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Content.1 - Introduction p.g 6

2 - Species: Bengal Tiger p.g 8

2.1 - Polar Bear p.g 10

2.2 - Pacific Walrus p.g 12

2.3 - Magellanic Penguin p.g 14

2.4 - Leatherback Turtle p.g 16

2.5 - Bluefin Tuna p.g 18

2.6 - Mountain Gorilla p.g 20

2.7 - Monarch Butterfly p.g 22

2.8 - Javan Rhinoceros p.g 24

2.9 - Giant Panda p.g 26

3 - Conclusion p.g 28

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There are a variety of factors that cause the depopulation of an animal species and each of these factors goes hand in hand to create a snowball effect. Poaching, habitat destruction, climate change and invasive species all play a significant role in disrupting the populations and distributions of certain species. In our world today, globalisation, industrialisation, deforestation, desertification and the overexploitation of natural resources is leading to a sharp decline in wildlife populations. With every species that becomes extinct, biodiversity becomes lessened and the ecosystem becomes altered. In the World Wildlife Fund’s annual list of threatened species for 2010, WWF compiled a list of the top 10 animals that are facing extinction. While organisations like WWF have helped save some species from the brink of extinction, others like the tiger and giant panda are close to being wiped out. A combination of awareness, conservation efforts and government policies can ensure the replenishment of animal populations.

1 Introduction.

Saving wildlife is at the core of WWF’s mission. Why? Because animal populations are disappearing at an alarming rate. But even in the face of threats like poaching, habitat loss and overuse of natural resources, WWF is creating a better future for wildlife every day. Protecting these species also contributes to a thriving, healthy planet for people’s health and well-being—from forests that slow climate change and filter water to oceans that provide more than one-sixth of the world’s food.

This book will identify the top 10 animals that are facing extinction due to climate change, deforestation and human intervention, highlighting information about endangered species.

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There are thought to be a mere 3,200 tigers left in the wild compared with 100,000 a century ago. Habitat destruction throughout the last 100 years has destroyed nearly 93% of the tigers territory which once stretched from eastern Turkey to the far east of Russia. Due to a loss of habitat and poaching threats, three subspecies of tiger: The Bali tiger, the Caspian tiger and the Javan tiger have become extinct. Most of the remaining tigers now live in India, Nepal, Tibet, Siberia, Southern China, Indonesia and parts of Southeast Asia. Those that remain, face threats from poachers who kill tigers for their bones, whiskers and teeth because they are considered to have medicinal properties.

2 Species.

Bengal Tiger.

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Climate change, which is thought to cause the melting of the polar ice caps, is leading to a loss of territory for the polar bear. Considered a threatened species by the Endangered Species Act in the United States, polar bears are vulnerable to extinction within the next century. Polar bears are dependant upon sea ice, which they use as a platform for hunting seals. With the loss of these sea ice platforms, polar bears are finding it increasingly difficult to hunt ringed and bearded seals, their main prey. With the extinction of polar bears, carnivorous animals like the Arctic fox and the Gallucous gulls would be unable to scavenge on the polar bears kill and would find it increasingly difficult to survive.

2.1 Species.

Polar Bear.

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As with the polar bear, pacific walruses are facing threats of extinction due to the climate change and melting polar ice caps. These animals rely on floating sea ice for protection from predators whilst they give birth and nurse their calves. The loss of the floating ice platforms makes walruses increasingly vulnerable to predators like the orca and the polar bear. To add to this, the birthing and nursing of calves is becoming increasingly difficult and in some cases reproduction is being halted. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has announced it may need to add the Pacific Walrus to the Endangered Species Act because of the threats the species is facing.

2.2 Species.

Pacific Walrus.

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A native to South America, the Magellanic penguin is classified as a threatened species because of the high vulnerability of breeding colonies to oil spills. Approximately 20,000-22,000 of these penguins die each year off the coast of Argentina, as a direct result of oil-contaminated water. The typical prey of the penguin is cuttlefish, sardines, squid and krill- all of which are forever being driven into warmer waters, away from the penguins breeding and feeding grounds. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the Magellanic penguin to feed and they are being forced to swim further and further for their food.

2.3 Species.

Magellanic Penguin.

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Considered a critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, only 2,300 female leatherback turtles are now thought to remain in the Pacific ocean. A significant amount of Atlantic leatherback turtles are caught each year as bycatch and may be killed by fishing fleets. Global warming is also having a dramatic impact on leatherback populations and reproduction rates. Because of rising sea temperatures, the nests of leatherback turtles are experiencing a slight temperature rise which effects the sex of the turtles offspring, reducing the number of males.

2.4 Species.

Leatherback Turtle.

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Since the 1960’s, overfishing has caused a 97% decline in bluefin tuna populations leaving the species on the brink of extinction. The massive scale overfishing has had a dramatic effect on the tuna’s ability to naturally replace itself and maintain a population balance. Bluefin tuna can live for up to 40 years and therefore have a slow growth rate, meaning they are slow to reach sexual maturity. When they finally reach sexual maturity, tuna gather in large concentrations to spawn. The spawning grounds are visible from the air which makes tuna fish extremely vulnerable to commercial fishing.

2.5 Species.

Bluefin Tuna.

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The critically endangered mountain gorilla species is found in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Scientists believe that only 720 survive in the wild, 200 of which live in Virunga National Park in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorillas face constant threats from poachers, habitat loss, disease and from snares intended for other animals. Poachers may kill the gorillas to be used as trophies or may abduct the young to be sold for research, to zoos and as pets.

2.6 Species.

Mountain Gorilla.

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Every year, millions of monarch butterflies migrate from their North American habitat to spend the winter in the warmer climate of Mexico. Illegal deforestation of the monarch butterflies winter habitat has led to a drastic decline in population. However, efforts by conservation groups including the Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature and WWF to restore the forests in Mexico have been underway, helping to replenish population numbers.

2.7 Species.

Monarch Butterfly.

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Considered a critically endangered species, less than 60 Javan rhinos now remain in the wild. The rhinos horn is considered to have medicinal properties in parts of Southeast Asia and as a result, poachers have brought the Javan rhino to the brink of extinction. Poachers shoot the rhinos with tranquilisers before cutting the horn off and leaving the animal to die. On the black market, rhino horns can sell for up to $55,000. The conversion of forestry to farmland has also impacted heavily on the Javan rhino, with deforestation and illegal logging causing a loss of habitat.

2.8 Species.

Javan Rhinoceros.

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With 1,600 giant pandas left in the wild, the iconic species faces a major threat from fragmentation of forest habitat which leaves the pandas isolated is small populations. Infrastructure increase, conversion of land to agriculture, road construction and logging are all contributing to the decline of the giant pandas habitat. However, over half of the habitat the giant panda now lives in has been protected and corridors are being created to allow the isolated populations to expand and connect with other pandas.

2.9 Species.

Giant Panda.

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Best known as the world’s leading independent conservation body, WWF have seen first-hand how the health and security of people, wildlife and the environment are all interlinked.

That’s why their passion for safeguarding the natural world has to be backed up by other environmental action - tackling the urgent threat of climate change (with our big global campaigns like Earth Hour) and promoting sustainable use of resources by helping to change the way we live.

Conservation - safeguarding the natural world.

From steamy tropical rainforests to dreamy English chalk streams, we’re working on every continent to halt and wherever possible reverse dramatic declines in wildlife species and the destruction of the places where they live.

3 Conclusion.

Tackling climate change - the causes and effects.

A vital and urgent part of our work, because climate change represents an increasing threat to so many of the planet’s species - including our own. The science tells us now is the time to act. Targets and promises need to be put into action - before it’s too late.

Sustainability - changing how we live.

Yes, we really can all make a difference. And if we want governments and businesses around the world to act, we need to get our own houses in order first - and our cars, shops and workplaces too. Besides, the sooner we move towards less wasteful, healthier lifestyles, the better for everyone.

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