Endangered Animals In Africa
One of the most timeless movies ever to be created is the hand-drawn motion picture, The Lion King. It presents the beauty of nature filled with majestic animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and antelopes and how they are all connected in the “Circle of Life.” The sad reality of our world, however, is that these creatures, many located in Africa, are faced with extinction and the survival of their species hangs on by a thread.
A few of the many endangered animals include the Cheetah, the White Rhinoceros, and the Cuvier’s gazelle. The cheetah is known for its exceptional speed and acceleration. It can run at speeds of 70 to 75 mph over a 500 kilometer stretch and can accelerate from 62 mph in 3 seconds. The number of cheetahs left in the world is only 12,400.
The white rhinoceros is another endangered animals in the African wildlife. Known for its magnificent horn, the white rhinoceros is a plant-eating animal and is distinguished by its square-like mouth. It typically weighs in from 1,360 to 3,630 kilograms (3,000 to 8,000 pounds), and its horn measures anywhere from 90 to 150 centimeters (35 to 59 inches). It is divided into two subspecies, the Southern White Rhino and the Northern White Rhino, the former numbered at 17,480 left existing, and the latter with only eight left in the entire world, all of which are in captivity.
The Cuvier’s gazelle is a third species on the most endangered animals list. It is one of the smallest species on the planet, measuring less than a foot tall and weighing in at only 77 pounds. It is known for its great alertness and leaping capabilities. They can also reach running speeds of 50 mph. Due much in part to loss of habitat, there are only 500 to 2,000 left of their kind.
Aside from these, there are dozens of other species in the African wildlife that are facing extinction. Human activity has been a continuous and major cause for their disappearance. As it is mentioned in The Lion King, we are all connected in the great Circle of Life. If we do not act, in the end, we too will see humanity face problems with hunger, starvation, and poor living conditions, not to mention, a less beautiful world to live in.