ENDANGERED ANIMALS

GROUP PROJECT IN SCIENCE

GRADE 7 - SPSTE
LEON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
LIST OF ENDANGERED ANIMALS

• PANDA BEAR
• GORILLAS
• WILD WARTHOG
• WILD DEER
• ELEPHANTS
• PARROTS
Endangered Animals
PANDA BEAR
 Panda Bear
A panda bear, also known as the giant panda (Ailuropoda
melanoleuca), is a large bear species native to China. It is known for
its distinct black-and-white fur and gentle demeanor. Pandas are
primarily herbivores, with bamboo making up about 99% of their
diet, although they occasionally eat other plants or small animals.

Pandas have a unique thumb-like structure on their front paws that

helps them grasp bamboo stalks. They are considered a symbol of
conservation efforts because their numbers have been dwindling
due to habitat loss and low reproductive rates, though conservation
programs have helped increase their population in recent years.
Pandas are also known for their solitary behavior and can spend
much of their time resting or foraging for food.
Endangered Animal
GORILLAS
 GORILLAS
Gorillas are large primates and the largest living species of ape,
belonging to the genus Gorilla. They are native to the forests of
central Sub-Saharan Africa. Gorillas are divided into two
species: the Western Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) and the Eastern
Gorilla (Gorilla beringei). Within these species, there are
several subspecies, including the mountain gorilla and the
western lowland gorilla.

Conservation:
Both species of gorillas are endangered. The Eastern Gorilla,
particularly the mountain gorilla, faces a severe risk of
extinction due to habitat loss, poaching, disease, and human
conflict. The Western Gorilla, especially the western lowland
gorilla, also faces threats from habitat destruction and hunting.
Conservation efforts, including habitat protection, anti-
poaching laws, and wildlife tourism, have contributed to some
population recovery, particularly in the case of the mountain
gorilla.
 GORILLAS
Key Characteristics:

• Size and Strength: Gorillas are known for their impressive size
and strength. Adult male gorillas, called silverbacks due to the
silver-gray hair on their backs, can weigh between 300-485
pounds (136-220 kg). Females are smaller and lighter.
• Diet: They are primarily herbivores, feeding on leaves, stems,
fruit, and bamboo. However, they may occasionally eat small
insects or other animal matter.
• Social Structure: Gorillas live in groups called troops, led by a
dominant male silverback. The silverback is responsible for
protecting the group and guiding its movement. Other
members of the troop may include females, juveniles, and
young males.
• Intelligence: Gorillas are highly intelligent, capable of using
tools, learning sign language, and solving complex problems.
Their social behaviors are very similar to humans, with strong
bonds formed between family members.
Endangered Animals
Wild Warthog

The wild warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) is a wild member of the

pig family, native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is known for its distinctive
appearance and has become an iconic symbol of African wildlife.
 WILD WARTHOG
Key Characteristics:
• Appearance: Warthogs have a robust body with a long, narrow
face. Their most notable feature is the pair of tusks protruding
from both the upper and lower jaws. The tusks are used for
defense and in combat with other warthogs. Males have larger
tusks than females, and the "warts" on their faces (which are
actually thickened skin) give them their name. These warts
provide some protection during fights.
• Size: Warthogs are relatively large pigs, with adult males
weighing between 150 to 250 pounds (70 to 115 kg), while
females are smaller.
• Habitat: They are typically found in open savannas, grasslands,
and woodlands, usually near water sources like rivers or
waterholes, but they can also adapt to drier areas.
• Diet: Warthogs are omnivorous, feeding on grasses, roots,
fruits, bark, and sometimes small animals or carrion. Their
strong snout is ideal for digging up roots and tubers.
• Behavior: Warthogs are diurnal (active during the day) and
spend a significant amount of time foraging for food. They are
known to take shelter in burrows or tunnels made by other
animals, such as aardvarks. They back into these burrows to
protect their vulnerable backs from predators.
• Social Structure: Warthogs typically live in small groups called
sounders, which consist of females and their offspring. Males
are often solitary or form loose associations with other males.
 WILD WARTHOG
Interesting Facts:
• Warthogs are known for their peculiar behavior of kneeling
down on their front knees when eating, a posture that is
unique among pigs.
• Despite their somewhat fearsome appearance, warthogs are
generally not aggressive toward humans and tend to flee
when threatened.
• Their tusks are not used for rooting around in the ground but
rather for defense and to fight off predators or rivals.

Conservation:

The wild warthog is not currently endangered and is classified

as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN). However, they face threats from habitat loss and
hunting in some areas, particularly for bushmeat. Despite these
threats, their population is considered stable in most parts of
Africa.
 Endangered Animals
WILD DEER

Wild deer refer to several species of deer that live in

natural environments, typically in forests, grasslands, or
wetlands. Deer belong to the family Cervidae, and there
are over 40 species spread across various continents,
with the majority found in North America, Europe, and
Asia. These herbivorous mammals are known for their
grace, agility, and distinctive antlers (in males of most
species).
 WILD DEER
Common Species of Wild Deer:

• White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus): Found primarily in

North America, this species is known for the white underside of its
tail, which it raises as a warning signal when threatened.
• Red Deer (Cervus elaphus): Native to Europe, parts of Asia, and
North America, red deer are among the largest species of deer.
• Sika Deer (Cervus nippon): Native to East Asia, the sika deer is
smaller and has a spotted coat, with males growing impressive
antlers.
• Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus): Found in western North
America, mule deer are named for their large, mule-like ears.
• Moose (Alces alces): The largest species in the deer family, moose
are found in the northern parts of North America, Europe, and
Asia.
 WILD DEER
Key Characteristics:
• Size: The size of wild deer varies widely between species. For example, a
white-tailed deer may weigh between 100-300 pounds (45-136 kg), while
moose can weigh up to 1,500 pounds (680 kg).
• Antlers: Male deer (bucks) typically grow antlers each year, which they use
in mating displays and to fight other males for territory or mates. Antlers
are shed after mating season and regrown in the spring. Females, in most
species, do not grow antlers.
• Diet: Deer are herbivores and primarily eat grasses, leaves, berries, nuts,
and tree bark. Some species are also known to feed on aquatic plants.
• Behavior: Deer are generally solitary, but they may form small groups,
especially during the winter months. Some species, such as the white-tailed
deer, will form herds for protection and socializing. Most deer are
crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk.
• Communication: Deer communicate through vocalizations (such as grunts,
bleats, and snorts), body language, and scent marking. The white-tailed
deer, for example, often snorts loudly when startled to alert other deer to
danger.
 WILD DEER
Adaptations:
• Speed and Agility: Deer are fast runners and can leap over obstacles,
which helps them evade predators.
• Camouflage: Many species of deer have coats that blend into their
natural environments. The reddish-brown coat of a young deer, for
example, helps it stay hidden in forested areas.
• Sharp Senses: Deer have excellent hearing and a keen sense of smell,
which they use to detect predators. Their large eyes also help them detect
movement in low light.

Conservation:
• Most wild deer populations are stable, and many are widespread, but
some species face threats due to habitat loss, hunting, and climate
change. For instance, the Kashmir stag (Cervus elaphus hanglu) is critically
endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. On the other hand, species
like the white-tailed deer have adapted well to human-dominated
environments and are abundant in many regions.
• Deer play an important ecological role in their environments, such as by
helping to control plant populations and serving as prey for predators like
wolves, cougars, and eagles.
Endangered Animals
ELEPHANTS

Elephants are large mammals

belonging to the family
Elephantidae. They are the
largest land animals on Earth
and are highly intelligent,
social creatures. There are
three species of elephants:
the African bush elephant
(Loxodonta africana), the
African forest elephant
(Loxodonta cyclotis), and the
Asian elephant (Elephas
maximus).
 ELEPHANTS
Key Characteristics:
• Size: Elephants are incredibly large animals. African bush elephants are the largest,
with males weighing up to 12,000 pounds (5,400 kg) and standing about 10-13 feet
(3-4 meters) tall at the shoulder. Asian elephants are generally smaller, with males
weighing around 6,000 pounds (2,700 kg).
• Trunk: One of the most iconic features of elephants is their trunk, which is an
elongated nose and upper lip. The trunk is highly versatile and used for breathing,
smelling, drinking, picking up objects, and communicating. It contains around
40,000 muscles, making it a remarkable tool for survival.
• Tusks: Elephants also have tusks, which are elongated incisor teeth. Tusks are used
for digging, stripping bark from trees, and defending against predators. They are
made of ivory, and unfortunately, elephants have been heavily hunted for their
tusks, leading to poaching concerns, especially for African elephants.
• Ears: African elephants have larger ears than Asian elephants, which helps them
regulate their body temperature. The ears are rich in blood vessels and help cool
the elephant's body by radiating heat. In contrast, Asian elephants have smaller
ears relative to their body size.
 ELEPHANTS
Habitat and Distribution:
• African elephants are found in a wide range of habitats, from savannas and grasslands to forests and
deserts, and are widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa.
• Asian elephants are primarily found in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and
Southeast Asia, where they inhabit forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
• Forest elephants are a smaller species of African elephant, found in the dense forests of Central and
West Africa. They are more elusive and less studied than their savanna counterparts.
Behavior and Social Structure:
• Social Structure: Elephants are highly social animals. Female elephants typically live in family groups,
led by a matriarch (the oldest female). These family units provide protection and social bonds for the
young elephants. Males tend to live more solitary lives or form loose bachelor groups once they reach
adulthood.
• Communication: Elephants have complex forms of communication, using vocalizations, body language,
and even infrasound (low-frequency sound waves that can travel long distances). They communicate
with other elephants and animals over great distances and can sense vibrations in the ground through
their feet.
• Memory and Intelligence: Elephants are known for their remarkable memory and problem-solving
abilities. They can recognize other elephants, recall locations of water sources, and even show signs of
empathy. They have been observed mourning the death of loved ones, showing affection, and helping
injured or distressed elephants.
• Diet: Elephants are herbivores and consume large quantities of food each day, often over 300 pounds
(136 kg) of vegetation, including grasses, leaves, fruits, and bark. Their large size and diet mean that
they play a crucial role in shaping their ecosystems, dispersing seeds, and creating water holes for other
animals.
 ELEPHANTS
Conservation:
• Elephants face several threats that endanger their populations:
• Poaching for ivory: The illegal ivory trade remains one of the most significant
threats to both African and Asian elephants. Efforts to stop poaching and combat
the ivory trade have been ramped up in recent years, with stricter laws and
international agreements.
• Habitat loss: As human populations grow, elephants' natural habitats are being
encroached upon for agriculture, infrastructure, and urban development. Habitat
fragmentation also isolates elephant populations, making it harder for them to find
food and mates.
• Human-elephant conflict: As elephants move into areas inhabited by humans,
conflicts arise, especially when elephants raid crops or damage property. Farmers
may retaliate, leading to casualties on both sides.
• Climate change: Changing weather patterns, such as droughts, can impact water
availability and food sources for elephants, particularly in more arid regions.
• Conservation efforts are underway to protect elephants, including establishing
protected areas, anti-poaching patrols, and wildlife corridors to allow elephants to
move safely between habitats. Some regions also use community-based
conservation models to involve local people in elephant protection efforts.
Parrots are a diverse group of
colorful, intelligent birds
belonging to the family
Psittacidae. Known for their
vibrant plumage, strong curved
beaks, and exceptional vocal
abilities, parrots are found in
tropical and subtropical regions
around the world. There are
approximately 393 species of
parrots, and they vary greatly in
size, color, and behavior.

Wild Animals
PARROT
 PARROTS
Key Characteristics:
• Colorful Plumage: Parrots are known for their bright, eye-catching colors, which can include
greens, reds, blues, yellows, and purples. These vivid colors help them blend into their tropical
habitats or attract mates.
• Strong Beaks: Parrots have powerful, curved beaks that are adapted for cracking open nuts,
seeds, and other hard foods. Their beaks also help them climb and manipulate objects.
• Feet: Parrots have zygodactyl feet, meaning they have two toes pointing forward and two
pointing backward. This gives them a strong grip and helps them hold onto branches, food, and
other objects.
• Size: Parrots range in size from the small budgerigar (around 7 inches or 18 cm in length) to the
large macaws (up to 40 inches or 1 meter long, including tail feathers).
Behavior and Intelligence:
• Vocal Abilities: Parrots are famous for their ability to mimic sounds, including human speech.
This mimicry is not just for entertainment; parrots use it to communicate with others in their
flock. Some species, such as the African grey parrot, are particularly adept at learning words and
phrases.
• Social Creatures: Parrots are generally social birds and often live in flocks, especially in the wild.
Flock living provides safety and helps in communication. Many species of parrots also form
strong bonds with their mates and stay with them for life.
• Problem Solvers: Parrots are known for their intelligence, and some species can solve puzzles,
use tools, and even count. The African grey parrot, for example, has been studied extensively for
its cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.
• Communication: In the wild, parrots use vocalizations, body language, and visual displays (like
raising their crests) to communicate with each other. They also make a variety of sounds to
express emotions, warn of predators, or call to others in their flock.
 PARROTS
Diet
• Omnivores: Parrots are primarily herbivores, and their diet consists of seeds,
fruits, nuts, flowers, and buds. Some species also eat small insects or eggs. Their
strong beaks are ideal for cracking nuts and seeds, and their varied diet helps
keep their nutritional needs met.
• Foraging Behavior: Wild parrots often forage for food in trees, and they use their
feet and beaks to handle and manipulate food. They may also gather in large
groups to feed on abundant resources, such as fruiting trees.
Habitat and Distribution
• Tropical and Subtropical Regions: Parrots are native to tropical and subtropical
areas of the world, including South and Central America, Africa, Australia, Asia,
and Oceania. Many species are concentrated in rainforests or woodlands, where
there is an abundance of food and nesting sites.
• Habitat Loss: Parrots are often threatened by habitat destruction, particularly
deforestation in tropical regions, which leads to loss of food sources and nesting
sites. This is a major conservation issue for many species, especially those living
in small or restricted areas.
 PARROTS
• Conservation:
• Many species of parrots are considered threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, the
illegal pet trade, and hunting. The Spix's macaw (also known as the "blue macaw"), made
famous by the movie Rio, is an example of a species that was declared extinct in the wild
but is now part of a recovery effort. Some of the main conservation efforts include:
• Captive Breeding Programs: Zoos and wildlife reserves engage in breeding programs to
help restore populations of endangered species.
• Habitat Protection: Efforts to protect and restore natural habitats through conservation
programs help safeguard parrot species from further decline.
• Regulating the Pet Trade: Many countries have strict regulations on the capture and trade
of wild parrots to prevent illegal trafficking and over-exploitation.

Interesting Facts:
• Lifespan: Parrots can live for a long time. Smaller species, like budgies, may live for 5-10
years, while larger species, like macaws, can live 50 years or more.
• Tool Use: Some parrots, like the Kea from New Zealand, are known to use tools to access
food or solve problems in the wild.
• Affectionate Nature: Parrots can form strong bonds with their human caregivers. Many
parrot species are affectionate and enjoy social interaction, play, and even dancing!
 Thank You
"I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone
who contributed to this project.“

Credits to the owner of the images.

MEMBERS:

ADRIAN MATTHEW L. CALIMLIM