Currently there are many endangered animals in europe, since the planet's ecosystems have suffered very strong climatic changes, which cause great damage to flora and fauna worldwide, a situation that is closely related to man.
Extinction of Animal Species
Animals run the risk of becoming extinct at the same time that all specimens of their species, type or class are at significant risk of disappearing. Today there are many factors that can cause the extinction of a species, such as the devastation of habitats, pollution throughout the planet, exotic species in other ecosystems and different reasons that make the extinction of animals a situation that is experienced in all the planet.
In countries like Spain, the diversity between the different species that live there is one of the abundant that exists on the European continent, however, at the same time this is one of the most vulnerable, motivated by man and the practice of many tasks that they place animals in a situation of risk, which means that today there are approximately 1.600 species in danger of extinction.
It is for this reason that the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) annually makes a list called the Red List, in which they place all the animal species that represent the greatest risk of extinction according to the criteria of experts based on the conditions of these animals.
There is also the version of the WWF (World Wildlife Foundation), which says that in the last forty years the diversity of different species on earth has been reduced by approximately 58%, and the wildlife of europe is one of the most affected. Although there are several reasons for this that can be mentioned, such as the great industrialization that exists on that continent and the few protected areas that it has had for some decades.
Amongst the endangered animals in europe, you can find amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, among others. The following are some of the animals on the European continent that are at risk of becoming extinct:
Endangered Mammals in Europe
Mammals have been one of the european animals most sought after in that region, especially the case of large carnivores, due to the theory that these animals cause damage to livestock, in addition to the fact that some were used as a great hunting trophy.
At present, thanks to the conservation programs promoted by the Public Administration, the population of mammals has recovered somewhat, but even so, the following animals of the European continent are in serious danger of extinction:
Iberian Wolf (Canis Lupus Signatus)
The Iberian wolf belongs to the wolf subspecies and originates from the Iberian Peninsula, it is a carnivorous animal that currently belongs to the endangered animals in europe, a place that currently has some 2.000 copies of Iberian wolves, which are distributed in various regions of Spain, primarily between Castilla y León, Asturias and Cantabria, which is their place of origin.
Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos)
The brown bear belongs to the Ursidae family, it has a capacity to eat up to 40 kilograms of food daily, it is the largest mammalian animal in Eurasia in Europe, but unfortunately it is in serious danger of extinction. There are approximately 200 prototypes of this animal that are found in the wild and can be found in France, more specifically between Asturias and Cantabria, and the Pyrenees mountain range.
Iberian Lynx (Lynx Pardinus)
El Lynx Iberian is a feline animal that belongs to the Felidae family, it is a European endemic species, lives in the bushes and feeds on other animals that it hunts, this animal is small compared to its relatives, since it can only weigh approximately 20 kilos.
In addition to this, there is also the fact that this animal is in great danger of becoming extinct not only regionally, but also globally, since today there are only 100 free prototypes left, which has been achieved thanks to conservation. and protection of animals in danger of extinction that has been carried out in recent times, which has reduced the disappearance of this species.
In the same way and despite the attempts that have been made to recover the Iberian lynx, this has not completely stopped its extinction, which is why there is a need for man to become more aware of the serious damage caused to these animals. and that the same depends on him in a great way, the protection and shelter of the habitats.
European Mink (Mustela lutreola)
This is a carnivorous animal that belongs to the Mustelidae family, there are currently approximately 500 specimens of this species, which are distributed throughout Europe and Asia. These live in environments with low watercourses and slow currents with flora on their banks, the European mink is smaller than its American relative, however they are physically similar.
It belongs to the endangered animals in europe due to the destruction of their homes, illegal hunting and the introduction of other exotic species to their habitat and other reasons of lesser concern, but it should be noted that invasive species are actually the main cause of their extinction.
Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
The monk seal is an aquatic species from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, there are currently approximately 400 prototypes that are in danger of extinction in the European region, so it can be said that this species has been greatly reduced.
It is a medium-sized animal that is in great danger of becoming extinct due to the destruction of its habitats, algae poisoning, overexploitation by the fishing industry, and the introduction of exotic species, among others.
Glacial Right Whale (Eubalaena Glacialis)
The glacial whale is a type of cetacean that belongs to the Balaenidae family and is located in some areas of the Atlantic Ocean, it is a large animal that can measure approximately 18 meters in length.
In addition to the fact that it is a very subtle and calm animal, they usually remain on the surface and that is the main reason why they turn out to be easy prey for hunters, who look for it because they have an enormous amount of fat with which they make the popular olive oil. whale, this animal is currently in serious danger of extinction.
Endangered Birds in Europe
birds are also endangered animals in europe, however, among the different species there is a group that is in more danger than the others and we are talking about the case of birds of prey, and the reason that they are in serious danger of becoming extinct is because of their size and the type of food they need to feed.
One of the main risks that the endangered birds, is to get electrocuted when they come into contact with electricity poles, since most of them usually end up dead and due to their large size, it is sometimes almost impossible to avoid them. Another danger is toxic substances in the places where they live.
These birds usually consume a lot of poisoned meat, since ranchers usually dump these substances in areas near their breeding sites, with the intention of protecting their animals from other species that lie in wait for them, such as foxes and wolves, however, these birds Raptors are the ones who are harmed by consuming the poison and dying instantly.
Balearic Shearwater (Puffinus Mauretanicus)
The Balearic Shearwater is a bird that only breeds on the Balearic Islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea and it is for this reason that they receive their name, they can reach 40 centimeters in length, their wings reach 90 centimeters, they have a gray and a light belly. This bird is in serious danger of extinction due to the alterations made to the place where they live and where they breed, due to the construction of urbanizations and tourism in the place.
Golden Bunting (Emberiza Aureola)
The Haloed Bunting is a species that belongs to the group of Passerines, it is located in northeastern Europe and northern Asia, both in open areas and near water, it is a type of migratory bird that measures 15 centimeters in length, has a brown on the back and a shade of yellow on his belly. These birds are in danger of extinction, motivated by the fact that they are captured during their migration so that they can be traded illegally.
Steppe Eagle (Aquila Nipalensis)
The Steppe Eagle belongs to the Accipitriformes family, they have a length of more than 70 centimeters, they are located throughout Europe and central Asia. This eagle is located in large numbers of habitats and can stay in different types of environments, as long as they find the necessary food to stay in that place, although they have a preference for open areas.
Currently, these birds are in serious danger of becoming extinct because they are usually electrocuted on electrical poles, in addition to being highly persecuted and captured for illegal trade, so due to all these reasons the steppe or steppe eagle is also part of the list of endangered animals in europe.
Endangered Reptiles in Europe
Within the reptile animals you can also find a large group of species that are in danger of extinction in the European region, the reason for this situation is the destruction of their habitats, in addition to the absence of protected areas where they can reproduce normally. Among the species of reptiles in danger of extinction, we can find the following:
Giant Canary Lizard (Gallotia)
The giant lizard of the Canary Islands has many names by which it can be recognized, it is a species from the island of El Hierro in the famous Canary Islands, in ancient times they lived throughout the island territory, however, the introduction of invasive species, have caused them to be in serious danger of extinction. Today there are small populations of these on cliffs and on the Roques de Salmor, which are hills off the coast of the island.
Mediterranean Tortoise (Testudo Hermanni)
The Mediterranean tortoise is a small species, it can weigh approximately 2 kilograms, its skin is gray with yellow tones, its shell is yellowish with black spots. It is a very popular land turtle in the European region, they are currently in danger of extinction due to man and the activities he carries out.
Karpathos frog (Pelophylax cerigensis)
The Karpathos Frog belongs to the Ranidae family, they come from the Karpathos Island and are located in areas with a lot of vegetation in specific areas, such as streams and rivers of seasonal or permanent waters, they can reach about 5 centimeters, however , The females are bigger than the males. This reptile is in danger of extinction, motivated by the loss of their homes, so they have a very small range of distribution.
Yellow-bellied Toad (Bombina Pachypus)
The yellow-bellied toad is a species from Italy, its habitat is from temperate forests, meadows and swamps, to crop areas, pastures, irrigated land and agricultural areas, they can measure between 3 and 5 centimeters in length. length.
They have very showy yellow spots on their belly, and this is precisely the reason why they are given their name. This toad is currently among the species endangered animals in europe, motivated by the destruction and loss of their natural habitats.
Cretan Frog (Pelophylax Cretensis)
The Cretan Frog belongs to the Ranidae group, it comes from the Island of Crete, although it can be found in Mediterranean places with a lot of vegetation, such as streams, lakes and rivers with agricultural activity, this species of frog can measure an approximate 8 centimeters in its adulthood and is green with a lighter belly.
This frog is also on the critical list of endangered animals in Europe, due to the loss of its homes and the introduction of invasive species, mainly other reptiles.