Endangered Animals of Peru

Endangered Animals of Peru
Animals are considered endangered when they are at risk of extinction, either because there are only a small number of them left, due to threats from changes to their environment, shifting of predator to prey ratios, and other factors. Nations over the last 50 years have developed laws to protect species form becoming extinct; however few species actually get on these lists. Many become extinct without the attention or protection of humans, though it is true that in probably all cases over the last century, the machinations of humans have caused the imbalances that have led to the disappearance of thousands of animal and plant species. Especially within the last century and a half, species have been becoming extinct at a higher rate than at any time in history. In the case of the Amazon Rainforest, which covers parts of Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia and Brazil, the loss of habitat created by farmers who cut down trees and burn whole tracts of jungle for cattle grazing and crop production, may result in unknowable consequences for the entire planet. The Amazon has been called the lungs of the planet, and its further destruction could accelerate global warming, with devastating consequences for humans and most of the species on Earth. Some endangered species of Peru are: The Andean Condor: (Vultur Gryphus) was put on the Endangered Species list in 1973 by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. These majestic birds are found in the Andes Mountains, and along the coast of Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia and Bolivia. Factors in their endangerment include hunting, deforestation, air pollution and food and water contamination, as well as reduction in available food supply (declining populations of prey). Their slow reproductive rate is also a factor, as they lay eggs only every second year. There is not yet an accurate census of the numbers left, though there are believed to be only a few thousand left in the wild The Amazonian Manatee, (Trichechus inunguis), is a freshwater species of manatee, found throughout the northern Amazon River Basin and its tributaries. It is the smallest of the three manatee species, and a few are found in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. All manatees are entirely aquatic mammals that do not leave the water for the duration of their life cycle. They feed on plants and water vegetation, and are gentle, non-aggressive animals with flippers as forelimbs and no hind limbs; rather they possess a flat, cylindrical shaped tail. Factors in their endangered status include hunting, drowning in fishing nets, and loss of food supply resulting from deforestation. The Andean Cat, (Oreailurus jacobita) considered among the five most endangered cats in the world, is considered critically endangered. It is found in the high regions of Peru, Argentina, Chile and Bolivia, and is one of the shyest and least known cats in existence. About the size of a housecat, Andean Cats feed on several classes of mice, small birds and rodents. Along with the Pampas cat, (Oncifelis colocolo), it is known as “osqhollo” by the Quechua. Factors contributing to its declining numbers may include reduction of prey, harvesting of plants that their prey is dependent on, and hunting by humans. The Yellow Tailed Woolly Monkey, (Oreonax flavicauda), is a rare primate species found only in the Peruvian Andes. There are less than 250 of these monkeys left in the northern Peruvian cloud forests. They have thick hair and long prehensile tails. They eat fruits, leaves, flowers, and buds. Loss of habitat due to destruction of forests for agriculture and cattle-ranching has contributed to the critically endangered status of these monkeys. The Amazon Pink River Dolphin, (Inia Geoffrensis), known as boutu by the inhabitants of the jungle, is classified as a vulnerable species on the endangered species list. It is one of only five species of freshwater dolphins in the world. It inhabits muddy rivers, relying on echolocation to hunt for prey. These dolphins may be pink or pale blue; they are often albino. Factors threatening these unique animals include damming, building canals and diversion of river courses. The Three-Toed Sloth (Bradypus Variegatus), the smaller member of the sloth family, inhabits the Amazon rainforests of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Argentina. It is the slowest moving mammal on Earth, and is physiologically incapable of keeping its body temperature stable. In this way, it resembles snakes and other reptiles. It moves so slowly that algae grows on its fur, giving it an iridescent green glow at night. It is only able to live in warm, humid environments. Because of the encroachment of humans into their habitat, these creatures are potentially endangered. The Marvelous Spatuletail Hummingbird, (Colibr Admirable), is a species of hummingbird that is found only in the jungles of Northern Peru. The species is unique because it has only four tail feathers, two of which end in spoon-shaped “spatules;” each of the two feathers resembling a spatula, with an elongated handle and the round spatula part at the end. The males use their tails in a fascinating courtship display, during which they whirl their tails and perform acrobatics to impress females. They have been considered endangered since 2000, and has been declared the regional bird for the Amazon region of Peru. There are many ways in which we can take steps to help our environment and endangered species, some of which can start right at home. We can take simple steps to reduce the amount of energy we consume, such as washing our clothes in cold water and turning off lights when we leave a room. We can also join with and support organizations who are actively involved in helping the rainforest, such as http://www.therainforestsite.com. Kuoda Tours brings travelers to remote regions of the Amazon where they can see the rainforest firsthand and gain a greater understanding of this vital area and the amazing diversity of species therein. We have a variety of special interest and activities, including bird watching and jungle trekking. Visit us at http://www.inturkuoda.com

Born in the US, Laurel Thompson has lived in Peru for three years. She is a bilingual travel design specialist and has traveled throughout much of South America. She has a strong interest in eco-tourism and voluntourism and loves nature, traveling and writing.

Fitting Memorial For Your Pet
To many loving pet owners losing a pet is like losing a member of the family. Many pets are loyal friends and companions and offer their owners unconditional love and comfort that is almost impossible to get from a human. Grieving for the loss of a friend or family member is expected and understood and yet many feel that they are not allowed to mourn when their pet passes on. Often they fear being ridiculed or mocked if they allow their distress to be visible and yet they can be closer to their pet than any human they know.

Pet cemeteries are becoming more common and offer pet owners a place to lay their pet to rest and somewhere to go to mourn and remember them. Others prefer to scatter ashes in their pet?s favorite place or to keep them close to hand as a reminder. Until recently, these options have been the most common but even so they remain rare. However, as with most things, the Internet is opening up a range of new opportunities.

For pet owners who are unable to retain their pet?s ashes, or who do not wish to do so, there is still a place where they can remember their pets and give and receive comfort to others who have lost their pets. Pet cemeteries are few and far between and so this virtual graveyard allows everyone to gather together regardless of their location, mobility, age or gender. In Memory of Pets was set up in 1997 after the website host, John Mingo, lost his beloved dog, Candy. The site has many options for pet lovers both to celebrate their lives and also to offer support to others who are grieving their own losses.

The site has a section for tributes, poems and such like and also gives you the opportunity to light a candle in memory of your pet. This is done with an online ceremony and allows you to submit a photo of your pet. This then remains on the site permanently so that you can find and view the candle and remember your pet at any time that you wish to do so.

For those who have experienced the pain of losing a pet in the past, this site offers a real opportunity to share the grief and openly mourn their passing. No longer is it an embarrassment to grieve your pet?s death from anywhere in the world.

The author is a regular contributor to <a href="http://www.annspetsupplies.com">Ann's Pet Supplies</a> where more information about pet supplies and pet products are freely available.

Give Your Pets the Benefit of a Cheap Dog Insurance
A pet is an integral part of the owner’s family and the unconditional love and affection it provides to its master is unmatched by any human emotion. Often, an owner feels that by providing the best food, treatment, grooming and daily dose of love, games and exercise, he is able to return the love shown to him by his dog. In most cases, the owner keeps aside a planned monthly budget to look after the needs of his pet, however, unplanned expenditures can cause a harrowing situation for both the owner and the pet.

Pet Insurance - Why Should You Get It?
There are more reasons to get pet insurance than just helping out with vet bills. Find out all the benefits here.

Give Your Family Pets the Security of a Pet Insurance
A pet brings the owner lots of happiness and acts as the best stress reliever possible. However, it is also the responsibility of the pet owner to provide for the much required care and treatment for the pets, in return of their selfless devotion. Even if most pet owners are aware of their responsibilities and manage to keep aside a separate fund each month, to provide for pet care, unforeseen circumstances can put a spoke in their wheels.

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