Saving biodiversity for future generations is a priority in many countries.
All around the world, animals face extinction. A number of mammals, birds, reptiles and other species are endangered due to many kinds of factors that threaten their lives. Every country has their own native endangered species and those who strive to protect them.
America
The bald eagle, the national bird of the United States, has seen significant declines in population since the 1800s. In the 1960s many bald eagles died from exposure to a poisonous pesticide. The bald eagle's main threat is man, due to pollution and habitat destruction. The case is similar for the peregrine falcons, who were commonly used for hunting in previous centuries. Their population also suffered a decline due to poisonous chemicals and habitat destruction. Another endangered species in South America is the scarlet macaw. Many were killed in the early centuries due to excessive demand for its colorful feathers.
Europe
Ibexes are wild goats which can be found in parts of Europe on high mountain slopes and usually live in small flocks. They became an endangered species after being over hunted. Hunters considered it a great accomplishment to be able to reach the habitat where ibexes live and kill them as souvenirs. For that reason, the very rare alpine ibex is now protected by the Italian government, and has been introduced to other parts of the world with suitable living conditions in an attempt to re-populate. Also endangered is the musk oxen. This species has become endangered due to excessive hunting and destruction of its habitat.
Africa
The white rhinoceros is a species native to Africa, whose days are spent grazing on grass and sleeping during hot African afternoons. The white rhinoceros, in its adult form, has only one enemy---humans. They are the only animals that can kill this species. The decline in population of white rhinoceros is due to poachers and loss of habitat.
The leopard, which can be found over much of Africa, is also endangered. Leopard habitat is often destroyed by man to make space for cattle, farming and other activities, and due to immigration and food shortages Leopards began killing cattle and domestic livestock for survival. Consequently, farmers shot the leopards to protect their livestock, thus leading to a drastic decrease in population.
Asia
The giant panda is found in central China, where it lives in forests and bamboo thickets. The main reason giant pandas are endangered is because of habitat loss as a result of industrialization and shortages of bamboo, their primary food source.
The komodo dragon, the largest living lizard on Earth, is another endangered species and was first discovered in Indonesia. Komodo dragons have suffered a decline in population from habitat destruction, volcanic activity and poaching.
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