Facts: the extinction files

New Internationalist, March, 1997

Numbers: Exact numbers unknown. Estimated 1992 Florida population: 1,856.

Threat: Overhunting, beginning in the 16th century, decimated populations. Now greatest dangers include accidental drownings in fishing nets and death from boat collision (especially in Florida).

Conservation: Throughout range -- research, management and public education. In Florida, manatee-protection zones and refuges.

Proboscis Monkey (2)

Nasalis larvatus

Habitat: Mangrove swamp, peat swamp and riverine forest on Borneo. Its name comes from the adult male's large, tongue-shaped nose, which is as long as 10 cms. The Proboscis sleeps in trees; partially webbed hind feet make it a good swimmer.

Numbers: Rapidly declining. The 1986 population of 250,000 is now less than 5,000.

Threat: Land clearing for settlement, river pollution, and poaching and hunting for meat.

Conservation: Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tanjung Puting National Park are studying ways to reduce hunting. Populations are established at Kutai National Park in Kalimantan.

(1) JA Burnett, On the Brink: Endangered Species in Canada, Western, Producer Prairie Books, Saskatoon, 1989.

(2) Mary Emanoil, Encyclopaedia of Endangered Species, Gale Research Inc, Detroit, 1994.

(3) Richard Leakey and Roger Lewin, The Sixth Extinction, Doubleday, New York, 1996.

(4) Lowe, Matthews and Moseley, eds, The Official World Wildlife Fund Guide to Endangered Species of North America, Vol II, 3rd edition, 1991, pages 607-609.