What Animals in Antarctica Are Endangered & Why?

Happy Labour Day! Happy Chinese National day!! Woo!! 

Many of the most beautiful animals in the Antarctic and surrounding areas are endangered. If we are not careful, these wonderful animals that are part of a larger ecosystem will soon be gone for good. Animals of all shapes and sizes are at risk despite their endangered and protected status.

 

Southern Right Whale

The Southern Right Whale is easily distinguished from other whales by callosities on its head as well as a large mouth that arches downward from right beneath the eyes. These whales do not have a dorsal fin and they are dark gray or black and may or may not have white spots on their abdomen.

These whales are endangered due to the commercial whaling industry. The whaling industry has been endangering this species since 1791 and it wasn't until 1935 that it was realized that this species of whales was all but gone. The Southern Right Whale was the first whale to receive a protected status, meaning they could no longer be caught. Up until they received the protective status it is known that at least 26,000 Southern Right Whales were killed due to the whaling industry.

Blue Whale

The blue whale is the largest whale in the sea. They usually grow to about 80 feet and weigh in at 120 tons. The whale has eight-foot-long flippers and a dorsal fin that is toward the rear. Blue whales are distinguished not only by their size but also the blue gray skin with white or gray spots.

Blue whales are endangered because of the whaling industry. Throughout the 1930s, 40s and 50s, tens of thousands of blue whales were killed every year. The result was that by the 1960s there were an estimated 10,000 blue whales left. Ever since, the blue whale has been protected by international law, meaning they are not to be captured or killed.

Amsterdam Albatross

The Amsterdam Albatross is a large bird that is chocolate brown in the upper body and has a white face and throat, a white lower breast and a brown undertail. The Amsterdam Albatross is endangered because its numbers have fallen to an estimated 90 individuals and only 10 to 20 breeding pairs. The numbers have been on the decline due to the presence of feral cats that feed on the birds, fires, and long line fishing. Long line fishing and avian cholera have contributed to much of the loss.

Northern Royal Albatross

The northern royal albatross is a white and black albatross that has a white head and neck and tail region and black wings. The species lives in the Antarctic and surrounding regions. The northern royal albatross is endangered because it has a very small breeding area that was negatively impacted by storms in the 1980s, which has resulted in poor breeding ever since. Since being listed as endangered, the numbers of individuals and breeding pairs have remained stable.

Tristan Albatross

The Tristan albatross is a large albatross that has a white body and black wings, and without being up close, one may not be able to distinguish between this albatross and others. The Tristan albatross is endangered because it has a very small breeding range and a dwindling population. Contributing to the dwindling population is long line fishing as well as rats and mice preying on the eggs of the birds.

Reference: http://www.ehow.com/about_5437351_animals-antarctica-endangered.html#ixzz27vWuoBPH

http://petslady.com/articles/southern_white_whales_mate_mostly_their_neighborhoods_57155

http://animal.discovery.com/tv/whale-wars/meet-the-whales/blue-whale/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9421000/9421647.stm

http://ibc.lynxeds.com/photo/royal-albatross-diomedea-epomophora/close-northern-royal-albatross

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/3702494/Rare-albatross-suffers-worst-nesting-season-on-record-says-RSPB.html

Endangered African Animals

When it comes to Africa, what will recall us? Boundless grassland and adorable animals! Here we go!

According to Earth's Endangered Creatures, most of the endangered African animals are mammals. Charismatic mammals, such as the cheetah, the chimpanzee and the African elephant, among others, are considered "flagship" species by the World Wildlife Federation. These iconic animals help raise awareness of conservation efforts. They are also animals that are primarily threatened by human practices: unsustainable hunting, poaching, farming and agricultural expansion.

African grasslands' year-round warm temperatures, plentiful foliage, shrubs and occasional trees shelter an extensive variety of wildlife. African grasslands, also known as savannas, cover a large part of the African continent. Unfortunately, poaching--the illegal hunting of protected species--and the use of Africa's grasslands for farming and grazing livestock are putting many African animals on the endangered list.

 

Cheetah

The cheetah is the fastest land animal—able to run up to 70 miles per hour. It often chases down its prey instead of ambushing it, as other cats do. For this reason, the cheetah is referred to as the "greyhound of the cats," according to the Cheetah Conservation Fund. It is one of the most specialized cats, having longer legs and a leaner body than the other large cats. It is also the most endangered cat in Africa.

The cheetah is poached for its spotted pelt, killed to protect livestock and threatened by habitat loss, lack of genetic diversity, high infant mortality rates and prey population reduction. Captive breeding programs have long been considered futile since the cat does not breed well in captivity. In fact, The Cheetah Conservation Fund states that the zoo population of cheetahs unsustainable through breeding programs—in order to keep them in zoos, they have to be wild-caught, which defeats the conservation efforts of the zoological institutions.

 

 

Chimpanzee

The chimpanzee is in the taxonomic family Homindae, which it shares with other great apes such as the gorilla, orangutan, bonobo and human. The wild chimpanzee is found only in Africa. The chimpanzee is a social creature that lives in a colony that can number in the hundreds. A chimp communicates with others using vocalizations, facial expressions and touches. It is one of the few animals, besides humans, that use tools. According to the Jane Goodall Institute, however, the human is the only species that uses tools for more purposes than a chimpanzee. They face extinction due to habitat loss, global climate change, hunting and capture for the pet trade. All of the non-human primates are endangered.

 

African Elephant

The African elephant is the largest living land mammal and weighs in at around three to four tons. An elephant lives in a herd of related females and their calves. A calf will stay with its mother for several years.

According to the World Wildlife Foundation, the African elephant is a keystone species because it maintains habitats for other species. They influence the density of forests, and scientists estimate that one-third of the plants in Africa germinate only after passing through the elephant's digestive tract.

Most African elephants reside in wildlife preserves in Africa, though the parks are not large enough to support the population levels, and the range extends beyond park boundaries. Human encroachment on the elephant's land makes that the number of human-elephant encounters is increasing, which is bad news for both. Loss of habitat is a severe and present issue for the African elephant, as is poaching for its meat, tusks and skin.

Grevy's Zebras

Grevy's zebras inhabit Africa's dry grasslands. They are between four and five feet tall and can weigh up to 900 pounds. In the wild, they live up to 25 years. Members of the horse family, zebras can run as fast as 35 miles per hour. When zebras group together, their black and white stripes make it difficult for predators to single out individual zebras to attack. Grevy's zebras are distinguished by their narrow stripes and a thick solid black strip running down their back. Plant eaters, their main food source are grasses. Grevy's zebras are endangered as of 2010.

 

The Wild Dog

African wild dogs can grow to two and a half feet tall and three and a half feet long, and can weigh up to 60 pounds. In the wild, African wild dogs live for about 10 years. With four toes on their front feet; large, rounded, bat-like ears; and a black, brown and white patchwork fur, African wild dogs hunt in packs in the morning and the evening. As of 2010, African wild dogs are considered the second-most endangered carnivore in Africa.

 

White and Black Rhinoceroses

White and black rhinoceroses are found in grasslands in eastern and southern Africa. Larger than the black rhino, the white rhino can measure up to 13 feet long and weight up to 5,000 pounds. Both varieties live between 40 and 45 years and have two horns. While both are herbivores, white rhinos have wide mouths appropriate for eating clumps of grass, whereas black rhinos have narrower mouths they use to skillfully grasp foliage and leaves. Despite their names, both species are a brownish gray color. Both black and white rhinoceroses are endangered as of 2010.

 

Leopards

Leopards are three to six feet long and can weigh up to 200 pounds. Males are larger and heavier than females. For nocturnal hunters, leopards that live in grasslands are a lighter color than their counterparts that live in rain forests. Hiding their food at heights where other predators can't reach, leopards are skilled climbers. Widely hunted for their skins and whiskers, and poisoned by farmers trying to protect livestock, leopards are endangered as of 2010.

References: http://www.ehow.com/list_6585843_endangered-animals-african-grasslands.html#ixzz27r2z43ak
http://www.ehow.com/list_6721144_endangered-african-animals.html#ixzz27r2YM36W

http://gardenofeaden.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/cheetah.html

http://true-wildlife.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/chimpanzee.html

http://www.animalsgallery.com/elephants/african-elephant-pictures/

http://gardenofeaden.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/where-do-zebras-live.html

http://piperbasenji.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/wild-african-dogs.html

http://blog.thomsonsafaris.com/safari/difference-between-black-and-white-rhinos

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/leopard/

 

List of Endangered Animals in America

Today we are coming to take care of animals in America! What's your favourite animals by the way? :D

Animals that are endangered are close to becoming extinct. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Species Report states that the United States has 614 animals on the endangered list and 1,200 are on the list in North America. Various factors, including loss of habitat, cause animals to become endangered. Some endangered animals, such as the bald eagle and alligator, have recovered.

 

Bison

The bison, or American Buffalo, is one of the heaviest land animals in North America. Bison live in parks, reserves and flat grasslands. They graze on grass, twigs and shrubs. At 6 feet tall, bison can run up to speeds of 30 mph. Bison almost became extinct in the 1800s because of over hunting, but they're slowly recovering.

Bobcats

These huge cats live in the forests, mountains, prairies and deserts of North America. Bobcats are nocturnal, which means they are primarily active at night. They spend their days in a cave, hollow log or rock crevice. These carnivores prey on small rabbits, foxes, deer, fish and eggs. Even though they're fierce, cougars, coyotes, wolves and people often prey upon bobcats. They only live for 10 to 14 years.

Desert Tortoise

This reptile is a threatened species that lives in the deserts of North America. These tortoises are most active during the morning or evening, depending on the temperature. They spend most of their time in the sand to keep themselves cool. The desert tortoise eats grass, herbs and a variety of dessert plants. They live up to 80 years and can go up to a year without food.

 

 

 

Gray Wolf

These wild dogs often live in packs. According to the Enchanted Learning website, the gray wolf is the fastest running carnivore. They only live in Alaska, Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin. These wolves hunt in packs and prey upon larger animals such as bison, deer, elk and moose, but eat almost anything else, except for people. Gray wolves eat up to 20 lbs. of meat during one meal, and swallow their food in large chunks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Spotted Owl

 

This owl lives in the old forests in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. They are on the list of endangered species because of a loss of habitat. Eating only at night, the northern spotted owl preys upon rodents, frogs and other birds. At the top of the food chain, they have no predators. The northern spotted owl lives in a cavity of a tree or stump.

References: http://www.ehow.com/list_6367300_list-endangered-animals-america.html#ixzz27pqYLkaM

http://www.arkive.org/american-bison/bison-bison/

http://www.naturephoto-cz.com/american-bison-photo-6222.html

http://true-wildlife.blogspot.com.au/2010/11/bobcat.html

http://sunnydazerv.wordpress.com/2010/02/10/what-do-you-know-about-bobcats/

http://www.desertusa.com/june96/du_tort.html

http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/2012/08/the-desert-tortoise-an-ancient-presence-besieged/

http://texascryptidhunter.blogspot.com.au/2010/08/rep-chet-edwards-proposes-removal-of.html

http://piperbasenji.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/gray-wolves.html

http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/wallpaper/photography/photos/ten-years-of-photo-of-the-day/northern-spotted-owl/

http://www.katu.com/outdoors/featured/82619072.html

 

Endangered Animals in the North Pole

The earth is getting warmer and warmer!! Even the weather in Australia goes unusual these days. What will happen to the animals in the  North Pole?

 

Global warming is a very real threat. The melting ice pack in the Arctic and North Pole regions is visual proof. Animals that depend on the icepack to survive are being affected, either by loss of habitat or from the disruption in the delicately balanced Arctic food chain. Many are listed as either threatened or endangered species.

 

Polar Bear

Polar bears depend on the Arctic icepack for survival. Without access to the ice, the bears have little chance of catching their normal prey, seals. In places like Churchill, Manitoba, polar bears are spending more time waiting along the shoreline because Hudson Bay is taking longer to freeze each year. Sometimes the bears will wander into town. This results in the polar bears becoming too familiar with humans and in some cases must be destroyed as nuisance bears. The polar bear was placed on the Federal Endangered Species list in 2008.

Arctic Fox

The Arctic fox scavenges many of its meals by following the polar bears. Fewer polar bears mean fewer polar bear kills, and the foxes must make up for this food source in other ways. Warmer temperatures are also causing red foxes to expand their territory into the Arctic regions. This causes more competition for the available food sources. Though not officially on the endangered list, the Arctic fox is named on the Center for Biological Diversity’s list of threatened species.

Beluga Whales

Beluga whales are in danger because their food source, the arctic cod, has decreased. These fish feed on a crustacean that in turn feeds on ice algae. Less ice means less ice algae. Beluga whales in the Cook Inlet not only have to deal with the global warming effects; they have to learn to avoid shipping traffic and cope with industrial pollutants near growing Anchorage, Alaska. Belugas were placed on the endangered list in 2008; it is estimated only 300 to 400 whales exist today in the wild.

Pacific Walrus

The Arctic icepack is the Arctic walrus’ breeding ground. These oversized seals with the long, ivory tusks haul themselves out of the water to give birth and nurse their young. The ice also serves as a place to rest. Walruses, who do not swim continuously like seals, sometimes ride the ice floes from one foraging area to another. These animals also face threats from oil and gas exploration and ocean pollution. In 2008, a petition to place the walrus on the endangered list was filed. The decision is still pending.

Reference:

http://www.ehow.com/list_7522831_endangered-animals-north-pole.html#ixzz27egd5qkj

http://www.themagazine.ca/2011/11/03/polar-bear-vs-beaver-which-should-represent-canada/

http://www.bearlife.org/baby-polar-bears.html

http://blogs.canoe.ca/parker/general/even-polar-bears-are-irish-on-st-patricks-day/

http://www.firstpeople.us/pictures/polar-bears/polar-bear-lounging.html

http://www.wild-facts.com/tag/arctic-fox/

http://www.zmescience.com/other/arctic-fox-14042011/

http://feraro.blogspot.com.au/2011/04/beluga-whale.html

http://www.naturaskinclinic.co.uk/belugas-have-a-whale-of-a-time-looking-after-their-skin/

http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2009/02/13/valentines_day_at_new_york_zoo/

http://www.tburg.k12.ny.us/mcdonald/walrus.htm

 

Endangered Animals of Asia

A whole new day to talk about animals in Asia!

After research and study I found endangered animals in asia are really cute , so I cannot help to put more photos of them into the blog! Get involved with animals protection !! They are such cute guys we have to do something to help them!

 

With over 15,000 animals currently facing extinction worldwide, the list of endangered animals in Asia is big. Between habitat loss because of human population growth and pollution, the outlook for many of these endangered animals is grim.

Asian Elephant

 The Asian elephant is found in South Central and Southeast Asia. Although it is commonly called the Indian Elephant, it is also found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Kampuchea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Although the Asian Elephant is bred in captivity, only 35,000 are currently left in the wild.




Agile Gibbon



The agile gibbon is found in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. Rarely coming to the ground, they spend their time high in the canopy of tropical rainforests and live in family groups. Agile gibbons are monogamous and mate for life. Deforestation due to logging has reduced the numbers of agile gibbons in the wild dramatically.



Asian Tiger

There are nine sub-species of Asian tiger: the Bengal, Indochinese, Corbett's, Malayan, Sumatran, Mancurian or Siberian, and the South China. All are in decline, primarily due to poaching. Some, such as the South China tiger, are thought to be extinct. Tigers have been found in both temperate and tropical areas of Asia.





Bornean Orangutan



The Bornean orangutan is only found in the rainforests of Borneo. One of two Asian ape species, they spend much of their time in trees. Deforestation due to logging and mining along with poaching are the primary reason that the number of Bornean orangutans has dropped below 50,000.





Clouded Leopard





The clouded leopard was found in Southeast and South Central Asia as well as on the island of Taiwan. Although not related to leapords, this spotted cat can grow to 45 pounds and three-feet long. It has the longest, sharpest teeth of all cats. Estimates put the wild population at 230, with 100 being kept in captivity.

 

 

References: Endangered Animals of Asia | eHow.comhttp://www.ehow.com/facts_5218751_endangered-animals-asia.html#ixzz27a7dcVYM

http://animal.discovery.com/guides/endangered/mammals/asian-elephant.html

http://www.primate.org/gallery04.htm

http://daughterearth.com/blog/2008/10/good-news-for-sumatra/

http://www.earthtimes.org/conservation/asian-tiger-numbers-could-triple/246/

http://www.fischershaw.org/grace/graceworks/tigers.html

http://tioharimrtie.blogspot.com.au/2010/12/bornean-orangutan-pongo-pygmaeus.html

http://danielsanimals.wordpress.com/2010/05/23/this-is-my-bornean-orangutan-fact-sheet/

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/clouded-leopard/

http://cat-chitchat.pictures-of-cats.org/2008/08/clouded-leopard-photos.html