Thursday, April 7, 2011

Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey

A number of factors have contributed to the monkey's endangered status. First, an increase in deforestation has resulted in a significant reduction in resources and habitat; second, it is hunted for meat and pet markets. To counteract the decline in population, various attempts have been made to protect the species. In 1974, specimens were moved to Ngezi Forest on Pemba Island to try to re-establish the monkey's the population.[10] It had been found, however, that 20 years after the translocation to the island only one group of Procolobus kirkii was found and with few sitings and interviews with locals, the population was estimated to be between 15 and 30 individuals. Researchers concluded that the group had certainly survived but did not increase in number possibly due to adverse relations with humans. Some locals in Pemba hold superstitions against the monkey because of the idea that it brings bad luck upon farmers.[10] This may explain the reason that they have not significantly grown in population size.
On Uzi and Vundwe Islands, P. kirkii monkeys are subject to extensive habitat destruction, particularly with coral rag forests. There is also reported poisoning, netting, and disappearance of monkeys as well as other with animals.[17]
Various attempts have been made for conservation of the species. One project was with the World Wildlife Fund, specifically in Menai Bay which is located just west of Uzi Island. Second, the Wildlife Conservation Society has funded conservation projects intended for the colobine but in both cases, there has been no apparent action that was directly supportive of the monkey.[17]
The African Convention has played a role in the conservation of the animal by categorizing it as 'Class A.'[23] According to the document African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 'Class A' is described as:
species in Class A shall be totally protected throughout the entire territory of the Contracting States; the hunting, killing, capture or collection of specimens shall be permitted only on the authorization in each case of the highest competent authority and only if required in the national interest or for scientific purposes.[23]
It has been suggested that an important way to promote conservation of the monkey is to simply spread awareness about it – that it is not a harmful animal and that it can actually be good for the region's economy because it draws tourism. This has been the case on Unguja Island.[10] Furthermore, it would be necessary to establish and designate protected zones.

African Golden Cat

Status

The African golden cat's status in the wild is not entirely known due to insufficient study.  They appear to be doing well in the Congo region where large expanses of pristine rain forest exist.  They are listed on Appendix II of CITIES.
At the current time, there are no African golden cats known to be in captivity.  The species has been kept in the past, with a limited amount of breeding done, but those bloodlines have since died out.
The biggest problem facing the African golden cat in the wild, as with most feline species, is deforestation and the loss of habitat.  There is little hunting pressure because the African golden cat is taboo to many local tribes, though there are a few that use the fur in ceremonial dress.


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Cute Litttle Quokka's

Current Status
Although numerous on the small offshore islands, it has a very restricted range and is classified as vulnerable. On the mainland, where it is threatened by most introduced predatory species such as foxes, it requires dense ground cover for refuge. Agricultural development has reduced this habitat, and has thus contributed to the decline of the species. Introduced cats and dogs, as well as dingoes, have added to the problem, as have the clearing and burning of the remaining swamplands.

Galapagos Marine Iguana

Conservation Status

This species is completely protected by national legislation (Ecuador). They are listed under CITES Appendix II external link (nearly threatened with extinction).
Marine iguanas, Amblyhynchus cristatus, are now listed as Vunerable (VU B2ac(iv)) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species external link with subpopulations that are either listed as Vulnerable or Endangered due to:
"The marine iguana Amblyhynchus cristatus is endemic to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The population occurs as ten subpopulations on separate islands in the range. Total extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 km2 and area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 500 km2. Total population size is unknown, however, El Nino effects are known to cause periodic declines in population (at least 85% mortality). In addition to this, the population is threatened by pollution (e.g., oil spills) and predation by exotic species on the islands."

Swift Fox Is Endangered!!!

Climate Change and Other Threats

One of the main threats to the swift fox is habitat loss as a result of conversion of grasslands for agriculture. In the past, they were impacted by trapping and incidental poisoning intended for wolves and coyotes. As part of federal eradication campaigns, poisoning also reduced swift fox food sources, such as prairie dogs and ground squirrels.
Climate change looms as an additional threat to the swift fox. According to one projection, suitable grassland habitat for the species in Colorado and New Mexico could shrink by 27% to 63% under various emissions scenarios.

               
Swift Fox pack or Family

Organizations to Donate

These organizations are willing to accept money to help protect
endangered animals in the world.

Sea Shephred Donations

Green Peace Donations

Donate to Wildlife Conservation Society

Donate to the National Wildlife Federation

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Sea Shephred DEFENDERS of WHALES

Sea Shephred will protect endangered species on our oceans to live forever. And if the ocean dies we die.- Captain Paul Watson
M/Y Steve Irwin