Endangered Species Which Need Our Help In 2012 (PHOTOS)

Across the globe, hundreds of animal species face a grave and increasing threat of extinction. While many of these animals may live in remote locations, the spread of human populations and commercial activities poses a tremendous threat.

Below is a list from the World Wildlife Fund of 10 endangered species that received attention from the group in 2010. Some, like the Irrawaddy dolphin, mountain gorilla and Vaquita have global populations that number in the hundreds. Another animal on the list, the Javan rhino, has a population of around only 40 animals.

Sadly, poaching and black markets are often to blame for critically endangered animal populations. In November, Hong Kong customs agents confiscated a shipment of rhino horns and ivory worth about $2.2 million.

For more images of endangered animals, click here. To learn about which rare and exotic animals were most searched for on Google in 2011, click here.

Check out World Wildlife Fund's list of 10 endangered species they focused on in 2011 and believe need more attention in the coming year. Visit the WWF website to learn more about how you can help.

List and images courtesy of World Wildlife Fund.

Comments

[sfbbmom]

08:10 PM on 01/01/2012

Chinese men and their obscene need for rhino horns is unacceptable. We should just laugh at them that they need so much "help." The Japanese and their "need" for blue fin tuna is equally obscene. Note that the tigers facing extinction are all in Asia. And the Asian elephant. And the orangutan. The rest of us must fight back against this overpopulated region that is destroying so much of our world. If Asians are unwilling to be responsible adults, the rest of us must step up. Don't the Japanese understand the situation of the blue fin tuna? How about no post Tsunami aid until they stop eating this.

[Katherine Reed]

03:50 AM on 12/31/2011

~Sharks should be included in this list.. Please watch the movie Sharkwater to learn more. For the Sharks!

[vicla1942]

02:30 AM on 12/31/2011

congress

[For Tomorrow]

01:23 AM on 12/31/2011

We can see the problem, we know that something must be done both from an ethical/moral standpoint as well as an ecological/scientific standpoint; Become aware and take action to help save these species. Visit our blog and 'like' us on Facebook to make a difference!

http://4-2morrow.blogspot.com/

[ashabot]

12:05 AM on 12/31/2011

Absolutely heartbreaking.

[incorrigible]

11:56 PM on 12/30/2011

they're all such amazing animals

[davyjones2112]

11:21 PM on 12/30/2011

the photo of the gorilla is heartbreaking. to live in the forest and still be a step away from being homeless.

[MarkInEugene]

11:10 PM on 12/30/2011

What if

1) people who are sick and close to death are no longer forced by religion to waste away in nursing homes and instead they choose a peaceful, painless, self-determined assisted exit in life?
2) We stop religion from making women feel guilty about abortion and allow unwanted pregnancies to be terminated?
3) We tell religion to stop obstructing birth control of all types across the world?
4) We stop religion from condemning gay people, making them feel guilty, and forcing them to marry and have children in passionless relationship?
5) We allow euthanasia on demand for the elderly who choose to leave this life at a time suited to them without religious interference in their personal decision?
6) What if we stop supporting the creation of large families through our tax laws and welfare assistance programs. Not in harsh way, but gradually over time to send a message to keep your family at no more than 2 or 3 children?

We live in a finite space. We’re expensive animal requiring lots of resources, land and freedom. We make a big mess and we don't typically clean it up. Our pollution is toxic to every other living thing on this planet (ie: Fukushima!). We will soon kill all of the large mammals on this planet. We have dozens of indicator species, such as bats, frogs, and bees all in serious decline.

Time is short and we need rational, logical, science based reasoning (not belief) to get through this.

[MacTheCat]

10:54 PM on 12/30/2011

They left out the American Middle Class.

[billywms]

10:30 PM on 12/30/2011

Well, I'll do my part to help these animals survive & recover.-I hate it when an animal becomes extinct.

[For Tomorrow]

01:03 AM on 12/31/2011

We're doing our part, too at For Tomorrow but we need more supporters to make a greater impact! Follow our blog and 'like' us on Facebook to keep up with current conservation issues, campaigns, and ways to get involved to protect vanishing species!

http://4-2morrow.blogspot.com/

[billywms]

03:31 AM on 12/31/2011

Great!-I'll follow & like.

[Beautiful World]

01:56 AM on 01/02/2012

I voted and encourage others to do so.

[patsijean]

10:17 PM on 12/30/2011

So sad...The Mountain Gorilla's are so beautiful and they have been my particular favorite for many years. That said, I contribute to a number of wildlife preservation groups and to the Elephant Sanctuary here in Tennessee [ http://www.elephants.com/ ]

[averyleigh2083]

09:35 PM on 12/30/2011

The Center for Biological Diversity is also a good source of information on all of this and they do a lot to help the animals too.

[shankapotomus]

09:35 PM on 12/30/2011

Oops, should have put polar bears.

[dancingbones]

09:31 PM on 12/30/2011

Another biggy might be intelligent informed Americans...

[For Tomorrow]

01:05 AM on 12/31/2011

We're trying to reach the general public to spread awareness about conservation issues and get people mobilized to act and protect endangered species! Follow our blog and 'like' us on Facebook to join in.

http://4-2morrow.blogspot.com/

[simian sez]

08:11 PM on 12/30/2011

Not a single picture of a middle class American.
Should have been there.