Endangered Animals Solar Power Energy Generation Guide
Endangered Animals Surviving Captive Breeding Programs
By Genevieve Thomson
There are many factors that threaten the survival of
endangered animals. Fires, deforestation, oil spills,
pollution, climate change and urbanization are some
common causes of habitat destruction that jeopardizes
many of the earth’s creatures.
Animals like rats, kangaroos, cats, pigs or insects
that are introduced to a new environment can eventually
lead to a ripple effect, as can intense predation. The
illicit animal trade and big game hunting business has
also depleted a number of rare animals.
Disease, rabies, viruses and pathogens have been known
to kill off entire colonies and packs in the past as
well. Since there are so many contributors to extinction,
there must be a review of multiple approaches to save
endangered species.
Poaching And Habitat Destruction Affecting The Sumatran Tiger
The Sumatran tiger is one of the world’s most endangered
animals, particularly because they are highly coveted
in the world of poaching and their habitat is rapidly
being destroyed by the logging industry. The island’s
nature reserve houses 100 tigers but the poachers have
managed to find their way into the park to kill.
Three similar breeds of tiger -- the Bali, the Java
and the Trinil -- have already gone extinct. It is believed
that there are less than 400 Sumatran tigers in the
wild. Similarly, the Siberian tiger has been whittled
down to less than 200 existing in the wild. The Association
of Zoos and Aquariums has 1,000 tigers in their breeding
programs, which has female tigers birthing several cubs
each year.
Javan Rhino Are Almost Extinct
The Javan rhino is another one of the most endangered
animals, with as few as 60 living in the wild. This
large, elusive breed of rhino lives 30-40 years in a
mostly solitary existence, except to mate and parent.
Since females only give birth every 1-3 years and gestation
lasts up to 16 months, breeding in the wild can be difficult.
The tiny populations of endangered species currently
exist in Java (Ujung Kulon National Park) and in Vietnam
(Cat Tien Park). Java rhinos used to thrive in China,
Indonesia, Southeast Asia and India but have been driven
to near-extinction by poaching for their horns, which
are allegedly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and
sell for $30,000 on the black market.
Captive Breeding And Resettlement Programs
"It’s sad to see in my lifetime the loss of so
many species. It’s like watching the end of the world
in slow motion," said Donna Fernandes, president
of the Buffalo Zoo. In Buffalo, NY there are captive
breeding and resettlement programs for 28 endangered
species, including the snow leopard, Indian rhino, Siberian
tiger, Puerto Rican Crested Toad and Golden Lion Tamarin.
"I sometimes wish I could time travel back 200
years ago, and see the world the way it was," she
sighs, referring to the numerous endangered animals
who have already met their end -- including the Vancouver
Island wolverine, the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit, the
Dusky Seaside sparrow and the Bay Spring salamander,
which have gone extinct since 1960.
Fernandes adds, "I’m hoping people will realize
there is hope if they take an active role in changing
their behavior, and in supporting organizations trying
to halt extinction."
About the Author:
Genevieve Thomson has written a number of articles on
Our Living Planet, Solar Power and Renewable Energy including
Endangered Animals,
Save The Earth,
Water Conservation,
Whale Watching Trips,
Solar Power System,
Solar Thermal Systems,
Alternative Power Systems,
Hybrid Car,
Recycling Programs.
Look out for new articles as they become available on this site.
Little Known Ecosystem Facts.....
What types of ecosystems are there?
There are many different types
of ecosystems in existence. The tundra, marine ecosystems
such as a coral reef and the rainforest are but just three
examples of over twenty different ecosystems that we are
aware of and interact with on a regular basis.
Your front yard and surrounding area is an ecosystem.
Even the busiest city is an ecosystem by the very definition
of an ecosystem. It is one in which the organisms are
interacting with the environment.
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