Endangered Animals of Tanzania

According to LonelyPlanet.com, Tanzania has around 430 animal species living in the country. And nearly 200 of those animal species are listed as "endangered" or "critically endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Factors we can control are the main reasons for animal extinction, and knowing what animals need our help is the first step in rising animal populations.

Basra Reed Warbler

The Basra Reed Warbler is a small bird listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as "endangered," and its numbers have been declining steadily for the past half-century. Habitat destruction to the wetlands the bird lives in is the major cause of the animal's population decrease.

Tanzanian Shrew

The Tanzanian Shrew is a mouse-like mammal that lives in the East and West Usambara Mountains and numbers in its population have been decreasing. Reasons for its demise are logging and human population growth in the habitat.

Black Rhino

One of the most endangered animals in Africa is the black rhino, which is listed as critically endangered. Poaching for Chinese medicines and other uses, like knife handles, had a hand. Their numbers dropped by over 90 percent over the last 60 years.

Rondo Bushbaby

The Rondo Bushbaby, also called the Rondo Dwarf Galago, is a primate endemic to Tanzania and is also listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. It can be found in only seven patches of forest, the patches left after logging. Logging continues today, which is why this creature's numbers keep dwindling.

Usambara Blue-bellied Frog

The Usambara Blue-bellied Frog is a species found only in Tanzania in the East Usambara Mountains and the Nguu Mountains. Threats include heavy deforestation and agriculture growth in the area, along with illegal gold miners in the mountains.

Other Animals

There are 192 listed as "endangered" or "critically endangered" in Tanzania, according to the IUCN Red List, and there are even more animals listed as "vulnerable" or "threatened." Other animals on the endangered list include: Green Turtle, Tanzanian Woolly Bat, African Wild Dog, Sokoke Scops-owl and Hammerhead Shark.

References

• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
• Lonely Planet Tanzania Animals
• Tanzania Conservation

Resources

• IUCN Red List of Threatened Specie