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Poaching: A Devastating Threat to Wildlife

Endangered Species Day: A Look at Seven Species at Risk

Poaching, the illegal killing and trade of wildlife, has become a major threat to the survival of many species. On Endangered Species Day, we take a closer look at seven species that are facing the threat of extinction due to poaching:

African Elephants: Once numbering in the millions, African elephants have been decimated by poachers seeking their ivory tusks. There are now just over 400,000 elephants across the African continent, and their numbers continue to decline.

African Buffalo: In many countries, African buffalo are poached for bushmeat. The sale of bushmeat is a major source of income for poachers, and it is leading to a decline in buffalo populations across Africa.

Rhinos: Rhinos are targeted by poachers for their horns, which are used in traditional medicine in some cultures. Rhino poaching has reached crisis levels in recent years, and several subspecies of rhinos are now critically endangered.

Tigers: Tigers are poached for their fur, bones, and other body parts. Tiger poaching is a major threat to tiger populations in Asia, and it is estimated that there are now less than 4,000 tigers remaining in the wild.

Pangolins: Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world. They are poached for their scales, which are used in traditional medicine in some cultures. Pangolin populations are declining rapidly, and several species are now critically endangered.

Saiga Antelopes: Saiga antelopes are poached for their horns, which are used in traditional medicine in some cultures. Saiga antelope populations have declined by more than 90% in recent years, and the species is now critically endangered.

Vaquitas: Vaquitas are the smallest living species of cetacean. They are found only in the Gulf of California, and they are critically endangered due to bycatch in fishing nets. There are now only about 60 vaquitas remaining in the wild.

Poaching is a serious threat to the survival of many species. It is a crime that not only affects wildlife, but also has a devastating impact on local communities and economies. On Endangered Species Day, we must all work together to end poaching and protect our planet's precious wildlife.