Borneo Bay Cat

Species Description:

The Borneo Bay Cat, scientific name Catopuma badia, is known as the “mystery” member of the cat family because little is known about their habits, behavior, ecology or reproductive biology. The species was not formally identified until 1992. In fact, fewer than 25 cats have ever been recorded, which makes them one of the rarest and least-studied cats in the world. They originally were thought to be an island form of the Asiatic Golden Cat, but after genetic testing, it was discovered that the bay cat is a unique and highly endangered species. An adult bay cat is estimated to weigh between 6-8 pounds. They have bright chestnut-colored fur on their back and paler fur underneath. The cat has a tiny head with rounded ears and a long tail. The forest-dependent cat was classified as endangered due to an expected decline of 20% of the population due to habitat loss by 2020. The most recent estimation of the population that could be found was as of 2007, which estimated the effective population to be below 2,500 individuals.

Habitat and Range:

The bay cat is found exclusively on the island of Borneo. They originally were believed to live all throughout the forest covered island, from hill, lowland and swamp forest, to highland areas of rocky limestone on the edge of dense jungle, but recently they have been spotted near riversides and close to other water courses of the island. Multiple sightings included the animal in low tree branches, suggesting the cat may be arboreal. This is also supported by the fact that they have a long tail and body that are ideal for climbing. Sightings of the cat are rare and are usually based on memory of island locals which make it difficult to be sure of the exact habitat the cats live in.

Species Role in the Ecosystem/Importance:

Since very little is known about this animal, it is hard to determine their exact role in the ecosystem of the island of Borneo. The first photo of the animal was not published until 1998.

After extensive research of this animal, I was still unable to find their role in the ecosystem. I assume as a part of the cat family that they are one of the predators of the island that play a crucial role in balancing the ecosystem.  

Cause of Decline:

Although the exact habitat is not determined, they are believed to prefer a forest habitat to some extent. The main threat to these cats is habitat loss due to palm oil plantations and legal/illegal commercial logging. Commercial logging is causing parts of island forests to decline at a rate of 5% per year. The cat is also threatened by hunting/trapping. Since the cat is so rare, wildlife traders have illegally captured the animal for skin and pet markets.

Current Conservation Efforts:

The bay cat is currently listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and it has been recommended for inclusion under Appendix I. There is legal protection within the island to protect against hunting, but enforcement is minimal.

There have been recent suggestions of ways to help conserve the bay cat including: making improvements to any captive areas that hold the cat, reducing habitat destruction, conducting surveys to increase knowledge of the precise range and habitat of the species and setting up captive breeding programs to increase the population.

How to Help:

Although the bay cat is technically being protected under CITES and legally within the island, there is more that needs to be done. The government within the island of Borneo really needs to crack down in order to protect this animal or else they will go extinct. The suggestions listed above to help conserve the cat need to be put into action. The main threat is the habitat loss due to deforestation. The island needs to get laws into place in order to stop or at least greatly reduce the logging. If it keeps declining at the current rate of 5% per year then the cat will go extinct within the next 50 years. I could not find any websites or places to donate to solely help conserve this animal which emphasizes the issue that they really need help. Someone really needs to step up and take charge of this issue if the bay cat is going to have any chance of survival. I was able to find this website that gives information on the bay cat’s current status and also has a place where you can subscribe to their blog or make a donation which helps small wild cats. It is not the ideal situation, but at least a small portion will go towards helping protect the bay cat. I strongly encourage everyone that has the funds to please donate to the cause at the link below.

http://www.wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/asia/borneo-bay-cat/

If you are unable to donate, please just share the article via any way that you can. They offer direct links to share it via facebook and twitter. This very simple act could make a huge impact by simply spreading the word about this endangered animal!

San Joaquin Kit Fox

Species Description:

The San Joaquin Kit Fox, a subspecies of the kit fox, is one of the most endangered animals in California. The kit fox has tan or yellowish-grey fur, big ears, a long bushy tail and furry toes that help to keep it cool in its hot and dry environment. The average lifespan is only 7 years and they are approximately 5 pounds, which is about the size of a regular housecat. They are primarily nocturnal animals that use dens for housing and protection from predators such as coyotes and red foxes. Mating normally takes place between December and March, with an average gestation period ranging from 38 to 52 days. The average litter ranges from 2 to 6 pups. The current population is estimated to be less than 7,000 individuals.

Habitat and Range:

The San Joaquin kit fox was originally found all throughout the San Joaquin Valley in Central California. Today, they are only found on the edges of the valley from southern Kern County up to Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Joaquin Counties on the west and up to Stanislaus County on the east. There are very few populations that currently exist within the valley floor.

Species Role in the Ecosystem/Importance:

The San Joaquin kit foxes as scavengers, play a major role in biodegradation. They are hunters of various insects, rodents, kangaroo rats and rabbits. They are important members of native ecosystems by helping to control rodent populations. They are primarily carnivores, but when food is scarce they have been reported to eat cactus fruits, tomatoes and other available fruits. The kit foxes are prey for other carnivores such as coyotes and bobcats. The kit foxes move from den to den in search of mates and food. Their old dens often become homes to other kit foxes or other animals.

With urban environments pushing into their habitats, they will take advantage of eating garbage and pet food when they come in contact with it. When they have easy access to these things their natural behavior changes and they lose caution and fear of people. This exposes them to dangers such as vehicles, poisons and sports nets.

Cause of Decline:

One of the major threats to the population and causes for their decline is climate changes. The populations rise and fall with the amount of annual rainfall. This means more rain, then more kit foxes. Major changes in precipitation patterns, including reduced rainfall and increasing droughts have a large impact on the population.

Humans are another cause for decline of the population. The change in the Central Valley from open grasslands to farms, orchards, houses and roads is the main problem. These environmental changes   has led to many kit foxes’ deaths, illnesses, injuries, difficulties finding a mate and difficulties finding food.

Current Conservation Efforts:

The Defenders of Wildlife have actually formed an unusual alliance with the California Cattlemen’s Association in efforts to help save the San Joaquin Kit Fox. The group is called the California Rangeland Conservation Coalition, which now has over 50 members and is working to save 13 million acres of rangeland in the Central Valley.

How to Help:

Although efforts are underway to help save the San Joaquin Kit Fox, more can always be done! If you have the funds available, I strongly encourage either adopting a kit fox or donating to the Defenders of Wildlife fund to help save these animals.

Adopting a kit fox helps support the Defenders of Wildlife’s work to educate the public about threats to kit foxes and preserve the lands that the kit fox depends on for survival. You can adopt a Kit Fox at the link below: https://secure.defenders.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=wagc_kitfox&s_src=3WEW1500XXXXX&s_subsrc=062215_adopt_block_san-joaquin-kit-fox/basic-facts

Or you can adopt by phone at 800-385-9712.  Adoptions by phone can be made between 9:00am-6:00pm Monday-Friday.

General donations can be made at the link below: https://secure.defenders.org/site/Donation2?df_id=11300&11300.donation=form1&s_src=3WDW1500GHXX1&s_subsrc=quick-donate_san-joaquin-kit-fox/basic-facts_062215

If you do not have the funds to adopt or donate you can still help save these animals by just spreading the word! You can sign up for instant alerts (via email or text) at http://www.defenders.org/san-joaquin-kit-fox/basic-facts or follow the Defenders of Wildlife on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DefendersofWildlife and share their stories with everyone you know in order to spread awareness. 

Mountain Gorillas

Species Description:

The Mountain Gorilla, (scientific name Gorilla beringei beringei), was scientifically discovered in 1902. It is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla. They have longer, thicker hair, longer jaws and teeth, and slightly shorter arms compared to the eastern gorilla. Adult males on average weight 160 kg and when they are between the ages of 12-15 years old they grow a patch of silver hair on their back and hips. Adult females weigh 90 kg on average. The current population is estimated to be 880 individuals.

Habitat and Range:

The mountain gorilla lives in forests high in the mountains at elevations of 8,000 to 13,000 feet. Approximately half of the species live in the Virunga Mountains, and the remainder live in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. When compared to other great apes, they have thicker fur that allows them to survive in their habitat where temperatures can drop below freezing.

Species Role in the Ecosystem/Importance:

The mountain gorilla’s diet consists of more than 100 fruits as well as pith, shoots, leaves, bark weaver ants and termites. Their diet helps to control pest populations and disseminate the seeds of the plants they eat. Without these gorilla, the balance in the food chain would be disrupted which would have a negative impact on other wildlife, their habitats and the people that depend on that environment for food, water and other resources.

Cause of Decline:

The main threat to these gorillas is people. Humans are responsible for the habitat loss, hunting, oil and gas exploration, war and instability and disease that has led to the death of many mountain gorillas. Over 100,000 people live in the areas where the mountain gorillas are found and people’s need for land has led to the reduction of the gorilla’s forest habitat. Mountain gorillas are hunted for meat as well as illegally for trophies and live infants.  European oil and gas companies have granted exploration in Virunga National park and if development does occur this could have a negative effect on the gorillas’ security. Increased tourism and more people move into the mountain gorilla’s habitat have increased the gorillas to being exposed to human diseases.

Current Conservation Efforts:

The World Wildlife Foundation’s has been working over 40 years to save the mountain gorilla and its habitats, making it one of the longest-running flagship species programs.  Efforts started in the 1970s with surveys and aid to protected areas in the Albertine Rift ecoregion. This effort became what is known as today as the International Gorilla Conservation Programme in 1991. In Virunga National Park, IGCP and WWF are working to support environmental awareness and educational initiatives, promote sustainable livelihoods, reforestation projects, as well as equipping and paying salaries for park staff. The increase in staff provides additional anti-poaching patrols of the volcanoes in the park. The efforts to save the mountain gorillas is helping. Although there are only approximately 880 individuals today, this is an increase from 620 individuals in 1989.

How to Help:

Although there is a lot being done in order to help save these gorillas, more can always be done. One of the main things that needs to be done is to spread the word! Most people are unaware that this particular species of gorilla even exists, let alone that they are even endangered. Other ways people can help is by visiting the gorillas because money earned through gorilla tourism significantly contributes to the current conservation efforts. They can also donate to WWF’s current conservation work. I strongly encourage everyone to donate if they can and to help spread the word by sharing the link below with people you know. (Donations can be made at the bottom right of the link). http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/great_apes/gorillas/mountain_gorilla/

People can also help by adopting a gorilla at the following website:  http://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/Gorilla.aspx?sc=AWY1302WC922

Galapagos Penguins

Species Description:

The Galapagos Penguin (scientific name Spheniscus Mendiculus) is one of the seventeen species of flightless birds in the Spheniscus family. The Galapagos are the third smallest penguin specie in the world as they range from a height of 48-53 cm in height and 1.7-2.6 kg in weight. They are the only penguins that can be found at the equator. They have several adaptations that allow them to tolerate the warmer climate of the Galapagos islands. The population was estimated at 1,800 individuals by Vargas et al. (2005), making them the rarest and most endangered penguin specie in the world. 

Habitat and Range:

The Galapagos penguins are found on the Galapagos Islands off the western coast of Ecuador. Most of the penguins can be found on the two larger islands of Fernandina and Isabela. 

Species Role in the Ecosystem/Importance:

There is little information available on the behavior of this species. It is known that the Galapagos penguins are major predators of small fish and other marine invertebrates in the coastal waters that surround their island homes. The penguins act as prey for marine and avian predators around the Galapagos. The penguins are also important because they provide economic value to tourists and avid birdwatchers that pay to travel and visit them in their natural habitat. 

Cause of Decline:

Galapagos penguins can usually live between 15-20 years but many will never live this long due to high mortality rates, predation, starvation, climatic events and human disturbance. The penguins are threatened by pollution, bycatch and climate change. Another reasons leading do their decline include to the fact that the Galapagos has limited options for nest sites and many of those nests no longer as exist because they are used by marine iguanas or have been flooded. They also have been introduced to species such as dogs and cats that carry diseases that can be spread to the penguins. 

Current Conservation Efforts:

Recent efforts to conserve the population of the Galapagos penguins have been made, including the Sylvia Harcourt-Carrasco Bird Life Fund being launched by the Galapagos Conservation Trust. This fund provides a push for conservation of the penguins and will hopefully lead to other conservation actions and eventually a healthy and restored population. Currently, the Galapagos penguin is contained within the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve where the penguins are being closely monitored and controlled. Other conservation efforts include discouraging the use of fishing nets in the foraging area, preventing coastal developments in the penguin's breeding areas and providing nest-boxes in predator free areas to allow research into the reproductive success of the species. Even with these conservation efforts, the specie is still very vulnerable to extinction.

How to Help:

I think that although there are conservation efforts to save these penguins, I am not sure it will be enough. I really hope that the people that live in the Galapagos Islands really do their part in order to help save these penguins. I wonder if they could look into introducing the species to other islands along the Equator in efforts to prevent the species from going extinct.