The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has published a list that lists the nine species of mammals most threatened with extinction in the world, among which the Java rhinoceros, the marine calf, the gorilla stand out. and the giant panda. Also listed are the Sumatran tiger, the right whale, the American black-footed polecat, the Asian elephant and the polar bear.
These and many other species are "more than ever" at risk of extinction due to hunting, loss of their natural habitat, and threats related to climate change. "If we do not take the protection of these spectacular animals seriously, it is highly likely that many will not survive in the coming years," said Tom Dillon, vice president of WWF Programs in the United States.
Dillon proposed that one of the goals of the international community for the coming year is "to save these incredible species before it is too late."
The list presented by WWF is headed by the Java rhino, probably the largest and rarest mammal in the world, of which fewer than 60 specimens remain in Indonesia and Vietnam.
The vaquita marina, the smallest and most threatened cetacean on the planet, is in second place. It is estimated that there are only about 150 vaquitas left trying to survive in the Upper Gulf of California, in Mexico. This species is in danger due to fishing with gillnets.
The gorilla "Cross River", of which there are only 300 copies, is the third most threatened animal. Hunting and activity by logging companies are destroying their natural habitat in Nigeria and Cameroon.
In fourth place is the Sumatran tiger. It is estimated that there are between 400 and 500 specimens living on the Indonesian island, almost all in natural parks. Rainforest destruction and poaching are the main dangers facing this species.
The right whale of the North Pacific occupies the fifth position, and the American black-footed polecat, whose population amounts to about 500 specimens, the sixth. In seventh and eighth place, there are the Asian elephant, of which it is estimated that there are currently less than 1,000 in Borneo and Malaysia, and the giant panda of China, whose population amounts to about 1,600 specimens. The polar bear, of which there are between 20,000 and 25,000 individuals in the Arctic, closes the list. Climate change is presented as its greatest threat.