This list could go on and on. Of everything we have done or accomplished as human beings, it is this for which we should feel the greatest shame. Our endless need for land, money, trinkets, trophies and frivolous furs has caused the destruction of what is most beautiful in the world. Only caring, work, time and cooperation can stop this...and it is past time that happened.
Black Rhino - There were 65,000 of these great animals in 1970. Now, a mere 26 years later, there are only 3,500.
Lemur - There are several types of lemurs in the wild. All of them are cuddly looking cuties with great big eyes. There are more than 13 species of lemurs still surviving, some have already become extinct. All the remaining lemurs are critically endangered.
Golden Lion Tamarin - There are less than 400 of these silky looking
little animals left in the wild.
Mexican Wolf - NONE LEFT IN THE WILD - And there are a mere 139 in captivity.
Black Footed Ferret - There were only 18 alive in 1985...thanks to successful breeding progams their number had increased to 325 by 1992. They still have a long way to go.
Leopard - These powerful cats haul their kills high up into trees to keep them out of the reach of scavenging hyenas and lions.
Sumatran Tiger - There are less than 500 of this member of the big cat family in the wild.
Jagaur - These water loving cats often fish in the Amazon River in
South America.
Cheetah - The fastest animal on earth is not fast enough to outrun the bullets of poachers that are after their beautiful coats.
Asian Elephant - People believe that they have more right to the elephants' homes than they do.
African Elephant - These giants are murdered and all but their tusks are left to rot in the sun. All so that someone somewhere else can have an ivory nic nak to place on a shelf and collect dust.
Zebra - 15 years ago over 40,000 made a traditional migration across Africa. Today fewer than 15,000 are alive to make the journey.
Arabian Oryx - This animal has the misfortune to be known as one of the rarest species in the world.
Bengal Tiger - The biggest of the big cats. The breath-taking white bengal tiger was down in number to less than 50 at one point in time.
Bald Eagle - The majestic symbol of one of the greatest nations on Earth. Thankfully breeding progams and protection have allowed their numbers to start on a slow but steady rise.
American Alligator - One of the most ancient species on Earth, this is about the last living link to the dinosaur.
Manatee - There are less than 400 of these gentle sea dwellers left.
Giant Panda - A beauty that has become a symbol for animals in plight.
There are barely over 1000 of them left. Unfortunately, they do not
breed and raise young successfully in captivity.
Yangtee River Dolphin - There is only one population of less than 300 of these animals. That one group lives in an over polluted river in China, and their numbers are declining.
Maintained by Kristin M. Streebel