Most people don’t think about plants and wildlife often, if at all, but they are vital to a balanced natural world. Unfortunately, many species of plants and wildlife are threatened or in danger of becoming extinct. Many factors have contributed to the demise of animals, including loss of habitat and hunting to produce commercial goods. However, more efforts are being made to protect these species. These are a few of the incredible animals being threatened today.

Tigers

The endangered Red List of Threatened Species, which was published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, includes the tiger. In Asia, their habitat has shrunk to approximately four percent of its original size. Russian tigers are also threatened by poaching and logging.

Today, tiger hunting is illegal, and the species has started a slow recovery. You can learn more about tigers and their conservation efforts by visiting a reserve and learning about tiger conservation Smith County.

Aye-Aye

On the island of Madagascar, you can find a somewhat creepy little primate called the aye-aye. These nocturnal four-pound animals have big eyes and a long middle finger and live in the canopy, but their appearance at dusk in cemeteries, where they find the grubs they eat, has made them an omen of bad luck for the native people.

In 1933, it was thought that the aye-aye was extinct, but nine of these elusive animals were found in 1957. Due to deforestation and hunting, these animals are at risk of extinction. Today, aye-ayes are protected by law, and 50 have been relocated to zoos and breeding programs around the world.

Darwin’s Fox

Darwin’s fox is only found on the island of Chiloe and in the Nahuelbuta National Park in Chile. This carnivore has dark firm and legs and is most active during twilight and at dawn. Habitat loss, hunting and the introduction of nonnative domestic dogs has severely reduced its population.

Unfortunately, despite conservation efforts, the Darwin’s fox population continued to decline, placing it on the critically endangered list until 2016. Although it has been moved to the endangered list, less than 1,000 foxes are thought to live in the area.

If you want to learn more about endangered species, consider visiting a reserve or contacting a conservation nonprofit organization.