Category Zoology

            A Spix’s macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world that is native to Brazil. It is a critically endangered parrot that is believed to be extinct in the wild. The last individual was spotted in 2000, but there are reports suggesting that one more was found in 2016.

            Physically, macaws are elegant birds with blue-grey plumage and bright tails. They are said to be relatively long-lived parrots that feed on plants. However, information about their species is limited.

            Experts say that a protected solitary male Spix’s macaw remained in the Brazilian wild till October 2000, but disappeared soon. There are some of them in captive breeding centres across the world. As of 2015, there were about 110 individuals.

            The main threat that is thought to have caused the extinction of Spix’s macaws is the destruction of habitats. Illegal pet trade too is suspected to have contributed to the loss.

            Now, the future of Spix’s macaws is dependent on captive breeding programmes.

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            The white-headed vulture is a wild bird found in the hot, dry woodland and tree savannas of Africa. Nevertheless, their population is dangerously low.

            Typically, white-headed vultures are colourful birds with a pink face and bright orange-red beak. Their name comes from the downy, white feathers on their head, which give it a sharp appearance. Like other vultures, these birds too feed on the dead bodies of large animals. But they are capable of killing small prey as well. It is known that the beak of a vulture is sharp enough to pierce and tear apart a prey.

            But more than ferocity, it is the population drop that brings a white-headed vulture to international attention. The IUCN Red List has classified this species as critically endangered, owing to a decreasing trend in their number.

            The reasons attributed to this fall are many. The shortage of suitable food sources, loss of habitat, and illegal trade are a few of them.

            Besides, many have died in the past due to the presence of toxic substances like diclofenac in food. It is a veterinary drug used to treat livestock, but affects vultures adversely. To avoid more deaths, most of their ranges are now protected by governments.

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          The Philippine eagle is the world’s largest eagle, found exclusively in Philippines. It is known to be the greatest raptor alive, preying on monkeys, flying lemurs, rats, snakes, squirrels, birds and bats. The bird can be spotted only on four islands-Samar, Leyte, Luzon, and Mindanao. It is also revered as the national bird of Philippines.

          Typically, the Philippine eagles have very long wings that grow up to two metres. They are distinguished by their ‘mane’ of brown and white feathers on the head. The species, which was once widespread throughout the islands, have become largely endangered over the past few decades. The present population is estimated to be between 250 and 750, making them a critically endangered species.

          Clearing of the vast tracts of tropical rainforests for commercial development and cultivation has led to the destruction of eagle habitats.

          The country offers protection to the birds, making it illegal to kill or trade them.

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          California condors are among the largest flying birds in the world that are native to North America. They were once seen in many parts of the continent, from California and other Pacific states to Texas, Florida, and New York. But today, the species is critically endangered in existence.

          Physically, the condors are just magnificent. While flying, their wings spread more than 2.7 metres from one tip to the other. It is said that these birds can fly above 4000 metres, and glide for hours without even beating their wings. Like all other vultures, these wild birds too, feed on dead animal meat.

          However, the population of California condors has been under threat for years. During the 20th century, it declined steadily, till a point where only 22 individuals remained in the world. Subsequently, they were taken into captivity towards the end of the 1980s in order to save the species. It is said that there were no California condors in the wild between 1988 and 1991. In the following years, birds were reintroduced to their natural habitats. This process helped, and as of now, there are around 435 individuals in the world.

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               The Galapagos penguins are the only penguin species found north of the equator, and in the Galapagos. With an estimated population of less than 2000 individuals, the species is said to be endangered.

               Typically, Galapagos penguins have black-grey upper-parts and whitish under parts, with two black bands across the chest. Unlike cold water penguins, they have several adaptations that allow them to survive in warmer climates. The birds mainly feed on krill and small crustaceans.

               As we saw, the population of Galapagos penguins is shrinking. The obvious threats to their survival are pollution caused by chemicals and oil in waters, climate change, and accidental capture by fishing nets etc.

               In addition, the birds are also vulnerable to attacks and diseases from introduced species like cats, dogs and rats. However, the dangers posed by El Nino events are the worst.

Picture credit: google