The root cause of unnatural deaths of wild animals in the jungle can vary depending on various factors. However, some common causes include:

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion result in the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats. This leads to a loss of suitable living spaces and disrupts the natural ecological balance, making animals more vulnerable to predation, starvation, and other threats.

Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: Poaching for various purposes, including the illegal wildlife trade, poses a significant threat to many species. Animals with valuable body parts like horns, tusks, fur, or exotic pets are particularly targeted. This illegal activity drives unsustainable hunting practices, pushing certain animal populations to the brink of extinction.

Climate Change: The effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and habitat disruption, can negatively impact wildlife. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can affect food availability and disrupt migration and breeding cycles, leading to increased stress and mortality rates among certain species.

Pollution and Contamination: Pollution from human activities, such as industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and improper disposal of chemicals, can contaminate ecosystems and harm wildlife. This pollution can lead to water and soil contamination, affecting the health and survival of animals.

Regarding the animals suffering the highest death rates, excluding monkeys and cheetahs, it is important to note that data on specific death rates among different species can vary by location and time. However, some other animals that may experience high death rates include:

Elephants: Elephants are highly targeted by poachers due to the demand for ivory tusks. The illegal ivory trade has had devastating impacts on elephant populations across Africa and Asia.

Rhinoceroses: Rhinos are also heavily targeted by poachers for their horns, which are in high demand in some traditional Asian medicine markets. Several rhinoceros species, such as the black rhino and Sumatran rhino, are critically endangered due to poaching.

Tigers: Tigers are highly sought after for their bones, skin, and other body parts, primarily for use in traditional medicine and as luxury products. Poaching and habitat loss have led to a significant decline in tiger populations worldwide.

Pangolins: Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world. They are hunted for their scales, which are believed to have medicinal properties, and their meat, considered a delicacy in some regions. This high demand has pushed pangolin populations to the brink of extinction.

Sea Turtles: Sea turtles face numerous threats, including habitat degradation, pollution, climate change, and entanglement in fishing gear. Their eggs are also often poached from nesting sites. These factors contribute to high mortality rates among various sea turtle species.

It is crucial to address these root causes and implement conservation measures to protect these vulnerable species and preserve the biodiversity of the jungle.