Endangered Animals of Malawi
Malawi, located in southeastern Africa, is home to numerous endangered species, most critically the black rhinoceros. Many volunteer organizations and wildlife refugees count and preserve Malawi's animal populations.
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Types
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According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), "vulnerable" means that the number of a species is declining and should be monitored. "Endangered" means that the numbers have dropped significantly, 50 percent over three generations. And "critically endangered" means extinction is likely because the numbers have been reduced by 80 percent.
Significance
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The black rhinoceros is critically endangered; Malawi is home to 10 of the remaining 2,500 black rhinos left worldwide. The only species classified by the IUCN as endangered in Malawi is the wild dog, lycaon pictus.
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Causes
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The cause for the demise of the black rhino is poaching for the horn. The wild dog suffers from loss of habitat and disease.
Considerations
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In wildlife reserves, armed guards watch black rhinos; exuberant poachers have been known to kill a guard to gain access to a rhinoceros.
Potential
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The Endangered Species of Malawi is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to tracking and protecting the animals of Malawi. They currently track the black rhino, buffalo, eland, zebra, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and the roan and sable antelopes.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Cliff
