Tag Archives: wildlife warriors

One tough Cookie

Bactrian camels are built to survive in one of the most hostile regions on earth, The Gobi Dessert. They are one of the few mammals that can eat snow as a way to quench their thirst. They are the only land mammals capable of drinking brackish/salty water with no negative effects. It is a commonContinueContinue reading “One tough Cookie”

Have you ever seen a fox in a tree?

Gray foxes are the only fox species that can climb trees. They climb up to 50 ft and jump from branch to branch. Like all foxes they are omnivores, they eat just about everything. They play an important role in the environment by controlling rodent populations.  Although they are not considered endangered, gray foxes’ habitatsContinueContinue reading “Have you ever seen a fox in a tree?”

Ringtails

An adorable and curious ring-tailed cat in a barn in Arizona. Despite their name, ring-tailed cats are not related to cats. They are part of the racoon (procyonidae) family.  Ringtails are the state mammal of Arizona.

The Great Egret

Egrets are members of the heron family. They stand motionless in the water waiting for their prey to come near, then they strike quickly and swallow their prey whole. Today egrets are known as one of the great conservation success stories. During the late 1800s, their population was nearly wiped out due to plume huntingContinueContinue reading “The Great Egret”

The Massive Martial Eagle

The martial eagle is the largest and most powerful eagle in Africa. It has a wingspan of 6 ft 4 in (2.6 meters). It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.  They are shot on sight and poisoned by farmers because they are seen as a threat to livestock. Although the eagles doContinueContinue reading “The Massive Martial Eagle”

The Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana

A black spiny-tailed iguana basking in the mexican sun. These are the world’s fastest lizards, with a max speed of 34.6 km/h or 21.7mph. As more of their natural habitat is destroyed, the iguana populations continue to decline. Although black spiny-tailed iguanas are not considered endangered, there are several other iguana species that are endangered. Such asContinueContinue reading “The Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana”

The Great Gerenuk

Gerenuks are considered near threatened by the IUCN. Meaning that their population is decreasing. Their biggest threat is the loss and fragmentation of their habitat.  Gerenuks are also known as giraffe gazelles. In order to reach certain foods gerenuks stand on their hind legs and stretch out their necks.

Black-and-White ruffed Lemurs

The black-and-white ruffed lemur is Critically endangered! Deforestation/habitat destruction for agricultural use is their primary threat. They are also hunted for bushmeat.   Like all lemurs the black and white ruffed lemur is native in Madagascar. Madagascar has lost more than 90%  of its original forest. Forest loss is primarily due to the increase in theContinueContinue reading “Black-and-White ruffed Lemurs”

Alligator Snapping Turtle

The prehistoric looking alligator snapping turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles. They are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list. Habitat destruction and game hunting are the main reasons for their decline.  Alligator snapping turtles are not aggressive predators They use their worm-like tongue to lure fish to their mouth. Then snap theirContinueContinue reading “Alligator Snapping Turtle”