Endangered Species, Endangered Earth

      The hirola, Beatragus hunteri , is world's most endangered antelope. They are also called the four eyed antelope due to their huge pre-orbital glands beneath their eyes. These glands resemble spectacles thus giving the impression that the antelope have four eyes.          Hirola can be found in open, short-grass, arid plains in Africa. More specifically, along the southern part of the Kenya-Somali border.  However, there is a small translocated population in Tsavo East National Park.    The reason for the translocated population is due to a significant decline in the hirola population in recent years. The hirola population has declined by over 95% in the last four decades. The most recent estimates reveal that there are less than 500 individuals in the world currently. That said, a number of hirola were translocated to a more hospitable environment in hopes of restoring their population numbers.   Why are they declining? Rinderpest  The initial decline of hirola's wa

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