African Lions are listed as vulnerable. Their population has decreased by 43% in the last 20 years and is still decreasing. Humans continue to destroy and move into lions’ natural habitat increasing the number of human-animal conflicts, where the lions end up getting shot. Lions are also threatened by tick-borne illnesses like distemper and babesia.ContinueContinue reading “Queen of the Beast”
Tag Archives: Endangered Species
Hippos!!
The hippopotamus is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Their population is decreasing. Hippos are poached and killed for the meat and ivory teeth. Habitat destruction and human-conflict are other threats that hippos face. Fun Fact: Hippos can’t swim. They push off the bottom or rocks underwater to propel themselves. They can also hold theirContinueContinue reading “Hippos!!”
Caracals
Caracals have a wide distribution range, from Africa to the Middleast to Central Asia. Although they are listed as least concern by the IUCN, caracals are still being impacted by habitat loss and human conflict. The population in Central Asia is considered endangered. Caracals are agile hunters that can jump 10 ft straight up intoContinueContinue reading “Caracals”
Seagulls…evil or misunderstood?
Who says seagulls are not elegant?… Seagulls are hated by many. They dive-bomb people and steal their food. They are loud and can spread disease through their feces. Seagulls are not evil, they are simply opportunistic hunters. If humans were not so careless dropping their food, leaving it unattended, or feeding them purposely, these birdsContinueContinue reading “Seagulls…evil or misunderstood?”
Reticulated Giraffe
The Reticulated Giraffe is now listed as endangered by the IUCN. Habitat loss is their biggest threat, followed by poaching. Giraffe body parts, like their bones, tails, and hides are in high demand in the illegal market. Although giraffes are common at zoos and game parks, the director of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), warnsContinueContinue reading “Reticulated Giraffe”
Grey Crowned Crane
A Grey Crowned Crane foraging in Kenya Grey Crowned Cranes live in central and southern Africa. They are an ENDANGERED species. Their main threats are habitat loss and the illegal capture of the birds and their eggs. In some places, the cranes are kept in captivity by wealthy families or hotels as a symbol ofContinueContinue reading “Grey Crowned Crane”
Cape Mountain Zebras
The Cape Mountain zebra is listed as vulnerable/threatened by the IUCN. In the early 1900s, they were on the brink of extinction with less than 60 individuals remaining. Luckily conservation efforts brought the population back up. Their main threats are habitat loss and poaching (for their meat). Although conservation has brought the population up significantly,ContinueContinue reading “Cape Mountain Zebras”
…The Cheetah…
Cheetahs are the world’s fastest land animals, with the ability to go from 0 to 60mph in just 3 seconds. But they can only maintain that speed for a minute or less. Cheetahs are listed as vulnerable on IUCN Red list. Under the United States Endangered Species Act they are listed as endangered. Their populationContinueContinue reading “…The Cheetah…”
Great White Sharks
A Great White Shark breaching the water and showing off rows of razor-sharp teeth. These beautiful creatures are highly misunderstood and get a bad rap in the media and movies. Millions of sharks are killed by humans every year. Although their exact population is unknown scientists believe that the population is decreasing at an alarmingContinueContinue reading “Great White Sharks”
Dragons
The largest living lizard! ……The fearsome Komodo dragon! Komodo dragons are only found on several small islands in Indonesia. They are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. The Komodo National Park was established in 1980 to help preserve and protect Komodo dragons. Deforestation for agricultural use and poaching of deer, the dragons’ main prey, are theContinueContinue reading “Dragons”