Beneath the waves, thousands of species are critically endangered. Learn about some of them on WORLD WILDLIFE DAY — and how you can help turn their tides.
WORLD WILDLIFE DAY is around the corner! And to celebrate, we’re looking past the shoreline and into the depths of the ocean.
The ocean is home to over a million types of marine life beyond our wildest imagination. Covering a majority of Earth, they provide integral contributions to our planet's biodiversity. But despite the vastness of the ocean; the ecosystems beneath the salty seas are continuously threatened by climate change and human activity. We’re taking a look at three endangered marine species that need extra conservation efforts for their survival.
- Vaquita: This tiny dolphin was once thought to be a legend due to its rarity. With a large dorsal fin and facial marks mimicking the appearance of a smile, the Vaquita is certainly an adorable marine creature. The Vaquita dolphin can only be found in a small region near the coasts of California and Mexico. They’re docile animals who face risks from pollution and fishing nets — both threats which have pushed them to endangerment and led them to the brink of extinction.
- Giant Manta Ray: These incredible ocean animals can reach up to nine meters wide. They typically feast on small marine life; including plankton and sometimes small fish. They’ve become a major tourist attraction; enticing divers from around the world with their otherworldly appearance. Recently, they've been threatened by the demands of fishing — making them a part of the 30% of sharks and fish currently facing potential extinction.
- Whale Shark: This fish earns its name from the fact that it’s the biggest fish in the entire world. It’s estimated that whale sharks can reach a whopping 20 meters (65 feet) in size. Despite their enormity, they only eat tiny fish, plankton, and shrimp. They consume so much, whale sharks are now considered partially responsible for the maintenance of plankton. Whale sharks are considered a novelty and their meat and oil is highly coveted. One of their main threats is becoming by-catch victims due to unsustainable commercial fishing practices. In the Indo-Pacific region alone, the whale shark population has declined approximately 63% in less than 100 years. More conservation efforts are needed to help whale sharks and spread awareness for their dire situation.
Each of these marine animals play an integral role in their ocean ecosystem. When one animal from a food chain goes extinct — it can have devastating consequences for the ocean ecosystem as a whole. The endangerment of these three species only scratches the surface of the list of wildlife in our oceans that need our support. Our ocean’s biodiversity is at risk, its lifeforms ENDANGERED.
You can be a part of ocean conservation efforts. Make a positive change this World Wildlife Day and donate with VAKOVAKO today.
