Tropical Rainforest Endangered Animals

Tropical rainforests are diverse and widely spread on the earth. The latitudes 30 degrees north and south of equator are covered by tropical rainforests. The world's largest tropical rainforest is the Amazon River basin. It is a home to one-tenth of species of animals in the world.

The tropical rainforests can be classified in categories such as evergreen wet forests, deciduous dry forests, mountain cloud forests, and mixed lowland forests. The lowland forests are biologically very rich, and a home to most endangered animals.

Rainforests cover about seven percent of the total world area, but half of the species of the world inhabit it. The diversity of tropical rainforests can be understood from the fact that a four square mile of rainforest contains 1,500 species of flowering plants, 750 species of trees, 60 species of amphibians, 150 species of butterflies, 125 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 100 species of reptiles.

The rainforest ecosystem has been developing for hundreds of millions of years, and survived the catastrophe of the Ice ages. The spreading of the frozen areas of North and South poles over much of the earth about 10,000 years ago caused a large number of extinction of endangered animals.

High temperature, rainfall, and humidity play a significant role in the growth of a great number of species in this region. Water is in abundance due to high precipitation throughout the year. Some of the world's amazing and unusual wildlife creatures are found in the tropical rainforests. Here are some tropical rainforest endangered animals:

Golden Lion Tamarind Monkey: It is found in the lowland coastal region of Brazil, and is one of the most endangered animals in the world. It is hunted for its strawberry-blond fur, which can bear a premium price of $20,000 in the black market.

Gorilla: About eighty percent of Gorillas have become extinct. They are primarily found in the rainforests of West Central Africa. Threat from hunters, habitat loss, and disease such as ebola virus are the major causes of their declining numbers.

Orangutan: Their numbers have declined by eighty percent in the last seventy-five years. Habitat loss, hunting, and trapping for trade have made them endangered animals. They are mainly found in the rainforests of the islands of Java and Sumatra.

Jaguar: This species of big cat is found in Mexico, and the Central and South American rainforests. Loss of rainforest habitat and threat from poachers has made them endangered animals.

Toucan: They are mostly found in the Central and South American rainforests. Habitat loss and capture for commercial pet markets have endangered their existence.

Bengal Tiger: They are primarily found in the eastern province of India, but they have also been located in Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Large-scale poaching and habitat loss has made them endangered animals.

Harpy Eagle: They are found in the lowland rainforests of Central and South America. Habitat loss and hunting are the main reasons for their endangerment.

Therefore, checking of deforestation will keep the tropical rainforests intact. It will help to protect wildlife, water catchments, soil preservation, and stabilization of global climate.