Bonecrusher of legends and fables

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Common Name: Bearded vulturer; Lammergeier; Gypaéte (Fr); Quebrantahuesos(Sp)
Scientific Name: Gypaetus barbatus
Habitat: High mountains and open ranges.
Location: Mountainous regions of Africa, Southern Europe and Asia.
Population: (Alpine:) Approximately 100 breeding pairs exist in Europe today, mostly in the Pyrenees between France and Spain; on the Island of Corsica, on the Greek island of Crete and mainland Greece. It has also been reintroduced in the European Alps.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The bearded vulture is the Alps largest bird and one of the rarest raptors in Europe. It nests on high rock ledges and inhabits exclusively high mountainous areas (1,600-13,000 feet). It can be found usually above the tree line, in rugged areas with steep slopes and in alpine pastures Bearded Vultures were once found in almost all mountain ranges of southern Europe and in the Alps.

Probably no other raptor has made such a deep impression on people, as is shown by the numerous fables and legends concerning it.

Physical Description

Size

The Bearded vulture reaches 45 inches in size (from head to tail), its wingspan is almost 90 inches and it weighs about 11-15 pounds.

Color

Bearded vultures have reddish yellow or white plumage on the head and breast with a grey black tail and wings. In the adult individual the black strip over the eyes and the bristles at the base of the beak form the distinctive appearance of a beard. The white color of the neck and under parts of captive birds as opposed to the reddish plumage of wild ones remained unexplained for many years, until it was discovered that wild birds deliberately put iron oxide on their plumage. When captive birds were provided with iron-rich water they started to bathe in it as they do in the wild and plumage went reddish again!

Habitat
Major habitat type

High mountains and open ranges

Range States

(Alpine) France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Germany

Geographical Location

Mountainous regions of Africa, Southern Europe and Asia

Ecological Region

European Alps, Mediterranean

Interesting Facts
The name of the Lammergeier originates from German, in which language it means "lamb-vulture." This raptor will often drop bones from a great height in order to crack them open and gain access the bone marrow inside - hence its old name of Ossifrage (or Bone Crusher).

The cat that stalks alone: An endangered solitary hunter
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Common Name: Amur leopard, Far East leopard, Manchurian leopard, Korean leopard; Léopard d'Amur (Fr); (Sp)
Scientific Name: Panthera pardus orientalis
Habitat: Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests
Location: South of the Far East-Primorskii region (Russian Far East), Tzilin,
Heilundzyan Provinces (Northern China).
Population: Less than 40 individuals
---------------------------------------------------------------------





Background

The leopard is rarely found in cold or high-elevation environments and is best known in its more familiar home in the savannas of Africa, where populations are relatively stable.

However, in the northernmost part of its range, a rare subspecies of this cat lives in the temperate forests and harsh winters of the Russian Far East. This is the Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis), also known as the Far East leopard, the Manchurian leopard or the Korean leopard. IUCN's 2000 Red List of Threatened Species classifies the subspecies as Critically Endangered, and the CITES has listed it on Appendix I.

In 1998, the Russian government adopted a strategy for the conservation of the Amur leopard. WWF is supporting antipoaching activities in the Barsovy wildlife refuge, as well within the whole leopard habitat in the Russian Far East. The organization is also implementing programs to stop the traffic in Amur leopard parts and to increase the population of prey ungulate (hoofed) species in the leopard's habitat. WWF staff are also monitoring the leopard population and its habitat.




Physical Description


The Amur leopard has some very distinguishing features. Its summer pelt is 1 inch long but in winter it is replaced by an almost 3 inch long pelt. Apart from its long winter coat, the Amur leopard is easily told apart from other leopard subspecies by its widely spaced rosettes with thick borders. It also has longer legs, probably an adaptation for walking through snow.
The Amur leopard is habitually nocturnal and solitary. Nimble-footed and strong, it carries and hides unfinished kills so that they are not taken by other predators.


Size
Adult males: 70 - 105lbs, exceptionally large males weigh up to 165 lbs.
Females: 55 - 95 lbs.

Color
Light color in the winter, more reddish-yellow in the summer.




Habitat

Major habitat type
Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests


Biogeographic realm
Palearctic


Range States
Russia, China, probably North Korea


Geographical Location
South of the Far East-Primorskii region (Russian Far East), Tzilin, Heilundzyan Provinces (Northern China).


Ecological Region
Russian Far East Temperate Forests


Interesting Facts
The Amur leopard has been reported to leap more than 19 feet horizontally and more than 9 feet vertically.

A great cat in a shrinking space

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Name: Iberian lynx, pardel lynx, Spanish lynx; Lynx d'Espagne (Fr); Lynx pardelle, lince ibérico (Sp)

Scientific Name: Lynx pardinus

Location: Southern Europe

Population: Around 110 individuals

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Background

Having decreased steadily in population numbers over the last two centuries, the Iberian lynx may soon be the first cat species to become extinct for at least 2,000 years. The species is classified by the World Union for the Nature (IUCN) as the world's most endangered feline species. Habitat loss and degradation, as well as the disappearance of food resources (rabbits) are contributing to this declining trend. Today, there are no more than 38 breeding females in the wild.

There are only two confirmed small and isolated breeding populations, both in southern Spain, containing together around 100 individuals, and these will disappear unless significant changes occur.

Urgent action is needed. WWF is calling for the Spanish National Government and the Regional Government of Andalucia to implement the captive breeding programme as a matter of urgency, and work with others to ensure the protection and appropriate management of the habitat and prey conditions for the Iberian lynx.

WWF has contributed to Iberian lynx conservation through the creation and sponsorship of the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (LCIE), which has led to the development of an action plan for the Iberian lynx among other species. Since 1998, WWF/Spain is actively working for the conservation of the species.

Physical Description

The Iberian lynx is a relative species of the Eurasian lynx, the Canada lynx and the North American bobcat. It is approximately the same size as the Canada lynx but about half the size of the Eurasian lynx, which survives in central and eastern Europe.

Adult lynx live in territories of up to 20 km², which they scent-mark and defend from each other, although male and female territories may overlap. Territories relate to areas of habitat and rabbit supply, and can change over generations.

The Iberian lynx's status as a separate species from the Eurasian lynx has long been questioned, but fossil records, morphological and genetic evidence have clarified its position as Lynx pardinus. The Iberian lynx is heavily spotted and weighs about half as much as the Eurasian species, with long legs and a very short tail with a black tip. Its coat is tawny with dark spots and it bears a characteristic "beard" around its face and prominent black ear tufts.
SizeA female Iberian lynx may weigh up to 10 kg or 13 kg for males, and reach up to 88 cm (female) or 1 m (male) at adult stage.

Habitat
Biogeographic realm: Palearctic
Range States: Portugal, Spain
Geographical Location: Southern Europe
Ecological Region: Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands and Scrub

Why is this species important?
Iberian lynx displace and kill other carnivores - including foxes, Egyptian mongooses, and feral cats and dogs - to ensure sufficient supplies of rabbit populations and to protect their offspring. The loss of the Iberian lynx could result in an increase in the density of more common predators and a consequent decrease in rabbit populations.

Interesting Facts
A mother may carry its cubs between up to 12 homes, to avoid predation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Common Name: Giant panda; Panda Géant (Fr); Panda gigante (Sp);
Scientific Name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca
Habitat: Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests
Location: Southwest China (Gansu, Shaanxi, and Sichuan Provinces) to the east of the Tibetan plateau.
Population: Approximately 1,600 individuals in the wild
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Background

The giant panda is universally loved, and of course has a special significance for WWF as it has been the organization's symbol since it was formed in 1961.

Today, the giant panda's future remains uncertain. This peaceful, bamboo-eating member of the bear family faces a number of threats. Its forest habitat, in the mountainous areas of southwest China, is fragmented and giant panda populations are small and isolated from each other. Meanwhile, poaching remains an ever-present threat.

Over 50 reserves created


By mid-2005, the Chinese government had established over 50 panda reserves, protecting more than 4,000 square miles and over 45 percent of remaining giant panda habitat.


However, habitat destruction continues to pose a threat to the many pandas living outside these areas, and poaching is a further problem. Today, only around 61 percent of the population, or about 980 pandas, are under protection in reserves. As China's economy continues its rapid development, it is more important than ever to ensure the giant panda's survival.






WWF on the ground


WWF has been active in giant panda conservation since 1980, when it supported U.S. scientist Dr. George Schaller and his Chinese colleagues in field studies in the Wolong Nature Reserve. WWF was the first international conservation organization to work in China at the Chinese Government's invitation.


More recently, WWF has been helping the government of China to undertake its National Conservation Program for the giant panda and its habitat. This programme has made significant progress: Reserves for this species cover more than 6,000 square miles of forest in and around their habitat. The latest survey (released in 2004) revealed that there are 1,600 individuals estimated to remain in the wild.


Physical Description

Pandas have a white coat with black fur around their eyes, on their ears, muzzle, legs and shoulders. The unique physical features of the species include broad, flat molars and an enlarged wrist bone that functions as an opposable thumb - both of these adaptations are used for holding, crushing and eating bamboo.


Giant pandas are classified as bears and have the digestive system of a carnivore, but they have adapted to a vegetarian diet and depend almost exclusively on bamboo as a food source.


Pandas live mainly on the ground but have the ability to climb trees as well. While the species does not hibernate, it often relocates to lower altitudes in the winter and spring.

Size

Giant pandas are about 5 feet long from nose to rump, with a 4-6 inch tail. A large adult panda can weigh about 220-330 pounds, with males 10 percent larger and 20 percent heavier than females.

Color

Distinctive black and white coat.

Habitat
Major habitat type

Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests

Biogeographic realm

Palearctic

Range States

China

Geographical Location

Southwest China (Gansu, Shaanxi, and Sichuan Provinces) to the east of the Tibetan plateau.

Ecological Region

Temperate Forests of the Upper Yangtze.

Why is this species important?

Panda habitat is found at the top of the Yangtze Basin, an ecoregion shared by both pandas and millions of people whose ancestors have utilized the region's natural resources for millennia. The Basin is the geographic and economic heart of China, and is one of the critical regions for biodiversity conservation in the world. Its diverse habitats contain many rare, endemic and endangered animal and plant species, the best known being the giant panda. Economic benefits derived from the Yangtze Basin include tourism, subsistence fisheries and agriculture, transport, hydropower and water resources.

The survival of the panda and the protection of its habitat will ensure that people living in the region continue to reap ecosystem benefits for many generations.

Interesting Facts
A giant panda may consume 26-83 pounds of bamboo a day to meet its energy requirements.

---------------------------------------------------

Common Name: Polar bear Ours blanc; ours polaire (Fr); Oso polar (Sp)

Scientific Name: Ursus maritimus

Habitat: Arctic

Location: Arctic (northern hemisphere)

Biogeographic realm: Nearctic and Palearctic
---------------------------------------------------

Status

With 20-25,000 polar bears living in the wild, the species is not currently endangered, but its future is far from certain. In 1973, Canada, the United States, Denmark, Norway and the former U.S.S.R. signed the International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears and their Habitat. This agreement restricts the hunting of polar bears and directs each nation to protect their habitats, but it does not protect the bears against the biggest man-made threat to their survival: global warming. If current warming trends continue unabated, scientists believe that polar bears will be vulnerable to extinction within the next century. WWF provides funding to field research by the world's foremost experts on polar bears to find out how global warming will affect the long-term status of polar bears. To learn more about the topic, read the WWF report Vanishing Kingdom: The Melting Realm of the Polar Bear . WWF's report, Polar Bears at Risk, provides a more detailed analysis.

Read more about World Wildlife Fund's work to stop global warming and help save polar bears.

More on the Ecology of the Polar Bear

Physical Description

Habitat and Distribution

Diet

Reproduction

Why is this species important?

Of all of the wildlife species in the Arctic, the polar bear is perhaps the most fitting icon for this ecoregion. Its amazing adaptations to life in the harsh Arctic environment and dependence on sea ice make them so impressive, and yet so vulnerable. Large carnivores are sensitive indicators of ecosystem health. Polar bears are studied to gain an understanding of what is happening throughout the Arctic as a polar bear at risk is often a sign of something wrong somewhere in the arctic marine ecosystem.

-----------------------------------------------------------
Common Name: Tiger; Tigre(Fr); Tigre(Sp)
Scientific Name: Panthera tigris spp
Population: Only around 4,000 tigers remain in the wild
-----------------------------------------------------------

Background :

The tiger, largest of all cats, is one of the most charismatic and evocative species on Earth; it is also one of the most threatened. Less than 4,000 remain in the wild, most in isolated pockets spread across increasingly fragmented forests stretching from India to south-eastern China and from the Russian Far East to Sumatra, Indonesia.

Poisoned, trapped, snared, shot, captured...
Across its range, this magnificent animal is being persecuted. Today, tigers are poisoned, shot, trapped and snared, and the majority of these animals are sought to meet the demands of a continuing illegal wildlife trade - which includes traditional Chinese medicine.

Hunters, traders, and poor local residents whose main means of subsistence comes from the forest, are wiping out the tiger and the natural prey upon which it depends. While poaching for trade continues to menace the tiger's survival, perhaps the greatest long-term threats are the loss of habitat and the depletion of the tiger's natural prey. Large commercial plantations have replaced a lot of tiger habitat in several tropical range countries.


Three tiger subspecies are already extinct, and a fourth is on its way
In the past century, the world has lost three of the nine tiger subspecies. The Bali, Caspian, and Javan tigers have all become extinct ... and many scientists believe the South China tiger is “functionally extinct”.

Priority areas offer the best hope for tiger conservation
WWF's tiger conservation strategy and action plan - Conserving Tigers in the Wild: A WWF Framework Strategy for Action 2002-2010 - identifies seven focal tiger landscapes where the chances of long-term tiger conservation are best, and four additional areas where conservation opportunities are good.

In each of the focal landscapes, WWF aims to establish and manage effective tiger conservation areas, reduce the poaching of tigers and their prey, eliminate the trade in tiger parts and products, create incentives that will encourage local communities and others to support tiger conservation, and build capacity for tiger conservation.

Physical Description

The tiger is the largest of the Asian big cats and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from the evergreen and monsoon forests of the Indo-Malayan realm to the mixed coniferous-deciduous woodlands of the Russian Far East and the mangrove swamps of the Sundarbans, shared by India and Bangladesh.

The characteristic stripe patterns differ from one individual to another and from one side of the cat's body to the other. In fact, there are no tigers with identical markings. Males exhibit a characteristic ruff (lengthened hairs around the neck), which is especially marked in the Sumatran tiger.

Tigers are typically solitary hunters and prey mainly on deer and wild pig. Where this prey is in abundance, such as in Chitwan National Park in Nepal, territories range from 10 to 20km² for females and 30 to 70km² for males. In Russia, where the density of prey is much lower, territories vary in size from 200 to 400km² for females and 800 to 1,000km² for males.

Tigers have dens in caves, tree hollows and dense vegetation. They are mostly nocturnal but in the northern part of its range, the Siberian subspecies may also be active during the day at winter-time. Using their sight and hearing rather than smell, the tiger stalks its prey and once it has reached close proximity, attacks from the side or rear and kills by a bite to the neck or the back of the head.

Unless they die, tigers are never replaced on their range. Although individuals do not patrol their territories, the range is visited over a period of days or weeks and it is marked with urine and feces.


Size
Body length is 140-280 cm and tail length is 60 to 95 cm.

Colour
The upper part of the animal ranges from reddish orange to ochre, and the under parts are whitish. The body has a series of black striations of black to dark grey colour.


Habitat
Biogeographic realm
Indo-Malayan, Palearctic

Range States
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia (Sumatra), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Nepal, North Korea (few left), Russia (Far East), Thailand, Vietnam



Why is this species important?

The tiger is a powerful symbol of reverence among the variety of cultures that live across its range. They command respect, awe or fear from their human neighbours. Even in places where tigers have become extinct or never existed in the wild, they live in myth and legend.

As top predators, they keep populations of wild ungulates in check, thereby maintaining the balance between prey herbivores and the vegetation upon which they feed. A whole myriad of other life-forms are essential to support a healthy tiger population.

Interesting Facts
A tiger has been reported to cover up to 10 meters in a horizontal leap.
It is reported that at 11 months, juveniles are already capable of killing prey.