Threatened animals of the USA By Manaeva Yulia

Introduction: If an animal becomes extinct you will never see them again, except for a pile of bones in the ground. That would be very sad. * Extinction – The complete disappearance of a species * Endangered – Animals or plants whose numbers are so few they are in danger of becoming extinct * Threatened – Animals or plants whose total numbers are falling and they are on the way to becoming endangered. Ok, back to the serious stuff. Endangered animals really are serious. The extinction of animals is not new. It’s been happening for millions of years. New species evolve and others become extinct. Remember the dinosaurs or the dodo? When animals become threatened they can move, adapt or die. But now a lot of animals are threatened with extinction because they can’t adapt and survive in a world that is being constantly changed by humans.

Why? Four of the main reasons why animals become endangered are: * Habitat loss * Illegal hunting * Pollution * Introduction of a foreign species. There are more species alive right now on Earth than there have been at any other time. But because humans have destroyed and changed their habitat more species are being threatened with extinction than ever before. Most of the world’s animal species are insects and we don't even know some of them exist. Scientists estimate that many insect species are becoming extinct. Especially those living in tropical rain forests.

The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a small canid native to much of North America and Eurasia, as well as northern Africa. It is the most recognizable species of fox and in many areas it is referred to simply as "the fox". As its name suggests, its fur is predominantly reddish-brown, but there is a naturally occurring grey morph known as the ?silver? fox; a strain of domesticated silver fox has been produced from these animals by systematic domestication. The red fox is by far the most widespread and abundant species of fox, found in almost every single habitat in the Northern Hemisphere, from the coastal marshes of United States, to the alpine tundras of Tibetan Plateau. It was introduced into Australia in the 19th century. It is capable of co-existing with more specialized species of foxes, such as Arctic fox, in the same habitat. The red fox can withstand and sometimes thrive in areas with heavy human disturbance. It is nowhere near extinction, and its amazing adaptiveness is driving many other less competent species into extinction. The red fox is frequently featured in stories of many cultures, and is often portrayed as a sly animal.

Frog, Panamanian golden ( Atelopus varius zeteki) Relation to Humans Atelopus zeteki is the Panamanian national animal. As a cultural symbol, it represents good fortune and is frequently shown on lottery tickets. Panamanian golden frogs are often captured and used to promote hotels, restaurants, and tourism. They were revered by Pre-Columbian indigenous people and images of this frog were crafted in gold and clay talismans called huacas (Poole 2006). Possible reasons for amphibian decline General habitat alteration and loss Habitat modification from deforestation, or logging related activities Local pesticides, fertilizers, and pollutants Disease Intentional mortality (over-harvesting, pet trade or collecting)

Red wolf (Canis rufus) – Canis rufus or the Texas Red wolf is a subspecies of Red wolf that lived in the USA. It is reintroded in North Carolina.

The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is a North American species of bird in the New World vulture family Cathartidae and the largest North American land bird. Currently, this condor inhabits only the Grand Canyon area, Zion National Park, and western coastal mountains of California and northern Baja California. Although other fossil members are known, it is the only surviving member of the genus Gymnogyps. The condor is a significant bird to many Californian Native American groups and plays an important role in several of their traditional myths.

What to do ? Before a plant or animal species can receive protection under the Endangered Species Act, it must first be placed on the Federal list of endangered and threatened wildlife and plants. Our listing program follows a strict legal process [12/2005] [PDF] to determine whether to list a species, depending on the degree of threat it faces. An “endangered” species is one that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A “threatened” species is one that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. The Service also maintains a list of plant and animals native to the United States that are candidates or proposed for possible addition to the Federal list. All of the Service’s actions, from proposals to listings to removals (“delisting”), are announced through the Federal Register.

Exercises 1. Say the main reasons of Threatened animals. Why? 2. How do you think, what must do everyone to help? 3. Where live the last Red Foxes? 4. Do you know the second name of The red wolf? 5. In which Park The California Condor are? 6. Which National Program for the saving animal’s lives do you know?

Keys 1. * Habitat loss * Illegal hunting * Pollution * Introduction of a foreign species. 2. (your opinion) 3.North America, Eurasia, Africa 4.Zion National Park 5.Endangered Species Act

Sites I use port.do - the list of dying animals and plants

Don’t be cruel, please…