Dancing Sifakas and melting ice: climate and wildlife
On the eastern coast of the African continent, on the island of Madagascar, more than 106 species of endemic lemurs (a diverse group of primates) turn up. Madagascar comes across as one of the poorest nations worldwide; however, it is also one of the most biodiverse countries. Its rainforests are home to rare and unique species of biodiversity, with lemurs being the most well-known. From the unique fingers of the Aye-Aye lemur to the adorable appearance of the tiny mouse lemur, this island brings together some of nature’s rarest and most unique treasures. Among all lemurs, the dancing sifakas are most famous worldwide due to their unique mode of locomotion on the ground.
Dancing sifakas, with long limbs, tails, and medium to large sizes, turn up throughout southern and southwestern Madagascar, totaling about 9 species. Sifakas primarily hang out in trees, leaping and jumping from one branch to another. On the ground, they move around in a unique manner often referred to as “dancing.” Due to their anatomy, they cannot walk fully upright on the ground, which comes across as their movements appear like dancing. Sifakas get around by hopping sideways on their hind legs and use their arms for balance, creating a dance-like appearance.
Madagascar’s forests are rapidly being cut down and wiped out, leading to the loss of species and their natural habitats. This deforestation particularly takes a toll on the unique dancing sifakas. As trees and forests are cut down, their homes (trees) dwindle, forcing them to move around (dance) on the ground. Out of the 9 sifaka species, 4 are considered Endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), including the Diademed Sifaka, Silky Sifaka, Perrier’s Sifaka, and Golden-crowned Sifaka. Additionally, 5 species are considered Critically Endangered, including Verreaux’s Sifaka, Coquerel’s Sifaka, Milne-Edwards’ Sifaka, Crowned Sifaka, and Von der Decken’s Sifaka.
The reasons for their species’ decline boil down to deforestation, habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting. According to reports, Madagascar has given up over 44% of its forests since the 1950s. Surveys point out that fewer than 250 individuals of Silky Sifakas are left in the wild. Unfortunately, if not conserved and protected, this majestic species could die out in the coming decades, with future generations only able to see them in pictures.
To clarify, dancing sifakas are not the only species forced to move around (or “dance”) on the ground and facing extinction. Hundreds of other species are running into similar challenges from climate change, deforestation, and habitat loss. The Arctic ice, which is home to polar bears, is rapidly melting due to global warming and climate change. Since satellite records kicked off in 1979, Arctic sea ice extent has been going down at an average rate of about 13% per decade during the summer months. These extreme conditions of melting ice cut down the hunting grounds of polar bears, forcing them to swim across longer distances, leading to exhaustion and drowning. Today, there are no more than 31,000 individual polar bears left, and if current trends carry on, over 30% of their population could be lost by 2050.
Orangutans, another majestic wild species living in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, consist of three species. Bornean orangutans, found on Borneo Island, add up to around 104,700 individuals, but their population has gone down by 50% over the past 60 years. Sumatran orangutans, inhabiting Sumatra Island, amount to no more than 13,800 individuals, and their population has plummeted by over 80% in the last 75 years. The recently discovered Tapanuli orangutans number only 800 individuals and are at risk of extinction. The reasons behind the decline in orangutan populations boil down to deforestation, climate change, human-wildlife conflicts, and wildfires.
Since 1500, approximately 900 species have died out, with climate change being a key factor in their extinction. Currently, around 37,400 species are under threat of extinction, and climate change remains a major contributing factor to this decline. International communities are coming together to conserve our precious species and natural ecosystems. Pakistan should also pitch in to these efforts, which may include national coordinated actions, conservation initiatives, establishment of more protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries, and rigorous policy implementation. To preserve our planet, our home, and biodiversity, global action is essential, and everyone must chip in their efforts to safeguard life on Earth.
(Ubaid Sahil is a student and writer. He may be reached at ubaidsa9@gmail.com).