Animals facing extinction is a process that has been happening since the dawn of our planet. Although many extinctions happened due to natural events, the most recent extinctions have been mainly caused by human interference. Thankfully, there are a few species that have managed to come back from the brink and are steadily recovering.
Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon was first recognized as an endangered animal in 1973. The bird had suffered from habitat loss and overhunting. The population took a steeper dive when DDT, an insecticide, was introduced, causing harm across many ecosystems. Thankfully, DDT was quickly banned and the bird became protected under multiple laws. The population is now thriving again.
Bald Eagle
Despite being the symbol of America, the bald eagle was also effected by DDT poisoning and their population dwindled. With DDT being banned and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) being passed in 1973, they have recovered remarkably well.
Steller Sea Lion
The Steller sea lion’s eastern population was considered threatened due to overhunting, and predator control programs. With recovery efforts targeting the distinct eastern species, their numbers have come up in recent years, and will hopefully continue to rise.
American Alligator
The American Alligator’s population took a dive in the 1900s due to a huge demand for their skin. This coupled with habitat loss meant that their population had taken a major hit. With laws in place protecting their habitat and population, they are thriving again.
One Horned Rhino
The greater one-horned rhino, just like other rhino species, took a massive population hit due to the demand for ivory, keeping illegal poaching at an all-time high. Thankfully, through conservation efforts, including anti-poaching teams, they have slightly recovered, although their status is still vulnerable.
Black-Footed Ferret
The black-footed ferret has faced numerous challenged including the decline of their best food source – the prairie dog. Alongside food supply being short, there have been rampant sylvatic plague outbreaks among their population. They were though to be extinct 50 years ago but a population has been found in Wyoming.
Humpback Whale
In the mid-twentieth century, the whaling industry was one of the largest large-scale production on Earth. Whale oil was used in many innovative ways, but it lead to a massive blow in the humpback whale population. Since then, they have been protected by law, and whaling is internationally banned.
Green Sea Turtle
The green sea turtle is another victim of overhunting for their prized shell and their meat. Their population has also declined due to coastal habitat loss. Pollution and fishing are also responsible in their own right. Conservation efforts like nesting protection on beaches and international agreements have lead to the slow uptick of this species.
Whooping Crane
In the 1800s, the whooping crane was the victim of overhunting and habitat loss. By the early 1940s, 15 whooping cranes remained on the planet. Thankfully, this species has been brought back from the brink through habitat restoration and breeding programs.
Puerto Rican Parrot
There are many reasons for the decline in the Puerto Rican parrot population in the past, including habitat loss, invasive predators like snakes and rats, and even natural disasters like hurricanes. They have been part of many conservation programs for the last 50 years, which has helped improve their population.
Robbins’ Cinquefoil
Robbins’ Cinquefoil is a unique plant that grows in the mountains of New Hampshire. The species has faced extinction due to human encroachment and invasive species. The plant’s concentrated population also led to their endangerment. With habitat preservation halted more habitat loss, the population is able to rise in numbers again.
California Condor
By the 1980s, the California condor was in serious trouble. Their population wasn’t even 30-strong. This was due to lead poisoning and poaching, among other reasons. Thankfully, since 1987, the species has been part of breeding programs and protective laws, ensuring that their population could grow to more than 400 now.
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