Animal Extinction

Since the earth is heating up scientist estimate that by 2050 (42 years from now) 1 million species will be lost.

More than 1 out of 10 animals is already irreversible (will not be able to reverse the effect) because of the extra global warming gases already discharged into the atmosphere.

The research in Europe, Australia, Central and South America, and South Africa, showed that species living in mountainous areas had a greater chance of survival. All because they could simply move up hill to get cooler. Those in flatter areas such as Brazil, Mexico and Australia, were more vulnerable. They are faced with the impossible task of moving thousands of miles to find a place with suitable conditions/habitat.

The Red Siskin is an animal from this region that is going to be extinct soon. Their population includes fewer than 1,000.

They can be found in South America, Venzuela and Colombia and live in the mountains and grasslands . They mainly eat seeds. The male is mainly deep red, with black on the head, throat, feathers and tail. The female is grey on the head and breast.
The downfall of the red siskin has been illegal trapping for the cage bird trade.

The population of the grey wolf was very large at one time, but now they inhabit only the northeastern part of Minnesota and parts of Michigan. Their food is mainly moose, elk, and bison and they tend to live in packs. They communicate by using a distinctive howl.

Polar bears are killing other polar bears to survive because they are starving. They are breaking down dens of female bears while they are giving birth. They cannot find food and are having to travel miles to find it.

Most adult males weigh 300–600 kg (660–1320 lb); adult females are about half the size of males. Its fur usually appears as white, thus providing the animal with camouflage from enemies. The polar bear is a vulnerable species at high risk of extinction. Zoologists believe that the decreases in their population are due to the melting of sea ice from global warming. Their population will reduce their by two thirds possibly by the mid-century.

For more information, visit these websites:

http://www.polarbearsinternational.org

http://www.worldwildlife.org/polarbears