Lucas Beaumont
(1)Black Rhino: This species is native to southern and eastern Africa and there are less than 3,000 left in the world. Although the killing of black rhinos has been banned for the past two decades still the demand is high; black rhinos are highly valued because of their horns.
(2)Giant Panda: There are less than 1,000 pandas left in the world. They are native to China and the main reason for their declining numbers is the destruction of natural habitat and illegal poaching.
(3)Tiger: Tropics and temperate regions are the tigers’ natural habitats. There are less than 6,000 tigers in the wild today. The main cause of their killing is the use of their bones in traditional Chinese medicine.
(4)Beluga Strugeon: It is a huge fish which can be up to 6 meters in length and it can live for 118 years. The fish is also known as beluga sturgeon and it is primarily found in the Caspian Sea and Black Sea. Overfishing for their caviar (eggs) is the main cause of their declining numbers.
(5)Goldenseal: It is a herb which is native to southeastern Canada and northeastern United States. The primary reason of goldenseal being an endangered species is its extensive harvesting; it is used in many medicines because of its medicinal properties.
(6)Alligator-snapping turtle: These turtles are highly valued amongst the poachers for their meat. They are freshwater turtles but their habitat is in danger due to an increase in water traffic.
(7)Hawksbill turtles: These turtles are mainly found in the tropical reefs. The turtles can be up to a meter a long. They are vulnerable because their shells are highly priced in the international market and because of their slow reproduction rates.
(8)Big leaf mahogany: These trees are found in the tropical forests and they are in high demand because of their superb quality wood. These trees grow as individual trees and according to an estimate, 70% of this species has already vanished.
(9)Green cheeked Parrot: These parrots make lovely pets because of their ability to mimic human voice. They are native to Mexico and the illegal trade poses the biggest threat to this species.
(10)Mako Shark: These sharks are found in the tropical and temperate waters. They are highly sought for their meat and fins especially in East Asia. A bowl of fin soup can be as expensive as 100 euros.
