Africa is one of the most beautiful continents on earth. With wide open spaces and an array of wildlife, tourists from around the globe flock to our beloved continent to take in the beautiful fauna and flora.
But, did you know Africa faces a problem of epic proportions? Due to the human population growing on a daily basis, our wildlife is now suffering the consequences. Here are four animals that your grandchildren might never see outside of a photograph:
The African wild dog
The African wild dog is one of the most endangered carnivores on the African continent. In fact, there are only four remaining populations left, one of which is in the Kruger National Park. Their dwindling numbers are due to the human-carnivore conflict due to overpopulation, poaching disease.
The Rhino
Poaching is the biggest contributing factor to rhinos finding themselves on the endangered species list. In March this year, headlines around the globe announced the death of Sudan, the last male northern white rhino. The only two northern white rhinos left are both female. Black rhinos face a similar threat due to human greed.
Pickergill’s reed frog
This diminutive frog is only found in KwaZulu-Natal, occupying a small area of coastal wetlands. Yet, your grandchildren are more than likely never to see these reed frogs, which change colour from juvenile to adult.
While there are three captive rescue populations in South Africa, there are a number of threats to the Pickersgills reed frog. This includes urban development, the use of the insecticide DDT for mosquito control and drainage for agricultural purposes.
The Riverine Rabbit
The Riverine Rabbit, also known as the bushman rabbit or bushman hare. Environmentalists believe there are only 500 adults left, making it one of the most endangered animals in the world. They are mainly found in the Karoo. The biggest threats these small mammals face is habitat destruction caused by farming and domestic animals which hunt them.
