Why is the Amur leopard an animal to conserve for future?


            Amur leopards are known by different names across the world- as Manchurian leopards, Far Eastern leopards, or Korean leopards. They are a critically endangered subspecies that are just less than 70 in number.



            This attractive wild animal is native to the Primorye region of southeastern Russia, and the Jilin province of northeast China. Like other leopards, they too run at a speed of up to 60 kilometres per hour.



            In general, amur leopards are very strong and solitary beings. However, they are on the verge of being extinct. In spite of having some tracts of suitable habitats in Russia and China, encroachments, new roads and developmental activities into the wild have badly affected their population.



            However, the main reason for the fall in number of amur leopards is massive poaching. They are hunted mostly for their beautiful skin. Reports show that in many instances, the locals living around the habitats have killed these leopards for skin.



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Why are Asian elephants under threat?


            Asian elephants are those distributed throughout Southeast Asia, from India to Borneo. With its immense size and strength, this largest living animal has played an important role in our economies, religions and culture.



            By nature, Asian elephants are extremely sociable animals that form groups of six to seven individuals. Most of their time is spent feeding on grasses, but they also eat tree bark, roots, leaves, and small stems besides cultivated crops like bananas and sugar cane. They prefer staying close to sources of fresh water.



            Although suitable habitats exist for this species, Asian elephants are still endangered. In India, the biggest threat is habitat loss.



            In general, these elephants face the great risk of poaching too. Their tusks are the main reason why they are hunted. They are captured alive to be used as tourist attractions or sometimes, to be used in circuses and other inhumane entertainments. Different countries have taken different legal measures to protect their elephant species. Trading in ivory and elephant hunting is illegal in most countries.





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What makes the Mexican prairie dog an endangered animal?


            As the name suggests, Mexican prairie dogs are a species of prairie dogs found in Mexico. They mostly inhabit flat prairies, and valleys between mountains, at a height of 1600 to 2200 metres.



            Thought to be highly social rodents, Mexican prairie dogs belong to the same family as squirrels. They live in extensive burrow networks known as towns. Depending on the habitat, each town may have up to a hundred individuals! This species is active during the day throughout the year, and feeds on just grasses.



            However, one cannot see many of these individuals together anymore, as Mexican prairie dogs have become an endangered species. Habitat loss is the main reason for the decline in the number of Mexican prairie dogs. It is also hunted for food, and poisoned by locals, since the dogs are believed to destroy farms.



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What are the reasons behind the decline in the population of the Baird’s tapir?


            As strange as their name, tapirs are animals that look like pigs with a trunk, but they are in fact, related to horses and rhinoceros. Baird’s tapir is a Latin American species of tapir that is seen in Mexico, Central America, and North-western South America.



            Not many researchers have been conducted on the lives of Baird’s tapirs. But experts say that the animals are shy and solitary, and live in forests, close to areas that have a permanent water supply.



            With less than 5500 individuals left in the wild, Baird’s tapirs are classified as endangered animals by the IUCN.



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Why is the Andean mountain cat special?


            The Andean cat is considered to be one of the cutest, and the most endangered wild cats in the world. It is a small feline with long soft fur, a thick tale and pale silvery gray colour.



            Andean mountain cats are found in the areas of the Andes Mountains of Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. The cat is believed to be a solitary animal. Its population is estimated to be less than 2500, and hence, is classified as endangered by the IUCN.



            The main reasons for the danger these cats face is habitat loss, cattle grazing, and hunting. It is said that many Andean cats have been killed by local people who believe that the cats are predators of their domestic animals. They are also killed by local shepherds or their dogs, and hunted for food and traditional medicine in places in Peru. Besides, the reduction of its prey is also a factor for the decline of this cat population.



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Why is the brown spider monkey considered as an endangered animal?


            The brown spider monkey is one of the seven species of spider monkeys that can be spotted in the forests of Northern Colombia and Northwestern Venezuela.



            They are primates that prefer undisturbed dense forests, and stay most of the time high in trees. Instead of walking or running on all fours, these monkeys travel mostly by swinging and climbing.



            However, it is not for their strange eating habits that the brown spider monkeys are in the news, but for the threat of extinction they face. This species was among the world’s 25 most endangered primates as of 2004 and 2006, and has been classified as critically endangered, by the IUCN Red List.



            Hunting and habitat destruction due to human encroachment, conversion of forests into agricultural lands etc. are the main factors that threaten them. Its slow reproductive rate also makes the situation worse.



            Serrania de San Lucas in southern Bolivar is one of the places where the monkeys are protected. There are also various zoos, especially in Europe, that provide them safe shelters.



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What are the threats to Siamese crocodiles?


            The name Siamese crocodiles may not be familiar to most of us. They are among the most endangered reptiles in the world today. These fresh water crocodiles were previously found throughout South Asia, in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. But today, their surviving population can be seen only in the Mekong River basin and wetlands in Cambodia, and a few other places. Even here, their habitat is fragmented, owing to hunting and human activities.



            The main threats to Siamese crocodiles are humans. Aggressive hunting for crocodile skin, conversion of rainforest habitats into agricultural farms, use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers etc have contributed greatly to the declining population of these reptiles. It is said that there are not more than 5000 Siamese crocodiles alive today.



            However, the crocodiles are extensively bred and maintained in captivity, in Cambodia, as well as in Thailand. There are also many conservation programmes underway in these two countries, which gives a little hope regarding the future of these endangered crocodiles.



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Why is the Malayan tiger an endangered animal?


            The Malayan tiger is a subspecies of tiger found in the southern and central parts of the Malay Peninsula, and in the southern tip of Thailand. Unlike other tigers, they mostly live in open woodlands. Deer, wild boar, gaur, tapir, sun bear, and elephant calves are the main food source of these wild animals.



            In 2015, the Malayan tigers were classified as critically endangered by the IUCN. This was because their population was estimated to be less than 250, and had declined by more than 25 per cent in seven years.



            The main reasons for the fall in the Malayan tiger population are hunting and habitat destruction. The tigers especially are of high demand across markets in Asia, for their bush meat and bones, which are also used as a sign of wealth, or for making folk medicine.



            The Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT), comprising the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Traffic South-east Asia, Wildlife Conservation Society, and WWF-Malaysia is a prominent organisation that works towards conserving this subspecies.



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What makes the dhole special?


            The dhole is a wild dog found in Central, South, and Southeast Asia. It is also called the Indian wild dog, Asiatic wild dog, or whistling dog. Dholes are highly social animals that live in large groups. They are famous for taking good care of their little ones, or even cubs that are not their own. Unity and teamwork are other factors that make them different from other wild animals like wolves.



            However, it has been seen that over the past decades, dholes have become endangered. The main reasons given for this are habitat destruction, loss of prey etc.



            Besides, dholes for a long time have been animals that humans hate. Although they do not attack livestock, a dhole eats its prey before its dead. This apparently makes the animal infamous and cruel. In many incidents, humans have killed dholes using guns or poison.



            Although there is no authentic data, the dhole population is estimated to be less than 2500.  



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Why is the black rhinoceros an endangered animal?


            The black rhinoceros is a species of rhinoceros found mainly in Eastern and Southern Africa. Rhinos in general, are the oldest groups of mammals.



            In spite of its name, the animal’s colour varies from brown to grey. They are mostly solitary beings that have a sharp hearing, and a keen sense of smell. Their skin is special too, strong enough to protect them from external injuries.



            Most black rhinos have two horns, and sometimes, a third one too. These horns make them profitable targets for illegal trades. It is said that between 1970 and 1992, more than 90 per cent of the black rhinos in Africa were killed, mainly because of poaching.



            This dangerous activity is rampant across countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Rhino horns are also taken to Asian countries like Vietnam where they are in great demand. As a result, black rhinoceros have become critically endangered.



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Why is the Sumatran elephant considered endangered?


            Sumatran elephants are critically endangered elephants, native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. They are a subspecies of the Asian elephant. These elephants are known to play an important role in maintain a healthy forest ecosystem. The reason is because they consume a variety of plants and deposit seeds wherever they go, hence their importance.



            Like many others, Sumatran elephants too became critically endangered by 2011. The main reasons for this are loss of habitat, and conflicts with humans.



            As a result, the wild animals enter human settlements and cause damage. This sparks off a conflict between Man and animal, and ends in the death of the latter.



            Apart from these reasons, Sumatran elephants are also hunted for their tusks.



            As a measure to conserve these animals, the Tesso Nilo National Park was established in the Riau Province in 2004.



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Why is the Okapi different?


            The okapi, which looks like a zebra is in fact, a relative of the giraffe. However, it is much smaller, and shares similarities with deer too. Okapis in general are herbivorous that feed in leaves and buds. The animal is also the national symbol of the Republic of Congo, and appears on the country’s banknotes. But, nothing has saved it from the threats of being endangered.



            Also known as forest giraffes, okapis are found only in the rainforests of Congo. According to experts, its population has reduced at least 50 percent since 1995 because of poaching and habitat loss. Unregulated mining of diamonds, gold, and other mineral resources that take place in their range is another factor that contributes to the danger the animals face.



            Indeed there are laws protecting these endangered animals in Congo, but the number of okapis shows no improvement. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is one area where they are conserved, but the presence of armed groups in this area pose a different threat. In June 2012, the headquarters of the reserve was attacked by poachers, and six guards along with 14 okapis were killed.



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What makes the Arabian tahr an endangered animal?


            Arabian tahrs are the smallest of the tahr species, endemic to the Hajar Mountains of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Sultanate of Oman. They are always seen at high elevations, between 1000 and 1800 metres, where rainfall is heavy.



            In spite of their small sizes, Arabian tahrs are very strong and agile animals, with heavily built bodies and solid horns. They mainly feed on leaves, fruits, shrubs and grasses, and also depend on a regular supply of water.



            Currently, the tahrs are enlisted as endangered by the IUCN Red List. Although there is no exact data on their population, it is said that there are just less than 5000 of them left. The main threats they face include intense grazing, illegal hunting and habitat destruction.



            Many efforts have been made since the 1970s to conserve the Arabian tahr species. In 2009, Wadi Wurayah, Fujairah was declared as the first protection mountain area of the United Arab Emirates. It is now home for the tahrs, and other rare species.



            There are also three institutions involved in captive breeding of the animals, one in Oman and two in the UAE. Efforts are also made to make people aware of plight of these endangered beings.



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Why is the white nosed saki in the endangered list?


            The white-nosed saki is a variety of the bearded-saki, seen in the south-central Amazon rainforests in Brazil. They are also sometimes seen in a small area, east of Bolivia. Wildlife experts and organisations have tagged them as highly endangered.



            Despite its name, the animal actually has a red nose and upper lip. The entire body of this saki is covered with shiny black fur.



            This species is mainly threatened by habitat destruction and fragmentation. Their range is damaged primarily because of infra-structural development and also by setting up cattle and soybean farms. Apart from these, sakis are widely hunted for their meat, especially in Rio Tapajos. It is not just for consuming, but also for using as baits for cat traps. The saki’s bushy tail is another part which is sold illegally.



            Attempts are being made to protect sakis. As per the Brazilian law capture, collection, sale and export of this species are prohibited.



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Why is the purple-faced langur considered as an endangered animal?


            The purple-faced langur or the purple-faced leaf monkey is a species found only in Sri Lanka. They are long tailed monkeys, mostly brown in colour, with facial whiskers and a very shy nature. For the most of their time, these leaf-eating monkeys live on trees.



            Due to the cutting down of trees for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes, the lives of langurs have been greatly affected. Like in all cases, their habitats are lost or fragmented and the animals are separated from each other. This in turn, affects breeding and reproduction.



            The langurs are also exploited for their meat and skin. The latter is known to be used in making musical instruments.



            There are many efforts in progress to save this species from extinction. These include improving the management of the already protected areas, as well as creating new ones where the langurs could be safe.



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