So many beautiful creatures are endangered or threatened. It is quite sad to realize that some of the animals featured here are very close to extinction.
Our world will certainly be a drearier place without them.
Other animals in this article are not threatened. They just stand out for other reasons like being very intelligent or really cute.
Walk with me down this path as we take a closer look at their lovely little faces and their lifestyles.
Each introduction paragraph is followed by a link to more information.
Definitions
Endangered ~ at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters
Critically Endangered ~ have an extremely high risk of becoming extinct in the wild or completely extinct in the immediate future
Luna Moth ~ Endangered
If you have never seen a Luna Moth, you have really missed a treat. These large, beautiful moths live very short lives. They only fly when it is dark, so when you happen upon one, be sure to slow down and take a close look. There is so much to see. Be sure to look at his long tail, discover for yourself why he is called a Luna Moth and compare him to the size of your hand. Unless you touch him, he will be perfectly content to let you gaze upon his beauty.Okay, here's a hint: What does Luna mean? Look at his lower wings. What do you see? I personally think they look more like eyes than moons but that is still the origin of the name Luna Moth.
Image from: www.sierrapotomac.org/.../LunaMoth_050911.htm
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Hangin' With A Luna Moth
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As I have raised my children, it has become clear that I missed out on a lot in high school. My son's favorite class was AP Biology and almost daily he would come home with a new story. Can you believe they even had a pet snake in class? And he touch...
The Snowshoe Hare
Yes, you are right, I selected the Snowshoe Hare mainly because she is beautiful and harms no one. She simply adds beauty to the landscape and is an absolute delight. For more information on why she is called a Snowshoe Hare, visit the link below.Image from: www.cloudphotographyltd.com/7winter.html
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Hangin' With a Snowshoe Hare
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We all ask at some point, why is this beautiful rabbit called a hare? Believe it or not, there are actually several differences between a rabbit and a hare. Physically the hare has longer ears and hind legs. In general, the hare is just overall larg...
Hedgehogs
If you live in the right place and you want an unusual pet, the Hedgehog could be a great choice. If you need pest control in your garden, the Hedgehog just may be your answer. If you want to meet Punxsutawney Phil's rival or if you just want to see a really funny and cute video, you will want to read Hangin' with Hedgehogs. Image from: www.wallpaperbase.com/animals-hedgehog.shtml
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Hangin' With Hedgehogs
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Hedgehogs are delightful little creatures that seem to always wear a smile. Don't we all need a smile to start the day? There are 16 different species of Hedgehogs and the African Pygmy Hedgehogs make great pets. They are so cute and entertaining. W...
Meerkats
Who doesn't love Meerkats! Thanks to a very popular series on tv, we all know more about Meerkats. Long before Meerkat Manor, my daughter was crazy about these little guys. Anytime I have ever taken a picture of a Meerkat, I would swear the little fellow posed for his snapshot. More than likely the one I am photographing is the families guard for the day and is trying to decide if I am a potential predator.Image from Photo Album of Sylvestermouse
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Hangin' With Meerkats
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These adorable little animals are my daughter's favorite zoo animal. I'm not sure if she loved Timon from the Lion King because she loves Meerkats or if she first fell for Timon. What I do know is that until she pointed them out, I had never even not...
Mouse Lemurs ~ Endangered
Did you know the Latin word lemures means "ghost." It is true and there are plenty of reasons why the natives of Madagascar would think these little guys resemble ghosts. Because of their eyes, they have a rather "spooky" appearance that can be haunting. Since they are nocturnal, they are mostly active at night and they move from limb to limb of the trees and rarely have need to touch the ground.What do you think? Do you think they look "ghostly?"
Image from: photos.wildmadagascar.org
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Hangin' With Mouse Lemurs
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My favorite monkey is the adorable Mouse Lemur. Whether it is because it is so small that it seems to cry out for protection; because of those cute little beady eyes or just because it carries the name "mouse," I honestly do not know. I just know tha...
The Red Panda ~ Endangered
I don't even want to think about our world being without this beautiful, serene little baby! In case you can't tell, this really is one of my favorite animals. Not only are they pretty, but they just don't do anything offensive. They are just peaceful creatures who help make earth a living paradise.Image from: http://www.wildlifearchives.com/images/red-panda.jpg
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Hangin' With A Red Panda
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I really do love all of the animals at the zoo, but there is just something so sweet about the Red Panda. For one thing, every time I see one at the zoo, it is alone. It is so pretty that I always want to just reach in and grab that little cutie and...
The Arctic Fox ~ Endangered in Scandinavia only
Survivor. That is the best one word description for an Arctic Fox. They are considered nomadic because they will move from place to place and live where they can find food. Their beautiful coats change colors with the seasons in order to blend in with their surroundings and they can endure the harsh elements of the ArcticLike so many Arctic inhabitants, the Arctic Fox is among the animals most affected by the dramatic changes in the Arctic due to climate change.
Image from: justanimal.blogspot.com
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Hangin' with an Arctic Fox
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This pretty little fox, known as the Arctic Fox or Snow Fox, inhabits regions of the coldest climate on the earth. His beautiful fur changes colors with the seasons. In winter, his fur is white, which is a wonderful camouflage in the snow. In summer,...
Poison Dart Frogs ~ Critically Endangered
Some of the most beautiful creatures in the world can also be some of the most deadly. Poison Dart Frogs are stunningly gorgeous with their lovely natural mix of colors. In the wild, these frogs are considerd one of the most dangerous animals on earth. But are they all really dangerous? You might be surprised at what you can learn about Poison Dart Frogs in the article below. Just click on the link.Image from: animals.nationalgeographic.com
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Hangin' with Poison Dart Frogs
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I am surrounded by Poison Dart Frogs! When my son was just a little fellow, he adored Poison Dart Frogs. He has Dart Frog books, plush Dart frogs, plastic Dart Frogs, shirts with Dart Frogs and he even has Dart Frogs painted on his bedroom wall. The...
Kangaroo Rats ~ One Species is Endangered
Not all species of the Kangaroo Rat are endangered, but the Giant Kangaroo Rat is endangered. I chose to write about the Kangaroo Rat because he is unique in so many ways. In the article linked below, you can discover what makes this little fellow so unique, why he is called a "Kangaroo" Rat and see an adorable video of one hopping around.Image from: abcnews.go.com
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Hangin' with Kangaroo Rats
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Kangaroo Rat? Now isn't that just the funniest name ever! It even seems a bit contradictory. When we think of a kangaroo we think of a tall mammal with a pouch that hops around on two feet and usually packs a pretty nasty punch. When we think of a r...
Vampire Bats
I know. I get it. No one wants to be bitten by a Vampire Bat; or do you?Did you know these little suckers could cure you of a fever or plague?
It is very sad that people wish to cast Vampire Bats into a lot that should be feared. I will grant you, it is a wee bit gross to consider that they drink blood to live, but did you know that they only drink about 2 tablespoons before they have had their fill? That is hardly enough to drain you of your own life blood. I am not suggesting that you run out and "feed" the little guys because their bites, like dog bites, can cause infections, but I am suggesting that you don't have to fear them like you would a venomous snake or a man-eating tiger.
Image from: newscientist.com
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Hangin' with Vampire Bats
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Vampire Bats are frequently misunderstood and feared. What do you really know about these guys? Do you fear them? Do you hate them? Do you think they would be part of your worst nightmare? Let's hang with the vampire bats and find out who really is...
Key Deer ~ Endangered
If ever there was an animal that could win your heart with just one look, it would be this little Key Deer. It is easy to understand why they are also called Toy Deer. When they are full grown, they are no bigger than a large bred dog. Actually, with a average weight of about 60 lbs, most large bred dogs easily outweigh them. They are gentle, docile creatures that desperately need our help to survive.Photo by Andy Newman and published on Newmanpr.com
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Hangin' with Key Deer
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I had never heard of Key Deer until I read Florida Keys Getaway written by MiMi GrowWear. In her article, MiMi noted that the Key Deer are endangered and when I saw her picture of this sweet deer, I was immediately intrigued. After reading abo...
The Harp Seal ~ Threatened
These babies have won hearts around the world. In an effort to save the Harp Seals, many documentaries have been produced and viewed on TV, thus, more of us are familiar with the plight of the Harp Seal, but what else do you know about these pretty little babies?Did you know they are earless? Check out link below for more interesting facts about the Harp Seal.
Image from: kids.nationalgeographic.com
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Hangin' with Harp Seals
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Now I ask you, who wouldn't adore this cute and cuddly little ball of fur? I simply love those small tuffs of fur that resemble eyebrows! This is one of those creatures that just looks like they were made to love. However, we better love them wh...
Do Come Back and See Me Sometime
I will continue to investigate different animals in our world and I will enjoy writing about what I find. Check back here occasionally to see what I have added to the list of "Favorite Animals"image of Memphis Zoo Baby Giraffe & Mother from: www.zooborns.typepad.com/zooborns/giraffe/page/2/
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Help Save Wildlife With Your Purchase
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When we hear about the beautiful animals that are endangered, harmed or being displaced, we wonder what we can do to help. There are a few organizations who are dedicated to protecting and saving these creatures. Below are a few ways that you can he...
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The Memphis Zoo
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No matter where we go on vacation, we always take a day to visit that cities zoo. From Florida to Hawaii we have visited zoos across the U.S. By far, my favorite zoo is in Memphis, TN. The city of Memphis may be home of the Blues, Beale Street, Elvis...
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If I Could Be Any Animal
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If I could be any animal which would I choose to be? Well, that is a really hard question. I love all animals! How do I choose just one? If I were a bear, I would have great strength, but I would probably always be hungry and feared. If I were a gi...
Endangered Animals: A Reference Guide to Conflicting Issues
Amazon Price: $38.00 (as of 11/26/2009) 
The Best Book of Endangered and Extinct Animals
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 11/26/2009)
Hope for Animals and Their World: How Endangered Species Are Being Rescued from the Brink
Amazon Price: $18.47 (as of 11/26/2009)
Which is Your Favorite Animal from the House of Sylvestermouse?
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Reply
- KarateKatGraphics KarateKatGraphics Nov 25, 2009 @ 11:39 am
- I've always kind of wanted a pet hedgehog. Lovely lens!! 5*
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- AndyPo AndyPo Nov 3, 2009 @ 4:28 am
- Very good collection of animal lenses.
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- mukunda22 mukunda22 Oct 22, 2009 @ 11:31 am
- I love your concept, here, of hanging with these beautiful creatures! It is supremely relaxing!
####blessed####
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Reply
- HorseAndPony HorseAndPony Oct 17, 2009 @ 6:09 pm
- Love this lens. It is nice to see so many people on Squidoo concerned with wildlife.
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- 24websurf 24websurf Oct 16, 2009 @ 12:40 am
- You know I love his series :) And you knew eventually I'd make it here, right?
~Blessings on this lens and it's wonderful caring lensmaster :) ~
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Lensmaster Sylvestermouse has been a member since July 7 2009, has rated 1,298 lenses, favorited 319, and has created 73 lenses from scratch. Cynthia V. donates their royalties to National Wildlife Federation's Alaska Regional Center. This member's top-ranked page is "Spice Tea Recipe". See all my lenses
Other Lensmasters Who Love Animals
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by Sylvestermouse
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