Endangered Species of America

About 1,200 animals are currently classified as endangered species or threatened for extinction in Northern America. These American endangered animals are being protected by the nation through laws passed that protect these conservation reliant species. Thus, hunting is forbidden as well as land development is restricted in the areas classified to be their habitat. By learning about these American wild animals nearing extinction, awareness among various groups will promote activities towards the successful conservation of these animals.

A subspecies of the American Red Squirrel known as the Mount Graham is one of the critically endangered species in the American wildlife. Once thought to be extinct in the 1950s, the Mount Graham Red Squirrel was found to still exist in the 1970s. These species are characterized by its tiny build of only 8 inches in length and weighs about 8 ounces.

Another endangered species is the Wood Bison, also known as the Mountain Bison or Wood Buffalo. The Wood Bison is a subspecies of the American Bison characterized by its heavy weight of 2,000 pounds, hence claimed as the largest North American terrestrial animal. Unlike the typical bison of least concern, the Wood Bison has larger horn cores with a pelage made of darker and thicker wool.

Among the species of birds, the Yellow-Shouldered Blackbird must be the most popular bird nearing extinction in America. This black-colored bird is characterized by the small patch colored yellow surrounding its shoulders. An adult Yellow-Shouldered Blackbird weighs about 1.4 ounce for the male and 1.2 ounce for the female. It can grow as large as 9.1 inches in length.

Three species of tortoise are fast becoming endangered, which are currently classified as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Desert Tortoise, the Bolson Tortoise, and the Gopher Tortoise all belong under the Gopherus genus. They all grow similar in size between 10 and 14 inches. These tortoises can grow up to 6 inches in height.

A complete list of the American endangered animals that number about 1,200 can be acquired from the IUCN. To prevent these species from becoming extinct American animals, awareness and cooperation among all people in the society must be fostered.