Mammal on the EDGE
One mammal that is considered "on the EDGE" is the Guatemalan black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra). This species is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its small population size and habitat loss.
The Guatemalan black howler monkey is found in the tropical rainforests of Central America, specifically in Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico. It is known for its distinct black fur and loud howling calls, which can be heard from a long distance.
The main threat to the Guatemalan black howler monkey is habitat destruction. Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban development has resulted in the loss and fragmentation of their natural habitat. This habitat loss has led to population decline and isolation, making the species more vulnerable to extinction.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Guatemalan black howler monkey. This includes establishing protected areas and implementing conservation strategies to restore and connect fragmented habitats. Additionally, community education and involvement are important to raise awareness about the importance of preserving this unique species and its habitat.
By prioritizing the conservation of the Guatemalan black howler monkey and its habitat, we can help prevent the extinction of this critically endangered mammal and protect the biodiversity of the rainforests it inhabits.
EDGE stands for Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered. It is a conservation initiative that focuses on identifying species that are both evolutionarily distinct and at high risk of extinction.
When it comes to mammals on the EDGE list, a notable example is the Yangtze River Dolphin, also known as the Baiji, or Lipotes vexillifer. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of information about this mammal on the EDGE list:
1. Background: The Yangtze River Dolphin is a critically endangered freshwater dolphin species that is endemic to the Yangtze River in China. It is considered one of the most endangered mammals in the world.
2. Evolutionary Distinctness: The Baiji is one of the oldest and most distinct species of dolphins. It is believed to have diverged from other dolphin species over 20 million years ago, making it highly evolutionarily distinct.
3. Physical Characteristics: The Baiji has a long slender body, a distinct beak-like snout, and a narrow fluke. It has poor eyesight but uses echolocation, emitting sound waves and listening to the echoes to navigate and find prey.
4. Habitat: The Yangtze River is the only habitat of the Baiji and is one of the busiest rivers in the world, facing multiple threats such as pollution, shipping traffic, and habitat destruction due to human activities.
5. Population Decline: In the past, the Baiji had a population of several thousand individuals. However, due to human activities and habitat degradation, its population has dwindled significantly.
6. Extinction Status: According to extensive surveys conducted between 2006 and 2008, no surviving individual Baiji dolphins have been observed. This suggests that the Yangtze River Dolphin is functionally extinct, meaning that even if some individuals remain, there are too few to prevent the species from becoming extinct.
7. Conservation Efforts: Despite the current status, conservation efforts are ongoing. These include improving water quality, promoting protected areas, and raising awareness about the importance of conserving the Yangtze River ecosystem.
8. Importance: The Baiji's extinction would represent the first recorded extinction of a large mammal due to human activity since the 1950s. It highlights the critical need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species and their ecosystems.
Please note that information may vary over time as new research and conservation efforts are conducted.
In order to determine the mammal that is on the EDGE, we need to understand what "EDGE" refers to in this context. EDGE, or Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered, is a conservation program that focuses on identifying and protecting species that are unique and at risk of extinction.
To find the mammal on the EDGE, we can follow these steps:
1. Visit the official EDGE website (edgeofexistence.org) or access a reliable conservation database that provides information about EDGE mammals.
2. Look for a section or category that specifically highlights mammals. It may be listed as "EDGE mammals" or something similar.
3. Once you find the collection of EDGE mammals, there should be a list or database with various species.
4. Look for the specific mammal you are interested in, keeping in mind that EDGE status changes over time as new species are discovered or listed as endangered.
5. You may find additional information about the mammal, such as its habitat, conservation status, and unique features that make it evolutionarily distinct.
By following these steps and consulting reputable sources, you should be able to find the mammal that is on the EDGE.