Colorado National Monument

A few nice extinct animals images I found:

Colorado National Monument

Image by NASA Goddard Photo and Video
NASA image acquired April 2, 2002

Along the Interstate 70 corridor in western Colorado, well-watered croplands, residential properties, and urbanized areas create a broad stripe of green and gray. Away from the interstate, dry climate conditions color the landscape shades of beige, brick, and tan. Yet these arid regions offer treasures of their own, including stunning vistas and wildlife both living and extinct.

West of Grand Junction lies Colorado National Monument, a network of canyons and mesas. The Enhanced Thematic Mapper on NASA’s Landsat 7 satellite captured this natural-color image of the area on April 2, 2002. Outlined in white, the monument includes a combination of sunlit and shady canyon walls and floors—an area of varied elevation next to a broad valley.

Colorado National Monument lies along the margin of the Uncompahgre Uplift, once a part of the Ancestral Rocky Mountains, which formed some 300 million years ago. The rock layers of the Monument are part of the Colorado Plateau—a high-elevation region spanning parts of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Other geological wonders of the Plateau include the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Park.

The varied landscapes of Colorado National Monument show the effects of tens of millions of years of erosion. Wind and rain have sculpted dramatic outcrops, such as those of the Devil’s Kitchen. Weathering has also produced potholes, though unlike the annoying asphalt variety, these are natural sandstone basins that collect rainwater and sediment, and provide homes to plants and animals. And the region contains fossil discoveries, including tracks left by ancient dinosaurs, turtles, and lizards.

Developed areas extend all the way to the border of the national monument. According to the National Park Service, the local population has doubled since 1970. While the increased population has enabled more people to enjoy the monument, it has also created challenges. Increased use of the area for recreation has increased traffic, and developments now lie in the path of flash floods and wildlife migrations.

To download the full high res file go to: earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=49511

NASA Earth Observatory image created by Jesse Allen and Robert Simmon, using Landsat data provided by the United States Geological Survey, and park boundary geographic data (GIS) provided the U.S. National Park Service and Innovative Technology Administration’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Caption by Michon Scott.

Instrument: Landsat 7 - ETM+

Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.

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Frozen In Rock

Image by tarotastic
"Trilobites are extinct arthropods in the class Trilobita. They appeared in the Cambrian era and flourished throughout the lower Palaeozoic before slowly declining to extinction. The last of the trilobites disappeared in the mass extinction at the end of the Permian. Trilobites are well-known, possibly the second most famous fossil group after the dinosaurs, and are the most diverse group of animal species preserved in the fossil record, consisting of eight, possibly nine, orders and over 15,000 species. Most were simple, small marine animals that filtered mud to obtain food." - Wikipedia

This specimen is about 2cm long.

Chacoan Peccary

Image by Princess Stand in the Rain
The endangered Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri) is a species of peccary found in the dry shrub habitat or Chaco of Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina. About 3000 exist in the world. It is believed to be the closest living relative to the extinct genus Platygonus.
The Chacoan peccary has the unusual distinction of having been first described in 1930 based on fossils and was originally thought to be an extinct species.[1] In 1975 the animal was discovered to still be alive and well in the Chaco region of Paraguay. The species was well known to the native people, but it took a while for scientists to rediscover its existence. It is known locally as tagua.

What’s New at the National Zoo this Spring

Some cool animals that are extinct images:

What’s New at the National Zoo this Spring

Image by Smithsonian's National Zoo
Photo Credit: Gil Myers, Smithsonian's National Zoo

In this photo: scimitar-horned oryx

Visitors strolling through the Smithsonian’s National Zoo one of these beautiful spring days will see a variety of baby animals, some new faces and enjoy an entirely new food experience. Below are just a few of the new critters and experiences visitors can expect. More than 30 animal demonstrations take place every day in which visitors can encounter fascinating creatures and chat with keepers about the Zoo’s conservation efforts. To view the demonstration schedule, visit nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/DailyPrograms/.

1.Baby Bird Bonanza Catch a glimpse of some of the world’s most endangered birds and their chicks up-close at the Bird House. A baby boom officially began March 7 when a brown kiwi hatched from his shell. The Zoo’s flock soon expanded to include a wattled crane, two Guam rails, three rheas and two sunbittern chicks. They’re growing fast, so bird watchers should plan to visit the Bird House in the next few weeks. Soon, the wattled crane chick will be six feet tall!

2.See Some Impressive Tortoises For the first time in its history, the Reptile Discovery Center will exhibit impressed tortoises. Not much is known about these reptiles, so Zoo biologists will study their growth and behavior. The two sub-adult males sport golden brown and black patterned shells, but this beauty has also made them vulnerable to extinction. Along with habitat loss, the pet trade contributes to the population decline of impressed tortoises in their native Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.

3.Zoo-perior Food An entirely new dining experience awaits visitors at the National Zoo thanks to its new food partner, Sodexo. Cafés and concession stands will serve a wide variety of authentic ethnic cuisines, as well as healthier versions of traditional favorites. What’s more, ingredients are local, seasonal and sustainable. The menus for six food service stations are available on the Zoo’s website.

4.New Neighbors at the Cheetah Conservation Station Two young scimitar-horned oryx named Sweeney and Omar are the newest residents at the Zoo’s African savanna exhibit. These large desert antelope sport horns that are several feet long and resemble a long, curved scimitar—a type of Arabian sword. The half-brothers were born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Va., last year. Native to northern Africa, scimitar-horned Oryx are considered extinct in the wild by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

5.The Inside Story For an in-depth perspective on why animals behave the way they do, stop by the Small Mammal House this May and check out its new exhibit: “The Inside Story.” Learn how anteaters eat without any teeth, how a Prevost squirrel nimbly jumps from branch to branch, and more. Artifacts and x-rays of animals’ skulls, muscles, and tails will show visitors how adaptations help animals survive in a changing world.

Visitors are encouraged to take public transportation to the National Zoo. Parking lots fill up by mid-morning and then free up early afternoon during spring and summer. Last admittance to the Zoo is 7 p.m. To reserve a parking space 48 hours in advance, call Friends of the National Zoo Guest Services at 202-633-4486 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parking reservation fees of for FONZ members and for nonmembers apply.

# # #

What’s New at the National Zoo this Spring

Image by Smithsonian's National Zoo
Photo Credit: Jim Jenkins, Smithsonian's National Zoo

In this photo: Wattled Crane chick

Visitors strolling through the Smithsonian’s National Zoo one of these beautiful spring days will see a variety of baby animals, some new faces and enjoy an entirely new food experience. Below are just a few of the new critters and experiences visitors can expect. More than 30 animal demonstrations take place every day in which visitors can encounter fascinating creatures and chat with keepers about the Zoo’s conservation efforts. To view the demonstration schedule, visit nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/DailyPrograms/.

1.Baby Bird Bonanza Catch a glimpse of some of the world’s most endangered birds and their chicks up-close at the Bird House. A baby boom officially began March 7 when a brown kiwi hatched from his shell. The Zoo’s flock soon expanded to include a wattled crane, two Guam rails, three rheas and two sunbittern chicks. They’re growing fast, so bird watchers should plan to visit the Bird House in the next few weeks. Soon, the wattled crane chick will be six feet tall!

2.See Some Impressive Tortoises For the first time in its history, the Reptile Discovery Center will exhibit impressed tortoises. Not much is known about these reptiles, so Zoo biologists will study their growth and behavior. The two sub-adult males sport golden brown and black patterned shells, but this beauty has also made them vulnerable to extinction. Along with habitat loss, the pet trade contributes to the population decline of impressed tortoises in their native Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.

3.Zoo-perior Food An entirely new dining experience awaits visitors at the National Zoo thanks to its new food partner, Sodexo. Cafés and concession stands will serve a wide variety of authentic ethnic cuisines, as well as healthier versions of traditional favorites. What’s more, ingredients are local, seasonal and sustainable. The menus for six food service stations are available on the Zoo’s website.

4.New Neighbors at the Cheetah Conservation Station Two young scimitar-horned oryx named Sweeney and Omar are the newest residents at the Zoo’s African savanna exhibit. These large desert antelope sport horns that are several feet long and resemble a long, curved scimitar—a type of Arabian sword. The half-brothers were born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Va., last year. Native to northern Africa, scimitar-horned Oryx are considered extinct in the wild by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

5.The Inside Story For an in-depth perspective on why animals behave the way they do, stop by the Small Mammal House this May and check out its new exhibit: “The Inside Story.” Learn how anteaters eat without any teeth, how a Prevost squirrel nimbly jumps from branch to branch, and more. Artifacts and x-rays of animals’ skulls, muscles, and tails will show visitors how adaptations help animals survive in a changing world.

Visitors are encouraged to take public transportation to the National Zoo. Parking lots fill up by mid-morning and then free up early afternoon during spring and summer. Last admittance to the Zoo is 7 p.m. To reserve a parking space 48 hours in advance, call Friends of the National Zoo Guest Services at 202-633-4486 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parking reservation fees of for FONZ members and for nonmembers apply.

# # #

Female Black Crested Gibbon, Endangered Primate Rescue Center, Cúc Phương National Park

Some cool endangered animals images:

Female Black Crested Gibbon, Endangered Primate Rescue Center, Cúc Phương National Park

Image by чãvìnkωhỉtз
P1020921

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List of Threatened Species). There is currently thought to be between 1300 and 2000 individuals left in the wild. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism: the male is almost completely black, but sometimes with white or buff cheeks, while the female is a golden or buff colour with variable black patches, including a black streak on the head.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_crested_gibbon

The Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation, breeding, research, and conservation of endangered primates, and to the protection of their habitats.

The overall goal of the EPRC is the establishment of stable populations of highly endangered primate species in captivity as a source for reintroduction programs.

The EPRC is home to about 150 primates in 15 taxa (species and subspecies), - many of which are critically endangered - including six species which are kept only at the EPRC and in no other facility in the world.

All of the animals at the EPRC, except for those bred in captivity, are victims of poaching and the illegal animal trade. Nine primate species have bred at the center and a total of more than 100 infants have been born, some of them being the first ever of their species to be born in captivity.

The primates are kept in more than 50 large enclosures and in two electrically fenced semi-wild areas of primary forest which are 2 ha and 5 ha. These semi-wild enclosures are the first steps towards its ambitious goal of reintroducing the primates to their natural habitat Langurs and gibbons have been released into these areas and have been successfully maintained there for several years. The center employs 20 Vietnamese people as animal keepers.

To support the reintroduction of highly endangered species, the EPRC also works to preserve and protect their natural habitats. They have worked closely with the Management Board of Van Long Nature Reserve, located close by, to successfully prepare the reserve for the successful reintroduction of the Delacour’s langur. Other successful reintroduction programs have taken place or are planned.

www.educationaltravelasia.com/Tours/Destinations/Vietnam/...

Male Black Crested Gibbon, Endangered Primate Rescue Center, Cúc Phương National Park

Image by чãvìnkωhỉtз
P1020924

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List of Threatened Species). There is currently thought to be between 1300 and 2000 individuals left in the wild. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism: the male is almost completely black, but sometimes with white or buff cheeks, while the female is a golden or buff colour with variable black patches, including a black streak on the head.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_crested_gibbon

The Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation, breeding, research, and conservation of endangered primates, and to the protection of their habitats.

The overall goal of the EPRC is the establishment of stable populations of highly endangered primate species in captivity as a source for reintroduction programs.

The EPRC is home to about 150 primates in 15 taxa (species and subspecies), - many of which are critically endangered - including six species which are kept only at the EPRC and in no other facility in the world.

All of the animals at the EPRC, except for those bred in captivity, are victims of poaching and the illegal animal trade. Nine primate species have bred at the center and a total of more than 100 infants have been born, some of them being the first ever of their species to be born in captivity.

The primates are kept in more than 50 large enclosures and in two electrically fenced semi-wild areas of primary forest which are 2 ha and 5 ha. These semi-wild enclosures are the first steps towards its ambitious goal of reintroducing the primates to their natural habitat Langurs and gibbons have been released into these areas and have been successfully maintained there for several years. The center employs 20 Vietnamese people as animal keepers.

To support the reintroduction of highly endangered species, the EPRC also works to preserve and protect their natural habitats. They have worked closely with the Management Board of Van Long Nature Reserve, located close by, to successfully prepare the reserve for the successful reintroduction of the Delacour’s langur. Other successful reintroduction programs have taken place or are planned.

www.educationaltravelasia.com/Tours/Destinations/Vietnam/...