Extinct Californian Grizzly bear photo credit Vahe Martirosyan CC by SA 2.0
Before Europeans arrived, Grizzly bears were relatively common in California, with an estimated population of 10,000, around 20% of the USA population at the time.
There has been much discussion about the history of elephants in Borneo, and whether their loss is a problem
The origin of elephants in Borneo is unknown. Known for hosting the smallest elephants in the world, there are 2 theories as to how the elephants got to the island. The first is that they were released by a ruler in the 17th century (The most rapid population growth ever seen was 7,1% after the end of poaching in a reserve in Tanzania, a population of 30 elephants could become 1000 in just 50 years) – if this was the case, then their loss would not be bad; and the second is that actually the elephants arrived on the islands hundreds of thousands of years ago (as high as 300,000 years).
It is increasingly agreed that the second one of these ideas is likely to be correct. Though having said this, genetic analysis suggests that the whole population started with just 28 elephants.
Just 1000 are found on the island at the current time.
All wildlife on Borneo is at threat, as the palm oil industry continues to demand increasing quantities of prime rainforest be cut down. As this happens, elephants are forced into human areas, in their search for food, and then into conflict.
The Borneo elephant has only recently been assessed by the IUCN red list as a separate subspecies, but it is hoped that this recognition might increase tourism on this species as well as conservation dollars to save this species from its slow slide towards extincion
It is thought that the Galapagos housed a population of roughly 200,000-300,000 giant tortoises, before humans arrived. This compares to a population of around 15,000 at the current time. Rangers have been trying to boost the rate of recovery, by taking eggs from the wild, raising the tortoises in captivity and releasing them, when their survival is more likely – with 560 animals returned to the wild in 2023 (it should be noted, that wild this is an impressive number, at that rate, it would take several centuries for the population to fully recover).
The project (Iniciativa Galapagos) aims to rewild 15 species across the range, including the giant tortoise, iguana and wandering tortoise.
The Cape bushbuck , also known as imbabala is a common, medium-sized and a widespread species of antelope in sub-Saharan Africa. It is found in a wide range of habitats, such as rain forests, montane forests, forest-savanna mosaic, savanna, bushveld, and woodland. Its stands around 90 cm at the shoulder and weigh from 45 to 80 kg. They are generally solitary, territorial browsers.
Although rarely seen, as it spends most of its time deep in the thick bush, there are around 1 million in Africa
Common Eland
The common eland (southern eland or eland antelope) is a large-sized savannah and plains antelope from East and Southern Africa. An adult male is around 1.6 m tall at the shoulder (females are 20 cm shorter) and can weigh up to 942 kg with a typical range of 500–600 kg. Only the giant eland is (on average bigger). It was described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1766. Population of 136,000, can form herds of 500
Common Eland
Giant Eland
Giant Eland
The giant eland, (also known as Lord Derby’s eland and greater eland) is an open-forest and savannaantelope.
It was described in 1847 by John Edward Gray. The giant eland is the largest species of antelope, with a body length ranging from 220–290 cm (87–114 in). There are two subspecies: T. d. derbianus and T. d. gigas.
The giant eland is a herbivore, living in small mixed gender herds consisting of 15–25 members. Giant elands have large home ranges. They can run at up to 70 km/h. They mostly inhabit broad-leafed savannas and woodlands and are listed as vulnerable and have a wild population of 12,000-14,000
Greater Kudu
The greater kudu is a large woodland antelope, you can see its distribution on the map. Despite occupying such widespread territory, they are sparsely populated in most areas due to declining habitat, deforestation, and poaching.
The spiral horns are impressive, and grow at one curl every 3 years – they are fully grown at 7 and a half years with 2 and a half turns. Three subspecies have been agreed (one described has been rejected) :
The lesser kudu is a medium-sized bushland antelope found in East Africa. It was first scientifically described by English zoologist Edward Blyth (1869).It stands around 90 cm at the shoulder and weigh from 45 to 80 kg. They are generally solitary, territorial browsers.
While currently rated not threatened, its population is decreasing. It currently stands at 100,000, but it is loosing territory to humans
Common Bongo (and mountain Bongo)
The bongo is a large, mostly nocturnal, forest-dwelling antelope, native to sub-Saharan Africa. Bongos are characterised by a striking reddish-brown coat, black and white markings, white-yellow stripes, and long slightly spiralled horns. It is the only member of its family in which both sexes have horns. Bongos have a complex social interaction and are found in African dense forest mosaics. They are the third-largest antelope in the world.
The Common (western or lowland bongo), faces an ongoing population decline, and the IUCN considers it to be Near Threatened.
The mountain bongo (or eastern) of Kenya, has a coat even more vibrant than the common version. The mountain bongo is only found in the wild in a few mountain regions of central Kenya. This bongo is classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered (where it breeds readily). (this is not on the map above). Only 100 live wild, split between 4 areas of Kenya
found in Southern Africa. The nyala is mainly active in the early morning and the late afternoon. It generally browses during the day if temperatures are 20–30 °C and during the night in the rainy season. The nyala feeds upon foliage, fruits and grasses, and requires sufficient fresh water. It is a very shy animal, and prefers water holes to the river bank. Not territorial, they are very cautious creatures. They live in single-sex or mixed family groups of up to 10 individuals, but old males live alone. They inhabit thickets within dense and dry savanna woodlands. The main predators of the nyala are lion, leopard and African wild dog, while baboons and raptorial birds prey on juveniles. Males and females are sexually mature at 18 and 11–12 months of age respectively, though they are socially immature until five years old. They have one calf after 7 months of gestation. Its population is stable, with the greatest threat coming from habitat loss as humans expand. There are thought to be 36500 and the population is stable.
Mountain Nyala
The mountain Nyala (also known as the Balbok) is a large antelope found in high altitude woodlands in just a small part of central Ethiopia. The coat is grey to brown, marked with two to five poorly defined white strips extending from the back to the underside, and a row of six to ten white spots. White markings are present on the face, throat and legs as well. Males have a short dark erect crest, about 10 cm (3.9 in) high, running along the middle of the back. Only males possess horns.
The mountain nyala are shy and elusive towards human beings. They form small temporary herds. Males are not territorial. Primarily a browser. They will grazing occasionally. Males and females are sexually mature at 2 years old.. Gestation lasts for eight to nine months, after which a single calf is born. The lifespan of a mountain nyala is around 15 to 20 years.
Found in mountain woodland -between 3000m and 4000m. Human settlement and large livestock population have forced the animal to occupy heath forests at an altitude of above 3,400 m (11,200 ft). Mountain nyala are endemic to the Ethiopian highlands east of the Rift Valley. As much as half of the population live within 200 square km (77 sq mi) area of Gaysay, in the northern part of the Bale Mountains National Park. The mountain nyala has been classified under the Endangered category of the (IUCN). Their influence on Ethiopian culture is notable, with the mountain nyala being featured on the obverse of Ethiopian ten cents coins.
Mountain Nyala
Situnga Antelope
Situnga
The sitatunga (or marshbuck)is a swamp-dwelling medium-sized antelope found throughout central Africa (see the map to the right. The sitatunga is mostly confined to swampy and marshy habitats. Here they occur in tall and dense vegetation as well as seasonal swamps, marshy clearings in forests, riparian thickets and mangrove swamps.
The scientific name of the sitatunga is Tragelaphus spekii. The species was first described by the English explorer John Hanning Speke in 1863.
It is listed as least concern with 170,000-200,000, and are found in 25 countries. However 40% live outside reserves, so the situation could get worse fast.
Note: these animals have been dealt with in less detail than others. Should you be interested in finding out if I have written on these animals or what exactly I said, you can find a list of articles about each below its information.
The second tallest bird, after the Ostrich, the Emu is found in Australia. While its range covers most of the mainland, its close cousins which lived on the islands around Australia are all extinct.
They have soft brown feathers and cannot fly, though they can run at speeds of 30 miles per hour.
They can survive weeks without eating, and drink infrequently (though they drink a lot when they do drink).
Eggs hatch after 8 weeks, and young are fully grown at around 6 months, though they usually stay with the unit until the next breeding season.
While overall there are enough to list this species as least concern, it is not as rosy everywhere, with the Tasmanian Emu dying out in around 1800.
There are 3 currently surviving subspecies with 3 others extinct.
Their population lies between 625,000 and 725,000
Below is our usual roundup of articles on this species, unfortunately, given the length of the name, it is likely to appear within other names. Below this, you will find any links to aid in seeing this animal (as we make them)
Were there a legitimate purpose for bred lions and rhino, this law might be bad, but for now there only use was canned lion hunting which is banned, and rhino...
Whaling went on for centuries, in many parts of the world. One of these was Iceland, where due to the latitude, it is often hard to grow much food. Iceland...
Arguments against electric cars continue, from suggestions that the range they have is not high enough, the batteries do not last long enough, they are worse for the environment, they...
When we trained in the Kruger, there were about 70 cheetah and about 350 wild dog. 15 years later there were over 400 cheetah, and nearer 500 wild dog.
There are few animals more loved than the native red squirrel, yet in the UK we have watched its gradual decline since the non-native grey introduction
It is thought that around 70,000 Kiwi remain on the two islands of new Zealand. One might think that this was high, but it is estimated that there were around 12 million before humans arrived – so around 0.5% of the population survives. More importantly, this is after a great deal of work has been done by many grassroot groups, in order to shore up the population – it has been far lower in the past.
Furthermore, roughly 2% of the umanaged kiwi are lost each week (around 20 birds). When well protected, a kiwi can live 25-50 years.
Rowi Kiwi
The rarest species, there are only thought to be around 450 of this bird remaining (as of last full survey in 2015). It is found in Ōkārito forest and surrounds in South Westland, predator-free islands of Marlborough Sounds, this is one of 5 designated kiwi sanctuaries declared in 2000.
As you can see, Kiwi is not a species but a group of species. While different species have been known to breed where their range overlaps, saving each species is a separate task
Tokoeka Kiwi
Translating to Weka with a walking stick, this species
Haast tokoeka is Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable 400
Southern Fiordland is Threatened – Nationally Endangered
Northern Fiordland tokoeka is Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable
Rakiura tokoeka is At Risk – Naturally Uncommon
Stoats are the main threat, with the total population numbering around 13000
Great Spotted Kiwi
Current population 14,000, it is restricted to the upper parts of the south islands national parks – specifically Sub-alpine zones of North West Nelson, the Paparoa Range, and Arthur’s Pass.
The largest species, it is thought to be declining by around 1.6% a year.
There are 4 genetically distinct populations Northwest Nelson, Westport, Paparoa Range and Arthur’sPass–Hurunui.
There are plans in place to save the species but time will tell if they prove successful.
Little spotted Kiwi
With a population of 1670it is found on Kapiti island (1200 are found on Kapiti island, from 5 translocated to the island early in teh 20th century) and 10 other pest free areas.
They start feeding themselves and roaming alone at 5-7 days, though they will return to the nest for around 60.
Each population is either stable or growing, so the overall trend is up.
Brown Kiwi
Living in lowland and coastal native forest and subalpine areas in the North Island, there are around 26,000 of this species. Although the most numerous, the population is reducing around 2-3% each year. It is estimated that without a change it will be lost in 2 generations.
Having said this, they have a greater capacity to recover, as unlike other species, they usually produce 2 eggs each time they mate, and can produce 2 clutches a year.
There are 4 distinct subspecies which live in different areas and do not interbreed.
Northland brown kiwi 8000
Coromandel brown kiwi 1700
Western brown kiwi 8000
Eastern brown kiwi 8000
Main threats is from predation by dogs.
As always, we are keen to add links that will allow people to book to see these animals in the wild. If you work as a tour guide or similar, do get in touch – click on list your wild place on the home page.
This map shows the range of a number of different subspecies
Found in Eastern South America, it is also known as the America, Common or Grey Rhea. In Portugese it is known as Ema. It is found in grasslands, Savanna or wet grasslands. When fully grown it weighs 20-27kg, and can live to around 10.5 years. It is listed as near threatened with a population of unknown size. Its range in South America is large, covering 6.5 million square km (2.5 million square miles).
Back in the 90s 6-8 individuals escaped from a private zoo in Germany, and this population has grown to around 550 birds.
Also known as the Darwins rhea. Its found on the Andean plateau as well as Patagonia.
Mostly a herbivore, it will take lizards and animals such as grasshoppers when the opportunity arises. They are listed as least concern and there are two subspecies (see the map to the right). While the main subspecies still has a range of 850,000 square km, and a population that is healthy, both other subspecies (found further north) have populations of only several hundred.
Should either of these species get mentioned in the blog, they will appear below (though it is possible with a short name, the letters may appear in other articles).
As we make contacts which will allow you to see these species in the wild, they will be added below the news carrousel – do get in touch with the form at the top of the home page, we would love to help people fiind you
The money will be used to expand wildlife corridors, which will allow easier gene flow, as well as benefitting all wildlife in the area - including prey which in places...