Globally there is great concern about the high rates of species in danger of extinction, which could even be leading to a massive disappearance of animals with planetary repercussions. Unlike other events like this that occurred in the past, human actions are currently the main cause of this phenomenon.
In regions with high levels of endemic biodiversity, extinction also means that the species not only disappears from a particular place, but from the entire planet. Thus, we have the case of Oceania, which, despite having the smallest land regions on the planet, has an important variety of endemic fauna. In this article on our site we want to introduce you to various animals in danger of extinction in Oceania We invite you to continue reading.
Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus)
It is a species of bird that belongs to the psittaciformes, which includes the different types of parrots. It is nocturnal and feeds on seeds, leaves, stems, roots and nectar. It is endemic to New Zealand and is listed Critically Endangered
Before human colonization, its distribution was much greater, however, the introduction of animals such as cats, stoats or black rats has alarmingly decimated the kakapo population. This is coupled with the low reproductive rate of the species, which makes it difficult to recover.
Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii)
It is, without a doubt, an emblematic animal of Oceania, endemic to the Australian island that gives it its name. It is characterized by being a generalist carnivorous hunter that consumes a wide variety of vertebrates and invertebrates, but it is also a scavenger. Despite his stocky appearance, he is quite agile at running, climbing, and swimming.
The Tasmanian devil is considered Endangered Its drastic population decline is due to a pathology it suffers, known as the disease devil facial tumor (DFTD), which is deadly. Also the abuses, hunting by dogs and direct persecution have influenced this situation.
Salamander fish (Lepidogalactias salamandroides)
An animal of the ray-finned fish group that inhabits shallow and some seasonal wetlands in southwestern Western Australia. Due to its decreasing population range and limited distribution, it is considered an endangered Oceania species
The causes that affect the salamander fish are linked to the decrease in rainfall due to climate change, which directly affects the availability of water bodies for this animal to develop. In addition, the fires of the vegetation and the extraction of water also favor the threat to this species.
Bulme's Fruit Bat (Aproteles bulmerae)
This bat, native to Papua New Guinea, is Critically Endangered As an example, in 2016 [1] it was estimated that there were no more than 250 mature individuals in only two or three locations in the region. It is a frugivorous species that uses various spaces as shelter.
The main threat to this endangered animal in Oceania has been the direct hunting to which it has been subjected for decades. The extension of roads to remote areas of refuge allowed the killing of these bats to be of greater proportions. Habitat destruction has also played a role in this situation.
Eastern Quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus)
This animal is a marsupial mammal that belongs to the same order as the Tasmanian devil. It is native to Australia and is extinct in some regions of the area. The eastern quoll is listed endangered, with a declining population trend.
It is not entirely clear why the population of this species is affected, however it is considered likely that it is due to the development of certain diseases and predation due to the introduction of wild cats and foxes reds. On the other hand, the effect of inappropriate environmental changes also contributes to this situation.
Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori)
It is an endemic cetacean of New Zealand, currently considered Endangered The Hector dolphin develops in shallow coastal waters, generally about 15 km from the shore. Given its limited distribution, the main problem for this Oceanian animal is human actions.
On the other hand, by getting entangled in the gillnets that are available in the area there is also a high mortality due to trawling. It has been proven that 60% of deaths are due to the aforementioned meshes, which is unsustainable for the species.
Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus)
The numbat is an insectivorous marsupial mammalian animal that feeds primarily on termites. About four years ago it was estimated that there were less than 1000 mature individuals, which led to it being considered endangered.
It inhabits a diversity of ecosystems, but the introduction of red foxes and feral cats is the main cause of its population decline. Additionally, vegetation fires also go against this species and, as if that were not enough, they are natural victims of birds of prey.
Lord Howe Island stick insect (Dryococelus australis)
It is an insect that belongs to the phasmid group, which includes various species of invertebrates that resemble sticks or leaves. In particular, this stick insect is large and, according to reports[2], it was thought to be extinct in 1920, although its presence was later confirmed.
This animal is critically endangered because it inhabits a small rocky island in Australia and its population is estimated at about 35 individuals that are located on a few bushes on which they totally depend for food. Climate variations and the presence of an invasive plant that harms these bushes play against the only source of food and shelter that this stick insect has.
Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii)
The wombat is a rare marsupial mammal that is Critically Endangered and, like all the others mentioned, is an animal endemic to Oceania. It is found in alluvial soils and open eucalyptus forests that were formerly flooded. It is in the latter that it digs its burrows. It feeds on a native grass of the place, its main source of nutrition, therefore the introduction of another type of grass and the important changes in the habitat seriously threaten this species.
Yellow-spotted Tree Frog (Litoria castanea)
This amphibian, endemic to Australia, is Critically endangered due to the drastic decline of the species. Its habitat is permanent ponds, swamps, lagoons and agricultural dams, as well as calm rivers with certain types of grasses.
Although there are certain doubts about the reason for the population damage of this frog, there are suspicions of the impact of a disease caused by a fungus. In addition, the increase in the incidence of ultraviolet rays and the introduction of a fish in the region seem to have had a negative impact on the population.
Other endangered animals in Oceania
Although the above animals are part of the list of animals in greatest danger of extinction in Oceania, unfortunately they are not the only ones and, below, we show some more:
- Goodfellow's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus goodfellowi).
- Abbott's Booby (Papasula abbotti).
- Fat-tailed Rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus).
- Regent Honeycreeper (Anthochaera phrygia).
- Black-billed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris).
- Blue Mountains Water Skink (Eulamprus leuraensis).
- Kiritimati Warbler (Acrocephalus aequinoctialis).
- Christmas Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi).
- Hairy-tailed kangaroo-rat (Bettongia penicillata).
- Western bog turtle (Pseudemydura umbrina).
