10 animals on the verge of extinction

January 12, 8:58 PMScience ExaminerTrina Hoaks

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Siberian Tiger 

There are many animals that are in danger of becoming extinct. Live Science has issued a list of the 10 Species You Can Kiss Goodbye. The list, in reverse order, includes:

10. California Condor
This bird is one of the longest living on the planet. It also happens to be one of the rarest birds left – only 332 are known to exist.
 
9. Sumatran Orangutan
Habitat loss and poaching are the two main reason attributed to the dwindling population of the smallest of the orangutans. Because the breed so slowly, it is difficult for them to keep procreate at the same rate they are being destroyed.

 8. Ganges Shark
This shark is a resident of India’s Ganges River. Though it is highly sought after for its oil, pollution and river utilization are among the biggest reasons it is disappearing.

7. Mountain Gorilla
 Only 720 Mountain Gorillas still exist. Deforestation and hunting are leading causes of its decline.
 
6. Philippine Crocodile
In 1995, there were only 100 adult crocodiles of this type known about. As the report states, that “mak[es] the animal one of the most severely threatened species on the planet.”
 
5. Black-footed Ferret
These cute little critters are on decline because their grasslands have been lost to himan development. Other factors have contributed to the decline as well, including, disease and pest elimination programs.
 
4. Siberian Tiger
It is estimated that only approximately 400 of the majestic creatures still exist. Poaching and habitat loss are among the primary reasons there are so few left.
 
3. Red Wolf
There are approximately 250 of these animals left. They have lost their habitats to human development. Further, they have been eliminated due to predator control programs. They have also mated with coyotes, as there were fewer common mates available.

2. Western Gray Whale
There are 100 of these whales left of which only 23 are females capable of reproduction. Oil companies have annexed their waters and are leading them to distinction.
 
1. Sumatran Rhinoceros
Because illegal poaching of these animals can yield $30,000 per kilogram for its horn, there are only about 300 of these animals left. Zoologists have had little success breeding them in captivity.