what animals will be extinct in 2025

Vender Womder

2 min read

·

23-11-2024

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No Animals Are Predicted to Go Extinct in 2025

It's important to clarify a crucial point upfront: no reputable scientific organization predicts any animal species will go completely extinct in 2025. While many species face severe threats and are critically endangered, complete extinction is a complex process that unfolds over time, often involving a gradual decline in population numbers before a final disappearance. Headlines suggesting imminent extinctions in a specific year are often misleading or sensationalized.

However, the situation is dire for numerous animals. Many are teetering on the brink of extinction, and the next few years will be critical for their survival. The threat of extinction is a multifaceted issue stemming from several interconnected factors:

The Major Threats to Animal Biodiversity

1. Habitat Loss and Degradation: This is arguably the biggest threat. Deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, and mining destroy and fragment animal habitats, limiting access to food and resources, and increasing vulnerability to predation.

• Examples: Orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra, whose rainforest homes are being cleared at an alarming rate. Many amphibian species, whose delicate wetland habitats are disappearing due to pollution and development.

2. Climate Change: Rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and extreme weather events are disrupting ecosystems, making it difficult for animals to adapt and survive. Ocean acidification is also a major concern for marine life.

• Examples: Polar bears, whose icy hunting grounds are shrinking. Coral reefs, which are bleaching and dying due to rising ocean temperatures.

3. Pollution: Plastic pollution, pesticides, and other forms of pollution contaminate habitats and harm animals directly. Ocean plastic, for instance, is a major problem, impacting marine animals through ingestion and entanglement.

• Examples: Sea turtles, which often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish. Birds, who can become entangled in plastic debris.

4. Overexploitation: Overfishing, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade are pushing many species to the brink. The demand for certain animal products fuels these activities, leading to population declines.

• Examples: Rhinos, poached for their horns. Many fish species, overfished to the point of collapse.

5. Invasive Species: Non-native species introduced to new environments can outcompete native animals for resources, prey on them, or introduce diseases.

• Examples: The brown tree snake in Guam, which has decimated native bird populations. Invasive plants outcompeting native flora, thus reducing food sources for herbivores.

What Can We Do?

While no animal is predicted to go extinct in 2025, the urgency to protect endangered species cannot be overstated. We need collective and immediate action:

• Support conservation organizations: Donate to and volunteer with organizations working to protect endangered animals and their habitats.
• Advocate for stronger environmental policies: Contact your elected officials and urge them to support legislation that protects biodiversity and addresses climate change.
• Reduce your environmental footprint: Make conscious choices to reduce your consumption of resources and your contribution to pollution.
• Educate yourself and others: Learn about the threats to biodiversity and spread awareness among your friends and family.
• Support sustainable businesses: Choose products and services from companies committed to environmental responsibility.

The future of biodiversity depends on our actions today. While 2025 might not see a complete extinction event, the trajectory for many species is grim without significant intervention. Let's work together to ensure a future where all animals have a chance to thrive.