Disappearing Animas-African wild mammals are among the most endangered species: Cheetah, Elephant, Chimpanzee, Leopards, and many others. All over the world, wildlife is in danger of extinction within a few decades. For many of these animals, poaching, and the loss of living space is the main culprit for the dwindling population. Throughout the world, animals are finding themselves with less and less space as human civilization encroaches on their natural habitat.
Tiger Eyes
A white tiger is a Bengal tiger with a genetic condition eliminating pigment in the orange fur. The recessive gene also makes all white tigers crosseyed. The last known white tiger in the wild was shot and killed in 1958. Today, all of the captive white tigers in the world are the result of inbreeding, beginning with the white cub, Mohan, whose mother and siblings were killed in order to capture him in 1951. It has been said, the economics of inbreeding white tigers outwieghs the ethics.
A white tiger is a Bengal tiger with a genetic condition eliminating pigment in the orange fur. The recessive gene also makes all white tigers crosseyed. The last known white tiger in the wild was shot and killed in 1958. Today, all of the captive white tigers in the world are the result of inbreeding, beginning with the white cub, Mohan, whose mother and siblings were killed in order to capture him in 1951. It has been said, the economics of inbreeding white tigers outwieghs the ethics.
That Looks Tasty
Lions once roamed throughout Africa, but now occupy only 8% of their former territory. Without the vast stretches of savanna grasslands that were once their hunting grounds, lions are struggling to survive. As lions and humans are pushed closer together the lions venture into villages for food. The villagers have no choice but to kill the lions to protect their livestock. Trophy hunters who pay thousands of dollars to hunt and kill lions is happening at an alarming rate. Disease in South Africa has devastated the lion population. It is estimated 80% of the remaining lions could be gone by 2030.
Lions once roamed throughout Africa, but now occupy only 8% of their former territory. Without the vast stretches of savanna grasslands that were once their hunting grounds, lions are struggling to survive. As lions and humans are pushed closer together the lions venture into villages for food. The villagers have no choice but to kill the lions to protect their livestock. Trophy hunters who pay thousands of dollars to hunt and kill lions is happening at an alarming rate. Disease in South Africa has devastated the lion population. It is estimated 80% of the remaining lions could be gone by 2030.
Hypnotic
In the wild, Zebras live together in family groups where members maintain strong bonds over many years. Family members watch out for one another. If one is separated from the family, the other zebras search for the missing member.
Although every zebra in a herd appears to look alike, the strip patterns are as distinctive as fingerprints are for humans. Individual zebras are identified by comparing patterns, strip widths, colors and scars.
Old Man of the Forest
Orangutans currently only live in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Historically, the ape was known as “mamas” by the local population. Europeans named the ape after the Malay phase “orang utan”, which mean “forest man”.
They are considered to be the most intelligent primate, make extensive use of tools, and are close relatives of humans. They are an endangered species.
Two Heads Are Better Than One
Giraffes pick their nose and clean their ears with their 20 inch long tongue. Even though they have extremely long necks, a giraffe’s neck is too short to reach the ground and has to spread out its front legs to bend low enough to drink water once every few days. Most of their water comes from the plants they eat.
Giraffes pick their nose and clean their ears with their 20 inch long tongue. Even though they have extremely long necks, a giraffe’s neck is too short to reach the ground and has to spread out its front legs to bend low enough to drink water once every few days. Most of their water comes from the plants they eat.
Tree Frog
Frog myths are as old as humans. One widely held superstition was the “Toad Stone”. It was supposed to be a jewel found inside a toad’s head. When placed in a ring or necklace, the jewel would heat up or change color when it detected poison, which protected the wearer from evil doers.
Frog myths are as old as humans. One widely held superstition was the “Toad Stone”. It was supposed to be a jewel found inside a toad’s head. When placed in a ring or necklace, the jewel would heat up or change color when it detected poison, which protected the wearer from evil doers.
Looking For A Sign?—Honorable Mention
Male lemurs spay the tail with a secretion and wave it at each other to attract a mate. The lemur with the stinkiest tail wins the female’s affection.
Sadly, lemurs, native only to Madagascar, are the most endangered group of mammals in the world.
Who Put That There?
Of the two species of Elephant, African and Asian, the African elephant is the largest land animal on earth. The African elephant is easily recognized by its larger ears. It is the Asian Elephant that can be domesticated and used as working animals in Asia.
There are some who predict both species could become extinct, resulting from being slaughtered for the ivory tusks, and the destruction habitat by encroaching human populations.
Listen To Your Inner Voice
The cotton-top tamarin monkey is among the smallest in the world, around ten inches tall, and considered critically endangered. The population was decimated through deforestation and huge numbers being captured years ago for scientific research.
There are only about 6,000 left in their native habitat of northwest Colombia.
A Little Closer
Yaguar as they were known to indigenous people means “he who kills with one leap”. Once jaguars roamed throughout southwestern United States and South America. Today, the jaguar’s last stronghold is Brazil where half of the estimated 170,000 wild jaguars still roam. Jaguars are threatened by deforestation in South America as their populations become more isolated, making breeding harder.
Yaguar as they were known to indigenous people means “he who kills with one leap”. Once jaguars roamed throughout southwestern United States and South America. Today, the jaguar’s last stronghold is Brazil where half of the estimated 170,000 wild jaguars still roam. Jaguars are threatened by deforestation in South America as their populations become more isolated, making breeding harder.
Yellow Eye
Everyone naturally thinks pink when it comes to flamingos. However, the new born flamingo is white with soft, downy feathers and perfectly straight bill.
The young are raised by both parents who know their chick’s s voice. The young leave the nest in about five days to join a group of other young flamingos, and return “home” at meal time.
Although flamingos are not considered endangered, researchers are alarmed by the huge numbers of flamingos dying in the Rift Valley. The general consensus is there are fewer flamingos now than just a decade ago.
