There was a time when animals like the mammoth and the saber-toothed tiger existed. Fast track to now, we only see them in books. This has not stopped as animals are quickly becoming extinct. Animals we are used to seeing will soon be something of the past. Which are the most endangered animals in Africa? Which animal won’t we be able to see in the next few years?

Image: facebook.com, @Uwe Bölke

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Animals are becoming extinct due to very many reasons. Some of the most common causes are poaching, loss of habitat and human factors. One of the common human factor is deforestation. Which animal do you think is likely to be in danger of not being there in the next couple of years?

1. Addax

This is the most endangered animal in Africa at the moment. The reason for their dropping numbers is due to hunting and drought. They stay in the desert, and there are about 200-300 of them left at the moment. They eat grass and herbs.

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Source: Facebook

2. Ethiopian Wolf

Their decline in numbers is due to a steady decline in their habitat and diseases. They are about 400-550 of them left. This is the only wolf found in Africa.

3. Mountain Gorilla

These gorillas are becoming extinct at a breakneck rate. There are only found in three countries at the moment and just in four national parks. These national parks are Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Virunga National Park.

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They are becoming endangered due to destroyed habitat, poaching and human diseases like the flu. There are about 900 of them left. They are true herbivores.

4. Pygmy Hippopotamus

There are about 1500 of them at the moment. Their decline in numbers is due to deforestation and hunting. They usually stay in the river during the day and come out to eat during the night. They eat grass, roots, leaves and fruit.

5. African Wild Dog

They are at risk due to diseases and human interference like hunting them for food. They are slightly over 4000 of them left.

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6. Black Rhinoceros

They eat twigs, plants and herbs. They are over 3500 black rhinos left. They are highly endangered due to them being poached for their horns.

7. Cheetah

This is the fastest land mammal. They are carnivores that are becoming extinct due to loss of habitat and human interference such as deforestation. There are about 14000 of them left.

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Source: Facebook

8. African Lion

This King is also threatened. You could think the lion being one of the fiercest animals alive would make it better equipped for survival, but that is not the case. They are about 22000 African Lions accounted for. Their main reason for facing extinction is being poisoned, being hunted and losing their habitat.

9. African Penguin

Yes, Africa has penguins. You need to go to see them before they are no more. The biggest threats to this species are commercial fisheries, getting caught up in nets and oil spills. They eat anchovies and sardines.

10. African Elephant

There are a little over 600,000 left. The reason for this decline in numbers is due to them being poached and their loss of habitat. They are the largest terrestrial mammals, and they eat shrubs, fruits, branches, shoots and leaves.

That is a list of the most endangered animals in Africa. We need to do all we can to ensure that these animals do not become extinct. I don’t know if it will be possible, but we could at least try. From the list above, which animal have you ever seen? Which animal would you hate to see extinct? Leave your views and comments about this in the comments section below.

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