Category Zoology

Why is the swift parrot rare?

            The swift parrot is a fast-flying migratory bird that breeds in Tasmania, along the Southeastern coast. It is a brightly coloured bird in a grass green shade, with a red beak. While flying, these birds are distinguished by their striking red under wings.

            It has been seen that in autumn, swift parrots migrate to mainland Australia, and in winter, to the inland slopes of the Great Dividing Range.

            What brings these parrots into spotlight is their population. With less than 2500 individuals, they have been declared as a critically endangered species in the IUCN Red List.

            There are many reasons attributed to the decline of swift parrot population. The most serious one is the clearing of trees.

            Besides this, there are as well predators like the sugar gliders who kill the parrots.

            The Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 has listed swift parrots as endangered.

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Why is the steppe eagle an endangered bird?

            Like animals on land and water, birds in the sky too are equally vulnerable to survival threats.

            One among the endangered birds is the steppe eagle. It is a widespread migratory species that breeds in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Mongolia.

            In winters, they fly to Africa and Southwestern Asia. They mostly inhabit steppe, semi-desert areas, and lowland hills.

            Although considered to be common throughout its ranges, the population of steppe eagle shows a dropping trend.

            The major threats before these attractive birds are conversion of habitats into agricultural land, and collision with power lines. The species has already become extinct in countries like Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine.

            In a study conducted in 2014, it was found that steppe eagles are negatively affected by the veterinary use of a drug named diclofenac, which is used to treat livestock. Being scavengers, the birds have high chances of being exposed to the risk of diclofenac poisoning.

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What makes the diademed sifaka rare?

 

 

               The diademed sifaka, though it might sound totally new to most of us, is a critically endangered member of the lemur family that is seen only in certain rainforests of eastern Madagascar.

               Typically, these primates have bare dark grey or black faces framed with white hair. There is also a patch of black seen on top of their heads. Since the head resembles a diadem or an ornamental crown, the animals are called diadem sifakas. The long silky fur and the orange or golden coloration, altogether make the primate strikingly attractive.

               The main threat before a diademed sifaka is destruction of habitat. Being very sensitive to even the slightest disturbance, sifakas vanish from the areas very soon. In addition to deforestation, they are also hunted for food. It has been reported that hunting happens even inside national parks and other reserves. The Duke Lemur Centre in North Carolina, USA, is one place where the primates are held in captivity for conservation and breeding.

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Why is the geometric tortoise an endangered animal?

            The geometric tortoise is one of the most endangered reptiles on Earth, endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa. Its name arises from the geometric pattern that is seen on its high, domed shell. Typically, these shells are brown or black, with yellow stripes. Female tortoises can be identified by their larger size, and  smaller tails.

            What brings geometric turtles into the spotlight is their decreasing population. They are critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List. It is said that more than 90 per cent of the habitats where the tortoises reside have been destroyed in the past years, which in turn, has led to their decline. In addition to this, the introduction of invasive alien vegetation and animals like feral and wild pigs, have further led to habitat crises and competition for food.

            The hapless animals are also occasionally eaten by locals, or sought after for the pet trade. All these together have made it quite tough for this species to survive. At present, there are less than 3000 geometric tortoises alive.

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What makes Galapagos sea lions endangered animals?

            The Galapagos sea lion is a coastal animal that breeds in the Galapagos Islands, as the name suggests. But some of them are also spotted on the Isla de la Plata, close to mainland Ecuador. These animals are most noted for their playful and social nature. They are seen in waters, sandy beaches and rocky areas that connect to waters.

            Typically, sea lions have smooth and streamlined bodies. It makes them smart hunters, especially of sardines. The animals are as well brilliant divers that can dive up to depths of 200 metres.

            However, in spite of their smartness, Galapagos sea lions face serious challenges for survival. The natural predators of these animals are sharks and killer whales. But their main threat is the El Nino event which disturbs the marine life on which they depend.

            Many of the animals migrated, while several others died of starvation. Other than El Nino, sea lions are also vulnerable to threats caused by humans.

            Currently, there are just less than 50,000 Galapagos sea lions alive.

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What are the specialities of the ring-tailed lemur?

            The ring-tailed lemur is a larger primate found in the dry forests of Southern Madagascar. It is distinguished by its brownish-grey fur, and tail with black and white rings.

            Typically, these are highly social creatures that live in groups of around 20 individuals. Unlike others in their family, ring-tailed lemurs can tolerate extreme environments – like the hottest, driest and the coldest climates in Madagascar.

            But what is not-so-interesting about ring-tailed lemurs is their population. With the number falling to less than 2000 in the wild, they have been categorized as endangered by the IUCN Red List.

            The main threat facing them is habitat destruction. Reports suggest that much of their habitat is converted to agricultural farmlands, or harvested for charcoal production. Then there are as well dangers of hunting for food and pet trade.

            However, lemurs are very well bred in captivity. It is said that over a 1000 can be found across 140 zoos in the world.

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