What can save you? ——Top 10 endangered species (1)

Translator's note: The International Department of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (hereinafter referred to as China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation, CBCGDF) learned from the world-renowned publication Parade Daily that Tigers, North Atlantic Right Whales, Monarch Butterflies, Polar Bears, American Pikas, Atlantic Puffins, Saltmarsh Sparrows, Moose, Oysters and Common Loons are already endangered. What actions should we take now to save and protect them? Since its establishment, China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation has been committed to biodiversity conservation and green development for decades, fighting at the forefront of endangered species protection.

The relevant research is compiled and published as follows for reference and understanding by interested friends.

Recently, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) officially declared it too late to save the little Mariana fruit bat, ivory-billed woodpecker and 20 other species, as they are now extinct. Nearly 1 million other species are at risk of extinction in the coming years due to warming temperatures, deforestation, development, overfishing and other human activities. What does this extinction mean for us?

(Photo source: Parade Daily)

Tiger, one of the ten most endangered species

(Photo source: Parade Daily)

This year is the Year of the Tiger, according to the Chinese zodiac. It’s a good time to focus on protecting these majestic big cats. Their roar can be heard up to two miles away. A century ago, nearly 90,000 tigers roamed Asia; today there are fewer than 3,900 left. Three things are responsible: habitat loss (due to agricultural and suburban expansion), poaching (tigers are used in traditional Chinese medicine and are prized for their fur), and climate change. Climate change is forcing some species that tigers prey on to move north, toward the Arctic and to higher altitudes.

Importance of the species: As an alpha species in the food chain, tigers prey on herbivores that damage ecosystems. Restoring and protecting tiger habitats will help protect at least nine major river basins in Asia, which provide fresh water for more than 800 million people in Asia.

The second of the top ten endangered species - North Atlantic Right Whales

(Photo source: Parade Daily)

The North Atlantic right whale is one of the largest whales in the world (it can weigh up to 70 tons). The critically endangered creatures are called "dextral" whales because they swim slowly (average 6 mph) and prefer to stay close to the surface, so they are hunters - "dextral" whales. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) estimates that there are fewer than 350 North Atlantic right whales left. They are prone to colliding with ships and becoming entangled in fishing gear, especially the lines on lobster and crab pots, notes Katie Matthews, chief scientist at Oceana, a nonprofit marine conservation organization.

Species Importance: “The ocean is an incredibly complex interconnected ecosystem. When you start taking pieces out of this Jenga, other things start to fall apart. Depletion of marine life means collapsed fisheries, job losses, and empty oceans. If the oceans were managed correctly, they could provide about a billion fish a day in perpetuity. It’s an infinite resource,” Matthews said, adding, “We’ve been facing the continued extinction risk of whale species for decades. Where do you draw the line? What species don’t need to exist on Earth?”

Original text: https://parade.com/1364580/kmccleary/species-in-danger-of-extinction/

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