Wild animals are facing huge challenges in the natural world today. Many are endangered - some critically. This eye-opening book shows how animals are being threatened by habitat loss, climate change, non-native species taking over their habitats, pollution, over-fishing, poaching, collisions with cars and boats, and human diseases. Many recovery efforts are in progress to bring back the populations of some nearly extinct animals and to reintroduce some captive ones to their natural habitats. Readers will learn how scientists are working to save blue iguanas in the Cayman Islands, black-footed ferrets in the Canadian prairies, penguins and albatross in Patagonia, and great apes in Africa. This engaging book also encourages students to compare their life challenges to those of animals in the wild.
Foxes, rabbits, mongooses, rats, starlings, turtles, Burmese pythons, and Asian carp are just a few of the invasive animals introduced by people into countries and ecosystems to which they do not belong. This important book describes how these animals are destroying habitats and endangering the lives of native animals, some of which have been brought close to extinction. Students will learn how some arrived accidentally on boats, while others were brought in by people, to be used either as a form of pest control on farms, for hunting or hobbies, or as pets that sometimes get abandoned in the wild by owners. Many native animals, such as raccoons, squirrels, and coyotes have also become invaders in cities, back yards, and homes. Students can research invasive species in their areas and help find ways to stop these wild invaders from taking over the natural habitat.
Once thought to be extinct in the wild, the southern white rhino is now classified as near threatened and lives mostly on protected reserves. Over 100 years of conservation efforts have made it the only rhino of the five rhino species not listed as endangered. This engaging book explores how habitat loss and relentless poaching for their horns nearly brought this species to extinction. Readers will discover how this species was saved from extinction and whether similar strategies may help other rhino species in peril.
Less than two decades ago, four Island Fox subspecies faced extinction. Human activities, including pollution and the introduction of invasive species, threw the Channel Islands’ ecosystem out of balance. Thanks to the concerted efforts of wildlife biologists, government officials, and others, the island fox has made the fastest recovery of any mammal in the history of the Endangered Species Act. This fascinating book traces the events that nearly caused the island fox’s demise, and the collaborative efforts that led to recovery of this “comeback kit.”
The California Condor is one of North America’s largest birds. These mighty scavengers were nearly wiped out by habitat loss, poaching, and lead poisoning. In 1982, only 22 California Condors remained in the wild! In this engaging book, readers will learn about the captive breeding programs, public education, and other conservation efforts that have led to a small but increasing population of California Condors in the wild.
The Grand Cayman blue iguana is named after the small island in the Caribbean Sea on which it lives. The largest reptile on the island, it had few predators until people arrived. Habitat loss and invasive species quickly diminished the blue iguana population to fewer than 25 by 2005. This captivating book traces the iguana’s remarkable journey back from the brink of extinction and highlights the continued efforts to protect the species.
Would you be surprised to see a coyote wandering down a suburban street? Once considered a native of open grasslands and plains, coyotes have become “adaptors” to the human territory of paved streets and houses. An examination reveals the ways in which animals such as coywolves, white-tailed deer, red foxes, red-tailed hawks, and alligators live on the periphery of developed areas. Special sections address encroachment and how humans can learn to adapt to wild animals in their backyards.
Paris, France has a population of 2.2 million people and 3.8 million rats. Toronto, Canada is the raccoon capital of the world. This intriguing book focuses on urban animals called “exploiters.” These are animals such as squirrels, raccoons, skunks, opposums, rats, and crows who have turned living near humans to their advantage. An examination reveals the ways in which these animals have adapted to living alongside humans. Special feature boxes address city-specific animal control and rehabilitation programs.
When you live in bear or cougar territory, you learn to lock your garbage cans indoors, keep your pets safe, and not feed wild animals. This exciting and highly illustrated book focuses on the “human avoiders,” animals that are sometimes found on the fringes of urban developments, where humans are the new kids on the block. Readers will gain an understanding of human-wildlife conflict, as well as key concepts in wildlife conservation of animals such as gray wolves, mountain lions, and gray foxes.
An estimated 70 million feral cats live in the United States alone—decimating bird populations and threatening public health. This informative book investigates the growing populations of "obligates"—abandoned pets, now wild and producing feral offspring, and introduced animals that live in urban and urban fringe areas. An examination reveals the impact these animals are having on resources, space, and native species. Additional content focuses on the charities and organizations that help care for and limit the numbers of feral animals.
Native to several mountain ranges and plateaus in south Asia and eastern Europe, the snow leopard has been threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and a reduced food source. Learn how collaborative programs across borders and with local people have helped the species populations in some areas remain steady, and also benefit the big cat's main food source, wild sheep and goats, whose numbers are reduced by hunters and competition for grazing from livestock.
The lesser long-nosed bat became the first bat species to be removed from the US endangered species list due to population recovery. This mammal plays a vital role as a pollinator in desert ecosystems in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Readers will learn about the collaborative efforts between the two countries, conservationists, tequila producers, and citizen scientists that are bringing back not only the lesser long-nosed bat, but the plants they rely on for food.
The black-footed ferret was once listed as extinct on the prairies of North America. Its population had been devastated by a disease that also reduced its main food source—prairie dogs. This book tells the fascinating story of the black-footed ferret's rediscovery in 1981 by a dog in Wyoming. Readers will learn how the find inspired a captive breeding program that is restoring not only this prairie species to the wild, but its essential food source as well, the prairie dog.
For decades, as the monarch butterflies swooped through every year like clockwork, people from Canada to the United States to Mexico wondered, "Where do they go?" In 1976 the world learned the answer: after migrating thousands of miles, the monarchs roost by the millions in an oyamel grove in Central Mexico's mountains. But who solved this mystery? Was it the scientist or the American adventurer? The citizen scientists or the teacher or his students? Winged Wonders shows that the mystery could only be solved when they all worked as a team--and reminds readers that there's another monarch mystery today, one that we all must work together to solve.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of dolphins, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these marine mammals.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of tigers, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these big cats.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of eagles, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these birds of prey.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of penguins, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these flightless marine birds.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of elephants, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these lumbering land animals.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of sea turtles, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these aquatic reptiles.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of zebras, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these striped, hoofed mammals.
A detailed chronology of developmental milestones drives this life study of pandas, including their habitats, physical features, and conservation measures taken to protect these black-and-white bears.
Rusty boats litter the ground. The smell of dead fish fills the air. Who would believe the Salton Riviera was once a popular vacation spot? Once host to thousands of beachgoers, the area now sits empty. This high-interest book will outline just what caused the community’s decline. Special features such as maps, timelines, and fun facts add even more to this interesting title.
Six Flags New Orleans was once a thriving theme park. But today, rusted rides rise over the swampy, alligator-infested ponds. The park is abandoned. This title explores the park from the day it opened to its fall after Hurricane Katrina. An attention-grabbing opening narrative gives way to haunting photos as well as a map, a timeline, and fascinating fun facts.
Readers bored with seeing the same information on renewable energy will love the focus on relevant contemporary examples in this book. How does solar power give energy to medical clinics in Ghana or cut fossil fuel use in Australia? Infographics make finding detailed information easy and interesting.
