7 Critically Endangered Animals in Africa

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1 7 Critically Endangered Animals in Africa 1. Black Rhino There are fewer than 2,500 Black Rhino remaining with numbers still declining due to the current poaching for its horn. One of the oldest mammals on the earth Brought back from the brink of extinction once before (1970s) These huge beasts can run up to 55mph (88kph) Found mainly in South Africa. 2. Pangolin One of the most endangered mammals on the planet due to poaching for its flesh and scales. Also known as the Scaly Ant Eater Very picky eaters, mostly insectivores Rolls up into a scaly, almost impenetrable, ball for protection Found in the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. 3. Elephants 80% of the African Elephant population has been decimated by trophy hunting and ivory poaching. Currently 30,000 to 40,0000 are poached annually Massive herds used to roam the African continent Matriarchal social groups are highly intelligent and compassionate Found throughout Central and Southern Africa.

2 4. Gorilla Three Gorilla species are declining at alarming rates due to poaching and habitat loss leaving very few in number. About 5,000 Western Lowland; 300 Cross River; 700 Mountain Gorillas share 98.3% of their genetic code with humans Unlike King Kong they are mostly shy passive animals Found in the Central Region of Africa, mainly the Congo Basin. 5. Leatherback Turtle Their biggest threats are egg harvesting, being caught in commercial shrimping nets and plastic shopping bags. Populations have collapsed in the Pacific and South West Atlantic The largest sea turtle species (6 long, 1,400lbs) A major jellyfish predator keeping populations in check Large migratory routes across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. 6. Addax The Addax is at the brink of existence due to frenzied unregulated hunting for its skin and habitat loss. Very rare with fewer than 300 remaining in the wild Adapted to thrive in harsh desert temperatures with little vegetation Long 2.5ft twisted horns on a smaller 3ft antelope Once roamed the enormous deserts covering most of North Africa. 7. Painted Dogs Only 7,000 remaining in the wild they are seen as a threat to livestock and trapped, poisoned and shot by farmers. Not really a dog but a species all on their own Very cohesive efficient pack hunters Can reach speeds of 44mph (71kph) Found in Southern Africa.

3 Is There Hope For Their Survival? With the never ending battle against poaching, and human populations ever expanding, wildlife is at increasingly high risk. According to the World Wildlife Fund, in the time is takes you to read this page, one of our planet s species will become extinct. By this time tomorrow more will have disappeared. And by this time next year, over 50,000 more will be lost. Mind boggling! With the rapid decline in species who determines which animals are critically endangered and in need of immediate attention? The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is an international organization focused on nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. The IUCN scientists use population counts in the wild (and other scientific measures) to determine a specie s status. Animals that are classified as Critically Endangered have a 50% probability of becoming extinct in the wild in the next 10 years. That is not much time. There is much work to be done by everyone who cares.

4 All Is Not Lost! Because there are passionate and committed people like Peter and Ellen (above) involved to protect the rhino and the pangolin, there is hope. Peter and his team protect rhino (and elephant) from poachers via strategic on the ground and in the air (with drones) procedures that detect, deter and apprehend poachers before they strike and kill. Ellen and Lisa are the world s leading experts on protecting the pangolin from poachers via a variety of strategies, including working closely with government and law enforcement officials. Our mission at Nikela is to find people like Peter, Ellen and Lisa doing good for Africa s wildlife and introduce them to you. Nikela is an on-line Community sharing the adventures of Margrit & Russ who travel Africa in an old Land Rover looking for people doing good for Wildlife. Along their journey they find small but significant Wildlife projects saving one animal at a time. Precious stories are shared of people giving their all to Wildlife and funds are raised for their needs.

5 Who is Nikela? Nikela is a nonprofit, on-line Community, sharing our (Margrit & Russ ) adventures as we travel Africa in an old Land Rover looking for people doing good for wildlife to introduce to you. We find small wildlife projects saving one animal at a time and identify how we all can help. Here s how we ve made a difference together:

6 It is an amazing journey to live a mobile life style and do what we can to help wildlife, people and beautiful, yet vulnerable Africa. - Russ Harris

7 Learn why Shaun, Heather, Jess, Mike, Wendy, Sandy and others got involved with Nikela How You Can Help 1. Watch for info coming to your inbox to ride along with us 2. Make a donation online today at 3. Meet people doing good for wildlife, subscribe to our YouTube Channel 4. Don t buy products made from wildlife body parts ever. Watch for the video & story about this tiny abandoned elephant