News
August 8th 2008
With the Olympics underway, all eyes are on the host country China. Widely known for its rapid industrial growth and increasing economic power, China’s vast variety of ecosystems is amongst the world’s richest. From glaciers to coral reefs and deserts to tropical rainforests, its vast diversity of habitats are host to one-eighth of all species on earth including over 500 mammals, 1,900 birds, 320 reptiles and 210 amphibians.
According to the IUCN Red List, there are over 385 threatened species in China including the iconic and much loved giant panda, the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey and the giant Chinese salamander. Here are just a few of the fascinating species China hosts:
The most endangered of China's three snub-nosed monkey species, the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey is found at higher altitude than any other primate, with exception of man, between 3,000 and 4,500 metres above sea level.
Admired for its appealing markings and gentle demeanour, the giant panda is the world’s rarest bear. Despite remaining in grave danger of extinction the giant panda is one of the universally recognised symbols of conservation.
Growing up to 1.8 metres in length, the fully aquatic Chinese giant salamander is the largest salamander in the world. This giant amphibian is generally active at night, when it relies on smell and touch to locate its prey, catching them with a rapid sideways snap of the mouth.
The Chinese crocodile lizard is so named for the appearance of its tail, which has an enlarged pair of scales running in two sharply protruding ridges down its length like a crocodile. Dubbed "the lizard of great sleepiness" by local indigenous people, this species often remains motionless for hours on end.
The second rarest crane species in the world, the Japanese crane, also known as the red-crowned crane is sacred and seen as a symbol of fidelity, good luck, love and long life in the Orient. Adults usually pair for life and these bonds are reinforced in a mesmerising synchronised courtship dance.
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