what are some animals that will be extinct by 2025

Mac Grediser

2 min read

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27-11-2024

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Will Any Animals Go Extinct by 2025? A Look at Critically Endangered Species

The year 2025 feels close, and the idea of animal extinctions happening within such a short timeframe is alarming. While predicting the exact date of an extinction is incredibly difficult and depends on many factors – including conservation efforts, habitat loss rates, and unforeseen events – several species are critically endangered and face a very high risk of disappearing within the next few years, or soon after. It's crucial to understand that "extinction by 2025" is a highly unlikely scenario for most species, even those critically endangered. However, some populations may experience functional extinction (where so few individuals remain that reproduction is impossible) within that timeframe.

It's important to avoid sensationalism. While the following species face imminent threats, claiming definitive extinction by 2025 is misleading. Instead, we should focus on their precarious situation and the urgent need for conservation action.

Species Facing Extremely High Risk of Extinction (Within the Next Few Years or Soon After):

Several species warrant significant concern, though predicting extinction by a specific year remains impossible. These are categorized as critically endangered by organizations like the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature):

• Amur Leopard: Habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict severely threaten this elusive big cat. While significant conservation efforts are underway, the population remains incredibly small, making it vulnerable to catastrophic events. Their extinction is not imminent in 2025, but their future is uncertain.

• Saola (Asian Unicorn): This incredibly rare bovine species is exceptionally elusive and little is known about its current population size. Poaching and habitat loss are major threats. Its extremely low numbers make it highly vulnerable.

• Vaquita: This small porpoise is critically endangered, primarily due to entanglement in illegal fishing nets. Despite conservation efforts, the population continues to decline dramatically. Their extinction could occur much sooner than 2025 if action is not taken.

• Cross River Gorilla: Habitat loss, human encroachment, and poaching significantly impact this critically endangered gorilla subspecies. Their numbers are dwindling, and their future is highly uncertain.

• Sumatran Orangutan: Deforestation for palm oil plantations is the primary driver of their decline. Their populations are drastically shrinking, and while unlikely to be extinct by 2025, their survival remains critically threatened in the long term.

Important Considerations:

• Extinction isn't a single event: Species decline gradually. Functional extinction (where reproduction becomes impossible) often precedes complete extinction.
• Conservation efforts matter: Many organizations are actively working to protect these endangered species. Success hinges on continued funding and global cooperation.
• Focusing on specific years is unproductive: The focus should be on addressing the underlying threats: habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict.

While no species is definitively predicted to go extinct by 2025, the alarming decline of the species listed above underscores the urgent need for increased conservation efforts and global awareness. The future of these magnificent creatures hangs in the balance, and decisive action is crucial for their survival.