As with many vulnerable fish species, the demand for tuna is increasing non-stop, 5 out of 8 tuna fish are now included in the Red List as an endangered species. They are considered to be near extinction unless something is done immediately. These 5 endangered species are the Southern Bluefin, Atlantic Bluefin, Yellowfin, Bigeye, and Albacore.

This was the report that was released last week, July 13 by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature or IUCN. They timed their report with the recently held meeting of 5 of the world’s regional fisheries organizations and government agencies in the hopes of bringing the plight of tuna fish into the spotlight.

In spite of a decline in over fishing trends in a 2010 report from the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service, the tuna endangered species, especially the Pacific Bluefin are among the 23% still declining in population. According to Bob Fletcher of the Sportfishing Association of California, only young Bluefin tuna fish can be found on the West Coast.

The tuna is a sportsman’s target, but it is even more popular as food especially among Asians and lovers of Asian cuisine. The problem therefore is not that easy to solve. As a staple in many Asians homes, the canned tuna is used as a cheap main course for a meal while the more affluent are willing to pay whatever it takes to have their tuna dishes. In 2010 a Bluefin tuna catch which weighed over 230 kilos was sold for US$175,000. Just this January 2011, another Bluefin tuna was sold for double the 2010 price in an auction in Japan.

The climate changes have also been a factor to consider as well as the economic implications of the tuna industry. Also, in spite of an international agreement over the maximum tonnes of tuna fish that can be caught in a year, countries are arguing about under-reporting and over-fishing.

While there are many endangered animals, there are also endangered reptiles. One of the endangered reptiles is the Roque Chico de Salmor Giant Lizard. The Roque Chico de Salmor Giant Lizard has been endangered since February 29, 1984. They are listed as endangered in the country of Spain.

The Roque Chico de Salmor Giant Lizard is on the endangered species list. However, they are quite honestly believed to be extinct at this point. They used to be found throughout the El Hierro Island, which is located in the Canary Islands of Spain as well as on the small offshore Roque Chico de Salmor.

These lizards are very thick and can grow to be about 2 feet long. Their coloring of the Roque Chico de Salmor Giant Lizards can be gray or brown with light orange patches on their sides. Their undersides are usually brown, but have orange or red in the center. However, as they age they turn black with shades of gray. As with most species, the males generally grow to be larger than the females.

The Roque Chico de Salmor Giant Lizards are terrestrial. They are usually found rocky habitats. They actually seem to prefer small, volcanic areas. As far as their eating habits are concerned, they are omnivorous. They generally feed on two plant species. These plants are the Kleinia Neriifolia and the Lavendula Abrotanoides. However, they also eat insects.

Mating for the Roque Chico de Salmor Giant Lizards occurs in the month of May. The female is pregnant for anywhere from 1 to 3 months and gives birth to any number between 5 and 13 eggs. Once the female lays the eggs, they incubate for another 61 days before they hatch.

The Roque Chico de Salmor Giant Lizards are believed to have been wiped out from the Roque Chico de Salmor in the 1930′s because they were over-collected as specimens in a scientific study. These lizards are also said to be quite valuable, which also more than likely aided in their disappearance as well.

Among the unfortunately growing list of endangered marine animals is the Thailand Giant Catfish. The Thailand Giant Catfish has been endangered since June 2, 1970. They are also sometimes referred to as the Mekong Giant Catfish. These catfish are endangered in the country of Thailand.

The Thailand Giant Catfish’s natural habitat is in the Mekong basin of Thailand. They are, unfortunately, the most vulnerable freshwater species. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Thailand Giant Catfish is the largest freshwater fish in the entire world. When they are fully grown, they can be over 9.8 feet long. Their weight can reach an astonishing weight of 650lbs. These fish grow at the fastest rate in comparison to any other fish in the whole world. With that being said, they can reach 400lbs just by 6 years of age which is incredible.

Their coloration is gray to white. These fish do not have any stripes or markings. However, the Thailand Giant Catfish is easily identified among other large catfish by their lack of teeth. They also have almost no barbels, which is another easily identifiable feature of these catfish.

While the Thailand Giant Catfish do migrate, they can only survive in freshwater. Between the months of October and December they migrate from the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia to the Mekong River. After that, they are believed to migrate to northeastern Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand to spawn. It isn’t definitive as to what their diet consists of. However, it is believed that they eat other fish as well as some mammals, such as goats.

In the early 1900′s the Thailand Giant Catfish was reported to exist in great numbers. However, by the 1970′s disappearance of the species had been reported by local fisheries. Their population has decreased by 80% over the past 13 years.

Reference: Illustrated Encyclopedia of endangered animals.