Endangered Animal Species: Red Panda And Arctic Fox

The number of wild animals living on Earth is set to fall by two-thirds by 2020, according to a new report, part of a mass extinction that is destroying the natural world upon which humanity depends. The analysis, the most comprehensive to date, indicates that animal populations plummeted by 58% between 1970 and 2012, with losses on track to reach 67% by 2020. Researchers from WWF and the Zoological Society of London compiled the report from scientific data and found that the destruction of wild habitats, hunting and pollution were to blame.

Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups, specified through criteria such as rate of decline, population size, area of geographic distribution, and degree of population and distribution fragmentation. There is an emphasis on the acceptability of applying any criteria in the absence of high-quality data including suspicion and potential future threats, ‘so long as these can reasonably be supported.’ The (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (also knows as the (IUCN) Red List or Red Data List) founded in 1964, is the world’ most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species With its strong scientific base, the IUCN Red List is recognized as the most authoritative guide to the status of biological diversity. A series of Regional Red Lists are produced by countries or organizations, which assess the risk of extinction to species within a political management unit. Some scientists give information about the level of risk faced by species. There are 9 levels divided into 4 categories: extinct, threatened, lower risk and other categories. Firstly, the extinct level includes extinct (EX) and extinct in the wild ( EW) . ( IUCN Red List, n.d). That means almost all species at this level have the highest extinction on the earth. Secondly, at the level threatened has Critically Endangered (CR), endangered (EN) and vulnerable (VU). Those are endangered animal species divided into many levels. Thirdly, lower risk level has near threatened (NT), conservation dependent (CD) and least concern (LC). Those are species with lower ratios risk. Finally, other categories include data deficient (DD) and not evaluated (NE). In short, there are nine levels in which Scientists researched and discovered species of animals, to classify them as on conservation lists.

The first species is Red Panda. Firstly the level of risk of this species is endangered (Red Panda, n.d). It is true that the red panda is an endangered species in the wild world(Red Panda, n.d). The red panda is slightly larger than a domestic cat with a bear-like body and thick russet fur (Red Panda, n.d)r. The belly and limbs are black, and there are white markings on the side of the head and above its small eyes(Red Panda, n.d). Red pandas are very skilful and acrobatic animals that predominantly stay in trees. Secondly, Almost 50% of the red panda’s habitat is in the Eastern Himalayas(Red Panda, n.d). They use their long, bushy tails for balance and to cover themselves in winter, presumably for warmth. Primarily a herbivore, the name panda is said to come from the Nepali word ‘ponya,’ which means bamboo or plant-eating animal (Red Panda, n.d). Thirdly, While residents of Sikkim honour the endangered red panda, they also understand the species is under a growing threat (Red Panda, n.d)t. Climate change is impacting species across the globe and red pandas—with less than 10,000 left in the wild—are not immune (Red Panda, n.d)e. Furthermore, Red pandas are often killed when they get caught in traps meant for other animals such as wild pigs and deer (Red Panda, n.d). They are also poached for their distinctive pelts in China and Myanmar(Red Panda, n.d). Red panda fur caps or hats have been found for sale in Bhutan(Red Panda, n.d). Fourthly, Almost 50 per cent of the red panda’s habitat is in the Eastern Himalayas(Red Panda, n.d). The loss of nesting trees and bamboo is causing a decline in red panda populations across much of their range because their forest home is being cleared(Red Panda, n.d). Finally, Yak herder in Bhutan getting ready to move to his winter pasture. We work with yak herders and other community groups to reduce human impact on the red panda’s fragile habitat(Red Panda, n.d). Additionally, WWF monitors red pandas and their habitat across India, Nepal and Bhutan to better understand the species. In 2011, our work helped the government in the Indian state of Sikkim declare that the state held an estimated 300 red pandas. WWF also examines the feasibility of reintroducing red pandas to create populations in identified sites within Sikkim. (Red Panda, n.d).

The second species is the arctic fox. Firstly, In the UICN Red List, Arctic Fox has the Least Concern at the level of risk that have lower threatened(Arctic Fox, n.d). Secondly, The Arctic fox is primarily a carnivore that lives inland, away from the coasts(Arctic Fox, n.d). They are dependent on the presence of smaller animals (most often lemmings) to survive(Arctic Fox, n.d). Arctic foxes also hunt for sea birds, fish, and other marine life(Arctic Fox, n.d). Smaller rodent populations waver between times of abundance and scarcity, which leaves the Arctic fox vulnerable when these creatures are low in number(Arctic Fox, n.d)s. Thirdly, The scarcity of prey is the most prevalent threat for the Arctic fox. Disease and genetic pollution of the species by foxes bred in captivity also threaten this species(Arctic Fox, n.d). Furthermore, Temperatures in the Arctic are rising at twice the rate of the rest of the world(Arctic Fox, n.d). Warming temperatures are linked to many changes in the Arctic, including reduced sea ice, melting permafrost and rising sea levels(Arctic Fox, n.d). Additionally, The Arctic fox was impacted tremendously by the fur trade because of its extremely high-quality pelt. It’s still hunted now for its fur, particularly by native populations who live in close proximity to them(Arctic Fox, n.d). Fourthly, it is clear that the Arctic Fox is a lower threatened species(Arctic Fox, n.d). The fur trade has decreased dramatically and the Arctic fox is not as vulnerable to overexploitation as it once was. (Arctic Fox, n.d)

Finally, WWF works to make sure fragile ecosystems are supported and protected. We mitigate the effects of climate change to ensure the survival of the Arctic fox and other species. (Arctic Fox, n.d)

In summary, species are assessed by their level of risk to conserve species. There are 9 risk levels, two of which are red panda and arctic fox. the arctic fox is a species with a higher extinction rate. Government should avoid hunting and protecting the environment to avoid that they may be greatly reduced in the future and endangered.

References

1. Australianmuseum.(2019,Feb 14).Conservation Status- What does it mean?.Retrieved from https://australianmuseum.net.au/learn/animals/conservation-status-what-does-it-mean/
2. World wildlife.(n,d). Red Panda.Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/red-panda
3. Wikipedia. (n,d). IUCN Red List. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_panda
4. Wikipedia. (n,d). IUCN Red List. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_fox
5. Theguardian(n,d). Environment. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/27/world-on-track-to-lose-two-thirds-of-wild-animals-by-2020-major-report-warns