Brazil is considered one of the richest countries in terms of biodiversity. However, there are animals present in Brazilian regions that may become extinct in a few decades.
In 2016, the Chico Mendes Institute (ICMBio) and the Ministry of the Environment (MMA) released the Red Book with a list of endangered animals in Brazil.
According to the study, there are 1,173 endangered animal species in the country, in addition to those that have already become extinct, such as the hyacinth macaw and the minhocuçu.
Below is a list of 26 animals in Brazil that are threatened with extinction:
- Ararajuba
Ararajuba ( Guaruba guarouba ) — Photo: Vismar Ravagnani/Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)
The macaw ( Guaruba guarouba ), also known as Guaruba, is a green and yellow bird, which only exists in the Amazon and has been suffering from trafficking and deforestation in the biome.
Little is known about the habits of the macaw, which makes its conservation difficult. Currently, according to the ICMBio Red Book (2016), it is considered vulnerable to extinction.
See also: Animals of the Amazon
- Otter
Giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) — Photo: Joachim S. Müller/Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
The giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ), also known as the river wolf or giant otter, can be found in the Pantanal and Amazon. It is threatened with extinction at vulnerable risk, as presented by the Red Book of ICMBio (2016).
Predatory fishing, illegal hunting and river pollution, mainly mercury contamination, are the biggest threats to the conservation of the species.
See also: Endangered Animals in the Amazon Rainforest
- Southern Right Whale
Southern right whale ( Eubalaena australis ) — Photo: Maxi Jones/Reuters
The southern right whale ( Eubalaena australis ), also known as the southern right whale , is found off the Brazilian coast. It has been suffering from hunting, fishing, as well as water pollution.
At the time of having the young, the mothers look for warmer and shallower waters to give birth. It is considered endangered, according to the ICMBio Red Book (2016).
See also: whale
- Pink button
Pink river dolphin ( Inia geoffrensis ) — Photo: Ken Fung, Hong Kong Dolphinwatch
The pink river dolphin ( Inia geoffrensis) is endemic to the rivers of the Amazon basin, being considered the largest freshwater dolphin and known for the legend that it seduces single girls.
The population of the pink dolphin has been decreasing over time, as the species has already been used as bait for fishing and, more currently, suffers from the construction of hydroelectric plants.
Researchers estimate that in about 30 years, the population of this species could suffer a 50% decline. For this reason, it was categorized as endangered by ICMBio (2016).
See also: Amazon: characteristics of the biome
- Pantanal deer
Marsh deer ( Blastocerus dichotomus ) — Photo: Fábio Paschoal/oncafari.org
The marsh deer ( Blastocerus dichotomus ) is the largest deer in South America. In addition to being found in the Pantanal , this species also lives in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes.
Deforestation and illegal hunting are threats, in addition to the construction of hydroelectric dams in the Paraná River basin. These have contributed to the great reduction of the species, classifying it at vulnerable risk of extinction, according to the Red Book of ICMBio (2016).
See also: Animals of the Pantanal
- Black-winged saki
Black-winged saki ( Chiropotes satanas ) — Photo: Miguelrangeljr/WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The black saki ( Chiropotes satanas ) is a mammal that can be found in the Amazon.
This species of monkey has been suffering from predatory hunting and deforestation of its habitat, thus causing food shortages, since the fruits of the trees are essential for its survival.
It is currently classified as critically endangered by the ICMBio Red Book (2016).
See also: Deforestation
- Margay
Margay ( Leopardus wiedii ) — Photo: Malene Thyssen/WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)
The margay ( Leopardus wiedii ) suffered for decades from hunting for its fur. It is found in the Amazon, Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, Pampa and Pantanal biomes.
Currently, deforestation is the biggest problem faced by the species, since it caused the destruction of its natural habitat, making it vulnerable to extinction, as pointed out by the Red Book of ICMBio (2016).
See also: Animals of the Pampa
- Jacutinga
Jacutinga ( Aburria jacutinga ) — Photo: Bruno Girin/WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The jacutinga ( Aburria jacutinga ) is a medium-sized bird endemic to the Atlantic Forest that has been suffering from hunting and habitat loss.
In some states like Bahia, Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo it has already been extinct, being possible to find it only in the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
Therefore, it is considered a species in danger of extinction, according to the ICMBio Red Book (2016).
See also: Atlantic Forest
- Sand lizard
Sand lizard ( Liolaemus lutzae ) — Photo: Vanderlaine Menezes/ICMBio
The sand lizard ( Liolaemus lutzae ) is an endemic species of Rio de Janeiro and has sand strips as its habitat, which extend for approximately 200 km.
Urbanization is considered one of the main threats leading to the extinction of the species, which, according to ICMBio researchers, led to an 80% reduction in the sand lizard population.
According to the ICMBio Red Book (2016), the species is classified as critically endangered.
See also: Biodiversity
- Maned wolf
Maned wolf ( Chrysocyon brachyurus ) — Reproduction: SiBBr
The Maned Wolf ( Chrysocyon brachyurus ) is found in the Cerrado, Pantanal and Pampas. This animal is considered the largest canid mammal native to South America.
The species faces major problems due to the deforestation of its habitat and is vulnerable to extinction, according to the ICMBio Red Book (2016).
See also: Animals of the Cerrado
- Black-faced Spider Monkey
Black-faced spider monkey ( Ateles chamek ) — Photo: Anamelia de Souza Jesus
The black-faced spider monkey ( Ateles chamek ) is mostly found in the Amazon. Among the threats to its conservation are: the destruction of its habitat, illegal hunting and animal trafficking.
The construction of hydroelectric plants, highways and transmission lines are the main reasons for the species to be considered at vulnerable risk of extinction, according to the ICMBio Red Book (2016).
See also: Animal trafficking
- Golden lion tamarin
Golden lion tamarin — Photo: Haroldo Palo Jr./AMLD
The golden lion tamarin inhabits the Atlantic Forest and has suffered for decades from deforestation and animal trafficking, which resulted in the almost total elimination of the species.
Today, the few individuals that exist are restricted to the remnants of forests in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
With the support of projects in the conservation units where they are located, the situation tends to improve. However, the species is still classified as endangered, according to the ICMBio Red Book (2016).
See also: What are Conservation Units?
- Cerrado bat
The Cerrado bat ( Lonchophylla dekeyseri ) — Photo: Roberto Leonan Morim Novaes
The cerrado bat ( Lonchophylla dekeyseri ) is a small animal, weighing around 12 grams and is an endemic species of the Cerrado. It lives in caves and holes in the woods and cerrado of Brazil.
The reduction of its habitat, mainly caused by deforestation, disordered tourism and environmental degradation, are the main causes of the threat of extinction of the species, which is classified as endangered by the ICMBio Red Book (2016).
See also: Cerrado Biome
- Northern Muriqui
Northern Muriqui ( Brachyteles hypoxanthus ) — Photo: Peter Schoen/Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The northern muriqui ( Brachyteles hypoxanthus ) is the largest primate in the Americas, found only in the Atlantic Forest. The species suffers from deforestation in the region and illegal and indiscriminate hunting.
According to the ICMBio Red Book (2016), it is classified in the critically endangered category.
See also: Animals of the Atlantic Forest
- Jaguar
Jaguar (Panthera onca) — Photo: Christian Vinces
The jaguar ( Panthera onca ) is considered the largest feline in the Americas, and can be found in almost all Brazilian biomes, with the exception of the Pampa, where it has already become extinct.
This species of jaguar is hunted by farmers to protect their herds, in addition, it suffers from the destruction of its habitat and its skin has great value in the world market.
According to the ICMBio Red Book (2016), the jaguar is classified as vulnerable to extinction.
See also: felines
- Yellow Woodpecker
Yellow Woodpecker ( Celeus flavus subflavus ) — Photo: Joao Quental/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
The yellow woodpecker ( Celeus flavus subflavus ) is a bird endemic to Brazil, originally found between the states of Alagoas to Rio de Janeiro.
However, the most recent records indicate the incidence of this animal only in specific places in Bahia and Espírito Santo.
This bird, according to the ICMBio Red Book (2016), is classified as critically endangered. Researchers point to the existence of approximately 250 individuals currently.
The main threats are related to the quality of its habitat, which is influenced by deforestation and fires.
See also: burns
- Military Saira
Military Tanager ( Tangara cyanocephala cearensis ) — Photo: Murilo Nascimento/WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The military tanager ( Tangara cyanocephala cearensis ) is a bird found in the Atlantic Forest. It has strong colors and the big problem faced by the species is the deforestation of the regions and the trafficking of animals.
Currently, according to the ICMBio Red Book (2016), it presents a vulnerable risk of extinction.
See also: Brazilian birds
- Leaf frog
Leaf frog ( Proceratophrys sanctaritae ) — Photo: Marcos Freitas/ICMBio
The leaf frog ( Proceratophrys sanctaritae ) is an endemic species from Brazil, scientifically described not long ago and which is already in danger of disappearing. It was discovered in 2010 in Serra do Timbó, in the state of Bahia.
The species suffers from the deforestation of its habitat due to the cultivation of cocoa, bananas and pastures. Currently, according to the ICMBio Red Book (2016), it is classified as critically endangered.
See also: caatinga
- Araripe soldier
Araripe Woodpecker ( Antilophia bokermanni ) — Photo: Rick elis.simpson/WikiMedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Araripe soldier ( Antilophia bokermanni ) is a bird that lives in the caatinga, in a restricted area of Chapada do Araripe, in Ceará.
It has been suffering from the problem of deforestation in the region, caused by cattle raising, monocultures and the disorderly growth of cities.
According to the ICMBio Red Book (2016), the species is classified as critically endangered.
See also: Animals of the Caatinga
- Giant anteater
Giant anteater ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla ) — Photo: Carlos Alberto Coutinho/TG
The giant anteater ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla ) is found in the Amazon, Cerrado, Atlantic Forest and Pantanal biomes.
It has been suffering from deforestation and burning of areas destined for plantations or cattle raising.
Due to these actions, the species is vulnerable to extinction, according to the Red Book of ICMBio (2016).
- Leatherback Turtle
Leatherback turtle ( Dermochelys coriacea ) — Photo: Tamar Project Disclosure
The leatherback turtle ( Dermochelys coriacea ) is considered the largest species of sea turtle in the world.
It is found in tropical and temperate oceans. In Brazil, regular spawning takes place on the north coast of Espírito Santo.
The consumption of eggs and the slaughter of females was very common in the past, in addition to their reproductive characteristics contributing to put the conservation of the species in a critical situation.
In some countries, consumption of the meat and oil of this animal is legal. According to the ICMBio Red Book (2016), the species is classified as critically endangered.
See also: Aquatic ecosystem
- Olive Turtle
Olive turtle ( Lepidochelys olivacea ) — Photo: Tamar Project Disclosure
The olive turtle ( Lepidochelys olivacea ) is a highly migratory species, which spawns mainly between the southern coast of Alagoas and northern Bahia.
Just like the leatherback turtle, it also suffered from the collection of eggs and slaughter during the spawning period, which has diminished due to many conservationist projects.
The species still faces problems such as illegal hunting, accidental fishing and water pollution, thus causing the risk of extinction, which according to the ICMBio Red Book (2016), is classified in the endangered category.
See also: Water Pollution
- Armadillo
Three-banded armadillo ( Tolypeutes tricinctus ) — Photo: Disclosure/Associação Caatinga/Mark Payne-Gill/NaturePL
The three-banded armadillo ( Tolypeutes tricinctus ) is an endemic animal of the Caatinga, that is, it is in this biome that it is most found. Researchers point out that the population of this species has already decreased by about 45% in a period of 20 years.
The main reasons that make this animal considered endangered are environmental degradation and hunting. According to the ICMBio Red Book (2016), the species is categorized as endangered.
In 2014, he was considered the mascot of the soccer World Cup held in Brazil.
See also: Endangered Animals in the World
- Porpoise
Porpoise ( Pontoporia blainvillei )
The porpoise ( Pontoporia blainvillei ) is a dolphin that can be found in the coastal region of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, passing along the coast of Espírito Santo to Rio Grande do Sul.
The capture of the species in fishing nets and the low reproduction capacity mean that the porpoise is considered critically endangered in Brazil, according to the Red Book of ICMBio (2016).
See also: Extinct Animals
- Uakari
Wakari ( Cacajao hosomi ) — Photo: Jean Philipe Boubli CPB/ICMBio (CC BY-NC 4.0)
The uakari ( Cacajao hosomi ) is found in the Amazon and has been suffering from deforestation in the region and hunting, as it inhabits indigenous lands of the Yanomami.
According to the ICMBio Red Book (2016), the species is classified as endangered.
See also: Endangered Animals
- Northeastern Blue-crowned Udu
Blue-crowned Udu ( Momotus momota marcgraviana )
The blue-crowned udu ( Momotus momota marcgraviana ) is found in the Amazon, Pantanal and Atlantic Forest biomes.
This multicolored bird has been facing problems with the loss of its habitat due to deforestation in the regions.
Currently, according to the ICMBio Red Book (2016), the species is classified as endangered.
See also: Extinct animals in Brazil
Classification of endangered animals
To classify the level of danger of extinction of animals, ICMBio adopted the standard used by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Thus, three major categories composed of other subcategories are considered:
- Extinct: extinct and extinct in the wild;
- Threatened: vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered;
- Low risk: conservation dependent, near threatened, of little concern.
c
