Africaboasts of being home to some of the rarest species of animals.
The animals not only grace the parks and game reserves but greatly influence the continent’s tourism industry.
There is, however, a threat to the existence of the animals.
Image: instagram.com, @payourplanetSource: UGC
How about pointing out the top extinct and endangered animals in South Africa?
The parks are home to the most unique species of game.
These animals hold a very important significance when it comes to holding the continent’s cultural value.
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Citizens have a role to play in making this directive effective.
The first step is establishing the endangered animals in South Africa.
Thereafter, one can take possible measures to ensure that they do not interfere with their existence.
Image: facebook.com, @Aafeez JivrajSource: UGC
As a part of embracing the creatures, ensuring that animals are not extinct is one of the ways.
This list will provide insight into the role of human beings on ensuring that the goal is achieved.
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The main condition that has made them become an endangered species is the farmer-predator conflict that exists.
One such organization is Cheetah Outreach in Somerset.
These creatures that were once among the most popular dog breeds in South Africa have drastically reduced in number.
Image: facebook.com, @Motswari Private Game ReserveSource: UGC
According to statistics, their population stands at less than five hundred.
These killings have come to the attention of thegovernmentand several organizations.
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3.
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Riverine rabbit
The Riverine rabbit stands as the most endangered mammal in South Africa.
Because of its nocturnal nature, it can only exist in the Karoo region.
The creature only survives in the deep silt deposits of the Karoo river.
Image: facebook.com, @Crying buffaloSource: UGC
The residents in the region are also being educated on the importance of taking part in conservation stewardship.
Golden Moles
Golden Moles are another rare species that South Africa is glad to be home to.
The creatures have suffered the threat of extinction for the longest time.
Image: instagram.com, @goldenmolesdailySource: UGC
Oribi
Oribi is one of the most endangered species among the antelopes.
This species is mostly found in the South African plains.
It is at risk of extinction because of threats of habitat loss as well as poaching.
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African Penguin
The African penguin is another animal species that is at risk of being extinct.
Commercial fishing is one of the practices that have become a threat to the creatures.
Environmental factors have also tampered with their feeding.
Image: instagram.com, @thebookofwanderingSource: UGC
Oil spills and other human disturbances have also contributed to the reduced numbers in their population.
Black rhinos
The thought of black rhinos being killed makes one feel devastated.
Their numbers have drastically dropped ever since the red flag regarding the threat of their extinction was pulled.
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Pangolins
Pangolins have suffered the dubious honours of being the most trafficked animal species in South Africa.
The animal is illegally trafficked to Asia where its scales are used as medicine.
Image: instagram.com, @travel_departmentSource: UGC
These creatures are among the most vulnerable South African animals that are facing threats of extinction.
White rhinos
White rhinos are another species that has suffered threats of extinction.
The threats to reduce their numbers in the continent have been on for the longest time.
Image: instagram.com, @painteddogphotographySource: UGC
In the 1960s there was a directive that was implemented that saw their number increase.
These are examples of the birds that are facing the threat:
11.
The bird is facing this challenge due to human encroachment which has caused them to lose their habitats.
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They are also facing challenges due to poisoning, both directly and indirectly.
Some of these birds have also collided with electric lines and died.
These rare birds are at the verge of being extinct.
Image: instagram.com, @hensley1013Source: UGC
Their population has been declared to be low due to degradation and loss of habitat.
Cape Gannet
These uniquely beautiful birds are adapted to the coastal regions of Africa.
Since their distribution is mainly on the coastal regions, their breeding has been restricted rendering them vulnerable.
Image: instagram.com, @fathomlessSource: UGC
Their vulnerability is as a result of over-exploitation of resources, especially due to human fisheries.
Pollution is another practice that is posing as a challenge to their existence.
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14.
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African black oystercatcher
The African black oystercatcher is the largest bird among the oystercatcher birds.
It is vulnerable since its breeding is interfered with by natural predators that feed on its eggs.
Cape vulture
Most people overlook the importance of vultures and have set a negative connotation about them.
Image: facebook.com, @Bernd NiebuhrSource: UGC
Vultures have an environmental significance of cleaning up the environment by eating the food remnants left behind by predators.
This move helps control the spread of diseases in the animal kingdom.
Their extinction might have a significant impact on the animal kingdom.
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These creatures are vulnerable, especially due to loss of habitat.
Others face challenges such as collision with pylons and being electrocuted by cables.
Damara Tern
Damara Tern is one of the coastal birds that is common in South Africa’s western coastline.
Image: instagram.com, @the_brooklyn_bluesSource: UGC
These birds are facing challenges that might result in their extinction.
The challenges result from coastal development, especially for mining.
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17.
Image: facebook.com, @Audrey VermeulenSource: UGC
Bearded vulture
The bearded vulture is another bird species that is facing fears of being extinct.
The population of these birds is dropping drastically as a result of a reduction in the amount of food.
Others have succumbed to collisions with electric lines.
Image: instagram.com, @marcguytSource: UGC
The population of these birds is low.
Other South African animals that are facing threats of extinction
19.
Albany adder
The Albany adder is one of the South African snakes that is facingthreats of extinction.
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This snake is 30cm long and has a camouflaging tan and brown colour.
The snake has become difficult to spot, especially after their habitats were destroyed in the Eastern Cape Province.
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20.
Image: instagram.com, @siguiente_destinoSource: UGC
Knysna seahorse
This creature has the head of a horse and occurs in three estuaries in the country.
These three estuaries are: Swartvlei, Keurbooms and Knysna.
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Image: instagram.com, @sarahlouaspenSource: UGC
These records of reduction in the numbers of endangered animals are quite devastating.
Details about these endangered animals in South Africa have also been provided in Afrikaans articles on animals.
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Check this out: the streets ofJohannesburgare crammed with abandoned kittens.
Image: instagram.com, @phomolotravelSource: UGC
But where can they go?
One of the stray cats was lucky enough to be saved by a student.
She graduated from Meru University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering in 2019.
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In 2023, Priscillah finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques.
She has been writing articles on Briefly.co.za since 2019.
Email: pshmueni@gmail.com
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Image: facebook.com, @South African National ParkSource: UGC
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