Endangered Species: Amur Leopard, Vaquita, Javan Rhino Conservation

Endangered Species on the Brink of Extinction
Members: Blancheska Magdi, Bryan Kenvo, Brenn Mouafo
1. Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis)
The Amur leopard is one of the rarest big cats, with fewer than 100 individuals
remaining in the wild. It has a thick, spotted coat adapted to cold climates in the
Russian Far East and Northeast China.
Ecological Role:
 Apex predator that maintains prey populations
o example: wild boar
 Helps control herbivore numbers, preventing overgrazing and maintaining forest
health.
Pressures Leading to Endangerment:
 Habitat loss due to logging and human settlement.
 Climate change altering its forest habitat.
 Low genetic diversity due to small population size.
Restoration Methods:
 Anti-poaching patrols and stricter law enforcement.
 Habitat conservation through protected areas like Land of the Leopard National
Park.
 Captive breeding and reintroduction to boost wild populations.
2. Vaquita (Phocoena sinus)
The vaquita is the world’s smallest porpoise, with fewer than 10 individuals left in
Mexico’s Gulf of California. It has dark rings around its eyes and a small, stocky body.
Ecological Role:
 Predator of small fish and squid, helping maintain marine food webs.

 Indicator species for the health of the Gulf of California ecosystem.
Pressures Leading to Endangerment:
 Bycatch in illegal gillnets used for fishing the critically endangered totoaba fish.
 Habitat degradation from pollution and reduced freshwater flow.
 Low reproductive rate (one calf every two years).
Restoration Methods:
 Ban on gillnets and enforcement of fishing regulations.
 Removal of illegal nets by conservation groups.
 Alternative livelihoods for fishermen to reduce reliance on illegal fishing.
3. Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
The Javan rhino is one of the rarest large mammals, with only about 75 individuals
left in Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia. It has a single horn and armored skin
folds.
Ecological Role:
 Seed disperser, aiding forest regeneration.
 Creates wallows that provide water sources for other species.
Pressures Leading to Endangerment:
 Habitat loss due to agriculture and human encroachment.
 Natural disasters (tsunamis, volcanic eruptions) threatening its last habitat.
 Low genetic diversity increasing disease vulnerability.
Restoration Methods:
 Strict protection of Ujung Kulon National Park.
 Expanding habitat by establishing a second population in a safe location.

 Anti-poaching units and surveillance technology.
 Genetic studies to improve breeding success.
This research was a collaborative effort by Bryan Kenvo, Brenn Mouafo, and Blancheska
Magdi. Each member contributed to gathering information, analyzing threats, and proposing
solutions for the conservation of these endangered species. Through teamwork, we gained a
deeper understanding of the urgent need to protect biodiversity and the importance of
global conservation efforts.