Some of the endemic species that give beauty and variety to the Latin American fauna are in danger of becoming extinct, in some cases due to the ruthless action of man. Here we show you seven animals that perhaps future generations will not be able to meet.
1. Amazon Manatee
It is one of the three species of manatees on the planet. It is the only one that lives in fresh water and is found in the Amazon basin that encompasses Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Guyana. This mermaid, which weighs up to 450 kilos, was exploited for hundreds of years and although it is protected today, it is still sought after for its meat, fat and skin. Their lives are also in danger from being trapped in fishing nets and from the deforestation of their habitat.
2. Galapagos Giant Tortoise
As its name implies, this Ecuadorian tortoise is huge. It reaches up to 152 centimeters long and weighs about 260 kilos, it reminds us of the dinosaurs and, unfortunately, it could disappear like them. This slow and long-lived creature, living up to 100 years, is in danger of extinction due to illegal hunting. In addition, their young are vulnerable to natural predators.
3. Waved Albatross
They are seen on the coasts of Colombia, Peru and Panama, although they originate in the Galapagos Islands and fly throughout the continent. The presence of this beautiful bird has drastically decreased. In 1998, 18,000 pairs were counted. The main cause of death of the wavy albatross is fishermen's whistles. They try to steal the baits but end up getting caught.
4. Panamanian Golden Frog
Its indiscriminate hunting, the deterioration of its habitat and a fungus called chytrid have caused this frog to be on the verge of extinction. The amphibian is a symbol of the country and although it initially lived in the tropical forests of Panama, today it is only possible to see it in captivity. In 2014 there were 50 of these brightly colored critters, and it was last seen in the wild in 2007.
5. Tree lemur frog
The population of this little one, which fits on the tip of a finger, has mysteriously decreased. Although it is most likely due to pollution, scientists have not specified the reasons why this amphibian similar to the lemur of Madagascar has almost disappeared. It used to be common in Costa Rica, but now it is very difficult to find it in the high altitude areas where it lived.
6. Orinoco Crocodile
In 1996, the International Union for Conservation of Nature ruled that the Orinoco crocodile was critically endangered. The reason? In just three generations, its population decreased by 80%. The animal almost disappeared in Colombia and the few remaining specimens (it is believed that about 250) live south of the Orinoco River, in Venezuela. His excessive hunting has meant that his presence will soon be remembered.
7. Golden lion tamarin
This primate endemic to Brazil is the most endangered in South America. The destruction of their habitat and their trade as exotic pets have meant that there are only about 1,700 in their natural habitat and another 500 in zoos, most of them in Europe. They are small and beautiful, weighing less than a kilo, and have a silky golden mane. Their breeding in captivity is the hope that this species does not become extinct.
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