Between the Animals in danger of extinction of Venezuela We can highlight felines as the tigrillo, birds as the cardinalito, whales like the whales or reptiles like the caiman of the Orinoco.
Diversity is the key word when it comes to describing the fauna of Venezuela. The country is home to about 341 species of reptiles, 284 amphibians, 1,791 fish, 351 mammals and a large number of butterflies and other invertebrates. More than 1,360 species of birds live in the country and 46 of these species are endemic.
Venezuela is considered one of the 17 countries with the highest biodiversity in the world according to the International Conservation Organization. However, environmental pollution, deforestation and hunting and extensive fishing have put the survival of some of these animals at risk.
The Swiss naturalist Henri Pittier , Was the first person to point out the ecological problems in Venezuela and the need to protect natural habitats. Unfortunately, protection against illegal settlement and exploitation is complex because of the huge tracts of territory that constitute the habitat of numerous species.
Farmers cut down trees along the roads to create open lands that facilitate livestock grazing and farmers build illegal roads that allow hunters to enter remote and protected areas.
Exotic animal traders burrow into sheltered areas to catch their prey in search of skins, feathers or animal body parts. In marine habitats, fishermen use motor boats that impair the survival of species.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Venezuela is home to the following number of species that are classified by the organization as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable:
You may also like This list of endangered animals in Argentina .
20 species in danger of extinction in Venezuela
1- Manati of the West Indies (Trichechus Manatus)
Few current studies are available to know the location and status of the Manatee in Venezuela. The realization of explorations areas that help to know their distribution are conditioned by the reduced existence of the species.
Nevertheless, through terrestrial expeditions it has been possible to know the presence of manatees in the Lake of Maracaibo, in the Gulf of Paria and in the Delta of the Orinoco.
Hunting for this species has reduced manatee populations in the country. Recent protection laws, education efforts and manatee shortages have generated an increasing interest in controlling their hunting.
Venezuela constitutes a habitat par excellence of the manatee and a continued decline of its hunting could give rise to an optimistic perspective for the future populations of the species.
According to IUCN (2008), the manatee is in danger of extinction because its current population is estimated at less than 2,500 mature specimens.
2- Giant Otter (Pteronura Brasiliensis)
The giant otter is considered endangered in Venezuela according to research published by IUCN in 2015. The global population of giant otters is low and individual subpopulations are fragmented and small.
The giant otter is intrinsically vulnerable to extinction since only a quarter to a third of the total population reproduces. The species also shows late maturity, late reproductive age, low transient survival and low pup survival, traits that limit its recolonization.
These specimens inhabit many types of rivers, streams and lakes in the tropical forests, plains and wetlands of South America, from Guyana through Venezuela and Colombia, in Argentina and west of the Andes. In Venezuela can be found in the rivers of Monagas, Barinas, Amazonas, Bolivar, Delta Amacuro and Apure.
3- The Cardinal (Carduelis Cucullata)
The cardinalito is native to Colombia, Guyana and Venezuela. This species qualifies as endangered in extension (IUCN-2016) as it is suffering a very rapid decline in population as a result of its capture for trade.
It is extremely attractive because of its ability to hybridize with the Canary Islands. Intensive farming also affects their survival due to the reduction of their natural habitat.
He Carduelis Cucullata Is one of the most threatened birds of Venezuela, but still can be found in some places of Falcon, Lara, Barinas, Miranda, Guárico, Anzoátegui and Zulia. Population estimates range from a minimum of 700 to 5,000 birds. It has been identified as one of the four species of birds of highest priority for conservation in the country.
4- Giant Armadillo (Priodontes Maximus)
This terrestrial species is found near water within the undisturbed habitats of the primary forest. Dig burrows, usually in grasslands or open forest areas. The gestation period is four months and usually females usually give birth to only one offspring.
The species is hunted for the consumption of its meat and its shell, tail and claws are used for the manufacture of cots, tools and pans, among others.
The giant armadillo is greatly affected by the loss of its habitat. It is also captured to be kept as a pet or to be sold as a"living fossil"on the black market, but it does not usually survive long in captivity.
These threats have led to an estimated population decline of at least 30% in the last three generations. IUCN Status: Vulnerable (2014).
The armadillo lives in Venezuela, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Paraguay and Argentina. In Venezuela it is found along the Andean Cordillera and the Littoral and south of the Orinoco River.
5- Multicolor Perico (Hapalopsittaca Amazonina Theresae)
This little parrot lives in the rainy and overcast forests of the Andes of Táchira and Mérida. It feeds mainly on fruits, flowers and seeds.
A major threat to its conservation is hunting for the pet market and the destruction of the Andean forest. In Venezuela, logging for intensive livestock grazing, frequent burning and coffee cultivation continue to decrease their available natural habitat.
There are few references to estimate the amount of the multicolored parakeet in the country. This species has been declared endangered according to studies published by IUCN in 2016 and is included among the top ten priorities for bird conservation in Venezuela.
6- Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga Tridactyla)
The Giant Anteater is found in humid tropical forests, dry forests, savanna habitats and open prairies. These animals are usually solitary.
For wild females, sexual maturity usually begins around 2 years and highlights that during childhood, take their offspring on their back for about six months. There are few studies on their longevity, survival rates and reproduction rates.
He Myrmecophaga tridactyla Is a space that can still be found in Central and South America. The particularity of their diet, their large body size, along with threats to habitat degradation, have proven to be important factors in the decline of their existence.
The species was classified as vulnerable to extinction in Venezuela according to IUCN (2014). A reduction of this species of at least 30% has been estimated in the last 10 years at the global level.
In Venezuela, its presence extends north to Falcon and northeast of Lake Maracaibo. They can also be found in Bolívar and Amazonas.
7- Andean Bear (Tremarctos Ornatus)
Endemic to the Tropical Andes, the Andean bear is the only bear species found in South America. It can be found in the Sierra de Perija, the El Tamá Massif and the Cordillera de Mérida in Venezuela.
It is likely that Andean bear populations will be reduced by more than 30% within the next few years. Because of recent conservation efforts, many protected areas have been established and are expected to be further expanded, although these perimeters only protect a fraction of their natural habitat.
Even within safeguarded areas, bears are vulnerable because of inadequate patrols. The development of roads and the advancement of agriculture are particularly insidious in the survival of the species, since in addition to decreasing and fragmenting the habitat, they also attract bears, who die from trying to predate crops. The increase in mining and oil exploitation poses significant additional threats to this species.
Due to trends in population density of these animals, IUCN (2008) declared the Andean bear vulnerable to extinction.
8- The Spider Monkey (Ateles Belzebuth)
Its habitat is associated with forests of clay soils and firm soils. Spider monkeys move and feed on the upper levels of trees, spend a lot of time in the treetops and are rarely seen on the forest floor. They are highly suspensive animals, preferring to swing from one branch to another to move than to walk or run on four legs. They feed heavily on fruits.
This species is considered native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. Its presence extends to the north of Venezuela towards the river Orinoco and Caura, also inhabits the humid forests of the Lake basin of Maracaibo.
The progressive destruction of mountain forests is the main threat to their wild populations. The species has been listed as endangered by IUCN in 2008.
9- Common Whale or Fin Whale (Balaenoptera Physalus)
Fin whales are the second largest mammals, after blue whales. They grow up to 20 meters in length and weigh approximately 70,000 kilograms.
Excessive hunting is responsible for the low numbers of fin whale populations currently. Since whales use low-frequency sounds to call females, the human interruption of sound waves may lead to a reduction in the birth rate of the species.
It is estimated that the world population of Balaenoptera Physalus Has declined by more than 70% in the last three generations.
In Venezuela, sightings of the species have been recorded on Isla Margarita, in Falcón, Sucre and in Mochima National Park. The hunting of this specimen is penalized by the Venezuelan authorities. The fin whale has been listed as an endangered species according to the IUCN in 2013.
10- Torrent Duck (Merganetta Armata)
The torrent ducks live on some of the most powerful and fast rivers in the Andes of South America, which are surrounded by slopes of stiff and sloping mountains. Water flowing from the ice-covered mountains runs creating waterfalls and rivers, where torrent ducks live and thrive.
Torrent ducks live in a habitat that is difficult to navigate for most animals and build nests in inaccessible places.
It is estimated that in Merida and Táchira there is a population between 100 and 1,500 specimens. The destruction of Andean habitats and intensive hunting are its main threats. In Venezuela the species is considered in danger of extinction.
11- Harpy Eagle (Harpia Harpyja)
In Venezuela this species is found in the states of Carabobo, Aragua and the Cordillera de las Costa. It is extremely threatened north of the Orinoco River. The destruction of habitat and the disintegration of the species are the main threats to its survival. IUCN Status: Vulnerable (2016).
12- Tigrillo (Leopardus Wiedii)
Populations of this specimen are declining due to the induced conversion of forests to agriculture and the construction of development infrastructures. The species is hunted intensively. This small feline is found in the Coastal Range (Nirgua Massif). IUCN Status: Vulnerable (2015).
13- Andean Matacán Deer (Mazama Rufina Bricenii)
Its presence extends through Táchira, Mérida, Trujillo and is considered the most endangered species in Venezuela. The high conversion rate of Andean habitats is alarming, which combined with their severe hunting has led to the reduction of their population. IUCN Status: Vulnerable (2016).
14- Night Monkey (Aotus Lemurinus)
Primate distributed in Venezuela along the lake basin of Maracaibo and the Andinas mountains of Táchira and Trujillo. Its hunting is high, since it is valued as a pet, as food and as a model for biomedical research. IUCN Status: Vulnerable (2008).
15- Cayman of the Orinoco (Crocodylus Intermedius)
In Venezuela it extends through the lowlands of the Orinoco basin. The total population is estimated at 1,500 crocodiles. The main threat is the destruction of habitat, the traffic of its eggs and newborn crocodiles. IUCN Status: Critical Hazard (1996).
16- Painted or Draped Turtle (Trachemys Scripta Chichiriviche)
It is limited to a small coastal zone to the northwest of the Falcon state and nearby areas, estimating its population in 500 individuals. The main threats to their survival are poaching and habitat loss due to pollution. In Venezuela the species is considered endangered.
17- Tortuga Arraú or Charapa (Podocnemis Expansa)
It is the largest water turtle known in Venezuela and is located along the Orinoco River and its tributaries. The main threat is over-exploitation of its population for consumption purposes. IUCN Status: Lower Risk (1996).
18- Ñangaro (Aratinga Acuticaudata Neoxena)
It is found in arid zones contiguous to La Restinga lagoon on Margarita Island in Northeastern Venezuela. Extinction is likely in the medium term. The main threats to its preservation are its captivity as a pet and the destruction of its natural habitat.
19- Tijereta Hummingbird (Hylonympha Macrocerca)
It is one of the most famous Venezuelan endemic, only found in the cloud forest of the Paria Peninsula in Sucre. This species is endangered by the loss of its natural habitat. IUCN Status: Endangered (2016).
20- Paujil de Copete de Piedra (Pauxi Pauxi)
This great bird is native to Colombia and Venezuela, located in the Andean Sierra, the Central Coast and the Peninsula of Paria. Moderate and continuing population decline is suspected based on rates of habitat loss and hunting levels. The plumage of these birds is very attractive in the handmade jewelry. It is one of the four priority species for bird conservation in Venezuela. IUCN Status: Endangered (2016).
References
- The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016-3. Retrieved from: iucnredlist.org.
- Trichechus Manatus, West Indian manatee. Retrieved from: animaldiversity.org.
- Kohnstamm, T. et al. (2007). Lonely Planet Venezuela. Melbourne, Lonely Planet Publications.
- Houser, A. (2011). Venezuela. Minnesota, ABDO Publishing Company.
- Collen, B. et al. (2013). Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation. Bridging the Gap between Global Commitment and Local Action. Hoboken, Wiley-Blackwell.
- Crooker, R. (2006). Venezuela. New York, Chelsea House Publishing.
- Maddicks, R. (2011). Venezuela: The Bradt Travel Guide. St. Peter, Bradt Travel Guides.
- Endangered Species in Venezuela. Retrieved from: ecoportal.tripod.com.