Hobbies And Interests
American Bison
The American bison, bos bison, lives in the Great Plains of North America. Males can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds, and females can weigh up to 1,100 pounds. Once numbering in the millions, mass hunting in the 19th century and destruction of the bisons' habitat drastically reduced their number. The World Wildlife Fund estimates there are 5,000 free-ranging American bison left. Farmers, ranchers and private land owners have created private herds across the United States and Canada to prevent its extinction.
Black-Tailed Prairie Dog
The black-tailed prairie dog, cynomys ludovicianus, is indigenous to North America and lives in the Great Plains. It is a ground squirrel with a black swatch of fur at the tip of its tail. It weighs between 1 and 3 pounds and grows between 14 and 17 inches long. Its burrows create soil rehabilitation and water filtration systems. It is also important for its role as primary prey for many other species in the Great Plains. Its population is dwindling, negatively effecting many other species' food supplies.
Greater Rhea
The greater rhea, rhea Americana, is an ostrich-like bird indigenous to the Pampas in South America. These birds are approximately 5 feet tall and 50 pounds. Relatives of the African ostrich and the Australian emu, this flightless bird has long wings that steer it when it runs. The Pampas is being turned into farmland, and the rhea is losing its natural habitat. It is also being targeted by farmers for its indiscriminate appetite, eating anything it finds, including cultivated crops.
African Lion
The African lion, panthera leo, is found in the veldt, or grasslands, of southern Africa. One to two males dominate each pride, or family group, which can contain up to 20 lions. Lionesses can weigh 400 pounds and grow to 6 feet long, not including their tails Lions can weigh 550 pounds and reach 8 feet long, not including their tails. Males grow a ruff of fur found their neck and head called a mane. It is only preyed upon by man.
Black-Footed Ferret
The black-footed ferret, mustela nigripes, is found in the Great Plains of North America. They can be as long as two feet and weigh as little as 2 pounds. This species was believed to be extinct, but a small colony was discovered in 1981. They prey only on prairie dogs and favor the black-tailed prairie dog, whose population is dwindling. Black-footed ferrets are on the federal endangered species list.