Animal biodiversity at a global level faces one of the greatest survival crises, which is closely related to the actions of human beings on the planet. Reports on species at risk of disappearing are not only becoming more alarming, but the number is increasing suddenly. The oceans, which shelter an unknown quantity of animals, do not escape anthropogenic impacts, so the fauna of these ecosystems also suffers a dramatic effect that threatens their permanence in the future. In this article on our site we want to present you with a summary of certain endangered marine animals and their characteristics. Do not miss it!
Whale shark (Rhincodon typus)
The whale shark is one of the marine animals in danger of extinction, and is the largest fish in the world, having a cosmopolitan distribution, encompassing tropical and warm temperate waters. Estimates indicate that the global population of the species has decreased to less than 50% in just 75 years. Direct hunting, incidental capture and accidents caused by collisions with boats are reported among the main threats.
You may be interested in knowing what the Whale Shark Feeding is in the following article on our site that we recommend.
Great Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna mokarran)
Classified as Critically Endangered, this incredibly attractive species of shark is terribly affected. It is also distributed globally in tropical waters and warm temperate seas, with ranges from coastal pelagic areas to about 300 meters deep.
It is estimated that, in the last three generations, the great hammerhead shark has had a population decline of more than 80% The cause The main activity in its state is the direct capture for the commercialization of the fins, which are in high demand. This is undoubtedly an aberrant act and other parts of the body are also consumed.
Don't hesitate to consult the following complete file on the Great Hammerhead Shark, here.
Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
The blue whale is a marine mammal with a global distribution range, which is divided into several subspecies, which have a specific presence in certain regions. This beautiful animal is classified in the endangered category.
It is estimated that by 1926, there were around 140,000 adult individuals, and probably by 2018 the range would be between 10,000 to 25,000, of which it would only be between 5,000 to 15,000 adults The abrupt decline of the blue whale was linked to direct capture for many years, something that is now regulated. Coalitions remain a problem in some regions. The population trend is considered to be increasing.
Don't hesitate to discover the Blue Whale Feeding below.
Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus)
Although it alternates its stay in land areas, the Mediterranean monk seal spends about 70% of its time in the water, which is why we consider it a mainly marine animal. It is classified as endangered because it previously had a wide distribution but is currently found mainly, and to a reduced extent, in some areas of the Mediterranean Sea, coasts of Greece, Cyprus and south to Turkey.
There are some small isolated groups in other regions, but it was extirpated from many areas It is considered one of the most endangered mammals in the land, by direct hunting for consumption, commercial use and even slaughter in fishing areas to eliminate it as a competitor for fish.
Discover the types of seals that exist in this post on our site that we recommend.
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
This species of turtle has a circumglobal distribution, with a presence mainly in tropical waters. It nests in at least 80 countries and inhabits around 140 regions. It is classified as endangered, with estimates indicating a decline of more than 50% of reproductive females Sea turtles are highly susceptible at all stages, from egg to adult life, the greatest threat being direct hunting in each of its life stages.
Here you can find some Curiosities of the turtles.
hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
The hawksbill turtle is classified as critically endangered The main distribution is in tropical waters around the world, but it also has some presence in subtropical areas. It nests in some 70 countries and inhabits more than 108. In the last three generations the global population has decreased by at least 80%
The main cause of its conservation status is the killing of millions of hawksbill turtles in the last century, for the purpose of marketing hawksbills. The biggest hunts have been in Asia, the United States and Europe. The exploitation of their eggs, meat consumption and alteration of nesting ecosystems have also influenced.
From our site, we invite our readers to not purchase any type of product made with remains of the body of an animal, in addition, do not trespass into coastal spaces where it is indicated that they are nesting sites for turtles.
Atlantic Humpback Dolphin (Sousa teuszii)
Another aquatic animal in danger of extinction is this species of dolphin. It is native to the coasts of Africa, inhabiting both tropical and subtropical waters in the region. It is estimated that the population barely exceeds a few few thousand individuals, due to the anthropogenic impact that is mainly linked to the levels of poverty that influence the exploitation and commercialization of the species, as well as the impact on the habitat.
Discover the Types of dolphins that exist on our site.
European Eel (Anguilla Anguilla)
This species, which is a type of fish, shares its life between marine and fresh waters, depending on its stage of life. It is classified as critically endangered. Although obtaining approximations of the population index is a complicated task, it is estimated that the same is in decline
There are several causes of damage to the species that, depending on the region, some may have a greater incidence than others. Among these we have: migratory barriers (an essential aspect in the species), habitat destruction, climate change, competition with invasive species, parasitism and unsustainable exploitation, since it has a high consumption.
Largetooth sawfish (Pristis pristis)
This curious and unusual fish not only lives in coastal and estuary waters, but also has the ability to live in fresh water. It lives in Africa, America, Asia and Oceania and is considered to be critically endangered The main threat has been associated with direct and incidental fishing, but the impact and alteration to aquatic ecosystems as a result of human activities also affect their current state.
Sunflower starfish (Pycnopodia helianthoides)
This species of echinoderm is native to maritime waters of North America, with a distribution range that goes from Alaska to Mexico. Estimates indicate a dramatic decline in global distribution, placing it in the critically endangered category.
The main threat to this starfish is a species-specific disease, which is exacerbated by climate change. In addition, this last phenomenon of anthropogenic origin also has a direct impact on these animals. Incidental fishing may probably have an effect at the population level, although more studies are needed in this regard.
Vaquita porpoise (Phocoena sinus)
This marine animal is a cetacean endemic to the Gulf of California, and is classified as critically endangered. The situation for the vaquita porpoise is dramatic and discouraging, for the year 2015 it was estimated only about 30 individualsThe primary threat to this aquatic mammal has been death from entanglement in fishing nets. Let's remember that being a mammal requires going to the surface to breathe.
Why is the vaquita porpoise endangered? Discover more details in this post on our site that we suggest.
Umbrella octopus (Cirroctopus hochbergi)
Within the variety of endangered marine species we also find a cephalopod, which in this case corresponds to the umbrella octopus, which so far it has only been identified in New Zealand waters, and currently its conservation status places it in the endangered category. For in 2010 no more than 1,000 individuals were estimated, this caused by the effects of the terrible trawling.
White seahorse (Hippocampus whitei)
Members of the genus Hippocampus, which correspond to a type of fish, have not escaped human impacts. In this sense, the white seahorse is classified as endangered. Everything indicates that the species is endemic to southeastern Australia.
It is estimated that the total population has decreased between 50 and 70% approximately. This animal develops a high fidelity for specific places in its habitat, the same ones that have been strongly impacted by coastal developments, anchoring of boats, pollution and sedimentation processes have been identified.
You may be interested in Seahorse Reproduction or What do seahorses eat?
Japanese sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus)
Another type of echinoderm affected and classified as endangered is this species of sea cucumber, which is native to Asia, living in China, Japan, Korea and Russia. The great threat to this marine animal has been its excessive exploitation and commercialization as an edible species For years thousands of tons of individuals were extracted, mainly in Japan.
Poisonous cone snail (Conus ateralbus)
We end our description of marine animals in danger of extinction with a mollusk endemic to the Island of Sal in Cape Verde, in the Ocean Mid-Atlantic. It is classified as endangered, although with a population estimate as stable. The greatest threat to the species is tourism development in the area, which, being limited in its range, has an unfavorable impact on it.
Discover the Types of poisonous snails below.
Other endangered marine animals
In addition to the above, there are other marine animals in danger of extinction. However, we want to mention that those presented in this article are not the only ones and probably some have not yet been evaluated.
Indicate below if the species is endangered (EN) or critically endangered (CR):
- Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris): EN
- Caspian seal (Pusa caspica): EN
- Bull shark (Carcharias taurus): CR
- Mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus): EN
- Angel Shark (Squatina squatina): CR
- Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii): CR
- Wrasse wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus): EN
- Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii): EN
- Baking shark (Cetorhinus maximus): EN
- Hector's Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori): EN
- Smooth porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis): EN
- Pacific Right Whale (Eubalaena japonica): EN
- New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri): EN
- North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis): CR
- Galapagos Fur Seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis): EN
