Today, man and his behavior have created the perfect environment for the habitat in which animals live to be threatened. How is the reality of Endangered Animals in Brazil. This article shows a complete content of this topic.
Endangered Animals in Brazil
Brazil, a large member nation of South America, ranked as the third largest country in America without leaving aside the fact that it is the fifth largest country in the world. Whose immensity or greatness can be viewed from the imposing Amazon hydrographic basin, which is recorded as the largest in the globe at its northern end. Until the vineyards and the immense falls of the Iguazú in its opposite South.
According to the study carried out in 2008, of 11 species found in the world, one of them is found in this beautiful country, with the greatest biological diversity on planet Earth. But in 2016, another publication appears that is really alarming. The governmental Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation or as it is commonly identified, ICMBio. Together with the Ministry of the Environment or MMA, they make known the so-called "Red Book" or "Red List".
This is the one that collects the relationship of all the endangered animals in brazil. Where of the recognized total of 11.690, between vertebrates and invertebrates, 1.173 species are under this threat, representing an approximate 10%. Of which, 86%, whose value is 1.013 species, are continental, having a total of 662 terrestrial species, while 351 are from rivers or fresh water.
Disconcerting figures, when compared with the one registered in the year 1960, where only 44 species were under threat of extinction. All this, due to Environmental Deterioration and other factors resulting from inadequate human intervention.
Biome with the Greatest Consequence of Animals in Danger of Extinction in Brazil
Making use of research carried out by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) and the Ministry of the Environment. During the period of 2010 and 2014, the most threatened biome in Brazil is the Atlantic Forest. Having in its registry the figure of 1.050 species in this line.
Causes of its Extinction
The main causes are:
- indiscriminate hunting.
- progressive environmental deterioration.
- The continuing forest fires.
- Uncontrolled tourism.
- Excessive deforestation.
Where does the Red List come from?
The realization of the "Red List" comes from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, known as "IUCN", for its acronym in English, International Union for Conservation of Nature. That it is an international organization, founded in 1948, with worldwide authority, its own regulations and noble objectives. Regarding what nature is, its state, threats and natural resources, establishing in what it identifies as environmental governance, the following:
- Value and conserve nature.
- Direct or manage effectively and equitably the use of nature.
- Put into practice reasoned resolutions of nature conservation.
On the other hand, it stands out as a non-governmental, non-profit organization, whose purpose is to carry out tasks. Totally based on the interest of humanity, for its benefit and that of biological diversity. That after immense care and complete investigations, he structured the answer to this problem through a red list that contains all the species of endangered animals in brazil, in the year 1964.
What makes the elaboration of this Red List necessary?
The preparation of this important list stems from the importance of knowledge of biodiversity and the impact that man has had on it, generating changes, alterations and any other influence. Because somehow all this in the future also causes changes in it, although at first glance it seems not to affect or affect it.
In this sense, for every nation the conservation and protection of its fauna, as well as its flora, is of vital necessity. Therefore, this cannot be seen as an isolated situation or for political purposes, but as the quality of life that we all need and deserve for the permanence and security of our globe.
Knowing that the existence of each animal species plays a role in our biome and the extinction of any of them leads to an imbalance in the future that is impossible to remedy. That is why these professionals have fulfilled the valuable task of executing this list that provides us with the necessary data to face this great problem that is, the animals in danger of extinction in Brazil.
The Red List and Animals in Danger of Extinction in Brazil
The composition of the "Red List", regarding animals in danger of extinction in Brazil, has been carried out through the integration of personnel from different associations, which according to exemplary planning and distribution. They carry out the observation and monitoring of the daily life of all species, taking precise data of the conditions that surround the biome in which they live.
Being relevant climatic oscillations, the incidence of man, number of animals per species per area of square kilometers established. The amount of food available in that area, among others.
With which, according to all possible considerations, it is integrated in an orderly manner by 9 levels. What is essential to note is that these associations aim to carry out this research in periods of 5 years. But due to various inconveniences, it has not been possible to carry it out, resolving to agree to extend the period to 10 years. Where the 9 levels to evaluate the susceptibility of the species in their habitat are the following:
LC: “Sure”
This is the reduced graphical representation of the words “Least Concern”, for which, in the original Portuguese language, it denotes. That the species are found in physical and environmental circumstances or conditions without representative danger. Where luckily, a large part of the species of endangered animals in brazil, are under the condition of this level, that is, “Safe”.
NT: “Near Threatened”
This level is used to describe the species of animals that can somehow be incorporated into the group of species that are included in the levels that are detailed later. That is to say, they are the variety that lives in an environment that is prone to undergoing a modification, in which the reasons may be, for example, the amount of food they have. It should be noted that under this qualification, there are a considerable number of animal species in danger of extinction in Brazil.
VU: “Vulnerable”
In this way, those groups of species that live in a situation that is beginning to represent a potential risk for the future are identified. In which its environment is found with visible manifestations or evidence of deterioration, which if not stopped will lead to irreparable losses.
IN: “Endangered”
Regrettably, a large number of the threatened species present on the “Red List” fall under this description. Therefore, the possibility of extinction as a result of the unstable, lacking and limited environment is extremely high. Where for many arises the need to seek the answer that gives a solution to the question of How to care for animals in danger of extinction?
CE: “Critical Hazard”
Already at this level, threatened species are experiencing with greater incidence the precariousness of their environment in all senses. Given that, the possibility of disappearance of the species is latent and cannot be ruled out.
EW: “Extinct in the Wild”
This level expresses that the evaluated species is not found anywhere, so it is considered extinct. Where this decision arises from a rigorous search, over a long period of time. Contemplating events of your schedule and behavior, development areas, feeding area, among others. However, unfortunately, for scientific reasons, the species that are in captivity, because they are not sure of their continuity, also fall into this category.
This is because in the state of captivity they cannot live as they normally do and this constitutes an evaluation condition. In this sense, the advantage of being in confinement or captivity is that there is a small possibility that they enter a new cycle in their habitat, returning to achieve the species.
EX: “Extinct”
This level is the one that represents totally extinct species, including those that were in captivity. That is, there is no possibility of a new member of the group or category.
DD: “Insufficient Data”
Within this level, all those that make up a non-alarming margin of survival are catalogued, so it is not possible to specify or specify them. In the face of uncertainty, it is necessary to obtain more information, so that they can be awarded in the corresponding category or level.
NE: “Not Classified”
Beneath this level are a number of endangered animals in brazil. This is because more search data is needed, where the few available do not meet the reporting and investigation requirements, which allow a classification.
9 Animals in danger of extinction in Brazil
Making use of the reports, data or information provided in the "Red List", a set of the 9 animals in danger of extinction in Brazil has been compiled. For being positioned as the most representative, distinctive or particular, which are:
Northern Muriqui Spider Monkey
The northern muriqui spider monkey (Brachyteles hypoxanthus), also known as the “northern woolly spider monkey”. It is a kind of primate, typical of the northeast of Brazil. Also constituting the fact of being the largest in the entire American continent and the largest in the New World. Its level of threat of extinction is located in the "Critical Danger".
All motivated by transcendental factors such as: excessive hunting, the important incidences of deforestation of the habitat where it operates. Where they are: to plant crops, locate cattle and various establishments of people, among others. Among its natural habitat predators are the jaguar, the puma, the harpy and monera eagles and the greater ferret.
It feeds mainly on fruits, fibrous leaves, flowers, some bark and also buds. They are not very fond of activity, having almost 50% of their day under rest. When they are not in that stage, they are moving from one place to another, and then settle down to eat and barely get to socialize.
sand lizard
The sand lizard (Liolaemus lutzae) is a species of lizard, typical of the states of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara. It is usually identified by the name "Lutz's tree iguana". Being one of the species of animals in danger of extinction in Brazil.
Due to human incidence, after the growing constructions and prominent contamination of salt water. They have generated that this animal species is at the level of "Critical Danger" of extinction. All because its habitat is centered on sandy shores and its reproduction is oviparous.
black cuxiu
The black cuxiú (chiropotes satanas), is a species of small-sized monkey, a member of the endangered animals in brazil. His present threat is at the "Critical Danger" level. Where its main predators are humans, harpy eagles and jaguars. It is hunted for its meat and some parts of its body that are classified as valuable. They use it on a large scale to maintain ecotourism, keeping it in zoos.
Deforestation has been a notorious cause of food loss that also restricts their survival. Also, due to its appearance, it is part of the animals that experience the illegal traffic of exotic species.
In their habitat, they carry out an important role in the distribution of seeds. It is herbivorous and generally feeds on seeds, grains, nuts, fruits, flowers, caterpillars, termites, gall wasps, among others. It is sociable and lives together with numerous individuals.
Giant otter
The ariranha (Pteronura brasiliensis), also known as river wolf, giant otter, water ounce, choker wolf or ariray. It is a carnivorous aquatic mammal, from river water, identified as otters of remarkable size. Its present threat of extinction is at the "Vulnerable" level and is due to situations of:
- Indiscriminate hunting for making coats or any other garment due to its velvety appearance.
- All the negative incidences of water pollution that require a Environmental policy, as they are, among the most notorious: misuse of pesticides and the high concentrations of mercury in the fish on which it feeds.
- Fishing without due care.
- Disturbance of its environment, generated by ecotourism.
- Loss of approximately 80% of its habitat.
It is characterized by being sociable, living in large groups of up to 20 members. They are territorial and sensitive to human activity, becoming aggressive in their presence. It feeds on fish such as piranha and catfish. When their usual food is difficult, they opt for crabs, small alligators and snakes such as anacondas.
Despite being amphibian, its main behavior is terrestrial. Its main and greatest enemy is man, followed by jaguars, pumas, large anacondas, crocodiles, black alligators, electric eels and rays.
Pink dolphin
The pink dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), which is also known by the names of boto, bufeo, tonina or Amazon dolphin. It is identified as the largest with respect to the dolphins that inhabit the rivers of the globe. Getting its name from the color that characterizes its skin. Its current threat of extinction is at the "Endangered" level, according to the January 2019 report and is due to the numerous situations in which it has been immersed, such as:
- Hunt for medicine, as well as for love charms.
- Death through nets or by shooting with rifles.
- Events that they classify as accidental captures, where they make use of the corpses in the commercial environment.
- Destruction of its habitat due to deforestation, mining, fishing and the very advanced contamination of waters, with the oil industry having the greatest incidence in this regard.
It feeds on fish such as croakers, tetras, as well as piranhas. Without leaving aside his predilection for turtles and crabs. The male is up to 55% larger than the female. It reaches its pink color in adulthood, passing through dark gray and light gray colorations later, from birth. Their behavior tends to be generally solitary and when accompanied, they do not exceed four copies. He is shy and unsociable.
Yacutinga
The Pipile jacutinga or Yacutinga (Aburria jacutinga), is a species of gallinaceous bird of considerable size, typical or exclusive to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Its level of extinction is under the category of "Endangered", according to the 2016 registry. The main reasons are indiscriminate hunting where the destruction of the habitat, which is its home, becomes secondary. This is due to the great value of its meat in the gastronomic field.
Its favorite food is the fruits of the Euterpe edulis palm tree. On very few occasions it consumes flowers or invertebrates in its diet. It is mostly found near watercourses.
Blue Hyacinth Macaw
The Blue Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), is a species of bird, belonging to the parrot family, also known by the name of "blue arara". Which is in danger of extinction below the level of "Vulnerable". Due to its excessive hunting to market it and keep it in captivity. Another of its indiscriminate uses is to use its feathers in adornments of hats that are sold to tourists by the Kayapo Indians of Gorotire.
These factors are followed by the destruction of their habitat with the continuous fires, in addition to the fact that their nests located in the holes of the trees are damaged by human incidence.
It feeds on mangoes, nuts, mineral-rich clay, leaves, buds, berries, and flowers. Making use of his intelligence is that he ingests the clay rich in minerals. Because through it, it manages to neutralize each and every one of the toxins present in the unripe fruits that harm it and that it consumes in its daily diet. As a fact, this species is the one that starred in the successful film "Rio".
maned wolf
The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), is the carnivorous mammal (with molar teeth), recorded as the largest in all of South America, due to its corpulent size. It is also identified by the names of aguará, aguará guazú, lobo de los esteros and lobo colorado, in various regions. Join one of the many endangered animals in brazil. Despite being totally tame towards livestock and humans, its present threat of extinction is at the "Vulnerable" level.
It prioritizes or inclines its habitat to prairies, as well as grasslands. It remains hidden during the day, having its powerful activity at night. It feeds mainly on fruits, although in its hunts it chooses rabbits, hares, cavia (a genus of rodents), lacertilios (lizards), ranids (frogs) and numerous birds. It does not form herds, nor does it hunt in groups, in its adulthood it establishes itself with its partner, although it rests alone.
Yellow Woodpecker
The yellow woodpecker (Celeus flavescens), also called “Yellow-headed Woodpecker” or “Yellow-capped Woodpecker”. It is one of the endangered birds, where its threat level falls into the “Safe” category. In which the main reason is excessive deforestation and numerous fires.
This is one of Brazil's own birds and feeds mainly on ants and termites, locating fruits as another option, as well as the nuts it finds. To feed easily, it builds its nest usually where termite or termite mound nests are.
