World-famous wildlife at risk

Tanzania supports the greatest quantity of wildlife in all Africa, yet it may shock you to know that 762 species of animal found in this country are either endangered or critically endangered – a status given when last-resort efforts are required to avoid their near-future extinction. Here Samana Karim identifies some of the iconic creatures on that list and reveals how we can all play a part in ensuring they remain part of Tanzania’s rich wildlife tapestry.

If an animal is listed as endangered International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), what exactly does that mean and is there anything that can be done to rescue the species from terminal decline?

The definition applies to any species that is at risk of extinction because of a sudden rapid decrease in population or a loss of its critical habitat. Endangered species come in all different shapes and sizes, can be a plant or animal, living on land or sea.

So far, more than 96,500 species have been assessed for the IUCN’s Red List and more than 26,500 of those are endangered or critically endangered. Experts say the rapid loss of species is 1,000 to 10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate (the time it would take if we humans were not involved).

There are many species in Tanzania which are categorised as being endangered or critically endangered

Global crisis

Unfortunately and in many cases, the increasing number of endangered species is due to little more than human greed. The illegal wildlife trade is valued between US$ 50 to US$150 billion per year and is one of the most profitable global crimes. Illegal trading and killing of wild animals is a global crisis, with species being hunted to extinction for their horns, skins, and teeth.

There are many species in Tanzania which are categorised as being endangered or critically endangered, including iconic species such as the black rhino, chimpanzee, African wild dog, white-bellied pangolin, Thomson’s gazelle and lesser kudu.

The precarious status of black rhino, in particular, is a source of shame for mankind. These massive browsing herbivores can be found in eastern and southern Africa. Though they have been living on earth for nearly 12 million years, there are now very few of them left.

Tanzania had many black rhinos in the 1960s, but the number decreased due to poaching between the 1970s and late 1980s. Since the 1990s Tanzania has committed to fight against poachers to conserve the few remaining black rhinos. Humans are the adult rhinos’ only predator in the wild and they are killed for their valuable horns, which are sold as decorations, for medicinal use and as aphrodisiacs.

Black rhino

Although the number of black rhino is very low, some of the best sightings are usually in the Ngorongoro Crater where the short grass plains make the them easily noticeable. The black rhino has incredible hearing as well as a heightened sense of smell. It has two horns which are made of keratin (a type of protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails) instead of bone. They only consume vegetation and can live up to 45 years.

The future of endangered animals is in our hands. One of the greatest arguments for saving endangered animals is for us and our future generations to enjoy and see incredible species interact. Everything is connected and therefore if an animal or a plant is removed, it then distorts the balance of nature, changes the ecosystem and, may cause other animals to suffer in the food chain.

How we can help

There are many things we can do to help endangered animals, here are a few suggestions.

Raise awareness

Spend time doing some research of endangered species around the world or specifically in your country or area. Spread the word by reposting on social media, educate friends and family. People are more likely to want to save animals if they know about them.

Support someone

Support an organisation and charity that helps the conservation of endangered species Volunteer and donate to organisations that support animals to thrive, for example- Conservation Serengeti and TANAPA which are both committed to conserve the rich natural heritage of the Serengeti where some of the endangered species inhabit.

Shop ethically

Be mindful of what your products contain. Avoid buying products that include material from endangered animals such as rhino horn.

Be an ethical tourist

Sometimes when we travel, we don’t realise that the souvenirs we are purchasing are under threat. Avoid supporting the market in illegal wildlife such as tortoise shell and coral.

There is a lot more we can do to protect vulnerable species from extinction, but we must make the changes now. Everyone who plays their responsible role helps protect these glorious species for the present and future generations to experience and enjoy.