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Sumatran Elephants are One Step Closer to Extinction

Miranda White, Commentary Editor
April 5, 2012
Filed under Features

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has reclassified the Sumatran elephant as “critically endangered”. This means the species is one step closer to being extinct and disappearing from this world forever. Recently, the elephants have lost 70% of their habitat, as well as half of their population in just one generation.

Although parts of Sumatra have designated certain regions protected for these elephants, their most suitable habitat has experienced quick deforestation over the past twenty-five years. There are only between 2,400 and 2,800 Sumatran elephants left, half of the population estimate in 1985. The Javan and Sumatran rhinos, tigers, and orangutans are also on the list of critically endangered animals. According to scientists, the Sumatran elephants could be extinct in thirty years if current trends are consistent.

Pulp and paper companies have been pushing elephants out of their habitat, decreasing the population number by 80% in the last twenty-five years. The villagers are also somewhat of a danger to the elephant. When an elephant wanders into a town or village, sometimes causing destruction to the inhabitants and their property, the citizens develop a habit of disliking the elephants. This may lead some to kill the animal. Poachers are also a real problem, killing the elephants for their ivory tusks.

The rapid decline of these animals needs to be stopped or else we will lose yet another precious species from the earth. If you or someone you know want to help, you can log onto http://www.worldwildlife.org/, (a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of animals and nature). You can symbolically adopt an animal from a variety of endangered species. The proceeds will go to research and effort into conserving that certain species. Some animals on the list from this article include the tiger, the rhino, pygmy elephant, and the orangutan. You can also select a species based on their threat level and region. By supporting this organization through their website you are supporting the animals that need the most help in the world and keeping more animals from becoming critically endangered.