What Are Some Endangered Species that Live in the Rainforest?

The rainforest is home to many species of animals. In fact, it is estimated that more than half of the species of animals that exist on the planet live in rainforest habitats that can be found all over the world. With the threat of deforestation against rainforests, it is no wonder that many of the animals that call these environments home are listed among the world’s endangered species.

Because so many animals live in rain forests, there are a wide variety of those who reside there that are endangered. Here are a few examples of the  endangered species that make the rainforest their home.

Golden Lion Tamarind Monkey

One example of an endangered species that lives in the rainforest is the Golden Lion Tamarind Monkey.

• Conservationists estimate that this is probably the most endangered animal of all the rainforest endangered species.
• In fact, the Golden Lion Tamarind is almost extinct and this is not due to deforestation: unfortunately, the near extinction of this species of monkey is due to the fact that the fur goes for nearly $20,000 on the black market. This high price results in the monkeys being captured and killed by poachers trying to collect their fur.

Toucon and Parrot

Toucans and parrots also call the rainforest home and are also listed on the endangered species list.

• While many would think that parrots are common because of what they see in a pet store, the fact remains that there are some rare species of parrot that are near extinction. The same is true for certain species of toucons who reside in rainforests.
• The endangered status of the toucan and some of the rarer species of parrot is primarily due to capture of these birds to sell in the pet market.

Jaguar

Another animal that calls the rainforest its home and is listed as being endangered is the jaguar.

• These beautiful members of the big cats family are found in rainforests throughout Mexico and also in South and Central America.
• Hunting is the biggest threat to these beautiful cats. Even though some countries have outlawed the hunting of jaguars, others have not.

Gorillas

Gorillas are another animal that call the rainforest home and that are on the endangered species list.

• Gorillas are found primarily in the rainforests along the Congo River Basin, Zaire, and Rwanda in Central Africa.
• There a multitude of things that endanger the existence of the gorilla such as hunting and deforestation.
• Gorillas are hunted both for their meat and to keep down the spread of the Ebola virus in Central Africa.

Poison Dart Frog

The Poison Dart Frog, another inhabitant of the rainforest, is also on the endangered species list.

• These colorful species of frog are found in both Central and South America.
• There are many species of these types of frogs and some of them are listed as being "Critically Endangered" while others remain on the "Least Concern" list.
• These frogs are threatened because of the toxins they produce. Native people to the rainforest capture and kill these frogs to use their toxins to poison the arrows of the darts they shoot to hunt other prey. 

Protecting Endangered Species

As you can see from this list of some endangered species, many of the animals that live in the rainforests are at risk because of human involvement in their lives. Strict anti-poaching laws and better efforts on the parts of people to protect these wildlife will be necessary if we hope to keep these or any other endangered species from becoming extinct.