Category Plants & Animals

               The Galapagos penguins are the only penguin species found north of the equator, and in the Galapagos. With an estimated population of less than 2000 individuals, the species is said to be endangered.

               Typically, Galapagos penguins have black-grey upper-parts and whitish under parts, with two black bands across the chest. Unlike cold water penguins, they have several adaptations that allow them to survive in warmer climates. The birds mainly feed on krill and small crustaceans.

               As we saw, the population of Galapagos penguins is shrinking. The obvious threats to their survival are pollution caused by chemicals and oil in waters, climate change, and accidental capture by fishing nets etc.

               In addition, the birds are also vulnerable to attacks and diseases from introduced species like cats, dogs and rats. However, the dangers posed by El Nino events are the worst.

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            The blue-throated macaw is a rare parrot that can be spotted only in the northern parts of Bolivia in South America. They mostly inhabit palm groves and savannas in the northern parts of the country. With their turquoise blue and yellow plumage, blue cheeks, and long elegant tails, the macaws are unusually attractive. However, we just don’t get to see them at all!

            It is said that until the 1970s, blue-throated macaws mostly remained unknown. But as soon as they became popular, the illegal trade of these birds began. The fact that the species is rare made them all the more expensive and sought-after in the international pet market.

            The trade became so intense that at one point, there weren’t any wild specimen. Luckily, by 1992, the birds were rediscovered. However, the wild population of blue-throated macaws still remains fragmented, and as low as 400!

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            The Madagascar heron is a rare and large grey heron that is endemic to the island of Madagascar. Also known as the Hum-blot’s heron, they are birds that have an endangered existence due to hunting and loss of habitat.

            In appearance, these herons are distinctive, with dull grey plumage, and long pointed beaks. Mostly they are seen standing solitary and motionless in shallow waters, a habitat they are perfectly adapted for.

            As said earlier, Madagascar herons are rare birds that are now facing the threat of extinction. The main reason for this is the conversion of wetland habitats in the country for rice cultivation. As a result, the birds are forced out of their habitats to an unsafe existence. In addition, there are other problems too, like the stealing of heron eggs, and the capture of nestlings by local people for food.

            As of now, the population of the heron is just between 1000 and 1500.

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          The red-crowned crane is one of the rarest cranes in the world that is found in Japan, China and the Korean Peninsula. They are known to be very attractive birds with mostly white feathers, and a black tail. Their name comes from the red feathers on top of their head.

          The birds are mostly spotted in wetlands, rivers, mudflats, grassy tidal flats, and paddy fields. With a population of less than 3000, the red-crowned cranes have become an endangered species. Habitat destruction is the primary threat they face.

          Yet another is the threat of poisoning. Reports suggest that the birds are often killed by eating pesticide-treated grains.

          In addition to these grave issues, there are also instances of fire and poaching that contribute to the decline of red-headed crane population.

          There are many efforts made by wildlife organisations towards conserving the species, like increasing the scope of wetland restoration and controlling invasive species.

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            The Lear’s macaw is a large parrot endemic to Northeastern part of Bahia in Brazil. It is named after Edward Lear, a famous British artist cum poet who painted macaws, and wrote rhymes about them.

            For a long time, the macaw remained elusive in the wild. It was in 1978 that it was accepted as a distinct species by naturalist Helmut Sick.

            Typically, Lear’s macaws are very noisy and social. Their diet comprises of fruits, seeds, and nuts. The overall grayish-blue plumage, long wings and tail, and a distinct vibrant yellowish-orange colour that encircle the eyes-altogether make the bird beautiful.

            The most serious threat faced by the macaws is illegal trade. It is said that collectors of these birds pay high prices in the international pet market to own them.

            Another threat is the reduction in the number of licuri palms which the birds mostly feed on. Together, these have all contributed to the decline of Lear’s macaws.

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            The Malagasy pond heron is a migratory bird, seen primarily in the outer islands of the Seychelles, Madagascar, and countries on the east coast of Africa such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is also called a Madagascar pond heron, or Madagascar squacco heron. The species in general has long crest, red legs, blue beak with a red tip and blue bare skin around the eyes. Strangely, the plumage of the birds becomes streaked with brown, and the crown turns completely brown when the species is not breeding.

            The habitats of the herons can be seen in freshwater wetlands, typically with nearby tree-cover.

            In 2007, the IUCN Red List classified the Madagascar pond heron as an endangered species. It was the result of a population decline caused mainly by over-harvesting of eggs, and the clearing of habitats. In addition to these, there is also a competition for food and habitat with other herons too. This also caused the decline in their number.

Picture credit: google