Endangered Species and Holidays to See Them

The world is full of endangered species and there are many holidays to see them, and, often, choosing these holidays might just help their situation by providing funds for their survival.

The grim news first. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature ("IUCN") and their aptly named The Red List, of the 5,487 known mammal species on our planet, some 1,141 are facing extinction.

Taking the overall picture, not just mammals, the IUCN reckons that of our total of 44,838 species in the world, nearly 40 per cent are in danger.

Why so many? Simply because the modern world is increasingly unfriendly towards mammals, amphibians and reptiles alike. Animals are being forced off lands that are being over populated, or extensively farmed. They are also being hunted for food and sport. Amphibians don't fare much better, with the sea becoming over-fished and over-polluted. Throw-in the effects of climate change and you have a pretty depressing picture.

And certain regions in the world are in a worst state than others. The rich biodiverse countries of Asia for example are some of the most vulnerable, with IUCN stating that a staggering 79% of primate species facing an inglorious end in this part of the world.

The Red List names animals that are having a hard time, including a small rodent in Cuba which for 40 years has not been seen. This little critter has thus earnt the dubious distinction of being labelled by The Red List as Critically Endangered (or, in other words, Possibly Extinct). Also under that heading is the Iberian Lynx, which has only around 100 adults left.

One down from Critically Endangered is Endangered and this bracket includes the Tasmanian Devil whose population was reduced 60% over the last ten years, thanks to a terrible disease.

Okay, that's the depressing bit, but the better news is that something can be done, via conservation programmes, partly funded by some of the money coming from ecotourists. There are now plenty of opportunities to witness the endangered species and hopefully contribute to their survival.

But, first you have to decide what particular endangered species you wish to help. If the tiger is your choice, then seeing one of the great reserves in India is a must. Too many of these magnificent animals are being hunted for their bones (used in Chinese medicine) and their skins (fashion uses in Tibet and China). Simply, by more tourists visiting these reserves, then more money will flow into the hands of the local community and following the laws of capitalism, more money will be made from looking at the animals, rather than shooting them.

If you prefer dolphins to tigers, it's a sad fact that many countries don't share your views and see these amphibian lovies as a threat to fishing, and must therefore be eradicated. Although not yet endangered, in many regions they are becoming a rarity. But, the simple logic is, as with the tigers, that if tourists brought more dollars in than the profits from fishing, then they would be protected and flourish. If you want to help endangered species, then organise your holidays to see some.

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