Whales have been beaching themselves for many years now, this global phenomenon has turned into one of the biggest marine mysteries. This strange phenomenon occurs among both healthy individuals as well as injured or dead animals that are driven ashore by prevailing winds. Occasionally bigger groups of marine animals will beach themselves together in what become known as mass strandings, other times one area will experience an unusual number of strandings over a short period. Another thing that happens is groups of whales beaching themselves all over the world within a few days. Marine biologists and scientists are trying to figure out why the whales are beaching themselves, one possible explanation they have is that the increase in man-made materials and chemicals might be causing greater pollution in the ocean, which can lead to marine mammals being born deformed, mentally impairing otherwise healthy whales and poisoning or causing death to marine mammals as a result of poisonous chemicals. Another possible reason might include climate change which is affecting marine animals by increasing the ocean’s temperature levels and its acidification, and a reduction in the pH levels of oceans due to the consumption of carbon dioxide. Water pollution is another contributor to the increased rate of whale beachings. When the water gets contaminated with harmful chemical toxins and microplastics, whales can get poisoned from ingesting these toxic substances. It leads to them getting stranded on beaches and suffering from being out of the water for a long time. Pollution and fishing could also be factors in causing the whales to strand themselves. Getting caught in fishing lines is the main cause of death for cetaceans. But these are just a few of the reasons that scientists believe that whales are beaching themselves. Still, the reason remains unknown, the mystery of the whale suicides will remain an unsolved case for what seems to be many years. Remember, be prepared, be aware, be an awareness spreader.

-Kaavya Nanda  

The Eastern Lowland Gorilla is a subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla, also known as the Grauer’s Gorilla. They are found in the lowland and Albertine Rift montane forests of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are by far the largest of all of the Gorilla species, males ending up at 1.8 meters tall standing while weighing nearly 250 kilograms. As they are primarily herbivorous, they feed on a variety of plants, fruits, and occasionally insects. The situation for the Eastern Lowland gorillas is dire, as they are now considered critically endangered. In the past 20 years, their population has declined by more than 50% owing to habitat loss, poaching, and civil unrest in their native region. It is in fact estimated that fewer than 4,000 individuals are remaining in the wild. Measures are being implemented to defend the Eastern Lowland Gorillas and their habitats. Which has led to including anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and community education programs. However, more needs to be done to ensure the survival of this magnificent species. We need to raise awareness about the plight of the Eastern Lowland Gorilla and support conservation efforts to protect them. Together, we can help ensure that these magnificent animals continue to thrive in their natural habitat. Remember, be prepared, be aware, be an awareness spreader.

-Kaavya Nanda

A subspecies of the Western gorilla and critically endangered is the Cross River Gorilla. In between Nigeria and Cameroon is the mountainous border that is where they are found, this area is known as the cross-river region. The estimated population of the Cross River Gorilla is fewer than 300 individuals, ensuring them as one of the most endangered primates in the world. The biggest threat to the Cross River Gorillas is habitat loss due to deforestation, agriculture, and human settlement. As their forest home is being destroyed, they are forced to move into smaller areas, which can lead to inbreeding and a loss of genetic diversity. Hunting is also a threat to them, people want them for bushmeat and traditional medicine. Even though they are being protected by law in both Nigeria and Cameroon, enforcement is often weak, and the hunting continues.  Many conservation efforts are underway to protect the habitat of Cross River Gorillas and to reduce hunting pressure. along with this includes working with communities to promote sustainable land practices and alternative livelihoods. Also, increasing law enforcement efforts to combat illegal hunting. However, more will need to be done to ensure their survival. Since Cross River Gorillas are shy and elusive, it makes them a difficult animal to study. Led by a dominant male they live in small groups, feeding on a variety of plants. Occasionally they may eat insects and small animals. Similar to other great apes, Cross River Gorillas demonstrate remarkable cognitive abilities and engage in sophisticated social behaviors. Overall, the subspecies of the Western Gorilla the Cross River Gorilla are critically endangered and facing myriad threats to their survival. In total, it is our responsibility to take measures to protect them and the habitat that they live in. Together we may have a chance at helping save all of the incredible animals that make this planet so unique. Remember, be prepared, be aware, be an awareness spreader.

-Kaavya Nanda

The Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) is a species of great ape native to the island of Borneo. They are known for their reddish-brown fur and expressive faces. They are the largest tree-dwelling mammal in the world. Bornean orangutans are highly social creatures, they live in loose communities with complex social structures. They communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, gestures, and body language. They are also known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. They have been observed using tools to obtain food and water, in the wild, and captivity, they have demonstrated the ability to learn sign language and perform complex tasks. The Bornean orangutans are critically endangered as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says.  Threats to the Bornean orangutans include habitat loss and hunting.  Destroying much of their habitat is the rapid expansion of palm oil plantations, logging, and other types of deforestation. Additionally, they are occasionally hunted for their meat and captured for the illegal pet trade. Since they have a very slow reproductive rate, Bornean orangutan populations are unable to recover all that quickly from declines. making them particularly vulnerable. Efforts to reduce deforestation and hunting are underway, as well as programs to rehabilitate and release captive orangutans back into the wild. It is essential that we protect Bornean orangutans and their habitat for future generations. They play an important role in their ecosystem, by helping to disperse seeds and maintain the health of the forest. By supporting conservation efforts, we can help ensure that Bornean orangutans continue to thrive in the wild. Remember, be prepared, be aware, be an awareness spreader.

-Kaavya Nanda

The black rhino is a species of rhinoceros native to eastern and southern Africa. Black rhinos are smaller than white rhinos. Black rhinos mainly feed on bush leaves and trees using their pointed lips. Black rhinos have two horns which have been their downfall. Many animals have been and are still being killed for their horns, their horns are used for medicinal purposes in some countries or valued as ornamental items in others. Because of the constant want of these horns, they have been hunted despite the laws that restrict their hunting. As of this the black rhino population dramatically decreased in the 20th century. The biggest population decline was between 1960 and 1995 when their numbers dropped an insane 98%, leaving them with less than 2.500 individuals. Fortunately, the species has rebounded from the verge of extinction as a result of conservation initiatives. However, the status of the black rhino as a critically endangered species has not changed, and still much work remains as we try to protect and ensure their recovery. These rhinos have an extremely important role in their habitat, they are also an important part of the economy of some countries through ecotourism. The best part is that by helping them you are also helping many other species as the black rhino needs vast territories to thrive. Remember, be prepared, be aware, be an awareness spreader.

-Kaavya Nanda

African forest elephants are cousins to the African savanna elephant and are critically endangered. Because they like dense forests it prohibits traditional counting methods such as visual identification. Their population is usually counted through “dung counts” an analysis of the density and distribution of the feces. They are smaller than all of their elephant cousins. Forest elephants also have a slower reproductive rate than savanna elephants, which means they cannot bounce back from population declines as quickly as the other elephant species. Their last strongholds are located in Gabon and the Republic of Congo, some smaller populations remain in other African countries such as Cameroon and Central African Republic. Because the diet of forest elephants is dominated by fruit, they play a crucial role in dispersing many tree species, particularly the seeds of large trees which tend to have high carbon content.  The main threat to the African Forest elephants is the fact that they have less room to roam than before as the expanding human population is converting land into agriculture, settlements, and developments. In 1976 the elephants had three million square miles by 2007 they had just over one million square miles. Industries like logging and mining destroy the habitat and also open access to remote elephant forests for poachers.  All of these push elephants into smaller islands of protected areas and hinder elephants’ freedom to roam. in 1975 there was a population of three million elephants now there are approximately 40,000 elephants left in the wild. The human species may be killing them, but we can help we can save the planet together. Remember, be prepared, be aware, be an awareness spreader.

-Kaavya Nanda