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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.
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.
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 150–200 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.
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.
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:
“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
How You Can Help
1. Watch for info coming to your inbox to ‘ride along’ with us
2. Make a donation online today at www.Nikela.org/donate
3. Meet people doing good for wildlife, subscribe to our YouTube
Channel www.YouTube.com/NikelaWildlife
4. Don’t buy products made from wildlife body parts… ever.
Watch for the video & story about this tiny abandoned elephant
Learn why Shaun, Heather,
Jess, Mike, Wendy, Sandy
and others got involved
with Nikela
http://www.nikela.org/donate-volunteer-
contribute-nikela/