Wildlife is fighting for survival, and we are often found looking at dismal figures and statistics about the decline and even extinction of many species. While this is true, sometimes we need to look at some success stories too. Here’s a look at 10 animals who have survived the odds, thanks to breeding programmes, zoos and conservation.
Arabian Oryx
The Arabian Oryx or White Oryx is a medium-sized antelope with a distinct shoulder bump, long, straight horns and a tufted tail. It was hunted to extinction in the wild. However, from just a handful of animals in captivity the species was brought back from the brink, thanks to the conservation efforts of Phoenix Zoo in the U.S. and others.
There are now over 1,000 of these magnificent animals back in the wild, and thousands more looked after by zoos worldwide.
Przewalski’s Horse
The Przewalski's Horse also called the Mongolian Wild Horse or Dzungarian Horse, is native to the steppes of central Asia. It is the only truly wild horse species left in the world. It was once declared completely extinct in the wild. But, thanks to the efforts of several zoos, the Przewalski's Horse is making a comeback and there is a stable population across the world. They are being slowly re-introduced into their natural habitat.
California Condor
The California Condor is a vulture — the largest North American land bird. It was once on the brink of extinction, with only 27 left. The birds were taken into captivity and a breeding programme started. Now, there are hundreds of these birds flying freely, thanks to conservation efforts.
Corroboree Frog
The Corroboree Frogs are two species (northern and southern) of small, poisonous ground-dwelling frogs, native to Southern Tablelands of Australia. They are unique among frogs in that they produce their own poison rather than obtain it from their food source as is the case in every other poisonous frog species. These tiny black and yellowfrogs have been almost wiped out due to a particularly nasty fungus disease. But over the past few years, zoos like Taronga Zoo in Sydney have been breeding them and they are now being returned to the wild in specially designed disease-free habitats. Australia alone has seen the extinction of six frog species in recent decades. Thanks to these zoos, the corroboree frog won’t be one of them.
Bongo
The Bongo ( Tragelaphus eurycerus ) is a herbivorous, mostly nocturnal forest ungulate. It is among the largest of the African forest antelope species. They are characterised by a striking reddish-brown coat, black and white markings, white-yellow stripes and long slightly spiralled horns. It is an elusive creature and was one of the last large mammal species to be discovered. Thanks to poaching and habitat loss its population has been reduced to shockingly low numbers. There are now perhaps more Eastern Bongos in captivity than in the wild. Across the world, zoos are working together on a Bongo breeding programmes to maintain a viable population that will act as a safety net for this species survival.
Bellinger River Turtle
The Bellinger River Snapping Turtle is a unique species found along the Bellinger River in Australia. In 2015, 90% of the species was wiped out when a newly discovered disease swept through the area. An emergency response team from Taronga Zoo Sydney rescued 16 healthy turtles and began a breeding programme to secure the turtle population. In 2017, the first hatchlings arrived and they are now on the road to recovery.
Panamanian Golden Frog
This stunning little Panamanian Golden Frog is also incredibly poisonous, a defence it uses, to ward off predators. However, this wasn’t enough to protect it from a devastating outbreak of a fungal disease. It is thought to be been extinct in the wild since 2007.
But before this happened, a population was taken into captivity for safekeeping and a number of zoos have collaborated on a conservation project to keep the species safe from extinction.
Golden Lion Tamarin
Also known as the Golden Marmoset, it is native to Brazil. This striking animal was in serious trouble due to loss of habitat, from logging and mining, as well as the threats of poaching.
Since the early 1980’s, there’s been concerted effort from conservation organisations and zoos worldwide to protect the Golden Lion Tamarin from extinction. Today, about a third of wild Golden Lion Tamarins come from those raised in human care.
Amur Leopard
This solitary, nimble-footed and strong animal, carries and hides unfinished kills so that they are not taken by other predators. In the wild there are only a few dozen of the incredible Amur Leopard left. Like many species, the Amur Leopard has been pushed close to extinction because of loss of habitat, poaching and human development.
However, a breeding programme started in the 1960s means 200 Amur Leopards now exist in zoos worldwide, ensuring a future for the species. Re-introduction into the wild is difficult, but conservation organisations and governments are working together to bring the leopard back to its North-East Asian habitat.
Regent Honeyeater
The Regent Honeyeater is a striking and distinctive, medium-sized, black and yellow honey eater with a sturdy, curved bill. It was once common in wooded areas of eastern Australia. This bird relies on the nectar of a particular species of eucalyptus treefor food. Unfortunately, deforestation has resulted in the loss of this important food source and is now estimated that there may be fewer than 1,500 Regent Honeyeaters in Australia.
Thanks to dedicated breeding programmes in Australian zoos and tree-planting initiatives, the future of critically endangered regent honeyeater is looking more secure.
