7 Critically Endangered Animals in Africa

1. Black Rhino There are fewer than 2,500 Black Rhino remaining with numbers still

declining due to the current poaching for its horn.

One of the oldest mammals on the earth

Brought back from the brink of extinction once before (1970s)

These huge beasts can run up to 55mph (88kph)

Found mainly in South Africa.

2. Pangolin One of the most endangered mammals on the planet due to poaching for

its flesh and scales.

Also known as the Scaly Ant Eater

Very picky eaters, mostly insectivores

Rolls up into a scaly, almost impenetrable, ball for protection

Found in the tropical regions of Africa and Asia.

3. Elephants

80% of the African Elephant population has been decimated by trophy

hunting and ivory poaching.

Currently 30,000 to 40,0000 are poached annually

Massive herds used to roam the African continent

Matriarchal social groups are highly intelligent and compassionate

Found throughout Central and Southern Africa.

4. Gorilla Three Gorilla species are declining at alarming rates due to poaching and

habitat loss leaving very few in number.

About 5,000 Western Lowland; 300 Cross River; 700 Mountain

Gorillas share 98.3% of their genetic code with humans

Unlike King Kong they are mostly shy passive animals

Found in the Central Region of Africa, mainly the Congo Basin.

5. Leatherback Turtle

Their biggest threats are egg harvesting, being caught in commercial

shrimping nets and plastic shopping bags.

Populations have collapsed in the Pacific and South West Atlantic

The largest sea turtle species (6’ long, 1,400lbs)

A major jellyfish predator keeping populations in check

Large migratory routes across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

6. Addax

The Addax is at the brink of existence due to frenzied unregulated hunting

for its skin and habitat loss.

Very rare with fewer than 300 remaining in the wild

Adapted to thrive in harsh desert temperatures with little vegetation

Long 2.5ft twisted horns on a smaller 3ft antelope

Once roamed the enormous deserts covering most of North Africa.

7. Painted Dogs Only 7,000 remaining in the wild they are seen as a threat to livestock and

trapped, poisoned and shot by farmers.

Not really a dog but a species all on their own

Very cohesive efficient pack hunters

Can reach speeds of 44mph (71kph)

Found in Southern Africa.

Is There Hope For Their Survival?

With the never ending battle against poaching, and human populations

ever expanding, wildlife is at increasingly high risk. According to the World

Wildlife Fund, in the time is takes you to read this page, one of our planet’s

species will become extinct. By this time tomorrow 150–200 more will have

disappeared. And by this time next year, over 50,000 more will be lost.

Mind boggling! With the rapid decline in species who determines which

animals are critically endangered and in need of immediate attention?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is an international

organization focused on nature conservation and sustainable use of natural

resources. The IUCN scientists use population counts in the wild (and other

scientific measures) to determine a specie’s status.

Animals that are classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ have a 50%

probability of becoming extinct in the wild in the next 10 years. That is

not much time. There is much work to be done by everyone who cares.

All Is Not Lost!

Because there are passionate and committed people like Peter and Ellen

(above) involved to protect the rhino and the pangolin, there is hope.

Peter and his team protect rhino (and elephant) from poachers via

strategic on the ground and in the air (with drones) procedures that

detect, deter and apprehend poachers before they strike and kill.

Ellen and Lisa are the world’s leading experts on protecting the pangolin

from poachers via a variety of strategies, including working closely with

government and law enforcement officials.

Our mission at Nikela is to find people like Peter, Ellen and Lisa doing

good for Africa’s wildlife and introduce them to you.

Nikela is an on-line Community sharing the adventures of Margrit & Russ who travel Africa in an

old Land Rover looking for people doing good for Wildlife. Along their journey they find small but

significant Wildlife projects saving one animal at a time. Precious stories are shared of people

giving their all to Wildlife and funds are raised for their needs.

Who is Nikela?

Nikela is a nonprofit, on-line Community, sharing our (Margrit & Russ’)

adventures as we travel Africa in an old Land Rover looking for people

doing good for wildlife to introduce to you. We find small wildlife projects

saving one animal at a time and identify how we all can help.

Here’s how we’ve made a difference together:

“It is an amazing journey to live a mobile life style and do what we can to

help wildlife, people and beautiful, yet vulnerable Africa.” - Russ Harris

How You Can Help

1. Watch for info coming to your inbox to ‘ride along’ with us

2. Make a donation online today at www.Nikela.org/donate

3. Meet people doing good for wildlife, subscribe to our YouTube

Channel www.YouTube.com/NikelaWildlife

4. Don’t buy products made from wildlife body parts… ever.

Watch for the video & story about this tiny abandoned elephant

Learn why Shaun, Heather,

Jess, Mike, Wendy, Sandy

and others got involved

with Nikela

http://www.nikela.org/donate-volunteer-

contribute-nikela/