat and sport.

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               The Persian leopard is one of the largest recognized subspecies of leopard. Also called a Caucasian leopard, or a Central Asian leopard, it is seen predominantly in Iran, and sporadically across countries like Armenia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. These wild cats are known to live in mountainous habitats, including in dry environments, lush forests and snowy ranges.

               Typically, Persian leopards have short legs, and a very powerful frame. Coats that appear from yellow to golden brown colours with a paler fur, and the black spots seen across the body together, make the animal royally attractive.

               Although there is a relatively large geographic range for them, the population of Persian leopards is disappointing. There are estimated to be less than 900 individuals in the wild. Subsequently, they have been classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List. There are several reasons known to have contributed to the fall. Poaching for fur trade and loss of habitat due to deforestation are the obvious ones.

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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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