Blog Post 7: Decline of Species

“Often, in the process of creating more human habitat, humans alter the environment enough to eliminate the food, water or living spaces needed by other organisms to survive.” (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_lf_k0700_0167c.pdf)


Here are some terms to understand the needs of different species:

Generalists- Species that are “able to use the greatest variety of food, water and types of living spaces.” As the name implies, these species are more general and use broad methods for survival because of their ability to adapt to various environments. Humans are generalists because we are able to adapt the land so that we are more comfortable.

Specialists- “are organisms that have very specific living requirements. They are often very successful at making use of something in their environment that other organisms do not or cannot use. Most specialists are found in very limited areas. Their numbers may be large where they are found but a loss of any part of their unique habitat causes a rapid decline in their population. Endangered species are usually specialists.”

Within just the United States, there are 2,269 endangered species. These endangered species include Amphibians, Arachnids, Birds, Centipedes, Clams, Corals, Jellyfish and Sea Anemones, Crustaceans, Fishes, Insects, Mammals, Plants, Reptiles, Snails and Worms.

To view the extensive 2,269 list for yourself, click here.

Within West Virginia, there are 48 different species that are endangered.

Rhode Island: 33 endangered species Puerto Rico: 145 endangered species

To Search for a specific state or country click here and select the area that you want to find out through the drop down tab then hit search.

Below are some pictures of animals that are on the endangered species list:

There are fewer than 2,000 Giant Pandas in the World.

Asiatic Lions

Green Turtles

Hippo

Toucan

Humpback Whale

Red Panda