Endangered Animals in South Africa

South Africa is blessed with bounties of nature. A large number of animals inhabit this country. But, economic development, rapid urbanization, deforestation, and expansion of agricultural lands have caused habitat loss to many endangered animals in South Africa.

About endangered animals in South Africa

A total of 299 species of mammals inhabit South Africa. According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 2 animal species are critically endangered, 11 species are endangered, 15 species have been categorized as vulnerable, and 13 species are considered as near-threatened.

The Riverine Rabbit and the Giant Golden Mole are species of critically endangered animals in South Africa. Black Rhino and Pangolin are among the species of endangered animals. In the same way, Savannah Buffalo, the Wild Dog, the Roan Antelope, Samango monkey, Oribi, Tsessebe Antelope, and African elephants are some of the other endangered animals in South Africa. Blue Antelope and the Quagga are believed to have become extinct.

There are 800 species of birds found in South Africa. Of these bird species, 26 species are considered as vulnerable. Some of them are the Jackass Penguin, Cape Vulture, Cape Parrot, Martial Eagle, and the Bateleur. The Graceful Wattled Crane, Egyptian Vulture, Blue Swallow, Roseate Tern, and the Blackrumped Buttonquail are the five bird species categorized as endangered.

In the same way, of the total of 370 species of reptiles and amphibians, 21 of them are considered as vulnerable, and six species are categorized as endangered animals. Of the 220 species of freshwater fishes found in South Africa, 21 species are considered as vulnerable.

Causes of endangerment of animals in South Africa

Black Rhinos are mostly found in captivity in the national parks and nature reserves of South Africa. In a survey conducted in 2003, only 1284 numbers of them were found to be alive. They are poached for their horns, which is a severe threat to their survival. World Wildlife Federation (WWF) has reported that more than 300 rhinos were killed in 2010, and 28 rhinos have already been killed since January 2011.

The Wild Dogs in South Africa are endangered due to infectious diseases, conflict with other species, and loss of their habitat. Samango monkeys are threatened for their survival because of habitat loss in the indigenous forests in eastern part of the country. Oribi and Tsessebe Antelopes are also facing the problem of habitat loss. The African elephants are widely hunted for their ivory-tusks, which are in great demand in the international market.

Moreover, trade in the body-parts of the endangered animals has added to their endangerment. The body-parts of some animals are believed to have healing effects, and are used in traditional medicines. The horns of rhinoceros are believed to possess aphrodisiac properties.

Conservation of endangered animals in South Africa

Conservation of the endangered animals in South Africa has gained importance with the government. 582 national parks and nature reserves have been set up throughout the country. About 90 percent of the endangered animals in the region are found in these protected areas.

Therefore, some timely efforts have been initiated for the protection of the endangered animals in South Africa.