Tunde FolawiyoTunde Folawiyo | Africa’s most endangered animals
Although many conservation groups are dedicated to protecting Africa’s most endangered animals, the numbers of gorillas, elephants and other species continue to decline. There are several factors which can affect a species ability to survive, including the loss of habitat, poaching and armed conflict. Tunde Folawiyo comprehends that all endangered species should be protected and preserved instead of being slaughtered by poachers for their own selfish wealth.
The African elephant, one of the earth’s largest walking animals, has been on the IUCN Red List for several years now. Herds of these creatures can be found in 37 countries on the African continent; however, as the population of these countries continue to expand, and more and more land is earmarked for developments, settlements and agriculture, these elephants are being left with very little space in which they can move freely. Between 1979 and 2007, the range across which African elephants roamed dropped by two million square miles.
Activities such as mining, logging and the construction of bio-fuel plants have not only destroyed the habitats of thousands of herds, but have also left elephants more exposed to poachers. Although the selling and purchasing of ivory is illegal, there is still a tremendous demand for this product in Asian countries. The profitability of this trade is undoubtedly one of the biggest motivations for elephant poaching.
The addax, an antelope which is known for its distinctive twisted horns, is also endangered. Found mostly in the Termit region of Niger, recent estimates suggest that there are fewer than three hundred of these animals left in the wild today. This is primarily due to excessive hunting of this species, which is prized for its meat, and the leather which can be made from its skin. However, other factors, including an increase in agriculture and the destruction of the addax’s habitat, are also impacting this species’ numbers. In addition to this, the availability of firearms, coupled with the fact that addaxes are slow-moving creatures, means that they are easy prey for hunters.
Mountain gorillas are yet another endangered species; the remaining nine hundred reside in four national parks in Africa; namely, Virunga, Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable. The most significant threats to these animals are deforestation, and the growing populations around these parks. Gorillas are susceptible to many human diseases, including influenza and the Ebola virus, which they are more likely to contract if they are in close contact with humans. Poachers also often kill or capture these creatures, in order to illegally sell them as zoo animals, research subjects or pets.
Tunde Folawiyo is a keen conservationist and believes firmly in the protection of endangered wildlife, and clamping down on poachers in order to save some of the most beautiful creatures throughout the world.
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