dear readers,

it seems the world is once again a stage—though this time, the drama is not of politics or philosophy, but of nature’s finest cast. The tragedy? Extinction looms over 45,300 species as we sip our wine and ponder the greater mysteries of existence. Yes, the IUCN Red List has assessed over 157,190 species in 2023, and more than 41,000 of them are dancing precariously on the edge of oblivion. One might say the curtain is falling, but fear not! There is still time to intervene, as long as we stop debating and start acting.

This includes mammals, amphibians, birds, reptiles, plants, and other organisms. These assessments reflect the ongoing impacts of habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, and other factors on global biodiversity.

Critically Endangered Species:

1. Amur Leopard: One of the most critically endangered species, with only around 100 individuals remaining in the wild. Conservation efforts are crucial for this species, as habitat loss and poaching continue to threaten its survival.

It’s as though we’ve learned nothing from our own history, repeating the same mistakes of dominion. What can be done? Ah, the answer lies not in the stars but in the forests. For without action, this majestic creature will become nothing more than a whispered tale.

2. Sumatran Rhino: Another species on the brink of extinction, a beast so rare that only a few dozen remain, with numbers dwindling faster than your patience at a philosophical debate. With just 34-47 individuals left, it’s clear these ancient beasts need more than just good breeding programs—they need a miracle. Or at least, a world that stops encroaching on their forests. We’re clever, aren’t we? Yet, it seems we can’t manage to share the planet with such magnificent creatures. Must everything beautiful be doomed by our ambition?

3. Tigers: While some progress has been made in tiger conservation, with global populations estimated between 3,726 and 5,578, they remain endangered. Habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict continue to pose significant risks.

Noble and feared in equal measure. They may yet slink through the jungles, but even the fiercest of predators cannot escape the jaws of human-wildlife conflict and habitat loss. A tiger, of all creatures, should not need to beg for its survival. But here we are, placing our bets on programs that will keep them safe long enough for our grandchildren to witness their stripes in the wild.

4. Monarch Butterflies: But, my dear reader, allow me to drift for a moment from the grand beasts of the land to something more delicate—the Monarch butterfly. Ah yes, that fragile, fluttering symbol of migration and rebirth. Yet, even the Monarch has fallen victim to our follies. The western population has seen a 99.9% decline, leaving them endangered, caught in the web of habitat destruction, climate change, and—oh, the irony—our very efforts to control nature with pesticides. It seems we are indeed our own worst enemies. Shall we blame fate, or take responsibility for our overzealous hand?

The migratory monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) was added to the endangered species list due to drastic declines in population, with the western population decreasing by up to 99.9%. This decline is driven by habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. (Thanks avocados you assholes)

Extinction Timelines and the Tick of Time

Now, as to timelines—when will the clock strike for these species? Ah, if only we knew! But nature, much like a philosopher, keeps her secrets well. While exact dates for extinction elude us, we can safely say that the Sumatran rhino and the Monarch butterfly are not long for this world without immediate and sustained intervention. It’s as if they are actors waiting in the wings, unsure if they’ll be called to perform or to exit stage left forever.

So, let us not be mere spectators to this unfolding tragedy. Roll up your sleeves, (what can you really reasonably expect to do in a world controlled by such government) plant a tree? save a butterfly? or protect a rhino?—obviously we say whatever it takes to ensure this world remains diverse, vibrant, and full of life’s little joys. After all, my dear reader, this is not just their play—it is ours too. But what do we do?

The world may not be the best of all possible worlds, but it is the only one we have.

While exact timelines for species extinction are hard to predict, many species face imminent extinction without significant intervention. The Sumatran rhino, for example, has an extremely small population, with making recovery efforts urgent. Similarly, monarch butterflies, with their sharply declining numbers, could reach a point of no return if habitat loss and climate change continue at their current pace  .

Efforts like habitat restoration, anti-poaching patrols, and breeding programs offer hope, but long-term survival depends on sustained global conservation efforts that are not keeping up.

Fin.