Hobbies And Interests
Whooping Crane
There are only about 320 whooping cranes left in the world. They are naturally found in the United States, specifically in Texas, and the Northwest territories of Canada. Destruction of their natural habitat threatens the cranes' existence.
California Condor
The California condor is a large scavenger that is native to the western coast of the United States and Canada. California condors were threatened with poisoning and shooting, until there were only about 25 left. These birds were captured and bred, helping to boost the population to about 200, as of 2011.
Puerto Rican Parrot
The Puerto Rican parrot has encountered steady population decline over the years, from about 100,000 to roughly 80, most of which are found in captivity. These are kept at a bird sanctuary in their native Puerto Rico. They were originally threatened due to human population growth.
Mexican Spotted Owl
Mexican spotted owls are actually found in the United States, in New Mexico and Arizona. They have been threatened by habitat destruction from both forest fires and logging. There are now only about 2,000 Mexican spotted owls remaining.
Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
The ivory-billed woodpecker, native to Cuba and the United States, is actually thought to be extinct, as no certified sightings have occurred in about 30 years. This species is still listed as endangered, however, due to unverified sightings. It was threatened by habitat destruction.
Whiskered Pitta
Whiskered pittas are small, colorful birds found in the Philippines, mostly in the mountains. They have been hunted and face habitat destruction. They are now being bred in captivity. The population of whiskered pittas were unknown as of 2011, but it is suspected that these birds are rapidly declining in the wild.
Eurasian Peregrine Falcon
The Eurasian peregrine falcon closely resembles the peregrine falcon found in the United States, with dark head and wings and lighter markings underneath. However, these birds are found throughout Eurasia and throughout Africa and the Middle East. They are threatened by poisonous pesticides in their habitats. They have also been hunted and taken out of the wild for falconry.
Japanese Crested Ibis
Japanese crested ibises are white with striking blue and pink head plumage. They are native to Russia, China, Japan and Korea, but can now only be found in a specific region in China. This species is mainly threatened by habitat destruction. Captive breeding programs are now in place to boost the population. As of 2006, there were about 250 ibises, found in both captivity and their native habitat.
Kakapo
The kakapo, found in New Zealand, is both flightless and nocturnal. They are threatened by non-native predators, but many have been moved to safer locations where they can breed. As of 2011, there are less than 90 kakapos living.
Egyptian Vulture
The Egyptian vulture can be found throughout southwestern Europe, southern Asia and northern Africa. The population of the Egyptian vulture is still somewhat high, estimated between 10,000 and 100,000. But the population is declining due to poisoning, shooting, electrocution in power lines and disease.