which animal will extinct in 2025

Alexander .P

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30-11-2024

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Predicting Extinction: Which Animals Face the Greatest Risk in 2025 and Beyond?

It's impossible to definitively say which specific animal will go extinct in 2025. Extinction is a complex process influenced by many factors, and predicting it with pinpoint accuracy is currently beyond our capabilities. However, we can identify species facing extremely high risks of extinction in the near future, some possibly within the next few years. This article examines some of the most vulnerable animals and the threats they face.

Factors Contributing to Extinction

Before looking at specific species, let's understand the main drivers of extinction:

• Habitat Loss: This is the biggest threat. Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion destroy the natural habitats animals need to survive.
• Climate Change: Shifting weather patterns, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events disrupt ecosystems and impact animal populations.
• Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: The demand for animal parts (ivory, horns, etc.) fuels illegal hunting and severely depletes populations.
• Pollution: Water, air, and soil pollution poison animals and their food sources.
• Invasive Species: Non-native species can outcompete native animals for resources or prey on them.
• Disease: Outbreaks of disease can decimate vulnerable populations.

Animals at Extremely High Risk

While pinpointing a specific extinction date is impossible, several animals are critically endangered and could face extinction in the coming years or decades:

1. Amur Leopard: With a population estimated in the low hundreds, the Amur leopard faces severe threats from habitat loss and poaching. Their small population size makes them highly vulnerable to disease and genetic issues.

2. Javan Rhino: Fewer than 80 Javan rhinos remain in the wild, making them one of the rarest large mammals on Earth. Poaching and habitat loss continue to threaten their survival.

3. Saola: Known as the "Asian Unicorn," the Saola is incredibly elusive and critically endangered. Very little is known about their population size, but it is believed to be extremely small, with poaching and habitat loss as primary concerns.

4. Cross River Gorilla: Habitat loss due to logging and agriculture, along with the bushmeat trade, have drastically reduced the population of this critically endangered gorilla subspecies.

5. Hawksbill Sea Turtle: Overfishing, habitat destruction, and entanglement in fishing gear are major threats to these sea turtles. Climate change also poses a significant risk to their nesting sites.

6. Sumatran Orangutan: Deforestation for palm oil plantations is the main driver of their decline. Habitat loss and poaching lead to the ongoing decline of these intelligent primates.

What Can We Do?

The future of these and countless other species depends on our actions. We can all contribute to conservation efforts by:

• Supporting conservation organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations working to protect endangered animals.
• Reducing our carbon footprint: Combatting climate change is crucial for preserving biodiversity.
• Making sustainable choices: Support businesses that prioritize sustainability and avoid products that contribute to habitat destruction (e.g., palm oil from unsustainable sources).
• Educating ourselves and others: Learn about endangered species and the threats they face and share this knowledge with others.
• Advocating for stronger conservation laws: Support policies that protect endangered species and their habitats.

While predicting the exact timing of an extinction is challenging, recognizing the alarming decline of these vulnerable populations is crucial. Through collective action and sustained conservation efforts, we can still work to prevent these species from disappearing altogether. The next few years are critical for the survival of many animals; the time to act is now.