Why are they Endangered?

The Bornean Orang-Utan is now recognized as a different species from its Sumatra relative. It is estimated that about one third of Borneo’s Orang-Utan populations were lost during the 1997/98 forest fires.

On the Indonesian side or Borneo, populations of this subspecies are not faring well either. Although some populations live inside protected areas, illegal logging still takes place within these areas and hence remains a major threat to the survival of the species.

The Sumatran Orang-Utan is the most endangered of the two Orang-Utan species, and differs from its Borneo relative to some extents in appearance and behavior. Found only in the Northern and Western provinces of Sumatra, Indonesia, the species is losing fast its natural habitat to agriculture and human settlements.

Did you Know?

There are two types or Orang-Utans in the world, the Bornean Orang-Utan and the Sumatran Orang-Utan

There are only 7500 Sumatran Orang-Utans left in the wild

Orang-Utan’s genetic make up is 97% the same as humans

Orang-Utan predators include Tigers, Leopards & large Pythons

How Big?

Up to 5 ft 9 Inches & 100 kg

Where In The World?

Borneo & Northern Sumatra

Favourite Food!

Fruit

Why are they Endangered?

The main reason for the dramatic fall in numbers of Amur Leopards is a combination of habitat destruction and illegal poaching for the fur trade. The distribution of the Amur Leopard has been reduced to a fraction of its original range. It once extended throughout north-eastern China and throughout the Korean Peninsula. The species range in Russia was dramatically reduced during the seventies, losing about 80% of its former range.

Still all is not lost. Even now large tracts of forest, which are ideal leopard habitat exist. If these areas can be protected from unsustainable logging, rampant forest fires and poaching of wildlife, the chance exists to increase the population of the subspecies in the wild.

The Amur Leopards are directly related to the Amur (Siberian) Tiger whose numbers were as low as 40 but due to vigorous anti-poaching and other conservation efforts by the Russian government with support from many partners, including WWF, the Amur Tiger population recovered and has remained stable throughout the last decade.

Did you Know?

The Amur Leopard is the cousin of the Amur Tiger, better known as the Siberian Tiger

There are less than 40 Amur Leopards left in the wild

The length of the coat changes between 2.5cm in summer and 7.5cm in winter

It can jump 6m horizontally and 3m vertically

How Big?

Up to 4 ft 6 Inches & 48 kg

Where In The World?

East Asia

Favourite Food!

Hares, Deer & Rodents

Why are they Endangered?

The Giant Panda is the rarest member of the bear family and among the world’s most threatened animals. Today, the Giant Panda’s future remains uncertain. As China’s economy continues to rapidly develop, this Bamboo-Eating member of the Bear family faces a number of threats.

Its forest habitat, in the mountainous areas of Southwest China, is increasingly fragmented by roads and railroads. Habitat loss continues to occur outside of protected areas, while poaching remains an ever-present threat.

Great strides have been made in recent years to conserve the Giant Pandas. By 2005, the Chinese Government had established over 50 Panda reserves. Protecting more than 2.5 million acres, over 45 percent of the remaining Panda habitat and more than 60 percent of the population. They have also maintained “Bamboo Corridors”, strips of undisturbed land through which the Pandas can travel comfortably from mountain to mountain is search of food.

Did you Know?

Pandas only digest 20% of what they eat, that’s why they have to eat a lot – nearly 15% of their own body weight everyday!

There are less than 2000 Pandas left in the wild

Pandas are very shy animals and won’t go into places humans live

The Chinese translation for Panda translates as “Large Bear-Cat”

How Big?

Up to 6 ft & 160 kgs

Where In The World?

South West China

Favourite Food!

Bamboo Shoots & Leaves

Why are they Endangered?

Rhinos once roamed throughout Eurasia and Africa. They were known to early Europeans who depicted them in cave paintings. Within historical times, Rhinos were still widespread in the African savannas and the tropical forests of Asia. Today however, very few Rhinos now survive outside national parks and reserves.

Since 1970, the Black Rhino population, native to Southern and East Africa has declined by 90% to less than 3,000. They are killed primarily for their horns, and to a lesser extent by loss of habitat. Arab nations have historically been a major market for the Rhino Horn to make ornately carved handles for ceremonial daggers called jambiyas. Trade of Rhinos has been banned for more than twenty years.

Both the Javan and Sumatran Rhinos are listed on the IUCN’s red list as critically endangered and the Indian Rhino is also listed as endangered.

Did you Know?

Both Black and White Rhinos are actually grey – they are different not in colour but in lip shape

There are less than 3000 Black Rhinos left in the wild

Rhinos can’t see well, so they sometimes charge objects like trees and rocks mistaking them as threats

If a Rhino catches a scent of a human, it is likely to charge

How Big?

Up to 6 ft & 1400 kg

Where In The World?

Africa

Favourite Food!

Plants, Bushes & Fruit