Ocelot

Ocelot staring into the distance.

Photograph by Frans Lanting/ Corbis

     Ocelots range in color from light yellow to reddish-gray with dark spots and stripes. They have dark spots on their cheeks and their tails have rings of dark fur. They are carnivores, and typically prey on rodents, rabbits, young deer, birds, snakes, and fish.

     Ocelots are nocturnal, living in trees and dense brush during the day, and extremely active during the night.

     Ocelots used to range as far east as Arkansas and Louisianan, and throughout Texas and Mexico.

     Currently, Ocelots are endangered due to threats from habitat loss due to agriculture, hunting for their fur, and pet trade.

How to help:

     You can help save endangered Ocelots by symbolically adopting one to help save them in the wild, visit the Wildlife Action Center to send a notice to government officials, learn how to be a powerful advocate for wildlife, and stay informed about their threats and support their species. Visit the Defenders of Wildlife for more information on Ocelots and how to help rescue them.

Sources:

http://www.defenders.org/ocelot/what-you-can-do

Mexican Bobcat

Mexican Bobcat

Photographed Group2.podbean.com

     The Mexican Bobcat is a subspecies of the bobcat, and it is often confused with the Lynx because of the markings and color from central Mexico. It is a medium-sized feline with a coat that varies from light grey to reddish-brown. The bobcat gets its name from its tail that is noticeably smaller than other cats.
     The Mexican bobcat can be found in a variety of habitats, such as forests, coastal swamps, deserts, and scrubland. They are known to sleep in hollow trees, hidden dens, thickets, and rock crevices. They are solitary and nocturnal, and they are rarely seen by humans. They feed on just about anything, from small mammals to large.
     The bobcat was once one of the most heavily hunted and traded of the cat family. They were hunted for their pelts. Today, threats include habitat loss due to growing human population, illegal hunting, and they are often killed from preying on farmers' livestock.

How to Help:
     The Defenders of Wildlife has partnered with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife to track, capture, and collar bobcats in the State of New Jersey in order to determine their movements and which habitats are important to their survival. This information will help biologists create a protection and management strategy that focuses on preserving the most critical bobcat habitat.
     Society can help by donating to this cause at Defenders of Wildlife



Sources:
http://www.earthsendangered.com/profile.asp?ID=9&sp=39
http://www.defenders.org/bobcat/bobcats

Margay

Margay sitting in a tree

Photograph by Roberto Pedraza Ruiz

     Margays have a brownish-yellow to tan coat with black spots, stripes, and splotches,
lengthwise along its body, and white on its chest, belly, and insides of the legs. Margays are mainly tree-dwellers, restricted to forest habitat associated with dense lowland forest below. They originated in Mexico, in the southern side of North America. Margays are intolerant of altered habitat, which is a key cause of their threatened status.  
     Unfortunately, very little is known about the Margay's ecology. Unlike most wild cats, when the forests are destroyed these cats are unable to adjust to the new environment.
     In the late 1980s, the Margay was one of the most heavily exploited cats for the fur trade. In some areas they are still hunted illegally for their coat. In 1991, the Margay was the most common pelt in the southern Mexico fur trade, despite its protected status.
     The combination of over-hunting for fur, capture for the pet trade,
and massive deforestation has destroyed wild populations of this little wild cat. They have never been common and are rare in captivity and in the wild.

How to Help:

     Due to the fact that Margays are not widely known and the lack of knowledge for its needs, researchers do not have quality information for this cat's needs. Organizations like Big Cat Rescue and Panthera accept donations for the cause. You can also help by being a voice for the Margay population and bring awareness to the public.

Sources:

http://bigcatrescue.org/margay-facts/

www.wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/south-america/margay

Killer Whale

    

Killer Whale jumping out of the water

Photograph from coloringkids.com

     Killer Whales, also known as Orcas, are black on top with white undersides and white patches near their eyes. Gray or white saddles lie behind their dorsal fins, which are unique across individual killer whales and populations. They are highly sociable mammals, relying on underwater sound for orientation, feeding, and communication. Killer Whales produce whistles and pulsed calls, named echolocation for communication and keeping the group together. They are found in all parts of the ocean, but mainly colder regions near northern North America, like the North Atlantic,  Canada, and Pacific oceans. Their diet includes fish, small mammals, sharks, and sea birds.
     Currently, the Killer Whale is not on the list of endangered animals, but some specific populations are threatened, and others are considered extremely vulnerable to a number of threats.
     The threats Killer Whales face are natural dangers in their habitats and by human activities. In the natural dangers category, Killer Whales suffer from fungal and bacterial infections or they can get parasites that can undermine their quality of life. They have also been known to suffer from Hodgkin’s disease, tumors, stomach ulcers, and skin diseases. Other large animals are not a problem for the orcas. If they are full-grown healthy adults, they have no predators
     Human activities pose a greater threat to them, such as commercial-hunting, or whaling, to market their bodies, which is one of them most important threats to killer whales, capturing for entertainment, habitat pollution, excessive noise due to their communication, decreased prey, collisions with boats, issues with fisherman, and climate changes.

How to Help:

     Conservation efforts in the Recovery Plan for the Southern Resident Killer Whales include support salmon restoration efforts, clean existing contaminated areas, improve ship activity, prevent oil spills, enhance public awareness, and research coordinating with these conservation efforts. The public can help by adopting a whale and donating to the World Wildlife Fund.

Sources:

https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/whale

http://www.killer-whale.org/killer-whales-endangered/

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/whales/killer-whale.html

Jaguarundi

    

Jaguarundi sitting in a tree

Photographed by Dreamstime Photography

     The Jaguarundi is a small wildcat with short, rounded ears. Its fur color can appear brown to dark brown and gray in color. They are sometimes called otter cats because of their short legs, slender bodies, and small flattened heads. They prefer lowland brush areas near water and dense tropical areas as their habitat. They are exceptional tree climbers and swimmers. Jaguarundis prey on fish, small mammals, reptiles, and birds. They are solitary animals except for during mating seasons. Jaguarundis are found in Arizona, Mexico, Texas, and Panama. These animals were said to be kept as pets by early settlers to control rodent population in villages and crops.
     Four out of the eight subspecies of Jaguarundi are currently listed as endangered; the Panamanian Jaguarundi, Guatemalan Jaguarundi, Gulf Coast Jaguarundi, and Sinaloan Jaguarundi. The species is rare and threatened mainly by hunting for their fur, accidentally caught in traps for other animals, and habitat loss.
     Recovery efforts are hampered by a lack of knowledge about the animal, its behavior, and its needs. A captive breeding program has began at the Desert Museum at the University of Arizona. The Jaguarundi is protected by the state of Texas, as well as by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which prohibits international trade in the species.

How to Help:
     Unfortunately, there are not many organizations that specifically focus on helping the Jaguarundi species, due to the lack of knowledge of its needs. However, many organizations, such as the Defenders of Wildlife, focus on helping a wide range of animals and species. You can donate to the cause to help raise money for game preserves and raise awareness for Jaguarundis.


Sources:
http://bigcatrescue.org/jaguarundi-facts/
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Jaguarundi.aspx

Jaguar

     Often mistaken for the leopard, the Jaguar's fur is tan in color with black rings and dots; some are completely black. They are the largest cat in the Americas. They typically live in forests, and often prefer lowland rainforests for their habitat. They sometimes live in dry woodland and grassland areas as well.
     Jaguars prey on deer, small mammals, fish, and other marine reptiles and amphibians. They are excellent swimmers and climbers.
     Today most jaguar populations live in the north and central part of South America, Arizona, California, Central America, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico.
    Their populations have declined due to poaching for their spotted coat and habitat loss due to clearing of forests. Some jaguars prey on farm animals like horses and cattle and, in turn, are harmed by farmers protecting their livestock.

How to Help:
    In recent years, poaching and habitat loss have been monitored. Now there are many reserves specifically for jaguars. If you would like to lend a hand to help endangered jaguars, you can adopt a jaguar in the wild and ultimately save one, take action by sending a message to your congressman about the state of the jaguar, become a powerful advocate for wildlife, stay informed about important issues affecting them, or join the Defenders of Wildlife to help encourage jaguar safety and increase their population.

   The video, "Jaguars are Returning to Southern Arizona", explains why jaguars are important to the ecosystem and the food chain in the Americas. Wildlife activists explain their views on the current state of the Jaguars, the reasons they are endangered, and the measures that are being taken to help them. This video can help educate others on and how to help jaguars thrive.
     



Sources:
http://www.defenders.org/jaguar/basic-facts
http://bigcatrescue.org/jaguar-facts/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzM1-oUi8RA

Gray Wolf

     The gray wolf is the largest of the canines. They are one of the most widespread land mammals, inhabiting various ecosystems throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and a small portion of Africa. The gray wolf has many nicknames, such as the Timber Wolf, Arctic Wolf, and Tundra Wolf. The names vary depending on the location of their habitat. Gray Wolves are excellent hunters, seeking their prey using their scent.
     Wolves are known for their howl for many reasons. Howling helps members of the pack keep in touch and to communicate in thick forests or over large distances. It also helps to summon pack members to a specific locations, declaration of territory, or claiming of prey.Gray wolves are also known as keystone predators because they help maintain a balanced ecosystem. Their diet consists of large hoofed mammals, such as elk, deer, moose, and caribou, as well as smaller mammals like beavers and rabbits. Because gray wolves eliminate only weak animals, herds become stronger and healthier as a whole.
     On a global level, the Gray Wolf is considered a species of least concern, but on a regional level it is considered vulnerable of extinction due to loss of habitat, trapping, shooting, and poisoning.

How to Help

     If people would like to help gray wolves, there are several things you can do. You can adopt a wolf through organizations like Defenders of Wildlife or the National Wildlife Federation. These organizations support several initiatives that help gray wolves, such as banning aerial gunning in Alaska, fighting to preserve federal protections, and helping ranchers find effective ways to protect their livestock so they refrain from killing wolves. You can also help by supporting gray wolf habitat protection.

Gray Wolf Puppies

Photograph from NotDiscovery.org

Gray Wolf Pack

Photographed by Superb Wallpapers

Cougar

     The cougar, also known as the Mountain Lion, Puma, or Panther, is found in western North America, a small region of Florida, and most of South America. They live in various habitats from mountains to deserts to sea-level. Cougars are closely related to house cats on a larger scale. Unlike most big cats, they cannot roar. Instead, they purr like a house cat. Cougars can run up to 43 mph, they can jump to about 20 feet from standing position, and they can leap a distance of 16 feet vertically. They generally prey on deer and small mammals.
     Cougars have long been endangered, both by sport hunters and by farmers protecting their livestock. Other threats include habitat loss and automobile accidents. Their main cause of decline is loss of habitat. As a result, the cougar population has significantly decreased.
     In recent years, sightings of cougars in the northeast United States and eastern Canada have been on the rise. Although many are the result of former captive cougars who escaped or were released, there is a possibility of recolonization of cougars in the east.

How to Help
     It is difficult to stop habitat loss or reverse its effects, but there are some ways people can help. You can help persuade your congress representatives to designate the cougar as a protected animal. This prevents the taking or injuring of cougars, unless they pose a threat. You can also suggest to your congressman advocating the preservation of open land in order to maintain a livable habitat for cougars. In addition, you can donate directly to the Mountain Lion Foundation to help increase their population so they do not become extinct.

Cougar laying down

Photographed by Superb Wallpapers

Brown Bear

     The Brown Bear, also known as the Grizzly Bear, is a large omnivorous mammal found in northern and central Europe, Asia, and North America. Within North America, most Brown Bear populations roam around the lower 48 states, especially Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Washington.
      Brown Bears are great swimmers and have a keen sense of smell. They prefer habitats that are densely covered where there is available shelter during the day. They eat almost anything from berries and roots to fish and small mammals, like mice.
     Livestock damage control, habitat deterioration, commercial trapping, unregulated hunting, and the perception that they threaten human life are leading causes of the animal's decline. As mountainous areas were settled, development greatly contributed to an increase in human-caused death for Brown Bears. Some are accidentally killed by hunters who mistake them for black bears, which can be legal game.

How to Help
     Brown Bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are coming close to the recovery target but still suffer from too many yearly mortalities. Many successes have been largely due to effort among several organizations, including  the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). The IGBC includes the U.S. Forest Service; National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, state agencies in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington, Canadian wildlife management agencies, and Native American Tribes.
    To help contribute to helping endangered Brown Bears, people can adopt a bear, and by spreading the word about endangered Brown Bears.

Brown Bear laying on a log

Photographed by Superb Wallpapers

Bighorn Sheep

     Bighorn sheep are one of two species of mountain sheep in North America. They range in color from light brown to grayish or dark brown. They have a white rump and lining on the backs of all four legs. Bighorn sheep get their name from the large, curved horns on the males, or rams. They are known for their ability to climb high, steep, rocky mountain areas. Bighorn Sheep can be found mostly in northern and western regions of America, but they are most prominent in California.
     The primary threats to Bighorn Sheep are unregulated and illegal hunting, or poaching, predation by natural enemies, disease, and loss of food from domestic livestock grazing and climate changes.
      Diseases from domestic livestock have devastated their population and the loss of habitat from development have become an increased threat.
      Normally, predators like mountain lions, wolves, bobcats, and coyotes do not pose a threat to Bighorn Sheep, but in areas where sheep population are low, the death of sheep from natural predators can be a risk to larger populations.
     About one-third of California's populations of desert Bighorn Sheep have died out throughout the past century. These losses occurred primarily from lower elevations where there is increases in temperature and decreases in precipitation that have reduced the amount of vegetation they depend on for foraging and water.

How to Help

     Population of Bighorn Sheep hit a low of about 280 in 1995. Since then, their inclusion on the federal endangered species list has increased their population to about 600.
     Much like many endangered species, conservation groups have developed to help save Bighorn Sheep. There are a few known game ranges within Arizona that aid in the prevention of their endangerment. The link provided is an example of one of many conservation game ranges.
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

Bighorn Sheep
Photographed by Ron Niebrugge