The 21st century has established itself as an era of great technological and scientific achievements, but also as an era of environmental crises. One of the most pressing issues is the accelerated loss of biodiversity, with animals in danger of extinction. Every year, dozens of species disappear silently from the planet, many of them without even having been adequately studied by science. This disappearance not only affects the ecosystems they inhabit, but also directly impacts human life by altering food chains, ecosystem services, and the planet’s natural balance.
Alongside the team at 1xbet chile, we will try to reflect on which species are at higher risk of extinction and what we can do to prevent their definitive disappearance.
Main causes of species disappearance
There are multiple factors that explain why more and more animals are critically endangered. The most significant is habitat loss, mainly caused by deforestation, urban expansion, and intensive agriculture. When natural spaces are destroyed or fragmented, animals lose not only their refuge but also their sources of food and the conditions necessary for reproduction. In many cases, animals do not have the ability to adapt quickly to these drastic changes, accelerating their population decline.
Another determining factor is climate change. Increasing temperatures, extreme weather patterns, and ocean acidification directly affect numerous ecosystems. Species that depend on specific climatic conditions, such as polar bears in the Arctic or corals in tropical seas, are especially vulnerable. To this, add poaching, illegal wildlife trade, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. All these elements, often combined, create a hostile scenario where the survival of thousands of animals becomes increasingly difficult.
Critically endangered animals: at higher risk
Among the species at greatest risk of disappearing in the coming decades are some that already have less than a thousand individuals in the wild. The Javan rhinoceros, for example, has been a victim of poaching due to the value of its horns in the black market, and today only about 70 individuals remain in a single reserve in Indonesia. Their situation is so precarious that any natural event or disease outbreak could mean their immediate extinction. A similar fate could befall the Mexican axolotl, whose wild population has been decimated by pollution in the canals of Xochimilco and the presence of exotic species.
Another emblematic case is that of the mountain gorilla. Despite conservation efforts, these primates continue to face constant threats due to habitat destruction, uncontrolled tourism, and diseases transmitted by human contact. Although their population has shown signs of recovery in recent years, they remain extremely vulnerable. The same goes for birds like the kakapo of New Zealand or the northern bald ibis from Africa, whose populations number in the tens. These species, being in a critical state, serve as a wake-up call for humanity about the urgency of acting before it’s too late.
Less chances: rare species that have almost disappeared
Beyond animals that receive media attention for their charisma or size, there are extremely rare species that are also on the brink of extinction, even though their situation is much less known. The Yangtze river dolphin, also known as baiji, is one of the most tragic examples. Considered functionally extinct since the early 2000s, its disappearance was the result of extreme river pollution, industrial fishing, and the lack of effective protection policies. The loss of this unique cetacean went almost unnoticed internationally, reflecting a worrisome indifference towards certain species.
Another example is the golden toad of Costa Rica, which has not been seen since the late 1980s. Although officially not declared extinct, its prolonged absence and the destruction of its habitat suggest it is unlikely to survive. These kinds of silent disappearances, which often do not make headlines, represent a significant part of the global biodiversity crisis. Many of these species have extremely restricted habitats or very specific ecological needs, making them especially vulnerable to any disruption. Their fate reflects the tragedy of thousands of life forms being wiped off the map without a trace.
Unexpected candidates: common animals now vulnerable
In many cases, the threat of extinction is not limited to rare or exotic species. Even animals that were abundant just a few decades ago are seeing drastic declines in their populations. The house sparrow, which was once one of the most widespread birds in the world, has significantly decreased in European and Asian cities. Pollution, food scarcity, and alteration of urban environments have made this bird, a symbol of everyday life, now face an uncertain future. This case shows that not even species apparently adapted to the human environment are safe.
The same goes for certain amphibians and reptiles that inhabit agricultural areas, where the use of pesticides has caused devastating effects. Also, some types of bees, crucial for crop pollination, are disappearing at an alarming rate, jeopardizing not only biodiversity but also global food security. These examples compel us to rethink our conceptions of which animals are at risk. Extinction is no longer a distant or exotic phenomenon: it could be happening in our gardens, parks, and fields without us even realizing.
Conservation efforts: scientists, activists, and governments
Faced with this alarming panorama, there are valuable initiatives seeking to halt or reverse the loss of biodiversity. Captive breeding programs have saved species that were practically extinct in nature. The case of the California condor is an inspiring example: in the mid-1980s, there were barely 27 individuals left, and today there are more than 500, thanks to collaboration between zoos, scientists, and conservation organizations. Although these actions do not replace natural habitats, they have proven to be essential as emergency measures.
Simultaneously, protected areas, national parks, and nature reserves have been created worldwide, providing a refuge for endangered fauna. However, the effectiveness of these areas largely depends on political will, funding, and the involvement of local communities. Environmental education also plays a crucial role in fostering collective awareness about the importance of preserving wildlife. While much remains to be done, these efforts demonstrate that coordinated action can yield concrete results. The challenge is to replicate and expand these models before more species irreversibly disappear.
How can each person help?
Although it may often seem that species conservation is the exclusive responsibility of governments or large organizations, each individual can contribute in significant ways. Choosing sustainable products, reducing plastic use, supporting reforestation initiatives, or participating in animal protection campaigns are actions that have a real impact. Likewise, avoiding the consumption of exotic animals or products derived from endangered species helps reduce pressure on these populations.
Knowledge is a powerful tool. Learning about local biodiversity, visiting nature reserves, or simply teaching new generations to respect animals are ways to sow a culture of respect and care. Social networks and digital platforms also allow for amplifying awareness messages and financially supporting conservation projects
