Around the world there are thousands of species that are in danger of extinction every day, many of them on the verge of disappearing. In this sense, Asia is one of the continents with a greater number of these species. This is probably because it is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Additionally, illegal trade, deforestation and the use of traditional medicine in many Asian countries make conservation of endangered species more difficult.
Now, wondering which animals are endangered in Asia? Continue reading this article on our site and you will learn about the animal species in greatest danger of extinction in Asia, as well as the characteristics of each of them.
Saola or Vu Quang ox (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis)
This mammal of the Bovidae family is endemic to Laos and Vietnam, inhabiting the Annamite mountain range, in virgin forests. It has almost straight horns and a somewhat downward curved snout, the color of its fur varies from brown to reddish and it is characterized by living in very small groups, from 3 to 4 individuals. This species was discovered in the 1990s and it is currently known that its populations are very small and are restricted to the Vu Quang National Park, which is why it is cataloged critically endangered
Japanese ibis or crested ibis (Nipponia nippon)
The crested ibis belongs to the Threskiornithidae family and is distributed in China, Japan, Korea and Russia. It inhabits forests at the foot of the mountains where there is a transition with the plain and where there are rice fields on which this bird feeds. It is a very striking species, it has a long, downward-curving beak, white plumage and, most peculiarly, a bare (featherless) red face. It is typical to observe this species together with other aquatic birds, such as herons, since in this way it goes unnoticed by predators.
Endangered throughout Asia due to the use of toxic substances in rice fields, which has led to that their populations are composed of very few individuals.
Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
From the Felidae family, the Bengal tiger is distributed throughout the countries of Southeast Asia, where it inhabits varied habitats, especially tropical and subtropical forests and savannahs. It is one of the largest tigers, reaching more than 3 meters in length in adult males. It has a characteristic orange fur, which differentiates it from other tiger subspecies, in addition to the striking black bands on the sides of the body and head.
The Bengal tiger is one of the most endangered animals in Asia due to illegal hunting for its skins and other parts of the body for use in traditional medicine.
If you want to know more Types of tigers, don't miss this other article.
Silver Gibbon (Hylobates moloch)
This species of primate is found within the Hylobatidae family and is endemic to the island of Java, in Indonesia, where it inhabits well-preserved tropical forests, and can be found at high altitudes, since it reaches up to 2,500 meters above sea level. It has a very peculiar appearance, with bluish gray fur with a black beret on its head, its arms are very long compared to its lower extremities and its head is quite small, as is its face.
It is one of the most threatened primate species today, being in danger of extinction due to the dense human population that there are in Java, leading to the loss of its natural habitat. In addition, the hunting of adults for the illegal trade in hatchlings makes this a seriously endangered species.
If you like these animals and want to expand your knowledge, in this other article we will talk about the different types of monkeys and their characteristics.
Red panda (Ailurus fulgens)
Another animal in danger of extinction in Asia is the red panda. It is a carnivorous animal that belongs to the Ailuridae family, which lives in Southeast Asia, in mountainous regions of the Himalayas and inhabits very humid areas in temperate forests, where there is also abundant bamboo, which they feed on. It shares its habitat with the giant panda, although unlike the latter, it does not belong to the Ursidae family, like the rest of the bears. It is a very unique and striking species, its fur is reddish and its long, hairy tail also has spots on its face that are reminiscent of a raccoon, although it is not. It is a medium-sized animal, about 60 cm long.
The red panda is in danger of extinction due to destruction and loss of its natural habitats, as well as poaching and its such small natural populations make it an even more sensitive species.
Malay Tapir (Tapirus indicus)
This species of tapir, native to Southeast Asia, belongs to the Tapiridae family. It inhabits areas of dense forests and hills, always in areas close to bodies of water. It is a very striking species, since, unlike the other tapir species, its fur is dark, almost black, and with a light grayish patch in the center of the body, which covers the back and belly of the animal, while the tips of the ears have white spots. This coloration allows it to camouflage itself and often go unnoticed like rocks.
Due to its size, it has few natural predators, however, Human beings are its greatest threat, since deforestation and transformation of its environment for agricultural and livestock purposes has led to its being another of the most endangered animals in Asia today.
Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica)
This species of the Felidae family is one of the most threatened within the types of felines that exist, since its populations are very small and are limited to the Gir Forest, in India. It is somewhat smaller than its African relative, being able to measure about 2.70 meters long, although the average is 1.80 meters long. In addition, the fur on the body is lighter, its mane shorter (especially in the head area) and of a reddish color that can be more or less dark. Their herds are made up of fewer individuals, which is probably linked to the lower abundance of prey they find in their range.
Currently, the Asiatic lion is listed as an endangered animal in Asia because the hunting of these animals by humans has made their situation very sensitive, since lions are come closer and closer to farming areas that are populated by humans. Although hunting is prohibited and punishable by law, the region's authorities are considering transferring individuals to other protected areas in India.
Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)
This mammal is classified within the Elephantidae family, represents the largest in Asia and is distributed throughout Southeast Asia. This species is smaller than African elephants, since the Asian reaches just over 3 meters in height. In addition, they differ by other characteristics, such as having smaller ears, as well as the head, which is somewhat convex, longer fangs (which are incisor teeth, not canine teeth as is generally thought) and the trunk that ends in a single lobe. Discover all the differences between the African and the Asian elephant in this article.
Since ancient times this species has been used by humans, either to carry weight or for circuses, and is today in danger of extinction, mainly due to illegal hunting for ivory from their tusks and the destruction of their habitat
Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)
From the Hominidae family, this species is native to Borneo, Indonesia. They occupy forest areas with tall trees, being able to be about 100 meters high, where they take refuge from predators and find their food, mainly fruits. They measure about 1.30 meters tall, the male being larger than the female, making them the largest arboreal mammals in the world and they have reddish-orange fur.
The Bornean orangutan is one of the most endangered animals in Asia due to various threats, however, what affects its populations the most is fires and the deforestation of the forests where they live. In addition, hunting and illegal trafficking of their young for the black market, even today being a protected species, continues to be a very important factor that affects this species. On the other hand, its slow biology and low birth rate (they reproduce approximately every 7 years) make it even more sensitive.
Mongolian Wild Horse (Equus ferus przewalskii)
This species of the Equidae family is found in southwestern Mongolia, where there are very small and reduced herds in the Hustai National Park, and in China in the Kalamery National Park, with very few individuals in your entire area. It differs from its congeners by having a skull with a convex snout. In addition, it is smaller, being able to reach about 2 meters in length, with shorter limbs and a longer tail. It lives in herds with a variable number of individuals, which is led by a male or stallion.
Poaching and climate change, resulting in the loss of its habitat, have made it in danger of extinction. In addition, they are often mixed with domestic horses, spreading them to new diseases.
To expand your knowledge, don't miss this video in which we show you the most endangered animals in the world.
