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Here at AllTheRooms we love animals and want to do our bit to help our beloved furry and slippery friends around the globe. It’s hard to believe that some species are becoming extinct — and these animals truly need our help more than ever. We take a look at the most endangered species in the world, and what you can do to help, from volunteering to donating and visiting sanctuaries when traveling:
1. Gorillas
One of humankind’s most similar species is losing its battle against a developing world. Gorillas are an incredible species, with a likeness to humans that has fascinated scientists and observers for centuries. Due to deforestation and industrial developments, some sub-species such as the Cross River Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas have been classified as Critically Endangered and Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The statistics are hard to believe, at present, there are only between 200-300 Cross River Gorillas left in the wild, and 900 Mountain Gorillas, meaning they are very close to extinction. One of the best ways to help is to visit the gorillas in places such as Dzanga-Sangha, as money from tourism goes a long way to preserve the species. Alternatively, donate to organizations such as the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF).
2. Sea Turtles
Two types of beautiful sea turtles, the Hawksbill Turtle and the Leatherback Turtle, are on the verge of extinction, with the Hawksbill Turtle being classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. There are several programs around the world where you can help Sea Turtles, such as projects in Costa Rica, where you can take part in monitoring nesting sea turtles, relocating eggs to safe hatching zones and releasing baby turtles into the ocean.
3. Sumatran Elephants
The Sumatran Elephant has suffered at the hands of deforestation and poaching, and there are now thought to be less than 2,000 existing in the wild. The elephants have been classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered, and they desperately need your help. These majestic animals are known for their peaceful nature and some of the best ways to help are to donate money to organizations, such as WWF, who support organizations on the ground teaming up to form wildlife patrol units and help to steer the elephants away from populated areas where they can come into contact with humans. If you want a more hands-on experience you can also volunteer with a program where you can help watch the elephants, and make sure they are safe, such as projects run by GoAbroad.
4. Borneo Orangutans
The Borneo Orangutan is native to the south pacific island of Borneo and this beautiful creature spends its days swinging around in the trees and is known to be the largest tree-dwelling animal in the world. The Borneo Orangutan is also known to be one of the slowest breeding mammals, meaning that efforts to help the critically endangered species face great difficulties. Visit one of the island’s orangutan sanctuaries, where you can donate money and support the cause, or donate your time and volunteer on one of the many projects listed by The Great Projects or Volunteer World.
5. Rhinos
The Rhino is one of the most powerful animals on the planet, and an unbelievably three of the five species in the Rhino family are critically endangered. These are the Black Rhino, the Javan Rhino, and the Sumatran Rhino. The numbers are truly shocking, there are only 67 Javan Rhino all of which live in Indonesia, and less than 80 of the Sumatran Rhino (as of September 2018). One of the best ways to help is to donate to organizations such as Save The Rhino International, who tackle illegal poaching, collaborate with local communities, and support park rangers by ensuring they have all the equipment they need to help protect the rhinos. You can also adopt a rhino, or give someone the gift of an adopted rhino, to help support the cause through organizations such as Helping Rhinos.
6. Amur Leopard
The stunning Amur Leopard is known for its winter survival skills, having lived in cold forests in Russia and northern China. There were thought to be only 60 left due to inbreeding, which led to low genetic diversity and abnormalities. However, conservation efforts in the last decade have improved the situation. You can help by supporting organizations such as ALTA who hope to ensure the big cats thrive in the wild. In the last decade, conservation incentives have seen the amount of Amur Leopards increase to around 4,000 cats, proving that with the right help, it’s possible to reverse near-extinction of species.