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Are you excited for your African Safari? Are you waiting in anticipation to see the grandeur of the rhinoceros or the sheer size of the great elephant? If you are, then you better act quickly because according to recent findings and research, these animals are only some of the wildlife that is on the endangered species list in South Africa
Endangered species are animals that are categorized according to how threatened they are in relation to becoming extinct. In terms of wildlife animals that we would normally spot on our Sabi Sands safari, animals like the Black Rhinoceros are "critically endangered" and are in high risk of becoming extinct very soon. The Black Rhinoceros is found in dry areas like the desert to wetter areas like forests but their highest density occurs on the bushveld. This endangered species with its poor eyesight but excellent hearing is in danger of full extinction and sadly this is owing to the fact that this species is in high demand for their endangered horns. They have been vulnerable to extinction since the 1960s and when last counted in 2003, South Africa had 1284 Black Rhino's. Other South African species that are critically endangered are the Riverine Rabbit and the Golden Mole.
Next on the endangered species list is the "endangered" section. The Wild Dog is a part of this list as this dog shows a rapidly decreasing population and is in serious danger of becoming extinct. This endangered species is found in areas of South Africa as well as the Sahara desert and even close to Kilimanjaro. Already expected to be extinct in many African countries, this endangered species has an estimated population of 5500 worldwide with only 400 of those residing in South Africa. The reason why these animals are so highly endangered is because of factors such as infectious disease, habitat fragmentation and conflict with our species.
A wildlife species many of us are fascinated with but are unfortunately endangered is the African Elephant. The sad truth is that this elephant is also feature on the vulnerable list and is an endangered species. This larger than life animal can be found in grasslands, deserts, forest and marshes and these majestic creatures are smarter than they come across. Unfortunately these animals have become endangered species also owing to the fact that they are killed for their ivory tusks. It is estimated that at the beginning of the 19th century, there was a population of as many as 27 million elephants but the last figures taken in 2004 show that this number has depleted to as little as 402 000.
So while you are sightseeing on your Kruger park Safari, make sure that you take a second to really appreciate the animals that you see and know that it is more of a privileged than a right. Make sure that you have the opportunity to see these creatures in their natural habitat before it's too late and they become endangered species or even worse, extinct.
Lauren Potgieter wrote this article for Outlook SGE and their Sabi Sands safari as well as their Kruger Park Safari tours.
