14.2.3. Rare Species

Population of these species is very small in the world; they are confined to limited areas or thinly scattered over a wider area.

Rare species are organisms that exist in very small numbers and are usually found in specific, limited areas. This rarity can be due to various factors, including habitat loss, low population growth rates, and environmental changes. When a species is confined to a small geographical area, it is at a greater risk of extinction since any significant environmental changes can have devastating effects on the entire population.

Consider the Kerala Frog, a rare amphibian native to the Western Ghats. It's only found in certain areas of this mountain range; if a section of its habitat is destroyed or altered by deforestation, the population may severely decline or disappear altogether. This is similar to how rare collectibles can become precious; their limited availability makes them valuable and vulnerable.

Species which are not the natural inhabitants of the local habitat but are introduced into the system, are called exotic species.

Exotic species are organisms that have been introduced to an area where they do not naturally occur. These species can sometimes threaten the existence of rare species by competing for resources, spreading diseases, or predation. Rare native species often cannot compete with these introduced species, leading to a decrease in their populations. Thus, the introduction of exotic species can disrupt the local ecosystem balance.

An example of this is the introduction of the Burmese python in the Florida Everglades. This exotic snake species has established itself in the region and preys on native wildlife, including small mammals and birds. Many of these native species were already at risk and now face increased danger due to the presence of the python.

During the last few decades, some animals like tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, crocodiles, minks, and birds were hunted mercilessly by poachers for their horn, tusks, hides, etc. It has resulted in the rendering of certain types of organisms in the endangered category.

The hunting of rare species for ivory, horns, and other body parts poses a significant threat to their survival. Many animals, once abundant, have become endangered due to poaching and illegal wildlife trade. This not only decreases their population but also affects their habitats, as the removal of these key species can lead to imbalances in the ecosystem. Such hunting activities underscore the need for conservation strategies to protect rare species from extinction.

Consider the plight of the African elephant. Poachers hunt elephants for their ivory tusks, which has led to drastic reductions in their numbers. When a significant number of elephants are removed from the ecosystem, it disrupts the balance, affecting other species that depend on the same environment, much like how the removal of a few bricks from a wall can cause the entire wall to weaken and potentially collapse.

--