Endangered Species Near and Far

Illustrations by Lexi Horowitz

Across the world there are animals that face the high possibility of extinction if not helped by humans. According to Biological Diversity, approximately 30,000 species go extinct from poaching each year. Below is a list of a few species who are critically endangered and might be facing their final moments on planet Earth. The

The vaquita, which is found in the northern part of the gulf of California, is the rarest marine mammal to date according to World Wildlife, the leading organization for wildlife conservation. Although they look like dolphins, they are more closely related to narwhals and belugas. The vaquita are essential to their ecosystem by being prey to top predators like sharks, yet a predator to smaller fish and crustaceans like shrimp. There are only around 10 Vaquitas left in the world according to CNN and World Wildlife.

These porpoises were discovered in 1958 by scientist Kenneth Norris. Three vaquita skulls were found on the beach north of Punta San Felipe in Baja, California, according to the

The Javan Rhino

The Javan rhino was once found in Southeast Asia, but is now solely found in West Java, Indonesia. Located in Ujong Kulon National Park, these big creatures live about 30-40 years and tend to roam alone, making it rare for them to be seen. Javan rhinos are endangered due to poaching and habitat loss, according to the International Rhino Foundation. There are around 76 Javan rhinos left today.

for material goods, but in many Asian countries such as Malaysia and China, the horn is believed to help cure illnesses such as headaches and food poisoning. According to PBS, in traditional Chinese medicine, the horn is shaved down to a powder and boiled.

Aquarium of the Pacific. They are on the brink of extinction due to illegal fishing and bycatch, which is unwanted fish and other marine creatures who are accidentally caught in fishing gear, according to Biological Diversity. World Wildlife says if fishery bycatch is not eliminated immediately, the vaquita’s days will be numbered. Vaquitas get caught in nets used to catch totoaba, which is an endangered fish in the Gulf whose bladder is sold on the black market in China. China Dialogue Ocean says in China, the bladder of the totoaba is believed to have nutritional and medicinal properties. The selling of the bladder has been illegal since 1977, according to the Environmental Investigation Agency, but smugglers still find a way to distribute it.

Approximately 1 out of 5 vaquitas get trapped in the gillnets intended to catch totoaba; the illegal trading of these fish kills vaquitas in the process.

Although many of us don’t know about the vaquita, there are people out there trying to spread awareness.

Celebrity Kat Von D has posted about these marine creatures on her Instagram, which has millions of followers. She even started a hashtag — lllegal hunters look for the rhinos’ horns to sell. Public Broadcasting Service says rhino horns have been of ornamental use since as early as the seventh century. Not only are horns used

According to the One Earth organization, Javan rhinos are essential for keeping the forest healthy by eating large amounts of vegetation. Javan rhinos help

The Orangutan

In the Orangutan family, both the Sumatran orangutan and the Bornean orangutan are critically endangered.

According to National Geographic, orangutans are quite slow, making them easy for hunters to find. Female orangutans with offspring are especially targeted by hunters because the offspring are sold as pets. World Wildlife also mentioned Orangutans only give birth about every 3-5 years, so it can take a long time to recover from population declines.

The orangutans in Borneo, Asia and Sumatra, Indonesia are struggling to survive deforestation and habitat loss. World Wildlife shared that 50% of orangutans are discovered outside protected areas at the fault of mining and oil companies.

Over the years people have tried to come up with ways to save the Orangutan. Comedian Phil Wang even launched his own beer, The OrWanguTang, dedicated to raising money to save Orangutans.

the forest maintain biodiversity, which further helps our planet. Celebrities such as Jackie Chan and Ian Somerholder are fighting for these mammals.