Hobbies And Interests
Spotted Cats
According to the Endangered Species Handbook, ever since Jacqueline Kennedy sported a leopard coat in the 1960s, all forms of spotted cats rapidly raced toward an endangered status. These species include tigers, jaguars, cheetahs, bobcats, lynx, leopards and numerous smaller spotted cat species. While many countries have banned the sale of spotted cat pelts, that has not stopped their popularity. Approximately eight large cats or 25 smaller ones are needed to make one coat.
Wolverine
The wolverine has become an endangered species mainly due to fur trapping. In most regions where wolverines reside, trapping is legal; hence, their rapid decline. According to a December 2010 "Scientific American" article, in Montana, for example, there was a 30 percent annual drop in the wolverine population between 2002 and 2005, a figure traced directly back to trapping. Their low reproduction rate has hindered population growth. As The Wolverine Foundation points out, "In general, wolverine females have a low reproductive rate. Although pregnancy rates determined from reproductive tracts of harvested wolverines suggest that most adult females mate every year, the proportion of females that successfully rear young appears to be low."
Seals
The hunting of seals for their pelts has occurred since the 18th century. Seals are found on most continents, and their numbers have all declined due to the market for seal fur coats and clothing accessories. One example of nearly extinct seals is the Northern fur seal that call the Channel Islands, California and Japan home. According to the Endangered Species Handbook, their numbers were around 4.5 million in 1870, but hunting reduced that figure to 200,000 by 1914. The number is now even lower, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed them as globally threatened under the category "vulnerable."
Otters
Otter pelt is highly coveted by furriers. South American otters are on the verge of extermination. Other otter numbers are very low due to fur trapping. Their glossy, durable, waterproof fur has been prized for three centuries. Like seals, otters are found on every continent, but their numbers have dropped dramatically due to fur trapping. The Southern marine otter is considered the closest otter to extinction.
Other Engangered Animals
Numerous other animals are endangered due to their valuable fur. The wood bison in Canada have heavily declined due to exploitation. The Alberta swift fox is on the brink of extinction. The red wolf population is rapidly declining due to trapping. Polar bears, cougars, kangaroos and vicunas, a cousin of the llama, have also become endangered. This list is by no means all-inclusive.