There are thousands of endangered species across the world that are striving to survive the odds against them. Many endangered animals are common mammals that we see often in our zoos and wildlife sites. However, with increased animal advocacy and more education about the plight of endangered creatures, many of these species can be helped before they disappear forever.
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Tiger
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The scientific name of the tiger is Panthera tigris. Tigers have over nine subspecies, of which three are already extinct. Most tigers live in Southeast Asia, India and Russia. Tigers are known for their agility and ability to hunt large prey. Tigers stalk and ambush their prey, which may be larger than the tiger itself. Its habitats include the jungle, woodland areas and tropical forests.
The endangerment of tigers comes mainly from illegal hunting, killing and the use of the tiger's bones for medicinal purposes in the orient.
Giant Panda
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The scientific name of a panda is Ailuropoda melanoleuca. The giant panda is located in the eastern and southern regions of China. The animal is popular because of its markings and apparent gentleness, but it can be as ferocious as any other member of the bear family The giant panda dwells in mountainous regions and temperate forests where there is a large supply of its common food staple, bamboo.
The contributing factors to the endangerment of giant pandas are habitat loss, the cyclic dying of bamboo trees every 40 years and the illegal killing of the bears.
Grevy's Zebra
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The scientific name for Grevy zebra is Equus grevyi. The zebra is one of the largest members of the horse family. It is found widely in Northeastern Ethiopia and Kenya. The zebra thrives in a dry and semi-desert grassland habitat. It is a herbivore found grazing the different types of grasses in its natural surroundings. The Grevy zebra is a territorial animal generally marking its ground by its dung.
The endangerment of the zebra is due to habitat loss and the progressive movement of the agricultural industry into its habitat.
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