Question

Near Threatened (IUCN 2008). Although accurate population assessments are difficult in the dense forest, it is estimated that there are only 10,000 - 35,000 okapis remaining in the wild. The leopard, aside from humans, is the primary predatory threat. Although protected since 1933, illegal subsistence hunting does occur but is having only a minor impact. However, the bushmeat trade now threatens all the large forest animals, including the okapi in the more accessible parts of its habitat.

Option 1: True
Option 2: False

Answer 1

The okapi, listed as 'Near Threatened' by the IUCN, faces threats from habitat loss, the bushmeat trade, and predation, which despite protection efforts, continue to impact its population. Intensive conservation efforts, like India's establishment of wildlife sanctuaries, are necessary to preserve endangered species. Nonetheless, unregulated wild meat hunting remains a significant global threat to biodiversity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The okapi is categorized as 'Near Threatened', according to the IUCN in 2008, highlighting the importance of biodiversity conservation. Population estimates for these elusive forest dwellers range between 10,000 to 35,000 in the wild, with habitat loss, the bushmeat trade, and predation by leopards being significant threats. Despite being protected since 1933, illegal hunting and poaching still occur and pose dangers to okapi populations. Conservation efforts around the globe, such as the creation of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, are critical in combatting these threats to endangered species and maintaining biodiversity. Examples of such efforts include India's steps toward protecting its unique fauna through legislation like The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. However, across the tropics, the unregulated hunting for wild meat proves to be unsustainable, severely impacting medium to large-bodied vertebrate populations and, thus, overall biodiversity.