Endangered Species - Erica Kimmel

Humphead Wrasse Description and Habitat  The Humphead Wrasse is located in the Indo-Pacific around the coral reefs. This fish grows to around six feet long weighing over 400 pounds. They can live peacefully for 30 years, sometimes longer. This fish is typically seen out because of the big lump that stands straight on their forehead. Something interesting about this fish is that they start their lives as females but can sometimes transform into males later in life. They predict that only 890 of these fish are left in the sea, numbers increasing daily. This picture shows you how giant these fish can be compared to a normal human. Species Role in Ecosystem These fish play a very important role in the ecosystem, they help keep the coral reef together. These fish are immune to the spikes of crown thorn starfish, that are known to be poisonous to the species within the coral reef, including the coral. If we continue to see a decline of these fish, the coral reef could be a...

The Poison Dart Frog Species Description and Habitat The Poison Dart Frog is a very unique species of frogs, whereas most camouflage themselves to avoid being eaten or to find food. These frogs use their bright colors to warn other animals that they can't eat them, they are poisonous. There are 100 species of these type of frogs that live mostly in the Amazon. They like humid areas, which is why they are found in tropical rain forests. This is an image of where these frogs are typically located in the world, where you can find them most of the time. Species Role in the Ecosystem These Poison Dart Frogs play an important role in the ecosystem being that they are both prey and predators. When the frogs are tiny little tadpoles they help keep the algal down in throughout the waters which helps for a better chance of other species to thrive. Cause of Decline As an obvious point these frogs are endangered because of the rain forest declination in the world. T...

 The Mandrill 1. The Mandrill is the world's largest monkey. They are ground animals but at night they go up to trees for safety. They are most popular due to their striking colors, as you can see in the picture of a male Mandrill above. They have extremely long arms so they can travel fast on foot. They are typically seen in larger groups and never alone. 2. Mandrills are located in central Africa and tend to be seen in tropical rainforest. They live in trees and pick a new one each night. They run along rivers on north and east of central Africa. 3. The Mandrills are omnivores but prefer to eat fruit, seeds, leaves and stems. Something interesting is that they consume over 100 different species of plants, ants, termites, spiders and scorpions. Their sharp canines are used for attacking bigger animals such as, birds, turtles, frogs and more. This species of monkey is especially important for the environment because they help spread seeds and grow new plants. 4. The reaso...

 The Saola The Saola is a considered a critically endangered animal/mammal. It is also known as the Asian unicorn. The Saola was discovered in 1992 in Vietnam. They are also known to be one of the most spectacular mammals known to science in the last fifty years. Habitat You can find Saolas in mountains and forests typically, and they migrate and are seen more throughout wet seasons. They migrate down the mountain to low lands during the cold wintery seasons. They are typically hard to find and difficult to keep track of. The picture below shows where you are most likely to find a Saola, bordering Laos and Vietnam. Niche The Saola are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. They are important to the environment because they are prey for larger animals such as tigers, which are also endangered. People in villages towns around where the Saola live also rely on them for food as well. Cause of Decline The Saola are endangered mostly because of hunting re...

My name is Erica Kimmel, I am a senior studying communications  and will be graduating in December. I have always been a huge animal lover and love being outside in nature. I have many favorite animals but my top three are elephants, cheetahs, and dogs! I also have many favorite plants but the two I love the most are eucalyptus and roses. Wildlife/wilderness conservation has always been a big concern of mine. From a young age I have always dreamed of helping animals around the world who are being held captive by humans. I hope to one day be able to travel the world and see different aspects of nature the world has to offer.