Save the endangered animals!
Endangered animals are animals which are in danger of becoming extinct. If these animals disappear forever, we cannot enjoy nature as much as we used to. However, the good news is that we can help to save these endangered animals from extinction! So, do Mother Nature a favour and play a part in saving these endangered animals by learning about them and passing the information around.
Sumatran rhinoceros
Of all the rhinoceros in the world, the Sumatran rhino (also known as the “hairy rhino”) is the most endangered in the rhino family –there are only 300 Sumatran rhinos left in Southeast Asia! This two-horned rhino ought to be the dirtiest rhino around as they are constantly submerging themselves in mud wallows. The Sumatran rhino is a herbivore and it feeds on leaves, twigs, bark, fruits , smaller shrubs, canes and vines. However, its favourite foods are mangoes, bamboo, figs and salt! It is fond of salt and visits salt licks regularly. If the Sumatran rhino has a timetable, it will probably look like this: breakfast before dawn, bathe in the mud wallows in the day, dinner after sunset and a stroll at night. Ah, such is the leisurely life of the Sumatran rhino.
Unfortunately, the habitats of the Sumatran rhino are often cleared to make way for (often illegal) logging. This has a great impact on the survival of the rhinos. Besides, the Sumatran rhino is constantly being hunted for its horn and thick skin. The horn of a Sumatran rhino is believed to have medicinal benefits while its skin can be used to produce luxurious products.
Northern hairy-nosed wombat
The Northern hairy-nosed wombat, a strong and heavily built marsupial, is found exclusively in Australia . It gets its name from its distinctive muzzle that is covered with short brown hairs. Although wombats are generally slow and clumsy, the Northern hairy-nosed wombat can move at a speed of up to 40km/h over a short distance! The Northern hairy-nosed wombat is a nocturnal animal which spends its day in a burrow and comes out at night to feed on grasses. Its short, powerful legs and long, strong claws are used to dig its burrows.
In the early days, the Northern hairy-nosed wombat can be found in three areas in Australia –southern New South Wales, southern Queensland and central Queensland. In the late 1960's, however, the wombats can only be found in a small area within Epping Forest in central Queensland. Today, the wombats only occupy an area of about 3 sq km in the Epping Forest.
The decline in the number of Northern hairy-nosed wombat is due to drought, habitat loss and competition with rabbits and sheep which have been introduced into its habitat. The decline is also caused by the presence of predators, the main one being the dingoes (a type of wild dog). Northern hairy-nosed wombats will continue to be in danger of extinction unless they reproduce more young wombats to populate other areas.
Fishing cat
The Fishing cat is a medium-sized cat that is found in Indochina , India , Pakistan , Sri Lanka , Sumatra and Java . Its habitats are swamps and marshy mangrove areas. Like other cats, it mainly feasts on fish, though its diet also includes crabs, frogs, rats, civets, fawns, calves , snakes, lizards and birds. This nocturnal creature is a strong swimmer and lives in water .
The destruction of its habitat to make way for houses, agriculture and woodcutting are the main causes for its decline in number. Another reason is the high usage of pesticides in rice fields and fishponds. These pesticides often pollute the waters and affect the fishing cat when it consumes its aquatic preys. Human activities like destructive fishing practices have also greatly reduced the fishing cat's food source. In addition, the fishing cat is hunted for its meat and fur.
The above animals are endangered and facing the possibility of becoming extinct, just like what happened to the dinosaurs and dodo birds. Try imagining that your favourite animal is gone forever. You cannot witness its magnificent beauty in real life anymore and can only see them in pictures or by watching videos. How would you feel? What would you do? That is right. You have got to save these endangered animals. Here are ways in which you can play a part:
- Lend your support to the zoo and animals organizations by volunteering some money, time and ideas.
- Do not buy products that are made from the body parts of any animal.
- Learn all about endangered animals and share the “Save the endangered animals” message with everyone.
- Do not pollute the air, water and land.
References
http://www.arkive.org