Fauna in danger of extinction in Ecuador
Due to its geographical location and climatic conditions, Ecuador is one of the 13 most biodiverse countries that exist. Such is this that it houses 8% of the animal species in the world, highlighting birds (18%), amphibians, and reptiles (4.3%).
The destruction of habitats, overexploitation, the illegal trafficking of species, and the introduction of exotic species are among the main causes that put thousands of species at risk in Ecuador. Among the best-known animals are the Andean condor, the harpy eagle, the tapir, or the albatross.
"In total, 1,252 species of vertebrates are within some category of threat, of which 217 species are mammals, 238 species are birds, 276 species are reptiles and 521 species are amphibians," said the Ministry of the Environment.
Among the strategies maintained by the Secretary of State for this problem, there is the Plan of Action for the conservation of albatrosses and the campaign "Protect Ecuador, the responsibility belongs to everyone." - Andean condor: The condor, a symbolic bird of the Andes, suffers from the loss of its habitat and indiscriminate hunting. Also by the poisoning of carrion, its main food. The poison destined for predators, such as foxes, ends up being the reason for the death of this species.
- Giant otter: These animals are Critically Endangered in Ecuador. They are very sensitive to changes in their home: rivers and ponds. If the temperature changes or there is a lot of noise in the place, they quickly leave it.
- Crocodile off the coast: The coastal crocodile is a large semi-aquatic predatory reptile that has been in danger of extinction since 2007. It lives in a small part of the United States, Central, and South America up to the north of Peru. There are less than 5,000 specimens on the continent. In Ecuador, it is in critical danger.
- Guayaquil Parrot: Half a century ago, it was still normal to see flocks of Guayaquil parrots flying over the city or the forests near the city. Now, this is almost impossible. The subspecies, of which there are believed to be about 60 units in the wild, were affected by the destruction of its habitat and hunting, to be marketed as a pet or food.
- Brown-headed spider monkey: There are fewer than 300 brown-headed spider monkeys in Ecuador, living in forest fragments, threatened by high deforestation, burning pastures and forests, as well as isolation.
- Black-breasted Zamarrito: 1,640 species of birds live in Ecuador, 17% of all that exists in the world. Among these, there are 132 hummingbirds, and one particular one: the black-breasted samaritan (Eriocnemis nigrivestis), which is Critically Endangered.
- Spectacled bear: The spectacled bear is the only one in his family that lives in South America. It is not critically endangered, but it is threatened by the loss of its territory and poaching.
- Galapagos Albatross: On the Spanish island of Galapagos lives one of the largest flying birds in the world: the Galapagos albatross. This animal is very sensitive to human presence and its population is threatened by various factors such as climate change, plant species introduced into its habitat, and especially by longline fishing.
- Jaguar: The Panthera onca or jaguar is the largest land carnivorous animal that lives in Ecuador. His home in the country is the two ecosystems on the sides of the Andes mountain range. On the coast it is critically endangered, as it is believed that there are no more than 50 individuals; in the East, it is threatened
Protect Ecuador, the responsibility is everyone's
The Ministry of the Environment (MAE) proposes the campaign ¡°Protect Ecuador, everyone's responsibility¡±, with the aim of informing the population about endangered species and promoting their protection.
Currently, the MAE has National Strategies for the conservation of some endangered species such as the spectacled bear, Andean condor, harpy eagle, and tapir. In addition, it has an Action Plan for the conservation of the albatross. Likewise, it seeks to conserve the habitat of these species, through the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP).
This conservation process cannot be carried out without the contribution of the population. Don't let extinction spread, be part of the change. Find out and remember that the more people you meet is more than you protect.
sources:(https://www.ambiente.gob.ec/11699/)(https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/2020/11/27/nota/8064538/estos-son-10-animales-que-estan-peligro-extincion-ecuador/) -paola :)
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