Endangered Species, Endangered Earth

The California condor, Gymnogyps californianus , is the largest North American land bird, one of the largest flying birds in the world, and extremely rare. These vultures are classified as critically endangered with a total world population of just over 500 individuals as of March 2020. Their decline became evident as early as 1890. Although 500 individuals is small, it is much larger than the 27 that were around in the 80s. Not long afterwards, all of the wild condors were caught for captive breeding. Thousands of years ago, California condors lived in many parts of North America, from California and other Pacific states to Texas, Florida, and New York. For a number of reasons, by the 1900s the remaining individuals were limited to southern California. These reasons, the causes of their decline, include the following: Hunting Traps and poisons put out to kill other large predators  Collisions with wires and structures  Egg collection  Reduction in their food supply  Lead poiso

       The Ethiopian wolf, Canis simensis, is an endangered species with declining population numbers. The most recent estimates are between 450 and 500 individuals living in six population groups. As their name suggests, they can only be found in the mountains of Ethiopia.         There are two main threats to the Ethiopian wolf. These threats include habitat loss for agriculture and diseases from domesticated dogs. Other less-pressing threats to the species include reduced prey levels and hunting by livestock owners.       The Ethiopian wolves play a significant role in their ecosystem. The wolves are the top predators in their niche and they help control populations of numerous species in the region. The conservation of this species is something that should be addressed and cared about by all. By protecting the Ethiopian wolves, we are also safeguarding many other afro-alpine endemic species from extinction. That said, if the wolves were to disappear, the local communities woul

 CONSERVATION ALERT!        The humphead wrasse ( Cheilinus undulates ) is classified as an endangered species with declining populations. A lso known as the Napoleon wrasse, the humphead wrasse is a rare and extremely vulnerable fish species. The most recent population estimate is between 50,000 and 100,000 individuals. The population has seen a 50% loss in the past 30 years.         Humphead wrasse are one of the largest fish found in coral reefs. They can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh 400 pounds. They have a life span of 30 years more or less and are easily spotted by a prominent bulge on their forehead.      These enormous fish are generally solitary, traveling across coral reefs by day and sheltering in their caves and under their ledges at night. This species can be found in the Coral Triangle as well as on other coral reefs throughout much of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.        The humphead wrasse plays an important role in their ecosystem and if they were removed, the

  The African penguin ( Spheniscus demersus ) is an endangered species with a declining population. Their population size has declined by nearly 90% since the turn of the 20th century and the most recent census estimates fewer than 40,000 are left. Current estimates reveal that the species will go extinct by 2026 if current climate change and human activity trends continue!       Some basic facts about African penguins: They are one of the smallest penguin species Height: 24 to 27 inches Weight: 4.4 to 11 pounds Have a lifespan up to 30 years  Flightless Excellent swimmers  Fun fact: they can dive over 400 feet deep and hold their breath for over 2 minutes! Live in large colonies   African penguins are the only penguin species found on the African continent. They can be found along the rocky coastlines of Southwest Africa as well as many of the surrounding islands.   They play a large role in their ecosystem. They are an essential food source for other land and marine species. Their