By Oluremi Adeoye
Africa is home to a diverse array of exotic animals, many of which are unfortunately at risk of extinction due to a variety of factors such as poaching, habitat loss, and climate change. Here are some examples of exotic animals in Africa that are currently endangered or threatened:
African Elephant: The African elephant is the largest land animal in the world and is found in several countries across the continent. However, they are at risk due to habitat loss and poaching for their ivory tusks. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), African elephants are classified as vulnerable, with populations in some areas declining by as much as 50% in recent decades.
Black Rhino: The black rhino is a critically endangered species found in several countries in southern and eastern Africa. They are threatened by poaching for their horns, which are highly valued in some parts of the world for their supposed medicinal properties. The IUCN estimates that there are only around 5,500 black rhinos remaining in the wild.
Chimpanzee: Chimpanzees are one of our closest relatives, with genetic similarities of over 98%. They are found in several countries in central and western Africa, but their populations are declining due to habitat loss and poaching for the bushmeat trade. The IUCN classifies chimpanzees as endangered, with populations in some areas declining by up to 90% in recent decades.
Mountain Gorilla: The mountain gorilla is a critically endangered species found in the forests of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and civil unrest in the region. The IUCN estimates that there are only around 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild.
Pangolin: The pangolin is a unique and highly endangered mammal found in several countries in Africa. They are threatened by habitat loss, poaching for their meat and scales, which are highly valued in some parts of the world for their supposed medicinal properties. According to the IUCN, all eight species of pangolin are threatened with extinction.
These are just a few examples of the exotic animals in Africa that are currently at risk of extinction. It is important that we take action to protect these species and their habitats, through measures such as anti-poaching patrols, habitat conservation, and public education about the importance of wildlife conservation. By working together, we can help to ensure that these amazing creatures continue to thrive in the wild for generations to come.
Adeoye resides in The United Kingdom.