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When we talk about the surface, the United States is the fourth largest country in the world. Due to its large size, this country presents a great geographical variety and practically all possible types of climates. Faced with this, can you imagine the enormous biodiversity that inhabits the lands of the United States? Yes, a great diversity of organisms! For this reason, in this Green Ecologist article we will emphasize the fauna of the United States. In addition, we will develop the state of conservation of the usa animals, which has been determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating some of the species that are in danger of extinction.
Bald eagle
We will start by mentioning the United States national animal, what is the bald or american eagleHaliaeetus leucocephalus). This species is an emblematic symbol for the country, it is even found on the national coat of arms of the United States.
Regarding the characteristics of the species, it is a large bird that is distributed throughout North America, from northern Mexico to southern Canada and Alaska, encompassing the United States and the island of Puerto Rico. Regarding the conservation status of the species, it is classified according to the IUCN as Least Concern, since its populations are increasing.
American bison or buffalo
Another of the endemic animals of the United States most emblematic is the American bison (Bison bison), a herbivorous mammal that can weigh more than 1,300 kilograms. Its distribution includes the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Regarding its conservation status, the IUCN has classified it as near threatened since during the 19th and 20th centuries its populations were heavily exploited. Subsequently, successful reintroduction plans were carried out to avoid the extinction of the species. However, today one of the threats facing the bison is the loss and fragmentation of its habitat.
Pronghorn or antelope
The pronghornAmerican antilocapra), is a native animal of the United States that is distributed in the center-west of the country. They are characterized by inhabiting open areas such as grasslands. Currently, it is estimated that their populations are made up of more than 750,000 mature specimens, therefore their conservation status has been determined by the IUCN as least concern. However, this species must face some threats, such as habitat loss and fragmentation and hunting.
Striped skunk
The striped skunkMephitis mephitis), is another of the North American animals, its distribution includes Mexico, the United States and Canada. It is an omnivorous mammal that feeds on invertebrates, small mammals, and also on seeds and fruits. It has two large white stripes that give rise to its name.
With regard to its conservation, it is listed as least concern since its populations remain stable. But, like all global biodiversity, it presents certain threats such as pollution, poaching and climate change.
Yellow map turtle
The yellow map turtleGraptemys flavimaculata) is endemic to Pascagula river and its tributaries in Mississippi. It is characterized by being small-medium in size and having a very peculiar shaped shell. Currently they are classified as vulnerable to extinction, due to pollution and disturbances of their natural habitat, fishing for their specimens and the introduction of exotic species.
Yosemite Toad
The Yosemite toadAnaxyrus canorus) is endemic to Sierra Nevada in California, United States. Unfortunately, climate change, disturbances in its natural habitat and some pathogens have led to this species being classified as endangered according to the IUCN today.
Beach mouse
This particular species of mouse (Peromyscus polionotus) inhabits the southeastern United States, precisely in beaches and cornfields. A curious fact is its coloration, which varies according to distribution: those specimens that live in the interior have a brownish-yellowish coloration while those that inhabit the coasts have a whiter coloration. Its current conservation status, determined by the IUCN, is of minor concern.
American alligator
Another of America's wild animals is the American alligatorAlligator mississippiensis) which is endemic to swamps from the south-east of the country. This reptile can measure more than 4 meters in length and weigh more than 400 kilograms. Regarding its conservation status, it is considered, according to the IUCN, as least concern because its populations are increasing.
Other animals of the United States
Here we will list other native animals of the United States:
- Boreal Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
- Puma or mountain lion (Puma concolor)
- California condor (Gymnogyps californianus)
- Gray fox of the islands (Urocyon littoralis)
- Akohekohe (Palmeria dolei)
- Canadian marmot (Marmot monax)
- White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
- Blackfoot ferretMustela nigripies)
- American beaverCastor canadensis)
- Flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus)
- American black bearUrsus americanus)
- Reddish sandpiper (Calidris canutus)
- Gray Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis)
- Chara floridana (Aphelocoma coerulescens)
- American tantalum (Mycteria americana)
- California tawny owl (Strix occidenralis)
- Grey Wolf (Canis lupus)
- Desert turtle (Gopherus agassizii)
Endangered animals of the United States
In this section we will list the animals in the United States that are in danger of extinction.
- California condor (Gymnogyps californianus)
- Akohekohe (Palmeria dolei)
- Yellow map turtle (Graptemys flavimaculata)
- Blackfoot ferretMustela nigripies)
- Flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus)
- Chara floridana (Aphelocoma coerulescens)
- Yosemite Toad (Anaxyrus canorus)
- California tawny owl (Strix occidenralis)
- Desert turtle (Gopherus agassizii)
Now that you have learned about all these animals in the United States, we encourage you to read this other post to expand your knowledge and help spread information about the Animals in danger of extinction in the United States and how to help them.
If you want to read more articles similar to Animals of the United States, we recommend that you enter our Wild Animals category.
Bibliography- Red Lists of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Website: https://www.iucnredlist.org/es/
