Foxes face various threats in their natural habitats, which can have significant consequences for their populations. Understanding these threats is crucial for conservation efforts and ensuring the well-being of these fascinating creatures. This article will highlight the major threats faced by foxes and their implications on their survival.
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation:
Habitat loss is a significant threat to foxes. The destruction and degradation of their natural habitats due to human activities, such as urbanization, agriculture expansion, and deforestation, have a detrimental impact on fox populations. This loss of habitat not only reduces the available space for foxes to thrive but also disrupts their natural ecological balance.
Predators and Competition:
Foxes face predators in their environments, including larger carnivores such as wolves and coyotes. Predation can have a direct impact on fox populations, as increased predation rates can lead to a decline in their overall numbers. competition for resources with other species, such as food and shelter, can further strain the survival prospects of foxes.
Disease and Parasites:
Foxes are susceptible to various diseases and parasites, including rabies, mange, and ticks. These health issues can cause significant mortality and adversely affect reproduction rates among foxes. The spread of diseases and parasites within fox populations poses a serious threat to their overall well-being.
Hunting and Trapping:
Foxes are targeted by both legal and illegal hunting practices. Legal hunting is often carried out for pest control or traditional fox hunting purposes. Illegal hunting, such as poaching and wildlife trade, poses additional threats to fox populations. Trapping, including the use of snares, also contributes to the decline of foxes in certain regions.
Human-Wildlife Conflict:
Foxes sometimes come into conflict with humans, particularly in areas where urbanization encroaches upon their habitats. Conflicts may arise in situations involving livestock owners, where foxes are seen as a threat to small livestock or poultry. The impact of urbanization, with the loss of natural habitats and restricted movement, can also negatively affect fox populations.
By understanding these threats and their implications, we can work towards implementing conservation measures that aim to protect fox populations and their habitats. It is crucial for individuals, communities, and policymakers to engage in efforts that promote coexistence and sustainable management practices to ensure the survival of these remarkable creatures.
Contents
The Threats Faced by Foxes
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Foxes face numerous threats in their habitats. These threats greatly impact their populations and overall well-being. Some key threats include habitat loss, hunting and trapping, pollution, road accidents, disease and parasites, and natural predators.
1. Habitat loss: Human population growth and urbanization result in the loss of foxes’ natural habitats. Deforestation and land conversion for agriculture or infrastructure development limit their available space.
2. Hunting and trapping: Foxes are frequently hunted for fur, sport, or population control. Trapping methods can be harmful and fatal to them.
3. Pollution: Foxes are threatened by contaminated water sources and the ingestion of toxic substances. Pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture also harm their health.
4. Road accidents: Foxes are at risk of being hit by vehicles while crossing roads or searching for food. Increased road networks and traffic lead to higher mortality rates among fox populations.
5. Disease and parasites: Foxes can contract diseases and suffer from parasites, such as rabies, mange, and ticks. These health issues weaken them and decrease their chances of survival.
6. Natural predators: Foxes have predators, including larger mammals like wolves and coyotes. Increased competition for food and territory also poses a threat to their survival.
A historical example highlighting the threats faced by foxes is the decline of the swift fox population in North America. Due to habitat loss, hunting, and disease, swift fox numbers have dramatically decreased in the past century. However, conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and reintroduction programs, have helped stabilize their populations and ensure their future. It is crucial to continue these conservation measures to safeguard the long-term survival of fox species worldwide.
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
Habitat loss and fragmentation pose a significant threat to foxes in the present day. The main causes behind this problem are urbanization and deforestation. The conversion of land for agricultural or developmental purposes results in the destruction or fragmentation of fox habitats.
The negative consequences of habitat loss and fragmentation are evident in fox populations. These factors restrict the availability of suitable habitats, thereby reducing the space essential for finding food, seeking shelter, and finding mates. As a result, competition among foxes increases, and there is a higher risk of predation or conflicts with other species.
Fragmentation disrupts the movement and dispersal patterns of foxes. In order to locate resources and establish territories, they rely on the ability to roam large areas. However, fragmented habitats make it challenging for them to travel between suitable patches, leading to isolation and inbreeding. Consequently, genetic diversity suffers, and overall population health declines.
Both habitat loss and fragmentation contribute to more frequent encounters between foxes and humans. With shrinking habitats, foxes are forced to search for food and shelter in urban and suburban areas. This proximity to humans often leads to conflicts, such as foxes raiding garbage bins or interacting with domestic pets.
How Does Habitat Loss Impact Foxes?
Habitat loss greatly impacts fox populations. How does habitat loss impact foxes? As their natural habitats are destroyed or degraded, foxes face challenges in survival and reproduction. Reduced food availability is one outcome of habitat loss, leading to food scarcity and malnutrition for foxes. Another consequence is increased competition. Shrinking habitats force foxes into smaller areas, resulting in heightened aggression and territorial disputes over resources like food and shelter. Habitat loss also disrupts foxes’ breeding patterns by reducing suitable den sites and nesting areas, affecting their ability to rear offspring successfully. Additionally, habitat loss exposes foxes to more predators, leaving them vulnerable to predation and further reducing their population size. Furthermore, habitat loss restricts foxes’ movement, inhibiting their ability to disperse and find new mates. This leads to inbreeding, lower genetic diversity, and reduced adaptability to changing environmental conditions.
A true story exemplifying the impact of habitat loss on foxes involves the red fox population in the outskirts of a rapidly expanding city. As urbanization encroached upon their habitat, the fox population faced challenges in finding shelter and food sources. How does habitat loss impact foxes? Their population dwindled, and conflicts arose with residents as foxes searched for sustenance. The loss of habitat threatened their survival and strained human-wildlife relations. Eventually, protected areas and wildlife corridors were established to mitigate the effects of habitat loss and preserve the remaining fox population. This story highlights the consequences of habitat loss on foxes and the importance of conservation measures in maintaining their populations.
What Causes Habitat Fragmentation?
Habitat fragmentation is primarily caused by human activities such as urbanization, deforestation, and the construction of roads and infrastructure. These actions lead to the fragmentation of large natural habitats, dividing populations of wildlife into smaller patches.
Urbanization plays a significant role in causing habitat fragmentation. As cities expand, they destroy and fragment the habitats of wildlife, disrupting the natural movement and dispersal of animals like foxes. This disruption results in a decline in genetic diversity and an increase in vulnerability to predators, disease, and competition.
Deforestation, which is driven by agriculture, logging, and the extraction of resources, also contributes to habitat fragmentation. By clearing forests, continuous habitats are transformed into smaller patches, affecting the natural movements and interactions of wildlife. This transformation leads to a limited access to food, shelter, and mates for foxes.
Furthermore, the construction of roads and infrastructure further fragments habitats by creating physical barriers that restrict the movement of wildlife. These barriers hinder foxes from accessing crucial resources and mates, which ultimately results in population isolation and a reduction in genetic diversity.
How Does Habitat Fragmentation Affect Foxes?
Habitat fragmentation significantly affects fox populations. Here are key ways habitat fragmentation impacts foxes:
1. Decreased habitat availability: Foxes lose access to large, continuous suitable habitat. This can lead to population decline and local extinctions.
2. Increased isolation: Fragmented habitats isolate fox populations, restricting genetic exchange. This reduces genetic diversity, adaptability, and fitness.
3. Disrupted movement and dispersal: Foxes rely on movement to find food, mates, and suitable territories. Habitat fragmentation disrupts these movements, making it harder for foxes to establish territories and find resources.
4. Increased vulnerability to predation: Fragmented habitats expose foxes to predators that thrive in human-altered landscapes, such as coyotes and domestic dogs. Reduced refuge areas increase predation pressure.
5. Reduced availability of food and resources: Fragmented habitats limit essential resources like prey, water, and den sites. This scarcity decreases reproductive success and overall population.
To mitigate the negative effects of habitat fragmentation on fox populations, prioritize habitat conservation, restoration, and management. Creating wildlife corridors, connecting fragmented habitats, and reducing human-wildlife conflicts are crucial for the survival and well-being of foxes in fragmented landscapes.
Predators and Competition
Predators and competition are two significant factors that pose threats to foxes in their natural habitats. It is crucial to consider these key factors when evaluating the challenges faced by foxes. Predators, such as wolves, coyotes, bears, eagles, and owls, especially prey on young or small foxes. Foxes also face competition from other animals, including larger predators like raccoons and skunks, for crucial resources like food, shelter, and territory.
In addition to predators and competition, territorial disputes among foxes or within the same family can lead to aggressive encounters, resulting in potential injury or even death. Furthermore, disease transmission from other animals, such as rabies, can significantly impact the overall health and populations of foxes. To illustrate the threats faced by foxes, let’s consider a story from a nature reserve where a group of fox cubs encountered a hungry wolf. In this situation, the mother fox valiantly fought to protect her young and diverted the attention of the wolf away from her vulnerable cubs. This brave act of courage and sacrifice exemplifies the continuous battle that foxes endure against predators and competition for resources in the wild.
What Are the Predators of Foxes?
The predators of foxes, also known as their natural enemies or threats, include larger carnivores, birds of prey, and parasites. These predators play a crucial role in shaping fox populations and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Larger carnivores, such as wolves and coyotes, are significant competitors to foxes and pose a threat to their survival. These carnivores may hunt foxes for food or engage in territorial disputes with them.
Birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, and owls, possess exceptional hunting skills and can actively prey on foxes. With their excellent vision, they swoop down on unsuspecting foxes, making them formidable predators in the natural world.
Parasites like fleas, ticks, and sarcoptic mange mites can harm foxes by weakening their immune systems. This can potentially lead to diseases or even death among fox populations.
Predation plays a crucial role in regulating fox populations to prevent overpopulation and maintain a healthy balance in ecosystems. However, it is essential to note that if predators become too numerous or suitable habitats are lost, predation can lead to declines in gray fox populations.
To illustrate the complex interactions between predators, here is a true story: In a rural area, a family of foxes decided to make their den near a farm. However, this decision caught the attention of the red-tailed hawks residing in the nearby forest. These hawks saw the foxes as potential threats to their own nest and frequently dive and swoop at them whenever they venture out of their den. This conflict creates a tense dynamic, forcing the foxes to be cautious and search for alternative hunting grounds to avoid the territorial hawks. This serves as a testament to the constant struggle for resources and survival among different predators in the natural world.
How Does Predation Impact Fox Populations?
Predation significantly impacts fox populations.
How does predation impact fox populations? Foxes have natural predators like coyotes, wolves, eagles, and large cats. These predators regulate fox populations and balance ecosystems.
Predation directly reduces fox populations by killing foxes for food. This decreases the number of foxes in an area. Predation also indirectly impacts fox populations by competing for resources. When predators prey on small mammals, like rabbits or rodents, it reduces food availability for foxes, making it harder for them to survive and reproduce.
The impact of predation on fox populations varies depending on factors like predator abundance, prey availability, and habitat suitability. Predation might limit fox population growth in areas with high predation pressure. Conversely, fox populations may thrive in areas with few predators or ample prey resources.
It’s important to note that predation is a natural process and crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance. However, how does predation impact fox populations? Human activities, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, can worsen the impact of predation on fox populations. Conservation efforts, like preserving suitable habitats and reducing human-wildlife conflicts, can protect fox populations from the negative effects of predation.
Competition for Resources with Other Species
Competition for resources with other species is a significant threat to foxes. They engage in competition with various animals for their basic needs such as food, territory, and shelter.
When it comes to food, foxes must compete with other carnivores like coyotes and wolves. These predators all seek prey such as small mammals, birds, and insects. Additionally, foxes find themselves in competition with animals like raccoons and skunks for fruits, vegetables, and carrion as food sources.
Establishing territories is crucial for foxes as they hunt, mate, and raise their young. However, they face competition from other foxes as well as larger predators like bears and cougars for limited space.
Foxes require suitable dens for reproduction and protection. In their search for suitable dens or digging sites, they may have to compete with burrowing animals like badgers and groundhogs.
Even in urban areas, foxes encounter competition, particularly with domesticated pets such as cats and dogs. These pets compete with foxes for food sources like trash cans and bird feeders. They also compete with feral cats for prey and territory.
In order to alleviate competition for resources, it is crucial to promote habitat conservation and biodiversity. The creation of wildlife corridors and protected areas can help ensure an adequate supply of food and shelter for foxes and other animals. Additionally, responsible pet ownership and proper waste management can reduce the availability of food sources that attract foxes to urban areas. By respecting and protecting habitats, we can successfully coexist with foxes and preserve ecosystems.
Disease and Parasites
Disease and parasites pose a significant threat to foxes, as they can become ill and infested with various illnesses and pests that can have a major impact on their overall health and ability to survive.
One particular disease that foxes can contract and transmit is rabies, which is a viral illness that affects the nervous system. This disease is primarily spread through bites, causing aggressive behavior, paralysis, and ultimately leading to death. Understanding the role of gray foxes in wildlife rehabilitation is crucial in order to prevent the spread of this deadly disease.
Another disease that can affect foxes is sarcoptic mange, a highly contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites. Foxes suffering from sarcoptic mange experience severe itching, hair loss, and thickened skin. In severe cases, emaciation and death can occur. It is important to effectively manage and treat mange in order to control its spread.
Distemper is yet another viral disease that affects the central nervous system of foxes, similar to rabies. It can result in symptoms such as fever, respiratory issues, neurological problems, and ultimately, death. Implementing vaccination programs is crucial in controlling the spread of distemper among fox populations.
Additionally, foxes are susceptible to parasitic infections, including ticks, fleas, and internal worms. These parasites can weaken their immune systems, leading to anemia and other health complications. Regular veterinary care, which includes deworming and parasite prevention, is essential for ensuring the well-being of foxes.
It is worth noting that red foxes can carry up to 30 different types of parasites, including ticks, fleas, mites, and worms. These parasites can have detrimental effects on their health.
In summary, disease and parasites can significantly impact the health and survival of foxes. Implementing preventive measures such as vaccinations, effective management of parasitic infections, and regular veterinary care are all vital in safeguarding the well-being of these animals.
What Diseases and Parasites Affect Foxes?
Diseases and parasites significantly impact fox populations. What Diseases and Parasites Affect Foxes? Diseases and parasites affecting foxes include:
- Rabies: Foxes can contract and spread rabies, a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. Rabies is fatal and poses a risk to other animals and humans.
- Sarcoptic Mange: This highly contagious skin disease is caused by parasitic mites. It leads to severe itching, fur loss, and skin infections in foxes.
- Distemper: Canine distemper is a viral infection that affects various species, including foxes. It causes respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms and can be fatal.
- Parasitic Worms: Foxes can be affected by various parasitic worms, including roundworms, tapeworms, and lungworms. These worms cause digestive issues, weight loss, and other health problems.
- Echinococcus Multilocularis: This tapeworm can infect foxes and other animals. It causes a serious disease called alveolar echinococcosis in humans, affecting the liver.
These diseases and parasites negatively impact the health and survival of fox populations. They lead to reduced fertility, weakened immune systems, and increased susceptibility to other threats.
To help mitigate the effects, implement measures such as vaccination programs, regular health monitoring, and proper wildlife management practices. Public education and awareness about the risks associated with these diseases also play a role in minimizing their impact.
How Do Diseases and Parasites Impact Fox Populations?
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How do diseases and parasites impact fox populations? Diseases and parasites significantly impact fox populations. Let’s explore the ways in which they affect these animals:
1. Spread of diseases: One of the primary ways diseases impact fox populations is through the spread of diseases. Foxes can contract diseases such as rabies, distemper, and mane. These diseases can be transmitted through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Infected foxes then spread diseases to others, leading to population decline.
2. Weakened immunity: Diseases and parasites have a detrimental effect on foxes’ immune systems, weakening them and making them more vulnerable to infections. Consequently, this increases the mortality rate within the population.
3. Reduced reproductive success: Another way diseases and parasites impact fox populations is through their negative effect on reproductive capacity. Certain diseases and parasites can have adverse effects on foxes’ ability to reproduce. For example, parasites like fleas and ticks cause anemia and drain the energy of foxes, making reproduction more challenging.
4. Impact on prey availability: Diseases not only affect foxes directly but also impact their prey population. If a disease affects a specific prey species, their numbers decrease, thus affecting the food supply for foxes and potentially causing starvation.
To mitigate the impact of diseases and parasites on fox populations, it is crucial to implement measures such as regular wildlife health monitoring, vaccination programs, and proper habitat management to reduce disease transmission. Additionally, by maintaining a balanced ecosystem with sufficient prey availability, we can strengthen the overall health of fox populations.
Hunting and Trapping
Hunting and trapping, a critical aspect to consider when discussing the threats foxes face. In this section, we delve into the two sub-sections: legal and illegal hunting of foxes, along with the controversial use of traps and snares. Prepare to uncover the realities surrounding the hunting practices and their impact on fox populations. From regulations to ethical concerns, this exploration will shed light on the intricate dynamics of fox hunting and trapping. Let’s dive in and discover the hidden facets of this contentious subject.
Legal and Illegal Hunting of Foxes
Legal and illegal hunting of foxes pose a threat to their populations. Now, let’s delve into the impact of hunting on foxes.
1. Legal hunting: In certain countries, the gray fox: exploring its diet and hunting techniques is deemed permissible. Trained hunting dogs and horseback hunters pursue and eliminate foxes. Supporters argue that it regulates fox populations and protects livestock. However, critics contend that this practice is both inhumane and unnecessary.
2. Illegal hunting: Regrettably, incidents of illegal fox hunting persist. This type of hunting involves poaching, trapping, and poisoning. Illegal hunting disrupts fox populations and leads to a decline in their numbers.
3. Implications for population: Regardless of whether hunting is legal or illegal, it disrupts fox populations and has a direct impact on their numbers. Excessive hunting diminishes fox populations, disrupts the balance of the ecosystem, and potentially affects other species that rely on foxes.
4. Conservation efforts: It is essential to enforce regulations against illegal hunting in order to protect fox populations. Additionally, educating and raising awareness about the significance of the gray fox in ecosystems fosters a sense of responsibility towards their conservation.
Ultimately, the preservation of fox populations necessitates finding a balance between human activities and wildlife protection. Supporting conservation efforts and promoting responsible hunting practices ensure the thriving of foxes in their natural habitats.
The Use of Traps and Snares
The use of traps and snares is a practice that presents significant threats to fox populations and raises ethical concerns. Traps and snares are mechanisms designed to capture animals by restraining or strangling them, resulting in severe physical injuries such as broken bones, lacerations, and internal damage. This inhumane method of hunting and trapping inflicts intense pain, distress, fear, and suffering upon trapped foxes until they are discovered and killed.
Unfortunately, traps and snares do not discriminate between target and non-target species, causing unintended harm to other animals, including domestic pets and endangered species. This indiscriminate nature of traps and snares disrupts biodiversity and negatively impacts local ecosystems. Furthermore, these hunting tools often lead to the indiscriminate killing of animals of any age, reproductive status, or health, which further disrupts the balance of fox populations.
To address these issues and promote ethical practices in wildlife management, it is crucial to consider alternative and more humane methods. Non-lethal deterrents and targeted management strategies can be explored as effective alternatives to the use of traps and snares. By choosing these methods, we can mitigate the prolonged suffering endured by animals and contribute to the welfare and conservation of fox populations.
Human-Wildlife Conflict
In the world of human-wildlife conflict, one prominent issue revolves around the delicate relationship between foxes and humans. From conflicts with livestock owners to the impact of urbanization on these cunning creatures, this section dives into the dynamics of this ongoing struggle. Brace yourself as we uncover the friction, challenges, and consequences that arise when humans and foxes cross paths.
Conflicts Between Foxes and Livestock Owners
Conflicts between foxes and livestock owners can frequently occur due to the predation of domestic animals by foxes. Livestock owners often face economic setbacks when foxes attack their poultry, including chickens and ducks. Such attacks result in direct financial losses for farmers, who may endure the loss of valuable livestock to fox predation. Additionally, foxes can transmit diseases among livestock, further jeopardizing the livelihoods of livestock owners.
Fortunately, mitigating these conflicts is possible through various deterrent methods, such as the utilization of secure enclosures or guard animals. Moreover, livestock owners can consider implementing predator control measures, ensuring compliance with appropriate regulations, to minimize the risk of fox predation. It is also crucial to emphasize community awareness and education, as they play an indispensable role in managing conflicts between foxes and livestock owners. By fostering understanding and providing information on effective preventive measures, these efforts can significantly contribute to conflict resolution.
Here’s an interesting fact: On average, poultry farms in the United States encounter annual losses of approximately $100,000 due to fox raids.
The Impact of Urbanization on Foxes
Urbanization significantly affects foxes and their overall well-being. The expansion of cities and the transformation of natural areas into urban landscapes present multiple challenges for fox populations.
One major challenge is habitat loss. Urbanization destroys the natural habitats of foxes, replacing forests and fields with buildings and roads. Consequently, foxes lose their homes and struggle to find suitable living spaces.
Another significant impact is the decreased availability of food. Urban areas have fewer prey options for foxes, as natural food sources such as small mammals and birds diminish. This scarcity of food can lead to malnutrition and a decline in fox populations.
Additionally, urbanization brings foxes into closer contact with humans, resulting in increased human interaction. Unfortunately, conflicts may arise as some people perceive foxes as pests or threats to pets. This can lead to persecution and intentional harm against foxes.
Foxes also face exposure to various urban hazards, including traffic accidents and encounters with domestic animals, which can result in injuries or death.
Furthermore, urbanization leads to the fragmentation of fox habitats. The expansion of urban areas fragments natural habitats, making it challenging for foxes to move between different areas for hunting and breeding. This fragmentation isolates populations and limits genetic diversity.
Lastly, urban environments often contain higher levels of pollution and potentially harmful substances such as pesticides and chemicals. Foxes can be exposed to these toxins, leading to various health issues.
As urbanization continues to progress, it is crucial to implement measures that mitigate the negative impact on foxes and other wildlife. Conservation efforts, such as creating green spaces and wildlife corridors, can provide suitable habitats and promote coexistence between gray foxes and humans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What threats do foxes face?
Answer: Foxes face a variety of threats depending on their specific species and habitat. Some of the common threats include: – Habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural areas, logging, and urban development. – Exploitation and hunting for their fur, particularly in fur farms. – Predation by larger animals such as polar bears, golden eagles, and snowy owls. – Disease outbreaks like rabies and distemper that can affect the fox population. – Climate change leading to hotter and drier conditions, shrinking their habitat and pushing them further up mountain slopes.
Why is the Sierra Nevada red fox one of the rarest mammals?
Answer: The Sierra Nevada red fox is considered one of the rarest mammals due to several factors: – It has a small population size, likely consisting of fewer than 50 individuals in California. – The fox is geographically distinct, found only in remote, high-elevation areas of the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade Mountains. – The reduced genetic diversity within the population makes it more vulnerable to extinction.
What are the main threats to the Sierra Nevada red fox?
Answer: The main threats to the Sierra Nevada red fox include: – Habitat loss and degradation caused by logging, livestock grazing, and fish stocking. – Climate change leading to hotter and drier conditions, shrinking their habitat and pushing them further up mountain slopes. – Human activities like off-road and over-snow vehicles that disturb their habitat. – The fox’s small population size and reduced genetic diversity make it highly vulnerable to these threats.
How do humans negatively impact Arctic foxes?
Answer: Humans have had a negative impact on Arctic foxes in the following ways: – Extensive hunting for their thick white fur, especially in Iceland. – Capturing and breeding them on fur farms for their fur. – Introducing diseases like rabies and distemper to the Arctic fox population. – Encroaching on their habitats and causing habitat loss. – Climate change and the resulting changes in the Arctic ecosystem, affecting their food sources and habitat.
What are the conservation efforts for fox species?
Answer: Conservation efforts for fox species involve various approaches, including: – Protecting their habitats through public policy and land management. – Promoting wildlife conservation organizations like WWF that work towards sustaining the natural world for the benefit of foxes and other wildlife. – Implementing regulations and hunting seasons to manage their populations sustainably. – Raising awareness about the importance of fox conservation among the general public to promote support and action.
Are foxes on the brink of extinction?
Answer: While some fox species, like the Sierra Nevada red fox, are considered highly endangered, not all fox species are on the brink of extinction. The global population of red foxes, for example, is considered stable, with higher densities in urban areas of the United Kingdom. However, it is crucial to address the threats they face, such as habitat loss, hunting, and exploitation, to ensure their long-term survival.