Category Biology

               The Persian leopard is one of the largest recognized subspecies of leopard. Also called a Caucasian leopard, or a Central Asian leopard, it is seen predominantly in Iran, and sporadically across countries like Armenia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. These wild cats are known to live in mountainous habitats, including in dry environments, lush forests and snowy ranges.

               Typically, Persian leopards have short legs, and a very powerful frame. Coats that appear from yellow to golden brown colours with a paler fur, and the black spots seen across the body together, make the animal royally attractive.

               Although there is a relatively large geographic range for them, the population of Persian leopards is disappointing. There are estimated to be less than 900 individuals in the wild. Subsequently, they have been classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List. There are several reasons known to have contributed to the fall. Poaching for fur trade and loss of habitat due to deforestation are the obvious ones.

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               The diademed sifaka, though it might sound totally new to most of us, is a critically endangered member of the lemur family that is seen only in certain rainforests of eastern Madagascar.

               Typically, these primates have bare dark grey or black faces framed with white hair. There is also a patch of black seen on top of their heads. Since the head resembles a diadem or an ornamental crown, the animals are called diadem sifakas. The long silky fur and the orange or golden coloration, altogether make the primate strikingly attractive.

               The main threat before a diademed sifaka is destruction of habitat. Being very sensitive to even the slightest disturbance, sifakas vanish from the areas very soon. In addition to deforestation, they are also hunted for food. It has been reported that hunting happens even inside national parks and other reserves. The Duke Lemur Centre in North Carolina, USA, is one place where the primates are held in captivity for conservation and breeding.

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            The geometric tortoise is one of the most endangered reptiles on Earth, endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa. Its name arises from the geometric pattern that is seen on its high, domed shell. Typically, these shells are brown or black, with yellow stripes. Female tortoises can be identified by their larger size, and  smaller tails.

            What brings geometric turtles into the spotlight is their decreasing population. They are critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List. It is said that more than 90 per cent of the habitats where the tortoises reside have been destroyed in the past years, which in turn, has led to their decline. In addition to this, the introduction of invasive alien vegetation and animals like feral and wild pigs, have further led to habitat crises and competition for food.

            The hapless animals are also occasionally eaten by locals, or sought after for the pet trade. All these together have made it quite tough for this species to survive. At present, there are less than 3000 geometric tortoises alive.

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            The Galapagos sea lion is a coastal animal that breeds in the Galapagos Islands, as the name suggests. But some of them are also spotted on the Isla de la Plata, close to mainland Ecuador. These animals are most noted for their playful and social nature. They are seen in waters, sandy beaches and rocky areas that connect to waters.

            Typically, sea lions have smooth and streamlined bodies. It makes them smart hunters, especially of sardines. The animals are as well brilliant divers that can dive up to depths of 200 metres.

            However, in spite of their smartness, Galapagos sea lions face serious challenges for survival. The natural predators of these animals are sharks and killer whales. But their main threat is the El Nino event which disturbs the marine life on which they depend.

            Many of the animals migrated, while several others died of starvation. Other than El Nino, sea lions are also vulnerable to threats caused by humans.

            Currently, there are just less than 50,000 Galapagos sea lions alive.

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            The ring-tailed lemur is a larger primate found in the dry forests of Southern Madagascar. It is distinguished by its brownish-grey fur, and tail with black and white rings.

            Typically, these are highly social creatures that live in groups of around 20 individuals. Unlike others in their family, ring-tailed lemurs can tolerate extreme environments – like the hottest, driest and the coldest climates in Madagascar.

            But what is not-so-interesting about ring-tailed lemurs is their population. With the number falling to less than 2000 in the wild, they have been categorized as endangered by the IUCN Red List.

            The main threat facing them is habitat destruction. Reports suggest that much of their habitat is converted to agricultural farmlands, or harvested for charcoal production. Then there are as well dangers of hunting for food and pet trade.

            However, lemurs are very well bred in captivity. It is said that over a 1000 can be found across 140 zoos in the world.

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               The Mediterranean monk seal is the rarest pinniped species in the world. It is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, and the East Atlantic Ocean, along the coast of North-west Africa.

               Monk seals are known to have been first described by Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle in the 3rd century BC. For the ancient Greeks, they were sacred animals. However, modern man has torn apart the tradition, leaving the species with very little chances of survival. According to the IUCN Red List, Mediterranean monk seals are endangered animals, with less than 700 individuals.

               The main reasons for the dropping population of the monk seals are intentional killings for their fat, oil and skin and accidental killings during fishing activities. Like all other coastal species, seals too are threatened by the destruction of coastal ecosystems, particularly because they rest and nurse their young ones on the shores.

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