Since 1973 when the Endangered Species Act was enacted, there was excitement and high expectations for a comprehensive official endangered species list. Unfortunately, because of red tape and politics the original endangered species list remained virtually untouched especially under the Bush administration.

The waiting list for species to be included into this list is getting longer. In the official list, almost 200 are near to being extinct, while other species have been taken off the list like the bald eagle and the gray wolf. Why is this list so special?

Any species granted inclusion into the endangered species list automatically gets federal protection and funding. In short, these animals have a fighting chance of being able to procreate and they have the staff and budget to oversee their population growth.  The activity of de-listing endangered species and not adding new endangered species has turned into a budgetary concern. The United States is struggling with a national deficit and has been in this economic situation for more than several years. The budget for endangered animals and plants is constantly in peril.

By transferring responsibility to the state where the endangered animals find their natural habitat could be a viable solution if the state has the funds to protect the species, just like the gray wolf. It is a solution that the current administration is hoping will help save these animals.

In addition, since the budget for the animals under the Endangered Species Act is limited, there is an eternal scramble to grab priority among the endangered species staff. Private individuals and companies need to step in to help the government keep these animals alive. This is why there are now technical assistance programs and grants being given to private landowners in helping conserve wildlife.

Although the Obama administration appears to do better than the previous Bush administration, environmentalists still feel that the government is dragging its feet. According to Noah Greenwald of the Center for Biological Diversity, “Like the Bush administration, the Obama administration is failing to provide prompt protection to wildlife desperately in need of protection.” On record, the Obama administration has added 51 animals and plants to the list since assuming office which is close to Clinton’s 65 a year and far from the Bush’s 25 a year.

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.

The top 5 animals in Australia that are at risk of becoming extinct is debatable, depending on how you want to look at the line-up, but there is a common threat among most conservationists.

1. The Grey Nurse Shark

The Grey Nurse Shark, also known as the sand tiger shark, has a Western and Eastern population which means you can find them on opposite ends of Australia. It is the Eastern population that is more in danger of becoming extinct. The main reason for this is fishing and diving, and getting caught in fishing equipments. They are also considered a prize catch for hunters who use the skin for leather, and the meat for food. The Western population is not in the same critical level, but is being monitored closely. On the east side, the last recorded data shows only about 250 of these sharks still in existence.

Unfortunately, they do not enjoy a long life span with the average being about 25 years only. Being a non-aggressive shark, they are also chosen as the shark to put on display in zoos and marine parks.

2. The Yellow Footed Wallaby

Wallabies look like kangaroos, but smaller. They can only be found in Australia and have become threatened because of predator animals like foxes and dogs. They also have to compete for food among cows and sheep. Their natural habitat has been compromised because of the land being used for agriculture and development.

3. Tasmanian Devil

Famous as the cartoon character, this endangered animal is in dire need of help. The constant debate about whether or not they are indeed becoming a rare species is affecting them. Instead of action to propagate, it’s mostly talk that is delaying their growth as a species. Compared to their original population, they are fast decreasing, although there is still quite a number, mainly living in Tasmania island.

4. Hairy-Nosed Wombat

This is an Australian marsupial with a population of a little over 60. They look like rabbits but can grow to weigh about 85 pounds. The main reason for the decline in number is because of their incredible fur which is used for clothing. Since 1971, marsupials have been placed in breeding stations to help increase their number.

5. Australian Sea Lion

This is currently the top animal on the list of endangered species in Australia. Twenty years ago, the government almost declared it to be extinct, or no longer in existence. However, there have been sightings of the Australian sea lion, and in 1995, a law against hunting was approved. It was considered a prize catch by hunters because of its oil and hide.

Related site:http://www.konicaminolta.com/kids/endangered_animals/

In Africa, the white rhinoceros was once the largest subspecies in the north, discovered and classified in 1908. Since then, the 2001 population count has dwindled to less than 200.

Africa is also home to the leopards who are known for their dark rosette spots and swiftness. On March 1, 2011, several groups banded together to petition for the inclusion of the African leopard to be listed as an endangered animal. These animals once roamed Africa freely. This has changed dramatically over the years. Since leopards are carnivorous, they attack farm animals and were shot at to protect the interest of the villagers. Thee were also slaughtered for their skin, which was used by fashion designers; and their body parts as the ultimate hunter’s prize. Today, unlike the snow leopards, African leopards number less than 40,000, and live primarily in the Sub-Sahara, but no longer seen in northern Africa.

Asia has its own share of animals on the brink of extinction like the Giant Panda and Sumatran Tiger. The current population of the Giant Pandas is around 2,000 with another 200 in captivity. The advantage of the Giant Pandas is that they are adorable, and a big crowd pleaser. This has brought a lot of attention to their plight, and their numbers are slowly increasing.

The Sumatran Tiger has a similar story to that of the leopards in that they were thousands in Asian forests and jungles. Unfortunately, two of the Sumatran Tiger species are extinct – the Malinese and the Caspian. In many parts of Asia, there is a law banning the hunting and killing of these endangered animals, although this is a band-aid solution, it helps. The real problem for the diminishing population is destruction of their natural habitat because of modernization and the unabashed cutting down of trees. In India, 80% of their forests are gone. Kudos must go to the men and women behind the move to save this species from extinction. In past 10 years, the tiger population has seen an upward growth, although if this is to continue, they must be given protected land to live in.