Courtney Kernc: The Endangered Earth

Indri Description -  Largest of all living Lemurs  -  64 to 74cm long, 13 to 21 lbs -  Primarially herbivores -  Monogamous, lives in small family groups  -  Around 5000 to 10,000 left in existance, critically endangered Habitat and Range -  Diurnal (non-noctournal) tree dwellers -  Native to Madigascar Role in  Ecosystem Indri are primarially herbivors that feed on mostly leaves, seeds, fruits, and flowers. They consume very little non tree vegetation. Their predators include fossa, hawks, and snakes. Without the Indri, the ecosystem would be unbalanced.   Cause of Decline Although the Indri has predators, their greatest threat is habitat destruction due to slash and burn agriculture, fuelwood gathering and logging that occurs even in protected areas. Until industry took interest in Madagascar's resources, Indri had a peaceful relationship with native people. Today however, there are many reports of non-locals hunting Indri. The Indri

Glapagos Penguin The Galapagos Penguin has been considered endangered for the past 18 years with its estimated population of under 2000. These penguins are a member of the genus Spheniscus (medium size black and white penguins). They grow to around 19 inches long and 5-6 pounds. They are one of the only tropical penguin in the world. Habitat and Range These penguins are endemic to the coast of the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. They live in sheltered bays that were formed by ancient lava flow from long ago. They require coastline beaches that have gradual inclines rather than steep cliffs. Role in Ecosystem Galapagos Penguins are carnivores that eat many types of small marine creatures. They will dive up to 50 meters to get small crustaceans, invertebrates and small fish  up to 15 mm long such as anchovies, sardines, pilchards, and mullets. They also eat mollusks, zooplankton. Their main relationship to other organisms is the predator/prey relationship.

African Wild Dog The Lycaon Pictus (or African Wild Dog) is a species of canidae, or a type of carnivore that includes dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackals, dingos and other dog-like mammals.  There are approximately 5000 African Wild Dogs left in existence .  They grow to be about one meter long and weigh 40-80 pounds. They live off a carnivorous diet and live for 10-12 years. They are usually light tan colored with dark brown/black spots.  Species Habitat and Range African Wild Dogs used to range from the desert and mountain areas of sub-Saharan Africa with exclusion of the very dry parts of the desert and lowland forests. Because their endangerment has caused a big decline of their numbers and range in Central Africa and Northeast Africa, a majority of their population is now in Southern Africa and South Eastern Africa. Their current ecosystem is primarily woodland, scrublands, and mountainous areas. Role in Ecosystem African Wild Dogs hunt mostly medium-s

PANGOLINS Pangolins have been around for tens of millions of years. They are a critically endangered animal that exist in eight different types of species which are all endangered. They are covered in scales that make up 20% of their body weight and are made from keratin  (the same stuff our hair is made of). They curl up into little  balls and their sharp scales stick out like a porcupine  when threatened by  predators . They are often called "scaly anteaters " since they have a long sticky tongue and are insectivores . They weigh form 3.5 to 7 pounds based on the species and are often mistaken for reptiles when they are actually burrowing   mammals .  About half of them live in Africa and half live in Asia.  Pangolins play an important role in the ecosystem. Since they  are insectivores , they provide pest control and act as soil caretakers in the areas they live. Their big long claws and burrowing habits that they use for shelter and ant/termite hunting