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 may seem like a distant future, but for many species teetering on the brink of extinction, it represents a critical juncture. While predicting the exact timing of an extinction is inherently difficult, several animals are facing such severe threats that their survival beyond 2025 is highly uncertain. It's important to clarify that while some species could face extinction by 2025, it's unlikely any will completely disappear in such a short timeframe. The focus should be on the imminent risk these species face and the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Instead of focusing on a definitive list of animals "extinct by 2025" – a prediction that's practically impossible – let's examine some species currently facing extremely high extinction risks and the factors driving them towards oblivion.

Critically Endangered Species Facing Imminent Threats:

Several species are classified as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), meaning they face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Some examples include:

• Amur Leopard: Habitat loss and poaching have decimated the Amur leopard population, leaving only a few hundred individuals in the wild. While conservation efforts are underway, their future remains precarious. Complete extinction by 2025 is unlikely but their numbers could decline significantly, placing them even closer to the brink.

• Vaquita: This incredibly rare porpoise is found only in the Gulf of California. Entanglement in illegal fishing nets (used to catch totoaba fish for their swim bladders) is the primary threat, driving the population towards extinction. Their numbers are so critically low that their survival beyond 2025 is highly questionable.

• Saola (Asian Unicorn): This incredibly elusive bovine species, nicknamed the "Asian unicorn," is incredibly rare and its population size is unknown, but believed to be incredibly small. Habitat loss and poaching continue to threaten its existence. While some evidence suggests the saola may still persist, any potential population is exceedingly vulnerable.

• Cross River Gorilla: Habitat loss and poaching are the main threats to these gorillas found in the rainforests of Cameroon and Nigeria. Their fragmented populations are extremely vulnerable to disease outbreaks and further habitat destruction. Their survival beyond 2025 is very much dependent on effective conservation initiatives.

Important Note: The extinction of a species is not a sudden event. It’s often a gradual process. These animals might not be entirely extinct by 2025, but their populations could be reduced to such critically low numbers that they are functionally extinct, meaning they lack the genetic diversity and population size to ensure long-term survival.

What Can Be Done?

The plight of these critically endangered animals highlights the urgent need for increased conservation efforts, including:

• Habitat protection and restoration: Protecting and restoring crucial habitats is vital for their survival.
• Anti-poaching measures: Strengthening law enforcement and community-based conservation programs can help curb poaching.
• Sustainable development initiatives: Promoting sustainable practices in areas where these animals live can reduce human-wildlife conflict.
• Increased funding for conservation research: More research is needed to better understand the challenges these species face and develop effective conservation strategies.

While predicting the exact fate of these species by 2025 is impossible, their precarious situation demands immediate and decisive action. The coming years will be critical in determining whether we can prevent these magnificent animals from disappearing forever.