Endangered species: reproductive processes and physical characteristics across five vertebrate classes

Biology

Mammal: African Black Rhinoceros

Reproductive Process: Females reproduce every 2-1/2 years

Five Physical Characteristics: Warm blooded; Gray skin; Eats trees and bushes; solitary; night feeders

Reason for Endangerment: Poaching (mainly to collect the horn and use in Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Common Ecosystems/Geographic Area: Sub-Saharan Africa in areas with tree and bushes

Web site and picture: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/black-rhinoceros/

Bird: California Condor

Reproductive Process: Nesting in crevices; produce very few young (usually only one); takes 56 days to incubate egg; provide extensive care for young; young stays with parents a long time

Five Physical Characteristics: Ten-foot wing span; white to reddish colored head; cold-blooded; eats carrion of larger animals like deer;

Reasons for Endangerment: Habitat destruction; hunting

Common Ecosystems/Geographic Area: mountains with woods; scublands in California, Mexico, Arizona

Web site and picture: http://animal.discovery.com/guides/endangered/birds/california-condor.html

Reptile: Komodo Dragon

Reproductive Process: Mating season is June; Male chooses female for mating; female lays egg in nest; gestation for one month; cluster of a dozen or more (up to 30); eggs laid in a hole; hatch nine months later

Five Physical Characteristics: World's heaviest lizard at 150 lbs or more; grey skin, pointy snout, muscular tail; scaly; cold blooded.

Reason for Endangerment: hunting; habitat destruction

Common Ecosystems: Open grassland; tropical savannah; only in Indonesia

Web site and pictures: http://animal.discovery.com/guides/endangered/reptiles/komodo-dragon.html

http://www.k12.hi.us/~kapunaha/student_projects/komodo/physical_appearance.htm

Amphibian: Panamanian Golden Frog

Reproductive Process: lays fertilized eggs in water