what animals will be extinct by 2025

Alexander .P

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30-11-2024

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What Animals Could Go Extinct by 2025? The Urgent Reality of Species Loss

Introduction:

The question of which animals might go extinct by 2025 is a sobering one. While complete extinction by a specific year is difficult to predict with certainty, many species are critically endangered, teetering on the brink of oblivion. Several factors contribute to this crisis, including habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and poaching. This article explores some species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the coming years. It's crucial to remember that these are estimates, and the actual timeline for extinction can vary based on conservation efforts and unforeseen circumstances.

Critically Endangered Species Facing Imminent Threats:

It’s important to state upfront that predicting extinctions with pinpoint accuracy is impossible. Many factors influence a species' survival, making definitive statements about extinction by 2025 speculative. However, some species are so critically endangered that their survival beyond the near future is highly uncertain. Focusing on "functional extinction" — where a species' population is so low it can no longer play its ecological role — paints a more realistic picture.

1. The Amur Leopard:

• Threats: Habitat loss due to deforestation and poaching for their valuable fur.
• Status: Fewer than 100 Amur leopards remain in the wild. Their extremely small population makes them highly vulnerable to disease and genetic bottlenecks. While not expected to completely disappear by 2025, their functional extinction is a serious possibility.

2. Javan Rhinoceros:

• Threats: Poaching for their horns and habitat loss due to human encroachment.
• Status: Only an estimated 60 Javan rhinos are left in the wild. Their limited numbers and concentrated habitat make them incredibly vulnerable. Their survival beyond 2025 is highly questionable.

3. Saola (Asian Unicorn):

• Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, and lack of comprehensive conservation efforts.
• Status: The Saola is one of the world's most elusive and endangered mammals. Fewer than 20 are thought to survive, and sightings are extremely rare. Their future is precarious.

4. Hawksbill Sea Turtle:

• Threats: Fishing gear entanglement, habitat destruction, and poaching for their shells.
• Status: While not facing complete extinction by 2025, many Hawksbill populations are critically endangered. Continued habitat loss and unsustainable fishing practices could lead to functional extinction in various regions.

5. Sumatran Orangutan:

• Threats: Deforestation for palm oil plantations and illegal pet trade.
• Status: The Sumatran orangutan faces a high risk of extinction. While not necessarily a complete extinction by 2025, significant population declines are anticipated, pushing them closer to the brink.

Factors Contributing to Extinctions:

Several interconnected factors drive these extinctions:

• Habitat Loss: Destruction of natural habitats due to deforestation, agriculture, and urban sprawl is a primary driver of species decline.
• Climate Change: Changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events severely impact many species' ability to survive.
• Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: The illegal trade in wildlife products fuels the decline of many endangered species.
• Pollution: Pollution of air, water, and soil contaminates ecosystems and threatens the health of animals.

What Can We Do?

While the situation is dire, it's not hopeless. Collective action is crucial:

• Support Conservation Efforts: Donate to and volunteer with reputable conservation organizations working to protect endangered species.
• Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Make lifestyle changes to reduce your impact on climate change.
• Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade: Support efforts to curb poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.
• Educate Others: Spread awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the threats facing endangered species.

Conclusion:

The possibility of several animals going extinct, or functionally extinct, in the near future is a stark reminder of the biodiversity crisis. While predicting precise extinction dates is challenging, the critical status of many species underscores the urgency of conservation efforts. Immediate and sustained action is needed to prevent further species loss and protect the planet's invaluable biodiversity. The future of these animals, and countless others, depends on it.