Tropical Rainforest & Endangered Animals

Tropical rain forests are shrinking at an alarming rate due to human destruction. Approximately half the world's animals live in rain forests, yet rain forests only cover 2 percent of the globe. Because the rain forests are disappearing, many animals that live in them are endangered. The following list provides information on some of the well-known endangered animals in the rain forest.

Golden Lion Tamarind Monkey

The golden lion tamarind or golden marmoset is one of the most endangered animals in the world. The tamarind monkey is nearly extinct because of its strawberry-blond fur, which poachers can sell in the black market for close to $20,000.

Gorilla

About 80 percent of the gorilla population has become extinct. Gorillas are found primarily in the West Central Africa rain forests. Gorillas face threats from hunters, change in quality of habitat and diseases, such as the Ebola virus.

Jaguar

The magnificent jaguar cat is facing complete extinction. Jaguars are threatened by poachers who hunt the cat and the destruction of its rain forest habitat.

Orangutan

The orangutan's population has declined approximately 80 percent in the last 75 years. Destruction of habitat, hunting and commercial trapping for the wild animal trade have led to the orangutan's near extinction.

Toucan

Toucans are mostly found in the rain forests of Central and South America. Many of its 40 different species are endangered. Toucans are threatened by habitat loss and capture for commercial pet markets.

References

• Tropical Rain Forests
• Liza's Reef-Endangered Rain Forest Animals