Natural creatures - Animals (Birds under): Animals

Author: Jiang Tao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: The "Series of Rare Animals in China" is based on the "National Key Protected Wildlife List," presenting China's first- and second-class protected animals to young people in a richly illustrated format. The book covers a wide range of topics, contains abundant and accurate information, and helps readers understand the distribution, characteristics, habits, and endangered reasons of these animals. These animals are all nationally endangered or highly endangered species. Some have rare wild populations, with declining survival and reproductive abilities and severe population decline; others are on the brink of extinction. No matter what methods humans employ to save them, it will be too late. They will eventually bid farewell to the planet they have inhabited for hundreds of thousands of years—. At that time, humans will only be able to find their appearance and posture in pictures. Scientific research confirms that the extinction of wild species poses a greater threat to humans than any other disaster. Yet, wildlife resources are still disappearing at an alarming rate on Earth. Shouldn’t the “most intelligent beings” among us reflect on our actions of conquering nature and altering ecological environments? The purpose of compiling the "Series of Rare Animals in China" is to call on people to show love to nature’s creatures—animals—and to work together to protect the Earth, nature, and our friends—the animals—so that every living being on Earth can continue to thrive and multiply. This book is part of the series and covers various animals, including reptiles, amphibians, and fish. In the animal kingdom, birds are the only feathered warm-blooded animals. The average body temperature of birds is about 10 degrees higher than that of mammals. Birds reproduce through laying eggs. With their wings and streamlined bodies, they can soar freely in the sky. Birds are the most widely and numerous group of terrestrial vertebrates. There are currently over 9,198 species of birds worldwide, distributed across all continents. China has 1,244 species, accounting for 13.52% of the world’s bird species. These include extremely rare species such as the crested ibis, black-crowned crane, red-crowned crane, great white goose, green peafowl, black stork, black-faced spoonbill, Chinese merganser, monal, golden eagle, eagles, vultures, and snow owl. Birds play a vital role in nature, not only because of their colorful feathers and melodious songs, but more importantly, because they can control pests and serve as guardians of the ecological balance in nature.