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Treasures of the Tropical Rainforest |
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Looking
Out for Endangered Species|
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Many rainforest animals are endangered. An endangered species is one that is in immediate danger of becoming extinct. An extinct species is a species that is gone forever. The number one cause for the decline of rainforest animals is habitat destruction. Rainforest animals' homes are being cut down. Without their familiar habitats and sources of food, the animals cannot survive. |
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Jaguar- Poachers sell the fur, claws & teeth of jaguars for lots of money. People used to wear coats made from jaguar fur. |
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Ocelot |
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Macaw |
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Tamarins -There are fewer than 200 Black Lion Tamarins left in the wild! |
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Bald Uakari |
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Spider Monkey |
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Squirrel Monkey |
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Woolly Spider Monkey - only 400 left in the wild. |
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Marmosets |
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Woolly Monkey - almost extinct |
Buy
only traditional pets such as dogs, cats, and rabbits. Most
wild animals have a difficult time adjusting to life in
captivity. On
trips to other countries, don't buy souvenirs made from
endangered animals, such as ivory, tortoise, shell, coral,
reptile skin or cat pelts. Recycle
paper and use recycled paper products. This saves trees
which are home to endangered animals. Tell
your parents not to buy products made from rainforest wood -
rosewood, mahogany, teak and ebony. The trees had to be cut
down to provide this wood. Buy
products that come from rainforest trees but that do not
require that the tree be cut down, such as nuts.
www.animalinfo.org This
site offers information on rare, threatened and endangered
mammals from around the world. www.worldwildlife.org World
Wildlife Federation's web site. www.nationalgeographic.com www.discovery.com www.unich.edu/`esupdate University
of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment
publishes the "Endangered Species Update"