|
ENDANGERED AND THREATENED ANIMALS
*Not all
endangered and threatened animals are imaged here of course,
but it is our hope that the ones that are will speak for those
that aren't. These graphics and
text are free for both personal and/or
commercial use under the clipart
Terms Of Use policy.
All creatures on earth have evolved to
fill a nitch that will benefit the environment.
We need to
allow them space to fulfill their purpose lest it all come apart
at the seams. |
 |
ORANGUTANS - Threatened
Orangutans, although currently numbering in the
thousands, are threatened due to habitat destruction. According to a report by
the U.N., without quick and decisive human intervention,
Orangutan habitat could be wiped out in a mere 15 years.
If that be the case, the number of these beautiful great apes
could eventually dwindle to no more then the population now held
in captivity. |
|
|
|
Tigers - Endangered
 |
The magnificent endanger Tiger
has been hunted nearly to extinction. It's estimated that
there are less then 7000 tigers left in the wild. Today
they are still being illegally hunted for body parts used in
traditional Asian medicines and their habitats are being
swallowed up by an ever increasing human population. Only
a concerted effort on the part of many, including the
governments in the countries where the tigers are still found,
is going to save this fine animal.
|
|
|
|
 |
Jaguar Near
Threatened
The beautiful Jaguar is the third largest big cat
behind the tiger and the lion and is a "new world" cat, meaning
it's found in the Americas from Mexico down through Central
America and into the Northern Countries of South America.
They once commonly roamed the Southwest US, but today, with the
exception of a small, possible breeding, colony in Arizona, they
are extinct in the US. Elsewhere the Jaguar is a NEAR
THREATENED species, mostly due to Habitat destruction and human
encroachment into it's historical territories.
The Jaguar's saving grace is the Amazon
forest, for much of it's habitat here is still undeveloped and
nearly inaccessible to man. However, since much of the
rain forests have been cleared in other areas of the Amazon, the
Jaguar is finding it's habitat increasingly fragmented which
could eventually lead to a reduction in the gene pool of
breeding populations. Also, cleared land for cattle bring
Jaguars and Man into conflict as farmers are increasingly
killing Jaguars to protect their livestock.
Conservation efforts are being
concentrated on Educating the farmers and supporting local
efforts to boost the economy through eco tourism, giving the
native peoples a real reason to see to it the
Jaguar, and other native creatures, are protected from poaching. |
|
|
|
Fishing Cat - Endangered
This small cat's
reliance on wetlands in it's native Middle East and Asian
territories, along with it's primary diet of fish, has put it
directly in the path of Man. Destruction of habitat as well as
extensive over fishing has set this little cat on the path of
extinction.
Efforts to educate the public of the fishing
cat's plight are ongoing though little progress has been made.
There could come a time when zoos and sanctuaries will be the only
habitat of this beautiful little wild cat. |
 |
|
|
|
 |
Endangered Black Rhinoceros
The Black Rhinoceros is
endangered in it's native Africa. Habitat loss has narrowed
their range and heavy poaching for it's horns has brought this
stately animal to the bring of extinction. There are and
estimated less then 3500 Black Rhinos left in the wild.
Many old Chinese medicines list Black Rhino horn as an
important ingredient, making the money to be made on poaching
these horns is worth the risk of being caught, making poaching the
number one reason for this magnificent creature being one of the
most endangered of all the large mammals. |
|
|
|
Endangered Golden Lion Tameron
The Golden Lion Tameron is endangered
specifically due to habitat loss. They are primates of the
rain forests of Brazil and today only 2% of the original rain
forests still exist and those are scattered about the country into
small islands of green.
The current wild population
is estimated at less then 1500, living in family groups separated
in these pockets of green throughout their range. Education
and conservation efforts are making a difference, but they have a
long way to go. They and are hoping to raise that number by
protecting what's left of the GL Tameron's habitats and buying
land to set aside for further growth of their rain forests.
Golden Lion Tamerons are well represented by zoos with each
one of these charming primate ambassadors representing it's
counterpart in the wild. |
 |
|
|
|
|
