Save More Animals

Can The Przewalksi’s Horse Really Run Wild Again?

admin — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 07:38:25 +0000

Mongolia is a wonderful place to visit and once you step into their country, one notable figure would be the Takh or the Przewalksi Horse. This is their national symbol and a Mongolian wild horse that was declared extinct in 1970. As an endangered species, the Takh horses were taken out of the country thirty years ago to Germany and Netherlands and other countries in an effort to save the species.

There they were held in captivity on a breeding program that would allow them to regenerate. In addition, the scientists raced against time to find the perfect Przewalksi horse species that they could take the DNA from to preserve. Instead what they found was a beautiful 20 year old male Prezewalksi horse which had undergone a vasectomy in 1999.In an unprecedented decision, these scientists decided to reverse the vasectomy. It was to be the first time anything like this was ever considered. In 2008, the first reverse vasectomy on this species or in an animal was successfully performed. It didn’t happen overnight, In fact the year before they tried but failed.

Soon after, the species was growing and given a chance to learn how to live in the wilds. The animals went through a 3 phase process of being re-introduced into the natural habitat. The first step was encouraging more births and making sure that they survived. The second step was bringing to a semi-reserve to give them a chance to get used to being free in a larger space.

Finally, in 2000, 16 Przewalksi horses were set free and are now back home and running wild and free. They now live in protected parks and can survive the weather and predators like wolves. This inspiring success story told and retold among environmentalists will continue to motivate them that their work is never in vain. The goal is to build the population to at least 500 free Takh species . It isn’t impossible considering that in 2003, their population grew to 150.

Volcano Rabbit

admin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:07:39 +0000

The Volcano Rabbit, so named because of their natural habitat, have become another of the endangered animals, even if they look like ordinary rabbits. Unlike the pet rabbits we are all familiar with, the Volcano Rabbits do not breed as many bunnies, nor as often. Their litter is at most 3 bunnies provided they are able to successfully mate. The gestation period is about 39 days. The bunnies are weaned after 21 days. Being endangered animals, they also do not have much literature about them. They are not only hard to find, their population is fast disappearing.

What has been established is that they live in the slopes of the Mexican volcanic belt. This would be Central Mexico which is fast become an urbanized area. They live in groups of 5 and are known to be herbivores, feeding on herbs and tree bark. They like to move around at night and stay in one area during daytime.

They can be distinguished from other rabbits because of their stubby tails and short legs. Their ears are small and round, unlike the usual rabbits ears which are pointy. The 4 volcanic slopes in Mexico where you can find these rabbits are El Pelado, Tlaloc, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl.

Scientists refer to their preferred habitat as “zacation” which is elevated area up to 4250 meters with dense shrubs and forests. The soil in the area is rich and dark and there are basaltic rocks peppering the zacation. They prefer moldy, moist forests with heavy grass.

One reason for the rapidly declining population is urbanization. Much of the land is converted to agricultural land because the soil is rich. This is how they have adapted to eating corn and cultivated oats. Because they have begun to eat corn and cultivated oats, farmers have taken to killing them to protect their crop. Thus began the plight of the Volcano Rabbits.

Aside from agricultural land, their habitat has also slowly transformed into grazing land for sheep and cattle. Thus, their foliage, which is their food, is being eaten by these farm animals. The cutting down on the trees have aggravated their problem of food source.

Being one of the smallest rabbit species in the world second only to the pygmy rabbits, they are hard to find. Perhaps because they are so rare nowadays, they are also hunted down as trophy animals and food.

Hyacinth Macaw

admin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:59:47 +0000

Some endangered animals that need to be saved include birds like the Hyacinth Macaw parrot. It has been called the dream bird which should explain why it is desired by many bird lovers. This parrot is fun to have around. They are laid-back and gentle. However, they have to be trained early not to squeeze the fingers of the person holding it. Without proper training, this magnificent of all parrots, high on the list of endangered animals, can break finger bones very easily. Thus, in thinking that they can get started early, bird lovers try to get the youngest Hyacinth Macaw parrot, and here is where the problems starts.

For bird lovers who do not know any better, they buy a Hyacinth Macaw that has not been properly weaned from its mother. As a result, hundreds of these parrots die from wrong feeding and rearing strategies. They can even be given the wrong food to begin with. Young Hyacinth Macaw parrots require a diet of high fat content. They also need to be fed by hand. Some of the food recommended for just weaned parrots are fresh coconut and unsalted nuts. A good indication of when a baby parrot can be weaned from its mother is its body weight. It should weigh at least 1250 grams or between 2 to 3 months of age.

Once the parrot reaches a certain age, it develops amazing strength. It has been known to snap cage wires made of stainless steel to escape. A cage that has not been welded twice is not going to be able to keep the bird in the cage. The ideal cages can cost up to $2,000 which is very steep for many bird owners. Thus, a lot of birds end up escaping and unable to fend for themselves on their own.

A baby Hyacinth Macaw parrot is also very vulnerable to health issues. They can easily develop bacterial and yeast infection. So, if they don’t die from wrong care and maintenance, they could succumb to illness.

In addition, buying the Hyacinth Macaw, which can be considered illegal in some areas being an endangered species, can be fraught with risks. In the name of a quick buck, breeders without the proper weaning habits can sell you an parrot that will never live past 6 months.

Then, there is the issue of breeding the parrot too early. The parrot needs to be at least 10 years old to start having babies. If done earlier, the parrot could harm the baby because it would be too immature physically, emotional, and mentally.

Reference: Illustrated Encyclopedia of endangered animals.