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Black Rhinocerous
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The
black rhinoceros is classified as a member of the order Perissodactyla (Odd-Toed Hoofed
Mammals) and is a member of the family Rhinocerotidae. The black rhinoceros grows up to
twelve feet long and six feet high. It weighs up to three thousand pounds. The black
rhinoceros is classified as a critically endangered species due to a reduction of at least
80% of the black rhinoceros population over the last three generations based on direct
observation, an index of abundance, and a decline in area of occupancy. The black
rhinoceros is the most aggressive species in the rhinoceros family, and can charge at
speeds up to thirty miles per hour. |
Leopard Cubs
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There
are perhaps 6,000 snow leopards left in the wild. The number is difficult to estimate
since snow leopard terrain is rugged and researchers must rely on indications of the
animal rather than direct sightings.To some scientists, the animal is known as an
indicator species, one that indicates the general health of a particular environment.
Since the snow leopard lives at the top of the food chain, if there are abundant and
healthy snow leopards in an area, there is probably also a healthy local ecosystem.
Conservation of the snow leopard therefore contributes to conserving the chain of life
that must survive to support the snow leopard. |
Fin Whale
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The fin whale is a common whale throughout the northwest Atlantic. In Newfoundland and Labrador, fin whales can be seen near shore and offshore from early spring until late fall. In winter they generally migrate south as far as Florida. Fin whales sometimes become entrapped in ice around Newfoundland waters. The fin whale is classified as a member of the order Cetacea (Whales) and is a member of the family Balaenopteridae. It grows up to eighty feet long. The fin whale is classified as an endangered species due to a reduction of at least 50% of the blue whale population over the last three generations based on direct observation, an index of abundance, and actual levels of exploitation. |
