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[Wildlife in Danger 01]
01 Eastern Native Cat Or Quoll
A nocturnal marsupial which because of its cat-like habits has evolved a cat-like shape. The animal shown is a young one. The adult has less prominent white spots. Until 1900 it was common in the south-east of Australia but there was a rapid decrease - possiblv caused by some epidemic disease. Thereafter the species was unable to recover and has been reduced to a few pockets by man and the animals he has introduced. It is still fairly numerous in Tasmania. One subspecies of the related Geoffrey's Native Cat is also gravely threatened.
[Wildlife in Danger 02]
02 Leadbeater's Possum
A beautiful little nocturnal marsupial which is known once to have quite plentiful in the south-east corner of Australia because of the abundant remains in owl-pellet deposits in caves. It became rare probably as a result of long term changes in the environment and was already on the verge of extinction at the time of the European Settlement. By 1910 it was assumed to have become extinct but in 1961 a new colony of 15-20 animals was discovered in the Cumberland Valley sonic 50 miles NE of Melbourne. This is now very strictly protected
[Wildlife in Danger 03]
03 Bridled Nail-Tailed Wallaby
This rather handsomely marked Australian marsupial has a curious nail at the tip of its tail The species was formerly abundant through out central Queensland - the inland parts of New South Wales - and the adjacent areas of Sooth Australia. Hot they were unsuccessful in competition with harming and with introduced rabbits; finally the importation of foxes brought them to the edge of extinction A colony is said to base been established on foxless Bulba Island near Newcastle - Queensland - which may be the last survivors. Fourteen other kinds of Australian Wallabies are also endangered.
[Wildlife in Danger 04]
04 Hispaniolan Solenodon
This quaint looking animal is one of the insectivores (related to shrews and hedgehogs). When full grown they are about 18 inches long. Previously they were common in Haiti and the Dominican Republic which together occupy the island of Hispaniola - but now they are confined to the northeastern part of Dominica where there are still small areas of original forest. The introduction of various animals by man - including dogs and eats has further reduced their numbers. As the forest is destroyed they become progressively rarer. The Cuban Solenodon is also in grave danger of extinction.
[Wildlife in Danger 05]
05 Indri
Once described as the 'dog-familyd man' - this large tailless Lemur lives in the indigenous forests of Madagascar where it is called Babakoto. It is marvellously acrobatic in the high trees and has a loud cry which almost amounts to a song. Its native forests have been greatly reduced so that there are only two places where the lndri can still be found. The main danger lies in the continued destruction of the forests. One reserve has recently been established for them and it is hoped that other areas will also be set aside -
[Wildlife in Danger 06]
06 Aye-Aye
This strange nocturnal Lemur lives in the bamboo forests of Madagascar. The middle finger of each hand is rather longer than the others anal much thinner - with a long curved claw It is evidently adapted for prising insects out of narrow crevices. The Aye-aye seas previously found in a continuous range round the eastern and northern parts of the island - but it is now limited be the cutting down of the forests to only three localities. In one of them a reserve has recently been set up. Aye-ayes seem to have a rather slow breeding rate.
[Wildlife in Danger 07]
07 Blue Whale
Growing occasionally to 100 ft long and weighing up to 120 tons this is not only the largest animal in the world but as far as scientists tell iris the largest animal there has ever been in the world In the 1930's it represented 80% of the commercial whaling catch hot by the i 960's this had dropped to less than v At its meeting in 1963 the International Whaling Comission at last agreed try give protection trio the Blue Whale and to the almost equally threatened Hump-back perhaps only just in time
[Wildlife in Danger 08]
08 Fossa
This small carnivore which lives only in Madagascar is said to be exceptionally fierce for its size. With its long tail its measurement can be nearly six feet in length. It was formerly much more widespread in the island - but Fossas have been ruthlessly killed in the populated areas and destruction of the forest has greatly reduced its numbers. If adequate forest areas can be preserved the Fossa should survive - though at present no reserves have been made to protect it. It has been bred in captivity successfully in Paris and in the Zoo at Tananarice - Madagascar.
[Wildlife in Danger 09]
09 Spanish Lynx
This handsome cat is the most heavily spotted of the races of the European Lynx. It was once found nearly all over Spain and Portugal - but it has been relentlessly persecuted by man until now only a few hundreds remian. Its principal remaining stronghold is said to be the Cota Dohana in the famous Marismas of the Guadalquivir where there may be 100. At present they have no protection - except on the Coto Doriana where only 20 may be shot per year. Elsewhere they are simply regarded as vermin to be destroyed on sight.
[Wildlife in Danger 10]
10 Cape Mountain Zebra
The stripes on the banks are broader than in other races of zebras. This race has always had a limited range in the mountains of the Cope Province in Sooth Africa. It was almost wiped nut by 1900 and was saved by the efforts of three Boer families - who kept them on their farms. Bar they are very slow breeders - only one foal every second year. In 1937 only 47 individuals were left - By 1962 they had increased to 81 living in Mountain Zebra National Park near Cradock and on a few private farms
[Wildlife in Danger 11]
11 Sumatran Rhinoceros
Two-horned - hairy and the smallest of the world's five kinds of Rhinos - they used to be widely distributed throughout the mainland of south-east Asia - Sumatra and Borneo. Because of the supposed magical properties of any part of a dead Rhino - but especially its horns - they are on the verge of extinction. There is some doubt whether 150 remain - and these are so widely scattered in Burma - Malaya - Sumatra - and North Borneo us to limit breeding. Although legally protected - the law is inadequately enforced and the scattered Rhinos are mostly outside the few reserves that exist
[Wildlife in Danger 12]
12 White Or Square-Lipped Rhinoceros
The name White may come from the Africauns for wide - referring to the mouth of this species. Certainly it is no whiter in colour than the Black Rhino - It used to be widespread in Africa - bat the demand for Rhino horn for its supposed magical properties has reduced them to an estimated 4000 in 1963 In the Umfolozi Reserve in Natal there are nearly 1000 and the rest are in an area on the borders of the Sudan - Uganda and the Congo. At present they seem to be increasing in both places
[Wildlife in Danger 13]
13 Pygmy Hippopotamus
At one time the species was evidently widely distributed in Africa - but it is now restricted to certain isolated rivers in the primeval forests of the Ivory Coast - Liberia and Sierra Leone with a rapidly vanishing group on the river Bia in Ghana - why 'or it is hunted for food. In the other parts of its range is does not appear to be under heavy pressure from man - yes it is reported ax diminishing as an alarming rate'. The reason for this is still obscure Is breeds quite well in zoos and may thus escape extinction.
[Wildlife in Danger 14]
14 Sangai Or Manipur Brow-Antlered Deer
The name Sangai means the animal thus looks as you. these deer are so tame and easy so kill thus they have be- come very rare Indeed they were believed so be extinct when a small vol ony was discovered in 1951 at the Logtak Iake in Manipur - India. In 1962 there were about 100 living in the Keibul Lamjao Sanctuary 10 sq. miles of reedy swamp and they are gradually increasing. The nearly related Thailand Brow-antlered Deer is also almost extinct though a small breeding herd exists in the Vincennes Zoo in Paris.
[Wildlife in Danger 15]
15 Mi-Lu Or Pere David's Deer
Originally widespread in the alluvial plain of N.E. China - it disappeared in the wild befure 1800 Some survived in the Imperial flouting Park south of Pekin where the missionary Pere David first saw them in 1865 This herd was estimated during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 About that time the grandfather of the present Duke of Bedford acquired 16 from various European Zoos. These heed in Woburn Park - England - until in 1963 there are 389 in various Zoos. In 1956 four were sent from the London Zoo to the Pekin Zoo where they have bred.
[Wildlife in Danger 16]
16 Kouprey Or Cambodian Forest Ox
First discovered in 1937 little is known of its former distribution - but it is now found only in two regions about 150 miles apart on opposite sides of the Mekong River in Cambodia. Is lives in forest glades and until recently there were believed so be about 1000 Political difficulties in south-Russia and consequent military activities have gravely theatened them - and in iqba there may have been no more than 250 left. Genetically they are of great interest and importance so domestic cattle-breeding and their extinction would be a great disaster.
[Wildlife in Danger 17]
17 European Bison Or Wisent
Until about a century ago this noble animal was found in many of the forests of Lithuania - Poland - and Russia as far south as the Caucasus - but by the end of the First World War no wild ones remained anywhere. Since then - from a handful of Zoo and Park specimens - the numbers have been increased to nearly 40 in 1963 40 were released in 1952 in the Bialowieza Forest in Poland-a former stronghold. A stud book is accurately kept and the where abouts of every; pure-bred animal is known. 132 are in Zoos.
[Wildlife in Danger 18]
18 Cretan Wild Goat Or Agrimi
In olden times they were common throughout the Aegean and their range extended so the Camcasus Now their last stronghold is among the peaks of the 8000 ft. White Mountains of Crete - particularly on a series of almost vertical 3000 ft. cliffs called 'the Untrodden' - as the head of the Gorge of Samaria. They may still survive on three small Aegean islands - and recently some were introduced on to two more. In 1960 there were believed to be between 80 and 150 left in the world Protection in Crete is most urgent.
[Wildlife in Danger 19]
19 Bontebok
A handsomely-marked antelope which evolved in the damp climate of a narrow strip of land in the south-west tern corner of Cape Province - South Africa Is was almost wiped out by excessive hunting in the 1860's and would hare become extinct as the same time us the Quagga but for the efforts of four Boer families who preserved heeds on their farms. Even then there were only 17 left in 1935. By 1962 there were about 600 - mostly in three herds - one in Bontebok National Park near Swellen'. dam - one near Bredasdurp and one in the Albany district.
[Wildlife in Danger 20]
20 White-Tailed Gnu Or Black Wildebeest
Originally numerous in the Karoo in Cape Province and on the high-veldt of the Grange Free State and the Transvaal these lively and rather skittish antelopes were slaughtered first for food - later foe their hides - until they were perilously close so extinction. A few private individuals saved them by keeping herds iin their farms. In 1963 they survive only in Reserves 1225 in the Willem Pretorioms Reserve - on certain in farms - and in Zoos (79 in 19 of the world's Zoos - where they breed satisfactorily). The total population in 1962 was just over 600
[Wildlife in Danger 21]
21 Arabian Oryx
Formerly widespread in Arabia - this beautiful white antelope has been hunted for centuries and recently slaughted excessively by motorised expeditions using automatic weapons until in 1963 it seems likely that less than 200 now rermain. Three were captured by a Fauna Preservation Society expedition in 1962 to form the nucleus of a breeding stock in the Phoenix Zop in Arizona where additional animals from other Zoos are also bring assembled in a major bid to safeguard the species by building up a captive stock. A near relation - the Scimitar-horned Oryx of arid nothern Africa is also becoming dangerously rare.
[Wildlife in Danger 22]
22 Giant Sable Antelope
Much larger than the Sable Antelope of Europe and South Africa - and with different face-markings - this speices has evidently always had a restricted range in Angola. Its magnificent horns have been in great demand as trophies and excessive hunting was certainly one of the causes of its decline. Now is it completely protected by Iaw and two reserves have brern created which are believed to contain all the Giant Sables in the world. o3ne is the Lundo Reserve with 400 to 600 in 1963 and the other is the Cangaudala Reserve containing between 10 and 120.
[Wildlife in Danger 23]
23 Diutag Or Clarkeas Gazelle
This tall gazelle has always had a limited range in Ethiopia and Somalia. There are said to be less than half the number that existed sixty years ago and the extent of the range has been substantially reduced. The muost serious threats seem to be the destruction of its habitat through overgrazing by domestic livestock - and the increase in fire alarms. There are estimated to be between 1500 and 2000 in 1965 . Five are in captivity and bred bred first in 1961. Control of the trade in skins has been propose and the establishment of a reserve.
[Wildlife in Danger 24]
24 Steller's Or Short-Tailed Albatross
In the last century more than a million of these splendid birds with a seven-foot span bred on the islands of the Boom Group - south of Japan. Vast numbers were slaughtered for the feather trade until in 1954 only ten breeding pairs remained on Torishima Island. By 1957 when the island was declared a reserve - there were 35 nests (only one egg is laid). Now that the disgraceful massacres which persisted until 1932 are at an end - the population is slowly increasing - though volcanic eruption - damaging in the past - remains a hazard.
[Wildlife in Danger 25]
25 Cahow Or Bermuda Petrel
About 16 inches long this rather large petrel formerly bred on all the islands of the Bermuda group. It was intensively killed for food and almost exterminated in the 17th century. The introduction of pigs (now semi-wild) and rats virtually completed the process. It was regarded as extinct - until rediscovered in 1951 breeding on small islets near Castle Roads on the south-east coast of Bermuda. The known few breeding pairs are well protected - and in 1963 there may still be son individuals. Extermination of rats and provision of artificial burrows on other islets are being considered.
[Wildlife in Danger 26]
26 Galapagos Flightless Cori4orant
This is the largest Cormorant in the world standing more than two feet high. Because of the cold Humboldt current which reaches equatorial Galapagos from the south - the waters round the islands are rich in fish and the Cormorants have no need to fly to find food - so in the long process of evolution their wings have become quite small. Probably never very common - they are now restricted to the island of Fernandina (or Narborough) and the neighbouring shores of Isabela (or AlbemarIe). There are probably - in 1963 - only about 1000 of them in existence.
[Wildlife in Danger 27]
27 Japanese Crested Ibis
Originally widespread in Japan the birds were hunted to supposed extinction between 1570 and 1890. In 1934 a colony of about 50 was discovered but it was almost exterminated by destruction of the woods near its breeding grounds - and in spite of complete protection it has been unable to recoup its numbers. By 1959 there were only nine birds. Three young were hatched in 1960 - bringing the total to 12 - and three more in 1961 - though the total fell to 10. Breeding has not been successful since and the total in 1963 was again nine.
[Wildlife in Danger 28]
28 Ne-Ne Or Hawaiian Goose
Once thousands roamed the lava slopes of the two volcanoes on the 'Big Isand' of Hawaii and a flock lived on neighbouring Maui. By 1950 man - his introduced dogs and pigs - and perhaps the introduced mongoose had reduced them to about 50. From three then sent to the Wildfowl Trust at Slimbridge - England - 200 were reared; in 1962 and 1963 - 50 were sent back to Maui. A captive rearing programme was succesful in Hawaii and the world total in 1963 was 492. The Ne-ne is Hawaii's State Bird and fully protected/
[Wildlife in Danger 29]
29 Laysan Teal
Two-mile-long Laysan Island in Mid-Pacific - 900 miles west of I Honolulo is the home of this relative of the Mallard. As one time it was reduced to seven birds by the havoc wrought to the vegetation by the introduced rabbits. Although the rabbits died out in the late 1902s - by 1950 there were still only 33 Teal - but by 1961 thay had increased to over 500. Captive breeding stocks are now established in various zoos private collections - and at 'The Wildfowl Trust' at Slimbridge in case of epidemic disease or other disaster should overtake the wild birds
[Wildlife in Danger 30]
30 Californian Condor
Condors have a larger wing area than any other bird though their 10 foot span is exceeded by Albatrosses. They resemble vultures not because they are closely related (they are not) but because they so are adapted so soaring highs and a carrion diet. An extinct (fossil) Condor with a span of 16 fees was the largest flying bird known to science. Once common - the California species was shot - trapped and poisoned until in 1963 only 60-65 individuals are left - now strictly protected. they do not mature till six years old and only lay one egg every other year.
[Wildlife in Danger 31]
31 Swinhoe's Pheasant
This very handsome pheasant belongs to the hill forests of Formosa where - because of forest destruction - few wild birds remain. It was discovered in 1862 and was probably never very numerous. The first live pair was caught in 1866 and they have bred successfully in captivity ever since - especially after the arrival of two wild pairs in 1960. There may now be more in captivity than in the wild and the world total is probably under 1000. Plans are afoot so send some back so Formosa as soon as adequate protection for them can be assured.
[Wildlife in Danger 32]
32 Manchurian Or Japanese Crane
Many of the world's crane species are gravely threatened with extermination. The North American Whooping Crane and the Asiatic White - are in the greatest danger - but the beautiful Manchurian Crane is scarcely less so - although its future now looks a little brighter. In 1949 there were believed its be only 36 wild ones left - but by 1957 they had increased to 90 and by 1960 to perhaps 120. They breed near Cake Khanka in Manchuria and near Kushiro - E. Hokkaido - Japan; most of them winter in Japan - where they are most carefully protected.
[Wildlife in Danger 33]
33 Takahe
A flightless moorhen the size of a large domestic chicken - is was believed so have become extinct about 1879 - but was re-discovered in 1948 by Dr. 0. B. Orbell in a small valley in the South Alps of New Zealand. Is feeds on snow grass which itself has a very limited range. Climatic changes may be the main reason for its rarity. The 1963 population could be as low as too birds - and this may be as many as the habitat can support. There are three in captivity but they have not yes been persuaded so breed.
[Wildlife in Danger 34]
34 Kagu
The relationships of this strange flightless bird of the dense forests of New Caledonia in the Pacific are out properly understood. Is has affinities wish the Sun Bittern and the Finfoot - and all three belong so the same order as the Cranes and Rails. It is restricted to the mountains of the eastern or windward side - in the southern third of the island - and has been under heavy pressure from man and his introduced mammals - notably dogs - eats - pigs and rats. Although rare there may still be several hundreds. Plans for a reserve are under consideration.
[Wildlife in Danger 35]
35 Great Indian Bustard
Formerly is was widespread over the plains but it is now limited to central and west-central India as far north as Sanrashira. Isylased pairs may still exist in Rajasthan - Owailor - Beror and Hyderahad - but this is doubtful and it is certainly very rare over its whole range. Ornithologists have stated that it seems doomed so extinction. The open plains are being rapidly changed by man - and more and more people have guns. Although the Bustards are legally protected the laws are not well enforced and the future of the species is very gloomy indeed.
[Wildlife in Danger 36]
36 New Zealand Shore Plover
Until the beginning of this century - is bred on the north and south islands of New Zealand and in the Chasham Islands group. Now is has been exterminated - probably mainly by introduced cats - in all its former haunts except one tiny island of 540 acres called Southeast Island in the Chasham Graup. Here - so far - no rats or cat. have been introduced and strict precautions muss be taken so make sure' they do one get thee . In 1939 there were 70 pairs and the birds were described as 'fairly common' there in 1954.
[Wildlife in Danger 37]
37 Kakapo Or Owl Parrot
A large flightless nocturnal ground parrot living in burrows in New Zealand - is was probably always rather local. It occurred both in the north and the soot - islands - but is now confined so the south island and appears so be very sensitive so any kind of interference such as increased human disturbance; forest destruction - and the introduction of ground predators. By 1961 there were believed to so be under 100 left - with about 35 in one area. Four were captured for breeding but only one survived. This has lived in captivity now for several years.
[Wildlife in Danger 38]
38 St. Vincent Parrot
This strikingly-coloured parrot has evolved on the West Indian Island of St. Vincent in the Lesser Antilles - and is still lobe found in the heavily forested areas in the central and north central parts of the island. it is very strictly protected and is as present only threatened so the extent that the forests in which is lives are themselves threatened. Is has been stated that there may be in 1963 no more than 100 - although some think there are as least twice that number. A breeding stock could probably be successfully maintainedin captivity.
[Wildlife in Danger 39]
39 Splendid Parrakeet
Many brightly-coloured Australia Parrakeets species are confined so a small local range and have become steadily rarer. The Splendid Parrakeet apparently now lives only in the Gawler Ranges of Western Australia and on parts of the Mullarbor Plain in South Australia. Is may never have been much more widespread - though is was probably formerly a good deal more numerous; local bush fires are thought to have been one of the prime factors in its decline. it is fully protected by law and its export is prohibited. A small captive breeding stock exists outside Australia.
[Wildlife in Danger 40]
40 Seychelles Owl
About 10 inches high - shy and nocturnal - this relative of the Scops Owl - is known only from Mabs Island in the Seychelles and was believed so have become extinct some 30 years ago; but a recent sighting confirms that it is still surviving - though evidently in extremely small numbers. Barn Owls have been introduced into the Seychelles and unsuccessful competition with these may be the masts cause of its disappearance - it is difficult loser how its ultimate extinction can be averted as this usage. This is one of seven gravely threatened bird species which are unique so the Seychelles.
[Wildlife in Danger 41]
41 Ivorybilled Woodpecker
Once common in forests near swamps throughout the Southern United Stases - it is now probably the rarest bird in the world. Forhe last 10ears there has been no evidence thant more than 10 exist. In 1961 one was seen in South Carolina and five were believed to be alive in east Texas. They require large tracts of virgin forest with dean and dying trees - and have declined with the disappearance of this specialised habitat. The total population of the Cuban subspecies - confined so Oriense Pruvince was estimated 12n or 13 in 1956.
[Wildlife in Danger 42]
42 Noisy Scrub-Bird
Know only from a few species collected in Western Australia in the last century - it was believed by ornithologists so be extinct until a small colony was rediscovered in 1961 - at Two People Bay near Albany. The area was already scheduled as a site for a new town but due to the interest of many people - including H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh - and so the enlightened attitude of the Government of Western Australia - the site stay may now be moved so as to save the last 20-30 pairs of the species.
[Wildlife in Danger 43]
43 Galapagos Giant Tortoise
In 1835 Darwin found Giant Tortoises in Galapagos that differed racially on each often islands - and this among other things led him so his Theory of Evolution. Weighing up to 500 lbs these huge reptiles are illegally slaughtered for meat and oil - their eggs scoffed by introduced pigs - their young by introduced dogs and cuss - and their food by hoardes of introduced gnats and donkeys. They are already extinct on three of the islands. The new Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz is perhaps the best hope for the rest of them.
[Wildlife in Danger 44]
44 Leathery Turtle Or Luth
Growing so nearly 8 feet long - weighing well over half a ton - with a nine-foot flipper span - they are widely distributed in tropical seas but apparently have few breeding beaches. Treng-guno Beach - Malaya is the most important - others are in Ceylon - Costa Rica - West Africa and perhaps New Guinea. Collection of eggs on these beaches for commercial purposes but reduced the species so that in 1963 there may only be 1000 breeding females left. In Malaya eggs are brought so special hatcheries on the beach and the young distributed ar sea so reduce the predator hazard.
[Wildlife in Danger 45]
45 Tuatara
Although superficially like a lizard - this 2ft. reptile is a 'living fossil' belonging so an order of very ancient reptiles which flourished 200 million years ago - long before the rise of the great dinosaurs. Until mid-19th century Tuatara were found on the North and South islands of New Zealand - but now in 1963 they survive only on a few uninhabited off-shore islands where they lire in burrows which they share with Fairy Penguins and Shearwaters. Greatest danger is the introduction (accidentally or otherwise) of alien animals such as rats - cats - gnats - etc. A Tuatara has lived 77 years in captivity - but captive breeding has not been recorded.
[Wildlife in Danger 46]
46 Galapagos Land Iguana
Unique vegetarian lizards - sometimes growing so there feet in length - which formerly lived on six of the Galapagos islands. An Airbase during the Second World War wiped them out on one island and they are apparently less numerous on the other five (each with a different subspecies). 'They are directly destroyed by man--especially by fishermen for bait-and by the ruts - eats - dogs and pigs he has introduced and indirectly endangered by the effect of introduced goats and donkeys on the vegetation. Reserves free from introduced animals man's interference are urgently needed.
[Wildlife in Danger 47]
47 Texas Blind Salamander
A neotenic salamander - meaning that is retains its larval form and red external gills throughout life - it is only 4-5 inches long. Curing in the perpetual darkness of underground streams - is has lost most of its pigmentation and has become blind - its eyes showing only us dark dots buried under the skin. It inhabits a very few caves on the Balcones escarpment separating the Edwards Plateau in central Texas from the prairies so the east. Water pollution and other side effects of case commercialisation gravely threaten this and many other cave-dwelling species with extinction.
[Wildlife in Danger 48]
48 Pine Barrens Tree Frog
About 1 3/4" long - this beautiful little Tree Frog is confined to site brown acid bogs of the New Jersey pine barrens. Isolated colonies also exist in North Carolina and Georgia. Apparently is no longer occurs near Anderson - South Carolina - where the species was originally discovered in 1854 (hence the scientific name andersoni). They are rarely seen but on warm nights males call 'quouk-qunuk-quouk' 25 times in 20 seconds. This frog is endangered by the progressive disappearance of the pine barrens. One such area is currently threatened with a jet airport.
[Wildlife in Danger 49]
49 Giant Fijian Wood - Boring Beetle
This magnificent insect is about six inches from brad so tail (not counting antennae and legs). A fly is shown with is so indicate scale. it is known only from the virgin forests of the Fijian island of Taveuni. Its larva bores in trunks of rotting trees probably for several years as in other Longicorn Beetles. The ancient forest is being rapidly cleared and its unique fauna (including the Giant Beetle) will soon disappear altogether unless a plan so turn the island into a Nature Reserve can be adopted in the near future.
[Wildlife in Danger 50]
50 Alpine Apollo Butterfly
This subspecies of the Apollo has a limited range. In Switzerland - where it is now accorded complete protection - it is still relatively numerous in the Zermuss and Simplon areas - where its caterpillar feeds on stonecrops and saxifrages. It is said so have been exterminated in the Bavarian Alps. The cause of its decline is not fully understood - but as a butterfly becomes rarer is draws the attention of collectors and the numbers they take represent an increasing proportion of the population. Related butterflies are found elsewhere in Europe and Asia also usually in mountains.


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