Poaching, habitat loss and unethical wildlife practices all lead to the demise of wildlife species. Nature, combined with the imminent threat of human interference can cause the rapid decline of a species.
Africa is home to many endangered animals and there are numerous organisations and programs geared towards the conservation of these species. Only time will tell what happens to planet earth’s natural born beasts, but in the meantime here is a trio of endangered animals to spot while on safari.
African Wild Dog
Facts: The African wild dog is affectionately known as the painted wolf. Its mottled coat of black, tan and white colours and large antennae shaped ears; make it look like a domestic dog. These gregarious dogs have very strong family bonds and emit a series of happy squeals when they greet. In terms of breeding there is only one pair in the clan that breeds – the alpha male and female.
The other dogs take turns in helping to raise the pups. The den guards keep watch over the pups while the others go off to hunt. Wild dogs are co-operative breeders, meaning they all take turns to help. Dogs time their breeding with the end of the impala rutting season, which is when the rams are tired.
Thus, they make easy targets for these successful carnivores. During the denning period, wild dogs will remain sedentary for 3 months until the pups are old enough to be on the move.
Why are they endangered? The main reason the wild dogs are endangered is due to agriculture, human settlements and roads. Wild dogs are losing the areas where they used to roam freely.
Pangolin
Facts: The pangolin is otherwise known as a scaly anteater. They are incredibly shy creatures, making them rare to spot in the wild. Even when you see one, it’s likely they’ll be curled up in a ball, which is their defence mechanism. They have a long, sticky tongue which is able to extract ants and termites.
Why are they endangered? Pangolins are the most illegally traded wildlife and their meat is in high demand at lavish banquets in China and Vietnam. Their scales are also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Black and White Rhino
Facts: The black rhino is critically endangered and the white rhino is near threatened. Somewhat more aggressive, the black rhino is an interesting character. The horn is narrower and they also have a very narrow mouth. The naming of rhinos has little to do with their colour.
In fact, there are two reasons. Firstly, during the colonial era, the word “wyd” meaning wide in English was used to describe the white rhino. Due to the language barrier, it was heard as “white”. As a result the other species of rhino in Africa became the black rhino. Secondly, the black rhino is often found rolling in mud and when the mud dries, it makes this ungulate look rather black in appearance!
Why are they endangered? The main threat to the rhino population is poaching. Rhino horn is a highly valued component of Chinese Medicine, which is practiced throughout East Asia.
There is no value and use to rhino horn, but it is purely due to misguided beliefs that rhino horn is being sold. Hundreds of rhinos are killed illegally for their horns. The white rhino is particularly vulnerable to poaching because it’s far more timid than its counterpart. The development of settlements and agriculture also cause habitat loss.
