Natural Creatures: Animals (Birds - Part 2)

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 may be too late, and 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. "The wisest of all creatures," humans, should not reflect on our actions of conquering nature and altering the ecological environment? The original intention behind compiling the "Series of Rare Animals in China" is to call on people to show love to the natural world—animals—and to work together to protect the Earth, nature, and our friends—animals—so that every living creature may thrive and multiply endlessly on this planet. 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 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 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, greater white-fronted goose, green peafowl, black stork, black-faced spoonbill, scaly-sided merganser, monal, golden eagle, eagles, vultures, and snowy owl, among others. Birds play a vital role in nature, not only because of their colorful feathers and melodious songs, but more importantly, they help control pests and serve as guardians of the ecological balance in nature.