We can't all be pandas: ugly creatures need our support too

Obstacles
While the blobfish and the proboscis monkey’s wacky appearances may make us laugh, extinction is no joke and they're on their way to becoming it. Embrace Mother Nature’s aesthetically challenged creations and help them survive too!

Two years ago, shortly after being voted the world’s ugliest species in an online poll by the “Ugly Animal Preservation Society” (UAPS), the blobfish became an internet sensation and world famous for its evolution-gone-wrong appearance.

Yet the point of the campaign was to highlight the danger of our societal bias towards more “attractive” species. Although arguably less blobby in its natural habitat, it doesn’t stand much of a chance in the deep blue either. On top of being the butt of many jokes, the blobfish also suffers a significant threat from fishing trawlers as it gets caught up in the nets while dragged along the ocean.

Flickr

Amongst the other unfortunate looking (but seriously endangered) critters was the Proboscis Monkey. Rocking a somewhat phallic protrusion of a nose, this primate’s diet of unripe fruits apparently makes them rather gassy. The declining population of these farty friends is due to habitat loss - namely deforestation in Borneo.

Wikipedia

Through a bit of light-hearted comic relief, inviting comedians to rebrand and reinvigorate the ugly animals profiles, the UAPS wants to bring less charismatic but still vital members of the ecosystem into the spotlight.

Listen to Biologist and co-presenter of 'Inside Nature's Giants' Simon Watt, on the hunt for Edinburgh's ugly mascot at the Ugly Preservation Society.

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