By Marcia Schwartz Nevada Ave. Elementary

Orangutans Face Extinction Why does the orangutan need your help? A crisis exists for the orangutan. Never before has its very existence been threatened so severely. Economic crisis combined with natural disasters and human abuse of the forest are pushing our closest cousins to extinction! The threats to the survival of the orangutan are numerous and difficult to remedy. These include: Loss of Habitat Illegal hunting The notorious pet trade

Throughout history, the elephant has played an important role in human economies, religion, and culture. The immense size, strength, and stature of this largest living land animal has intrigued people of many cultures for hundreds of years. In Asia, elephants have served as beasts of burden in war and peace. Some civilizations have regarded elephants as gods, and they have been symbols of royalty for some. Elephants have entertained us in circuses and festivals around the world. For centuries, the elephant's massive tusks have been prized for their ivory.

T he tiger, one of the most magnificent animals in the world, is also one of the most endangered. A cat of beauty, strength, and majesty, the tiger is master of all and subject to none -- except humans. Of the eight original subspecies of tigers, three have become extinct within the last 60 years; and there are less than 50 South China tigers left on this planet -- few, and possibly none, survive in the wild.

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a smaller relative of the well known giant panda. Like its larger relative, the red panda is a member of the order Carnivora, even though the vast majority of its diet is vegetable in nature. There is some argument as to whether pandas are more closely related to the raccoon family or to the bear family, but most experts think they belong to a family of their own. The wah is slightly larger than a large housecat, has rusty red fur, a long light and dark striped tail, a short white nose, and dark tear tracks. It is crepuscular (active around dawn and dusk) and scansorial (well adapted for climbing), spending much of its time in trees. Red pandas are called by many names. Some of these are: lesser panda, hun-ho, wah, and red cat bear.