The U.S. has an abundance of incredible wildlife, but unfortunately, many species are facing the threat of extinction. With so much attention on endangered animals worldwide, sometimes our own native species get neglected. Here’s a list of seven animals living in the U.S. that don’t always get the attention they deserve.
1. American Burying Beetle: The American Burying Beetle is a species of scarab beetle native to the U.S. and is considered to be one of the country’s most endangered insects. These beetles are highly sensitive to habitat change and have experienced a dramatic decline in their population due to the destruction of grasslands, wetlands, and prairie ecosystems.
2. Red Wolf: Red Wolves are among the world’s most endangered canines. Once found along the Atlantic Coast from Pennsylvania to Florida, the species has suffered significant declines in their numbers due to hunting and habitat destruction. The Red Wolf population is estimated to be fewer than 40, and is still threatened by both legal and illegal killing.
3. Eskimo Curlew: The Eskimo Curlew is a species of bird native to the U.S. and Canada. This bird was once a common species across North America and was widely hunted for its edible flesh. Unfortunately, the species has declined drastically in the last century and is now considered to be extinct or functionally extinct.
4. Florida Panther: The Florida Panther is a species of big cat that is endemic to the U.S. state of Florida. This species has a declining population due to habitat loss, loss of prey, and more recently, inbreeding. There are an estimated 180 Florida Panthers remaining in the wild, though their population is showing signs of improvement due to conservation efforts.
5. Black-footed Ferret: The Black-footed Ferret is a species of weasel native to the grasslands of western North America. Once a common species throughout the U.S., their populations have declined dramatically due to habitat loss and competition with other predators. There are currently attempts to reintroduce this species into the wild, but they still face a great deal of threats.
6. Hawaiian Monk Seal: The Hawaiian Monk Seal is one of the rarest marine mammals in the world, native to the Hawaiian Islands. These seals have experienced a severe decline due to incidental capture in fisheries, entanglement in marine debris, and habitat degradation. The species is currently listed as Endangered and their population is estimated to be fewer than 1,400 individuals.
7. Californian Red-legged Frog: The Californian Red-legged Frog is one of the largest native frogs in the U.S. Once widespread in California, their numbers have declined drastically due to habitat loss and the introduction of non-native species such as the Bullfrog. There are currently efforts to conserve and reintroduce this species into their native range, but their future remains uncertain.
It’s important to recognize and support the conservation of all species, including those in our own backyard. These seven animals don’t always get the attention they deserve, so make sure to spread awareness for their plight and take the time to learn more about their conservation efforts.
