Category Science

          The red-crowned crane is one of the rarest cranes in the world that is found in Japan, China and the Korean Peninsula. They are known to be very attractive birds with mostly white feathers, and a black tail. Their name comes from the red feathers on top of their head.

          The birds are mostly spotted in wetlands, rivers, mudflats, grassy tidal flats, and paddy fields. With a population of less than 3000, the red-crowned cranes have become an endangered species. Habitat destruction is the primary threat they face.

          Yet another is the threat of poisoning. Reports suggest that the birds are often killed by eating pesticide-treated grains.

          In addition to these grave issues, there are also instances of fire and poaching that contribute to the decline of red-headed crane population.

          There are many efforts made by wildlife organisations towards conserving the species, like increasing the scope of wetland restoration and controlling invasive species.

Picture credit: google

            The Lear’s macaw is a large parrot endemic to Northeastern part of Bahia in Brazil. It is named after Edward Lear, a famous British artist cum poet who painted macaws, and wrote rhymes about them.

            For a long time, the macaw remained elusive in the wild. It was in 1978 that it was accepted as a distinct species by naturalist Helmut Sick.

            Typically, Lear’s macaws are very noisy and social. Their diet comprises of fruits, seeds, and nuts. The overall grayish-blue plumage, long wings and tail, and a distinct vibrant yellowish-orange colour that encircle the eyes-altogether make the bird beautiful.

            The most serious threat faced by the macaws is illegal trade. It is said that collectors of these birds pay high prices in the international pet market to own them.

            Another threat is the reduction in the number of licuri palms which the birds mostly feed on. Together, these have all contributed to the decline of Lear’s macaws.

Picture credit: google

            The Malagasy pond heron is a migratory bird, seen primarily in the outer islands of the Seychelles, Madagascar, and countries on the east coast of Africa such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is also called a Madagascar pond heron, or Madagascar squacco heron. The species in general has long crest, red legs, blue beak with a red tip and blue bare skin around the eyes. Strangely, the plumage of the birds becomes streaked with brown, and the crown turns completely brown when the species is not breeding.

            The habitats of the herons can be seen in freshwater wetlands, typically with nearby tree-cover.

            In 2007, the IUCN Red List classified the Madagascar pond heron as an endangered species. It was the result of a population decline caused mainly by over-harvesting of eggs, and the clearing of habitats. In addition to these, there is also a competition for food and habitat with other herons too. This also caused the decline in their number.

Picture credit: google

            The Vietnamese, or the Vo Quy’s pheasant, is a rare pheasant that is endemic to Central Vietnam. The range of this bird concentrates around the Ke Go Nature Reserve in Ha Tinh province.

            The pheasant was discovered in 1964, and described in the year that followed, by the Vietnamese zoologist Vo Quy. Hence, it was named after him.

            Typically, the male pheasant is more attractive than the female. It has a shiny black plumage with dark blue tones, and blue-edged feathers on the body. The female is rather unattractive with plain, greyish-brown plumage. It is said that they mostly feed on grain, seeds, plants and insects.

            According to the IUCN Red List, Vietnamese pheasants are an endangered species. The destruction of coastal lowlands and commercial logging are among the main factors that contribute to the population fall.

            Besides, a considerable number of these birds are hunted for trade and meat.

Picture credit: google