Going, going, nearly gone.....let's not let this happen
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For thousands of years, humankind viewed wilderness as both infinite and hostile; we entered natural creation as if stepping onto a battlefield. As human populations evolved and spread, we constantly divided the wild creatures we encountered into those that were to be feared and avoided, and those that could safely be conquered and exploited. Increasingly, as our technology improved and our skills developed, we found fewer animals that we thought we needed to fear, and increasing numbers of species we felt the need to kill, either because we had a use for their meat, skin, feathers, bones, or horns, or merely because we felt them to be a nuisance or an inconvenience.
It wasn’t until the end of the 1800s that significant numbers of humans began to realize that our battle with nature had become completely one-sided, and that, not only were we on the verge of stamping out large swaths of living creation, but that doing so would be an irredeemable tragedy. A few foresighted members of our species began trying to roll back some of the damage we were inflicting in our zeal to dominate, populate, and develop the planet. In some cases, and in spite of heartbreaking failures and losses, these early, enlightened men and women were actually able to save one special place or another, or to preserve the remnants of this species or that.
The accomplishments of our first few generations of conservationists were not easy to bring about, and they should be celebrated. Following are some of the stories of creatures that were pulled back from the brink of extinction by people who realized both their value to us as part our natural heritage, and their right, completely independent of us, to continue to exist.http://www.allaboutwildlife.com/endangered-species/endangered-animals-saved-from-extinction/6332
Endangered Species Need Your Help!
Here Are Some Ways That You Can Get Involved:
Conserve Habitats
One of the most important ways to help threatened plants and animals survive is to protect their habitats permanently in national parks, nature reserves or wilderness areas. There they can live without too much interference from humans. It is also important to protect habitats outside reserves such as on farms and along roadsides.
You can visit a nearby national park or nature reserve. Some national parks have special guided tours and walks for kids. Talk to the rangers to find out whether there are any threatened species and how they are being protected. You and your friends might be able to help the rangers in their conservation work.
When you visit a national park, make sure you obey the wildlife code: follow fire regulations; leave your pets at home; leave flowers, birds’ eggs, logs and bush rocks where you find them; put your rubbish in a bin or, better still, take it home.
If you have friends who live on farms, encourage them to keep patches of bush as wildlife habitats and to leave old trees standing, especially those with hollows suitable for nesting animals.
Some areas have groups which look after local lands and nature reserves. They do this by removing weeds and planting local native species in their place. You could join one of these groups, or even start a new one with your parents and friends. Ask your local parks authority or council for information.
By removing rubbish and weeds and replanting with natives you will allow the native bush to gradually regenerate. This will also encourage native animals to return.
For a compiled list on ways to help see: http://www.endangeredspecie.com/Ways_To_Help.htm
Ten easy ways to stop extinction : http://www.stopextinction.org/10athome.html
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Equus zebra
Other Names and/or Listed subspecies:Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, Cape Mountain Zebra, Equus zebra zebra
Group: MammalsStatus/Date Listed as Endangered:
VU-IUCN: 2008
EN-US FWS: June 14, 1976
Area(s) Where Listed As Endangered:
Namibia, South Africa
Namibia, South Africa
The mountain zebra is found in mountainous regions of southwestern Africa. Its coat is characterized by its startling coloration patterns, beautiful patterns of narrow vertical stripes covering its head and body. It averages around 7 to 8.5 feet in length and weighs from 550 to 800 lb. It has long ears and a dewlap below its chin, and strong hooves for climbing in mountainous terrain. Its belly is white with one black stripe.
Mountain zebras eat mostly grass, bark, leaves and tree and shrub shoots. Though they prefer mountainous regions for their habitat, they are known to move to lower elevations to graze in cold weather and seek shelter in caves or wooded areas. They form breeding groups that are permanent which consist of one male and up to five females. The male could control the group for years until he is defeated by a younger male in combat. Mountain zebras breed year-round. The gestation period is one year. The female produces a single foal that remains with the mother for up to three years.
The mountain zebra has two subspecies:Equus zebra zebra, the Cape mountain zebra, and Equus zebra hartmannae, Hartmanns mountain zebra. The Cape mountain zebra occurs in the mountainous regions of Cape Province, South Africa, and the Hartmanns zebra occurs in extreme southwestern Angola and western Namibia. The estimated population for the Cape mountain zebra is around 600 and for the Hartmanns mountain zebra, the estimated population is believed to be around 7000. Hunting and competition with domestic livestock is the main cause of the zebras population decline. Also, droughts have also been a threat to the species. In an effort to save this species, a species management and monitoring plan has been developed to manage the zebra population in many protected areas.
More Links about the Mountain Zebra:Mountain zebras eat mostly grass, bark, leaves and tree and shrub shoots. Though they prefer mountainous regions for their habitat, they are known to move to lower elevations to graze in cold weather and seek shelter in caves or wooded areas. They form breeding groups that are permanent which consist of one male and up to five females. The male could control the group for years until he is defeated by a younger male in combat. Mountain zebras breed year-round. The gestation period is one year. The female produces a single foal that remains with the mother for up to three years.
The mountain zebra has two subspecies:Equus zebra zebra, the Cape mountain zebra, and Equus zebra hartmannae, Hartmanns mountain zebra. The Cape mountain zebra occurs in the mountainous regions of Cape Province, South Africa, and the Hartmanns zebra occurs in extreme southwestern Angola and western Namibia. The estimated population for the Cape mountain zebra is around 600 and for the Hartmanns mountain zebra, the estimated population is believed to be around 7000. Hunting and competition with domestic livestock is the main cause of the zebras population decline. Also, droughts have also been a threat to the species. In an effort to save this species, a species management and monitoring plan has been developed to manage the zebra population in many protected areas.
Reference Links:
Mountain Zebra - Wikipedia.com
Conservation Links:
Cape Mountain Zebra Conservation
Mountain Zebra Facts Last Updated: January 15, 2008
To Cite This Page:
Glenn, C. R. 2006. "Earth's Endangered Creatures - Mountain Zebra Facts" (Online).
Accessed 10/30/2012 at http://earthsendangered.com/profile.asp?sp=517&ID=1.
To Cite This Page:
Glenn, C. R. 2006. "Earth's Endangered Creatures - Mountain Zebra Facts" (Online).
Accessed 10/30/2012 at http://earthsendangered.com/profile.asp?sp=517&ID=1.
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These are just some of the animals facing extinction. Please click into this excellent resources for a full list of endangered species around the world.
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