🆘21 Critically Endangered Species
SOURCES
Last updated
SOURCES
Last updated
JTTribe environmental commitment is based on the research of the most recognised organisation around the world: IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), regarding "Red List of Threatened Species", the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.
JTTribe NFT's Collections will represent the following 21 [critically] endangered species: BEE / SNOW LEOPARD / MACAW / VAQUITA / LEATHERBACK TURTLE / PHILIPPINE EAGLE / ORANGUTAN / SAIGA ANTILOPE / AXOLOTL / PANGOLIN / POLAR BEAR / RHINO / TIGER / SHOEBILL/ PANDA / LEMUR / MANDRILL / MOUNTAIN GORILLA / JAGUAR / MEXICAN GREY WOLF / QUETZAL
The bee is the most important animal in the world and its environmental function is indispensable for humans. But due to pesticides and deforestation, 90% of this insect species have disappeared, putting bees at serious risk of extinction. The consequences of species extinction may be more serious than it may seem at first glance. The Apiculture Entrepreneurship Center of the Universidad Mayor and the Chilean Beekeeping Corporation showed that 70% of the world's agriculture is thanks to the action of bees. The presence of bees in the Red List of Threatened Species is alarming both because of their own extinction and because of the impact they can have on human beings and the food chain. It states that 90% of the world's bee species have disappeared due to the use of pesticides and deforestation. Among the main threats are habitat degradation, climate change, agricultural practices, land use change and invasive species. Agricultural causes take shape in the use of industrialized agricultural practices, such as single-crop farming, which results in reduced availability and diversity of food, as well as pesticides that are toxic to these living beings. The serious state of the population of some bee species depends in part on human action. There are different concrete actions that humans could take to prevent their disappearance. For example, not killing them indiscriminately, not using pesticides, carrying out measures to preserve and restore their natural habitats or promoting sustainable agriculture. With practices as simple as these, we could reverse the conditions that have led bees to be in danger of extinction.
Popularly known as the "ghost of the mountains", a name to describe its elusive nature to the human eye. The worrying thing would be that the rapid disappearance of the specie would end up turning the snow leopard into an actual "ghost", the consequence of extinction. The population of this leopard has fallen by 20% in the last twenty years, and it is estimated that its population in the wild is only around 4,000 specimens. For reference, the population of tigers in the wild, a highly endangered specie, is 3,890 specimens. According to the IUCN, the snow leopard is in the "endangered" category. Its population is concentrated in Central Asia, in 12 countries, the most notable of which are: China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia and Mongolia. The main threats to the survival of the snow leopard are illegal hunting, species trafficking, habitat loss and, most worryingly, climate change. This species is highly sensitive to climate change as it lives in the mountains above 3,000 meters of altitude in the Himalayas, an ecosystem highly vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Poachers set traps to hunt them and trade their skins or bones, which are highly valued in Asian medicine. The reduction of their habitat is due to the increase in cattle and the development of new infrastructure. This, in addition, poses a double problem, as it brings with it another threat: conflict with local communities due to attacks on their cattle. The increase of these attacks is the result of the reduction of its habitat and, therefore, of the number of prey to which this animal has access in the wild. You too can help in the conservation of this big cat of the Asian mountains. The survival of this specie is crucial for its ecosystem: being a predator, it has the task of maintaining the balance, as well as being an indicator of the balance of the ecosystem. Help us.
Species in danger of extinction due to illegal trafficking. Their habitat has been destroyed by the use that is made of these birds in the black market. The species of the genus "Ara" share a particular external characteristic that consists of the absence of feathers in the region of the face, "Ara militaris" has an olive green plumage and some feathers in the form of five to six crimson red bands. The skin of the face is light pink. On the nape, neck, crown and back the color is brighter. They can be observed alone, in pairs or in large flocks. They nest in rock formations and trees, they also tend to use abandoned nests and their reproduction, according to literature, usually takes place in the month of February. They can live from 50 to 60 years in the wild. Their biological importance lies in the fact that these birds play a very important role in the dynamics of seed spreading in forests. This species is in danger of extinction due to illegal trafficking, as some consider it to be an amusing pet, because it has the ability to imitate the human voice. Besides, it can live for many years in closed places, such as cages or zoos.
Despite being a national emblem in the Philippines, the eagle's relationship with the people is strained. Due to hunting and deforestation, the eagles are critically endangered. One of the largest eagle species in the world, it is most famous for its ability to catch monkeys. Philippine eagles are distributed on four of the more than 6,000 islands of the Philippines: Luzon, Sámar, Leyte and Mindanao. They prefer habitats such as lowland primary forests and mid-elevations, much of which have been cleared by urban development and logging, which have driven many eagles into the mountains. Since the turn of the 20th century, the Philippines has lost nearly 75 percent of its forests. The huge hardwood trees where eagles nest are prized by illegal loggers. Most of the information we have on Philippine eagles comes from studying populations in Mindanao, either in captivity or at known nesting sites, according to Jayson Ibanez, director of research and conservation at the Philippine Eagle Foundation in Davao. This organization was founded in 1987 to conserve eagles through captive breeding and has since expanded its mission to include scientific research, educational outreach and cultural resource management programs. The Philippine Eagle Foundation's conservation plan includes programs to improve economic opportunities for farmers and indigenous peoples, so that they do not have to choose between protecting their precarious way of life and conserving eagles, which are capable of attacking dogs, piglets, chickens and even small goats. For example, the foundation teaches farmers how to restore habitat through agroforestry or by working as forest guards to combat poaching and logging. "It is important that eagles are considered citizens of the Philippines. They are one of the unique jewels of our world," says Ibanez, director of research and conservation at the Philippine Eagle Foundation.
Did you know? We share 96.4% of our genes with these great primates and they are highly intelligent creatures. In their face and behavior we see much of the human being. A century ago there were more than 230,000 orangutans living in the wild, but today their populations have been greatly reduced. A species in progressive decline due to the destruction of the planet's forests and woodlands. The reproduction rate is extremely low. So they are highly vulnerable, as they can take a long time to recover from population declines. The Sumatran orangutan population is estimated at 14,603 individuals. It is therefore classified as "critically endangered". The greatest threat to orangutans is the disappearance of the abundant tropical forests where they live for the extraction of timber, minerals or for agriculture (deforestation), which is a determining factor in the progressive extinction of the species. Orangutans are also victims of illegal wildlife trafficking, as they are slow and gentle animals. Females are killed and their newborns are kidnapped and, if they survive the transfer, are sold on the black market as pets. It is estimated that for every orangutan that arrives in Taiwan, between 3 and 5 die along the way. Protecting their habitat is key to their survival. Choose products that are not harmful to the species: You can help from your acts as a consumer: by not buying products that come from the destruction of forests.
One of the most spectacular migratory animal species in the world. Living in an already hostile environment, it unfortunately faces a very uncertain future due to poaching and habitat reduction. In summer, saiga live in herds of 30 to 40 individuals. But when winter arrives, the herds gather, forming hordes of tens of thousands of saiga that travel together to escape the snow and find green pastures. This migration of several hundred kilometers, vital to their survival, is one of the most spectacular in the world. The uniqueness of the saiga antelope, the only Eurasian antelope, does not stop at its behavior. It is recognizable by its long, drooping nostrils, which resemble a short, flexible trunk capable of expanding. Its nose allows it to filter dust-laden air during the summer and to warm the air it breathes during harsh winters. With the rhythm of the seasons, its sparse honey-reddish blond coat in summer thickens to a dense white coat in winter. The saiga has long, slender legs and is still comparable in size to a sheep. At the end of the last century, the IUCN classified the saiga population as "critically endangered" because there are only 50,000 Saiga tatarica left, down from nearly 2 million in the 1950s. The greatest threats are habitat loss linked to agricultural expansion, harsh winters and waterless summers, but also poaching.
There is hope, join the tribe, raise awareness, let's connect all minds and hearts to make this world a better place, contribute to this great cause, co-exist in harmony with Mother Earth.
The Axolotl salamander is known as the Peter Pan of salamanders. While most amphibians outgrow their aquatic phase to begin their lives on land, the salamander largely retains its larval characteristics and spends its adult life in water. However, it continues to grow, reaching up to 30 cm in length. Most salamanders are black or mottled brown, but there are also varieties with white skin and pink or red gills. Axolotls were named after the Aztec god of fire and lightning, Xolotl, who could take the form of a salamander. Xolotl is also related to dogs, and "atl" is the ancient Aztec word for "water," so "axolotl" is sometimes translated as "water dog." This unique amphibian is critically endangered according to the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, due to habitat loss, the introduction of invasive species into its habitat, overexploitation, pollution, and consumption as food. The axolotl is found only in the Xochimilco (pronounced Sochimilco) lake complex near Mexico City, and differs from most salamanders in that it lives permanently in water. In extremely rare cases, the axolotls mature and leave the water, but in most cases they prefer to remain at the bottom of the lakes and canals of Xochimilco. Actions to help its conservation are focused on recovering the balance of the Xochimilco lake through education and ecotourism and the implementation of habitat restoration works. In addition, captive breeding is carried out for the recovery of their populations and because this species is also used in biomedical and physiological research, as well as for petting. However, their reintroduction into their natural habitat has not been carried out so far because the threats are still too great. According to the experts, the natural environment and the diseases resulting from the imbalance in this ecosystem must first be conditioned, and then the release of captive-bred populations can be studied.
There is hope, join the tribe, raise awareness, let's connect all minds and hearts to make this world a better place, contribute to this great cause, co-exist in harmony with Mother Earth.
Elephants and rhinos are often the most visible face of the illegal wildlife trade, but the most trafficked mammal is a much lesser-known creature: the pangolin. More than one million pangolins have been killed as victims of wildlife trafficking. Often mistaken for a reptile, the pangolin is a small mammal that lives in Africa and Asia and is easily recognizable by its armor full of scales, these small plates that cover its body are used in traditional medicine for their supposed effects in curing skin diseases. In addition, its meat is considered a delicacy in some regions of China, where it is believed to nourish the kidneys. In the last decade, it is estimated that more than one million pangolins have been hunted in the wild to satisfy Asian demand, mainly from China and Vietnam. As Asia's four pangolin species are in decline - at least 80% of Asian pangolins are believed to have been victims of poaching - traffickers are increasingly targeting Africa's four species. Currently, all eight species are protected and two of them are classified as "critically endangered". In 2016, the CITES Convention, which involves more than 180 countries, reached an agreement to completely ban trade in pangolins, a major step towards protecting the species from extinction. However, illegal trade in the species continues.
The king of the Arctic becomes homeless. An icon of the dramatic advance of global warming. Classified as an endangered species, the polar bear could disappear within the next century if the current warming trend in the Arctic continues. Its population is estimated at between 22,000 and 31,000 worldwide. For more than 20 years the summer sea ice has been decreasing in size and melting for longer periods of time. Bears must move long distances to stay on the rapidly receding ice. In most areas, they come ashore as the ice melts and rely on fat reserves until the ice refreezes to resume hunting. Some polar bears, especially in the southern part of their range, suffer from malnutrition, especially females with cubs. Other threats to polar bears are conflicts with humans, industrial pollution and oil exploitation. The exploitation, extraction and transport of oil in the Arctic will inevitably affect the habitat of polar bears: an oil spill would affect the entire food chain, the noise generated by oil operations, as well as increased shipping in the Arctic disturb the populations. An old threat that is disappearing is poaching. The International Agreement for the Conservation of the Polar Bear (1973) put an end to commercial hunting of this species. It is only allowed to be hunted as a means of subsistence for local communities, as long as it is carried out using traditional methods. However, in countries such as Russia, there is a significant lack of regulation, control and information on hunting. The best way to protect polar bears is to slow climate change, support organizations that conduct field research to understand how climate change affects polar bears and develop adaptation strategies, analysis of renewable energy to discourage the use of oil.
Desired for their horn, their large size is not enough to scare off poachers. With a prehistoric appearance and weighing several tons. One of the best known species in the world, icon of the African fauna, one of the so-called "big five", the five great species that all tourists want to see on African safaris. There are five species of rhinoceros. There were more, but some of them are already extinct. I present them to you from the highest to the lowest degree of threat. We must differentiate between Asian rhinos (Java, Sumatra and Indian) and African rhinos (black and white). The most endangered is the Asian Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus). There are less than 100 Javan rhinos left, so they are critically endangered. Their population survives in the Ujung Kulon National Park. They are followed by the Asian Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), the smallest and the only Asian rhinoceros with two horns, which is why they are more persecuted by poachers, there are less than 100 specimens left. Asian Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), with an estimated 3,500 individuals remaining. It has experienced a remarkable recovery from only 600 in 1970. African black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), classified as "endangered". When the colonists arrived in Africa they almost exterminated them, fortunately some survived and today the species is recovering. African white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), a success story in the recovery of the species: in 1900 there were less than 100 left. Today there are more than 20,000 living in the wild. The species has recovered thanks to the implementation of conservation programs.
In the last century, humans have been responsible for the disappearance of 97% of the world's tiger population. There are more tigers in captivity than in the wild, in 2019, it was estimated that nearly 14,000 tigers were living in captivity (913 in Europe, more than 8,000 in Asia and more than 5,000 in the U.S.). While its population in the wild does not reach 4,000... The tiger is an endangered specie. This information is taken from the "Red List of Threatened Species", prepared by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species. Habitat loss is an important cause of their extinction, which is why the restoration of their natural habitats, the creation of protected areas and biological corridors to reconnect isolated populations, are so important. However, species trafficking is the greatest threat the tiger is facing. They are hunted to traffic their bones, used in oriental medicine for their supposed aphrodisiac or miraculous anti-cancer powers; to sell their skin and make carpets and decorative objects; and to tear off their claws and fangs, which are sold as amulets. The tiger population has declined from a population of 100,000 at the beginning of the 20th century to a population of only 3,890. Despite being an alarming statistic, in recent years we have experienced an optimistic rebound with a growth in their populations. Its population has gone from 3,200 individuals in 2010 to 3,890 in the last census.
The shoebill, whose scientific name is Balaeniceps rex, is characterized by being a species of pelecaniform bird, gray in color and the only one belonging to the family Balaenicipitidae. It is an extremely striking bird because of its prehistoric appearance and at the same time its name refers to the shape of its enormous beak, quite similar to the shape of a shoe. Its height exceeds one and a half meters, which makes it one of the tallest birds in the world. This bird can live up to 50 years of age, making it one of the longest-lived wild species. It is usually very silent, has solitary habits and lives mainly in stagnant areas as well as swamps in the tropical regions of Africa. And despite its large size, it is difficult to observe because it is in serious danger of extinction. The shoebill is a monogamous bird, that is, it does not change mates during its breeding seasons, during which they become very territorial, defending the nest fiercely against any sign of threat. Among the threats to the endangered shoebill bird is habitat destruction, as its nesting sites are constantly used for cattle grazing and farming; on the other hand, fire and drought in Zambia are a major threat to many populations, reducing the number of specimens. Nest disturbance is also a latent danger, as eggs are stolen to be consumed or traded. Among the actions that have been carried out in order to conserve and rescue the shoebill from its vulnerable situation, there are different breeding programs in zoos in many countries. A large number of Ramsar sites have been created, which are protected areas whose main objective is to conserve biological diversity. For example, in 2000 the Malagarasi-Muyovoziet Wetland area in Tanzania was the first Ramsar site created with an area of 32,500 km2. In 2006, 11 Ramsar sites were created in Uganda, covering 3,500 km2 and including several nesting sites for this species.
Currently, there are less than 2,000 Pandas in the wild. But there is still hope, the wild panda population, according to the latest Chinese government census in 2015, has grown by 268 individuals in the last decade. With this 16.3% increase over the last census in 2003, there are now a total of 1,864 pandas in the wild. The giant panda is one of the most beloved species on the planet. In addition, its image has been the symbol of WWF's fight for conservation since 1961. They are classified as bears, since they have the digestive system of a carnivore, but their organism has been adapted to a vegetarian diet. Their digestive system, therefore, is not designed to process vegetable matter, which makes it difficult to extract the cellulose from bamboo, forcing them to eat enormous quantities (between 12 and 38 kg. per day) for 14 hours, stopping eating only when they sleep or travel short distances. Unfortunately, their encounters are rare outside of the brief mating season. The mating season is in spring between the months of March and May, males and females join for no more than 2 to 4 days. The reproductive rate is one calf every two years. This peaceful animal faces multiple threats, the most important of which are: Deforestation, habitat fragmentation and illegal poaching. Their forest habitat, in the mountainous regions of southwest China, has been fragmented, forcing the isolation and reduction of panda populations. The main threats to panda habitat are the conversion of forests into farming areas, the cultivation of medicinal herbs, logging, bamboo extraction, and activities such as hydroelectric power development, mining, and road construction. In recent years, the Chinese government has carried out its National Conservation Program for the giant panda and its habitat, creating a network of giant panda nature reserves and biological corridors to connect isolated populations, as well as working with local communities to develop sustainable ways of life and minimize their impact on forests.
Nearly one-third (31%) of all lemur species in Madagascar are now Critically Endangered, just one step away from extinction. 33 lemur species are Critically Endangered, with 103 of the 107 surviving species threatened with extinction, mainly due to deforestation and hunting in Madagascar. Thirteen lemur species have been reclassified into higher threat categories as a result of intensifying human pressures. These species show substantial declines as their forest habitats are destroyed by slash-and-burn agriculture and logging for charcoal and firewood. Primate hunting for meat, much of it illegal, and habitat loss continue to represent the most pressing threats to primates across the continent. One of the most serious cases is the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta). Since 2000, the population of this species is estimated to have declined by 95% and there are only about 2,000 individuals left living in the wild. In some of its habitats within the island of Madagascar, it has already completely disappeared. Key actions for the conservation of this species are to promote ecotourism, create new community protected areas, and patrol, reforest and raise awareness in schools and local communities about the need to protect lemurs, Madagascar's treasure. A 2016 study estimated that about 28,000 lemurs had fallen victim to the illegal pet trade over a three-year period (2010-2013). They are used as a tourist attraction for restaurants and other businesses and are kept tied up or in a small cage. They are hunted for their meat, which is consumed illegally in Madagascar. Forest fragmentation is the segmentation of large forest areas into small pieces separated by roads and agricultural land among others, which terribly affects the species that live there such as lemurs as they try to move from one forest to another and are endangered by having to cross roads or populated areas.
Mandrillus sphinx is listed as Vulnerable in view of the widespread hunting pressure on this species, combined with habitat degradation across most of its range. It is suspected that these threats have resulted in a population decline exceeding 30% over the past 24 years and which is unlikely to abate in the near future. Mandrills are territorial animals and are often intimidating, especially because they gather in large groups. Males are differentiated from females by the 6.5 cm canines they possess and a more colorful face. They also have colorful buttocks, which allows them to differentiate among themselves in the middle of the vegetation. Mandrills form groups of 40-50 members, but if several groups get together there can be up to 600 individuals. Each group has a male leader who watches over the herd in case of any problem. They communicate with each other with high-pitched cries and grunts. When they are angry they hit the ground and when they are happy they show their teeth. They base their diet mainly on fruits, seeds, leaves, branches, small plants, shoots, flowers and stems. Only occasionally do baboons set out to hunt small animals, such as rats, porcupines, birds, etc. They are animals with natural predators such as leopards, pythons and hunting birds, however, these only hunt the smaller mandrills, currently the greatest danger to the mandrills are humans, which have been responsible for hunting them to consume their meat and also damage their natural habitat with deforestation to be used as soils for agriculture.
There are less than 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the world. Help us to prevent them from becoming extinct. Approximately 80% live outside protected areas and given the increasing demand for raw material extracted from these forests, gorillas do not have an easy time surviving. The data show an annual population decline of 2.7%. A 2018 study, brings more encouraging statistics. The conservation efforts being made in Virunga are yielding results, getting its population to increase to over a thousand specimens (1,063 specimens) spread between the Virunga Mountains and Bwindi National Park. Stopping poaching, illegal logging and forest destruction are essential to saving them. The main threats to the mountain gorilla are: The destruction of their habitat due to logging companies continuing to cut down trees, mining, oil and gas industries entering the territory of these animals. Illegal hunting and trade because they are killed for the illegal trade of their meat. Diseases, such as Ebola which is a severe infectious disease that has devastated many great ape populations in Africa. The protection of gorillas is of extreme importance since it implies the protection of many other species that live in their territories and that would also benefit from the good health of the forests. Change your habits, when buying wood products, choose the ones that guarantee a sustainable management of forests to avoid deforestation. Look for those that have the FSC seal, embrace sustainable tourism. For example, if you travel to Africa you can hire a gorilla observation tour with a local company. The money earned through gorilla tourism contributes significantly to gorilla conservation.
Known by the Guaraní name of "yaguareté" (meaning "the true beast"), it is considered a sacred animal. Its strength, power and mystery are the basis of legends and myths. It was a deity in the Mayan culture, A Mayan tale says that the end of the earth will come when the jaguars ascend from the underworld to devour the sun and the moon and perhaps the universe... It is difficult to know exactly how many specimens exist. Their population is reduced by deforestation, human conflict and species trafficking. Unfortunately, they have lost half of their historical area of distribution, mainly due to habitat loss. The last jaguars survive in 18 countries in Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina. Practically extinct in the United States, El Salvador and Uruguay, according to IUCN data. The loss of their habitat is a consequence of intensive farming and cattle breeding expansion, illegal logging, urban and infrastructure development as well as the fires that are devastating the Amazon, Pantanal and Chaco, which have already displaced, injured or killed more than 1,500 jaguars. Habitat loss not only affects the jaguar, but all living beings with which it shares the ecosystem. As their prey population decreases, conflicts with hunters, peasants and farmers increases. Jaguars are top predators in their environment, so they play an important role in controlling the populations of other species. This helps maintain a balanced food chain and a healthy environment. By protecting jaguars and the places where they live, we are also protecting other wild animals. In addition, we now know that the loss of biodiversity is linked to the emergence of viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. By conserving the jaguar and its habitat, we are helping to reverse the loss of species and reduce the likelihood of the emergence of new animal diseases.
The Mexican gray wolf is a subspecies of the gray wolf, commonly referred to as “el lobo”. The Mexican wolf is the smallest subspecies of the 30 subspecies in North America. Though they once numbered in the thousands, these wolves were wiped out in the U.S. by the mid-1970s, with just a handful existing in zoos. In 1998, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, led by Jamie Rappaport Clark (now president of Defenders of Wildlife), released 11 Mexican gray wolves back into the wild in Arizona. Defenders of Wildlife supports range rider projects on the ground in high conflict areas to reduce conflict and foster coexistence. Defenders also supports a collaborative wildlife technician program which places trained graduate students in the field for six months at a time to assist with monitoring of wolves and livestock and to implement proven non-lethal tools to reduce conflicts. Humans pose the greatest threat because of intolerance and misconceptions about Mexican gray wolves. The genetic diversity of Mexican gray wolves also needs careful monitoring and improvement because inbreeding is a serious threat in the wild. Conservation actions for the species are of vital importance and consist of rehabilitation, release of specimens, and monitoring of the population in the wild, as well as mitigation of the risks faced by the specimens. To this end, we work with local people on environmental education, habitat improvement, promotion of payment for environmental services, and other land protection schemes.
The Resplendent Quetzal is an unforgettable sight, with shimmering plumage of metallic blues, greens, and reds. Males also have a crest of bristly golden-green feathers and during breeding season, grow elongated uppertail feathers that form a long, flowing train. This spectacular species belongs to the trogon family, a group of colorful, fruit-eating birds found in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Considered sacred by several Mesoamerican civilizations, the Resplendent Quetzal remains culturally significant to this day. The quetzal was considered a divine manifestation by the Mayans and Mexicas. Its name comes from the Nahuatl quetzalli, which means beautiful, beautiful or sacred. During pre-Hispanic times, the quetzal was associated with the Mexica god Quetzalcoatl and his Mayan parallel Kukulkan; deities that manifested the archetype of the feathered serpent. The Resplendent Quetzal is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Near Threatened. The U.S. North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) also includes the Resplendent Quetzal on its Watch List as a species of high conservation concern. Today, the biggest threat to this spectacular bird is habitat loss due to deforestation, forest fragmentation, and agricultural clearing. It is sometimes hunted for food and captured for the pet trade.
There is hope, join the tribe, raise awareness, let's connect all minds and hearts to make this world a better place, contribute to this great cause, co-exist in harmony with Mother Earth.
With an estimated population of less than 30 individuals, we call for global awareness to protect this beautiful creature. Saving the most endangered marine mammal on the planet requires an urgent and coordinated global effort that also prevents irreversible damage to the Gulf of California World Heritage site so that the vaquita and other species can thrive alongside local communities. Failure to act will result in the imminent extinction of the vaquita, a critically endangered porpoise. The World Heritage Site of Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California, home to the vaquita porpoise, is an area of global concern for ecological conservation. Despite some efforts by the Mexican government, to date it has not been able to demonstrate that the temporary ban has been effectively enforced, resulting in continued illegal gillnet fishing, causing the decline of 90% of the vaquita population between 2011 and 2016. "Despite the fact that we discovered the vaquita less than 60 years ago, humans have driven them to the brink of extinction. Their incredibly low numbers are a stark reminder that our efforts to protect this species and its habitat have not been enough. Unless we act decisively today, we could lose the vaquita forever," said Jorge Rickards, Acting Director General of WWF Mexico. Known as "the sea panda" due to its characteristic markings, the vaquita is endemic to the Upper Gulf of California. Unsustainable fishing and illegal species trafficking, driven by the demand for the swim bladder or "crop" of the totoaba - another endangered species endemic to the region - have caused the drastic decline of its population in recent years.
The leatherback turtle is the only representative of the Dermochelyidae family. It is the largest turtle in the world, reaching up to 3 m and weighing 800 kg, although the average is about 2 m in length and 500 kg in weight. It is the only sea turtle without a hard shell. hard. Its common name in English means "leatherback leather back", which refers to the smooth, plate-free skin, leather-like skin that covers it. The leatherback turtle is the only turtle that bases its diet on gelatinous zooplankton, and mainly jellyfish. They are highly migratory, being able to move several thousand kilometers. It is difficult to establish stable behavioral patterns during their long journeys. They are oviparous, sexual maturity varies from 8 to 15 years, they can lay 80 to 90 eggs, with an incubation period varying from 50 to 78 days. Hatchlings at birth are approximately 50-60 mm in size and weigh about 50 g. Females lay 5 to 7 nests per season at intervals of about 9-11 days. After the nesting season, they rest for 2 to 3 years. Did you know? Males never leave the ocean, while females arrive on sandy beaches to lay their eggs during the nesting season. The main threats identified for leatherback turtles are incidental fishing, exploitation of eggs and targeted capture of turtles, as well as the destruction or alteration of their nesting habitat. As recent scientific studies and numerous nest count data from leatherback nesting beaches have shown, the conservation status of leatherback turtles in the eastern Pacific is extremely critical. In large colonies This downward trend persists at sites where little protection is provided. Currently, the four largest populations in the in the world in terms of nesting colonies are: French Guiana and Suriname, the south coast of Gabon, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and Panama; the last three are within the area of action of the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles.
