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The Earth's Silent Extinction Crisis
What Happened in 2018?
While the year 2018 did not witness any major wildlife extinctions, the Earth continues to lose animal species at an alarming rate of 1000 to 10000 times the expected rate. Sadly, these extinctions are a result of human activities, including habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
Animals That Went Extinct in 2018
Despite the lack of high-profile extinctions in 2018, several species were officially declared extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). These include:
- Panamanian golden frog (Atelopus zeteki): A vibrant amphibian that was once found in the rainforests of Panama, but has not been seen since 2009.
- Spix's macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii): A stunning blue parrot that was native to Brazil. The last known individual died in captivity in 2018.
- Western black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis longipes): A subspecies of rhinoceros that was once found in western Africa. The last known individual died in 2018.
Species on the Brink of Extinction
In addition to the species that went extinct in 2018, many others are on the brink of extinction. The vaquita, a small porpoise that lives in the Gulf of California, is considered to be the most endangered marine mammal on Earth. The Javan tiger, a subspecies of tiger that lives on the Indonesian island of Java, is also critically endangered. The Sumatran orangutan, a large ape that lives on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, is also facing severe threats.
Causes of Extinction
The primary causes of extinction are human activities, including:
- Habitat destruction: The clearing of forests, wetlands, and other natural habitats for development, agriculture, and other human purposes.
- Pollution: The release of harmful chemicals, plastics, and other pollutants into the environment, which can poison wildlife and damage their habitats.
- Climate change: The warming of the planet and changes in weather patterns, which can alter ecosystems and make it difficult for species to survive.
- Overexploitation: The excessive hunting, fishing, and harvesting of wildlife for food, fur, or other resources.
What Can We Do?
There are many things that can be done to address the extinction crisis, including:
- Protecting and restoring habitats: Governments and conservation organizations can work to protect and restore natural habitats for wildlife.
- Reducing pollution: Governments and industries can implement measures to reduce pollution and protect the environment.
- Addressing climate change: Governments and individuals can take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Raising awareness: Educating the public about the extinction crisis and its causes can help to build support for conservation efforts.
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