Blue-throated Macaws are listed as Critically Endangered! These beautiful birds are near extinction. There are about 300 birds in the wild. The wild population lives only in a small region in Bolivia. Although they are protected, illegal capture and selling of these birds continues to threaten their survival. Since they are so rare they sellContinueContinue reading “Blue-throated Macaws”
Tag Archives: Wildlife
Sun Bears
Malayan Sun Bears are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. These bears are native to Southeast Asia and face several threats. Poachers hunt them for their fur and body parts which are used in folk medicine. Mothers are killed and their cubs are captured and sold in the pet trade. And their habitat is being destroyedContinueContinue reading “Sun Bears”
Rare Zebras…
…..The Grevy’s Zebra The Grevy’s Zebra is listed as endangered by the IUCN. The Grevy’s zebra has a population of only about 2,000 wild individuals. When compared to other zebras the Grevy’s zebras are larger, have thinner stripes and larger ears. In the last 30 years, their population has declined by 54%. They are threatenedContinueContinue reading “Rare Zebras…”
Kangaroos in a tree..?
Yes, there are actually fourteen species of tree kangaroos, most of which are considered vulnerable or endangered. Goodfellow Tree Kangaroos are marsupials, native to Papua New Guinea. They are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Their population continues to decrease do hunting and habitat loss. Tree kangaroos are hunted for their meat. TheirContinueContinue reading “Kangaroos in a tree..?”
Queen of the Beast
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”
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?”
Super Snake Jaws
Most people know that snakes can open their mouths extremely wide, but how do they do it? It is a common misconception that snakes can dislocate or detached their jaws. This is not true. Snakes have a special split lower jaw that is attached by a stretchy ligament. This allows the lower jaws to stretchContinueContinue reading “Super Snake Jaws”
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”