Most Unique Endangered Species

 The types of endangered species in the world

Have you ever thought that in the technological age people have almost forgotten about nature and the importance of protecting the natural environment? Unfortunately, it is a sad reality, but that is the truth we must face. People do not really care that somewhere, far away from their comfortable homes, species of animals and plants are disappearing from our planet forever. There are many endangered animals and plants. They come in all shapes and sizes. Many species vital to ensuring that today’s environment will thrive are becoming extinct. If a species is slowly dwindling, and in imminent danger of becoming nonexistent, this species is considered to be endangered. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, upwards of 16,000 species are threatened with extinction, including both plants and animals (IUCN, 2016). Before becoming endangered, a species will show warning signs, either by starting to lose biological diversity or by losing the habitats for that species to flourish in, or in the worst case, both. The word endangered can sometimes be confused with threatened, extirpated, or extinct. Extirpated refers to the state of a species where its population has died out in a certain area or range, but other populations of said species still exist elsewhere (Olden, Julian D., 2008). When a species is considered threatened, or vulnerable, this refers to the state of the species being susceptible to endangerment and extinction.Ninety-nine percent of the earth’s creatures have become extinct. More than 1,000 species are endangered worldwide, and over 100 of these endangered animals become extinct every day. Scientists estimate that the total number of species lost to extinction each year may climb to 40,000 by the year 2000. It is important for the audience to know the types of endangered species as they can become more aware and take action to prevent them from becoming extinct.There are three types of endangered species that could face extinction which are red panda, axolotl, and corpes flower.

The definition of unique is just one of its kind. That is what red panda or Ailurus fulgens is going through right now. Red panda is one of the most unique endangered species of land animal. The Ailurus fulgens is the only living member left of the Ailuridae family. It had previously been placed within the raccoon and bear families. However, the results of genetic analysis by taxonomists indicate that they are positioned in their own circle of relatives. (Flynn, 2000). Despite its name, it is not closely related to the giant panda. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared that the red panda is classified as EN for endangered, with a continuous decline of current population trend. (Glatston, Wei, Zaw, & Sherpa, 2015). The Ailurus fulgens has reddish-brown fur, a long, shaggy tail, and a waddling manner thanks to its shorter front legs. It is roughly the size of a domestic cat, though with a longer body, and is somewhat heavier in weight. Their face is similar to bears but their behaviour is like cats, which is regularly cleaning their fur, licking their front paws, and then rubbing their backs. Another thing red pandas are similar to bears is that they use their forepaws alternately to bring food to their mouths or place food directly into their mouth. (Flynn, 2000). They are nocturnal, also arboreal and their diet is mainly on bamboo, but they also eat eggs, birds, and insects. Then, what about their defensive instinct? If they feel threatened or sense danger, they may try to escape by climbing a rock or tree. (Glatston, et. al, 2015). If they will not flee, they stand on their hind legs to form themselves appear larger and use the sharp claws on their front paws to defend themselves from predators. However, natural predators are not the ones that contribute to their endangerment, but humans are. In the past, red pandas were captured and would be ‘exhibited’ in zoos. In an article appearing in the International Zoo News in 1969, one man claimed that for 17 years he had sold 350 red pandas to the zoos. In south-west China, red pandas are killed for their fur, especially for the highly valued bushy tails, from which hats are produced. In some parts of Nepal and India, red pandas are kept as pets. (Ghose, 2008). Also, their naturally low birth rate adds to the risk of their declining population. Although they look cute, we must respect their natural habitat because we are the ones who will be affected if the ecosystem is damaged.

            Next, Axolotl is one type of salamander which is an endangered species of aquatic animal. The scientific name of Axolotl is Ambystoma mexicanum. It is also the most widely known salamander around the world and in Mexico, Axolotl has emerged as a national icon in the country (Erik,2017). Axolotl is a type of salamander which can be found in a Xochimilco Lake Complex near Mexico City. They permanently live in the water which makes them different from other types of salamanders. That makes Axolotl as the most scientifically studied salamander in the world (National Geographic). Just like other salamanders, Axolotl are also in an amphibian class. Currently, the water source in the Xochimilco Lake Complex has become contaminated due to human activities such as urbanization that persists the use of wetlands coming from nearby Mexico City (Randal, 2015). This sad state of affair has led the Axolotl population to decline. Besides that, grilled Axolotl is a delicacy in Mexico which makes them famous in the aquarium trade. Thus, Axolotl was categorized as a critically endangered species. Hence, the Xochimilco ecosystem has raised awareness about it worsening due to the significant decline of Axolotl. Particularly, Axolotl was identified as a top-line species according to the Darwin Initiative where he put his efforts through the publicity of natural tourism and also conservation education programmes for the purpose of protecting Xochimilco species including Axolotl. Nevertheless, Axolotl still chose to hit its extinction clock (Luis, 2015).

Last but not least, the endangered species of plant  in the world is Titan Arum plant. Titan Arum is also known as "corpse flower" due to the unpleasant smell of the flowers. The scientific name of Titan Arum is Amorphophallus titanum. This species is mostly found in the tropical lowland forest near rivers. There is a decent reason for the plant's strong odor. The smell, color and even temperature of corpse flowers are intended to attract pollinators (Bradford, 2017). The unpleasant smell of corpse flowers also helps to ensure the continuation of the species. The primary pollinators of corpse flowers are dung beetles, flesh flies and other carnivorous insects. The enormous size of this flower attracts an abundance of visitors to botanic gardens as well as it is used for ornamental displays for visitors. The population of Titan Arum is popular in Sumatra Island, Indonesia. This world’s biggest flower rarely blooms in cultivation in which it only produces a flower after 7 to 9 years.  This species is decreasing due to habitat degradation and being targeted by local people (Hadiah, 2018).  Other than that, land clearing destroys its population due to the high demand for timber and palm oil industry which has led to massive deforestation. Hence, legal action should be taken by the government to control this issue by establishing a government procurement policy that favors wood-based products legally and ensuring that all logs transported from the forest management unit are properly identified. Cultivation of corpse flowers in botanical gardens around the world is also crucial to conserve this species continuously. 

In conclusion, humans are the main cause of these animals and plants becoming extinct, but with the help of many parties some of these animals and plants can increase in numbers and not be impossible to be taken off from the endangered list. Conducting a community awareness survey would be a good way to let the community know that there are endangered animals and plants in the area and let them know how they can help with the efforts to save it. To save insects and birds, kids can hold a school Arbor Day and plant trees and flowers for birds and insects that are native to their area that are endangered. Participating in river and beach cleanup is very important, because it can reduce pollution in the water that could not only kill the poor little animals and plants but hurt humans as well. There are many animals and plants out there that are important to us and our environment that need to be helped. There are many people who can do stuff for these animals and plants. Through organization, community awareness surveys, and school program lots are being done to help. One thing we should know that all the animals and plants on this earth have the right to be here as you and me. So please be kindhearted to help save the poor little endangered animals and plants.