# Animals coming back from endangered status

Endangered animals are those that face a high risk of extinction in the near future. Many factors,
such as habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict, can threaten the survival
of these animals. However, thanks to the efforts of conservationists, governments, and local
communities, some endangered animals have been able to recover and increase their numbers. Here
are some examples of animals that have come back from endangered status.

## Giant panda

The giant panda is one of the most iconic and beloved animals in the world. It is also one of the most
successful conservation stories. In 2016, the giant panda was downgraded from endangered to
vulnerable on the global list of species at risk of extinction. This was achieved by creating integrated
networks of giant panda reserves and nature corridors that connect previously isolated panda
populations. The giant panda population has increased by 17% since 2003, reaching over 1,800
individuals in the wild.

## Bald eagle

The bald eagle is the national symbol of the United States and a majestic bird of prey. It was once
widespread across North America, but its population declined drastically due to hunting, habitat loss,
and pesticide poisoning. In 1963, there were only 417 breeding pairs left in the lower 48 states.
Thanks to legal protection, habitat restoration, and public education, the bald eagle population has
rebounded and now exceeds 10,000 breeding pairs. It was removed from the endangered species list
in 2007.

## Southern white rhino

The southern white rhino is the largest and most numerous subspecies of rhinoceros. It was once
believed to be extinct, but a small population of about 100 individuals was discovered in South Africa
in 1895. Since then, intensive conservation efforts have helped to protect and increase the southern
white rhino population to over 20,000 individuals across southern Africa. It is now the only rhino
species that is not endangered. However, it still faces threats from poaching and habitat loss.

## Louisiana black bear

The Louisiana black bear is a subspecies of black bear that lives in the forests and wetlands of
Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. It is also the inspiration for the teddy bear toy. The Louisiana black
bear was listed as endangered in 1992 due to habitat loss and fragmentation, which reduced its
population to less than 200 individuals. Through habitat restoration, reintroduction, and public
awareness campaigns, the Louisiana black bear population has increased to over 500 individuals. It
was delisted from the endangered species list in 2016.
## Cheetah

The cheetah is the fastest land animal on Earth, capable of reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h. It is
also one of the most endangered big cats, with only about 7,100 individuals left in the wild. The
cheetah faces threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, illegal trade, and genetic inbreeding.
However, there are some hopeful signs for its recovery. In 2021, eight cheetahs from Namibia were
sent to India to start a reintroduction program in Kuno-Palpur National Park, where cheetahs became
extinct in 1952.

## Wild bison

The wild bison is the largest land mammal in North America and a keystone species that shapes its
ecosystem. It was once abundant across the continent, but its population was decimated by
overhunting and habitat destruction in the 19th century. By 1900, there were only about 1,000 wild
bison left. Thanks to conservation efforts by various organizations and Native American tribes, the
wild bison population has grown to over 30,000 individuals in protected areas and private ranches. In
2021, wild bison were reintroduced to a forest in Kent, England for the first time in 6,000 years.

## Vulture

Vultures are scavenging birds that play a vital role in maintaining the health of ecosystems by
disposing of dead animals and preventing diseases from spreading. However, vultures are also
among the most threatened birds in the world due to poisoning, electrocution, collision with power
lines and wind turbines, habitat loss, and persecution. In Europe, several vulture species have been
brought back from the brink of extinction through captive breeding and reintroduction programs. For
example, the bearded vulture population has increased from less than 100 individuals in 1978 to
over 600 individuals today.

## Black-footed ferret

The black-footed ferret is a small carnivore that lives in prairie dog colonies across North America. It
was thought to be extinct until a small