These are true stories of endangered animals that are being pushed to the brink. As you read them, you will realize that most of the problems are a result of human activities. It is sad that even though people know what damages their actions are causing they continue doing it. Sometimes, all that is needed is simple changes in our every day life to make a lasting difference.

Endangered jaguars continue to be driven to the brink
There are less than a few hundred jaguars left in the Brazilian Amazon. In reality, no one can tell with confidence how many are truly left. Massive deforestation has driven these jaguars outside of their safe areas in search of food. This puts these endangered animals in contact with humans and subsequently getting killed. The jaguars attack livestock when they venture outside the jungle areas in search of food. The humans shoot these animals in an effort to protect their livestock. The jaguars are facing extinction because humans are in their habitats. Instead of rectifying the problem that the humans caused, they are making it even worse by further killing these poor creatures. They should try to recreate their habitat and possibly tranquilize, rather than kill, the jaguars that travel beyond their boundary. This way, they can be moved deeper into the jungle in an effort to bring them back from the brink.

The daily caffeine buzz
WWF said that coffee beans are grown in the Bukit Baritan Selatan Park in Sumatra, Indonesia, where three endangered species - Sumatran tigers, elephants, and rhinos coexist. More than 25% of this forest has been degraded. Sixty percent of that is used for illegal growing of coffee. Endangered wildlife has abandoned these areas. If illegal deforestation for coffee growing is not checked, the park that is supposed to protect endangered wildlife will drive these animals to extinction within a few years. It is said that most companies buying the coffee are unaware of its illegal origins. The Sumatran government should take steps to ensure that their parks are better protected. The coffee buying companies should make sure they are aware of where their coffee beans are coming from and avoid procuring coffee obtained by illegal agriculture.

A deadly year for the endangered right whales
The Atlantic right whale is the most endangered large-bodied whale. Year 2006 is said to have been the worst and most deadly for this endangered animal. Five deaths were a result of ship strikes and one due to entanglement. All six documented deaths revealed large propeller cuts all over the body. Although only six whales were discovered dead, scientists believe there were more deaths. Most whales die off-shore and their carcasses sink or cannot be seen. Six may seem like a very small number, but when you consider the fact that there are fewer than 400 of these animals living, six is a big number. All six of these whale deaths could have been easily prevented. The shipping and fish industries strongly oppose the changes that could protect these endangered creatures. If people don't start respecting and caring for these animals, the right whales will soon be added on to the list of extinct animals.

Mutant cancer likely to drive the Tasmanian devil to the brink!
A certain form of cancer that causes facial tumors on the Tasmanian devils is reported to be driving these special creatures to extinction. In less than six months after the first lesion appears on the face the creature dies. If this continues, scientists believe that these animals could become extinct in less than a decade. In some areas, this mutant cancer is reported to have wiped out about 70% of the population. In an effort to avoid extinction, a few colonies of healthy Tasmanian devils have been taken and placed in zoos.

The ice is melting
Polar bears live only in the Arctic, but the ice there is slowly melting. Scientists believe that this is a result of global warming caused by human activities such as extensive use of cars and burning coal. If care is not taken to protect their habitat, we will severely affect them. There is some talk about adding them to the Endangered Species List; however, no significant discussions have taken place yet. Scientists say that if this trend continues, they will become like raccoons. They will not be able to feed the way they have fed before, on seals or off the ice. This will significantly change their natural behavior.