Fighting Extinction #2 - Egyptian Tortoise, the Smallest Tortoise in Northern Hemisphere

Testudo Kleinmann, often known as Egyptian tortoise, is a critically endangered species. It is the smallest tortoise in the northern hemisphere, females larger than males. The desert-living tortoise is regconized for its high-domes, golden colored shell, which provide good camouflage for the species in desert habitats.

They become sexually mature about 10-20 years of age, the females lay their eggs in shallow bowls beneath bushes which will hatch in approximately 3-4 months time. Each reproduction cycle will give rise to 1-5 eggs. The new hatchlings are very small in sizes and can grow up to 15cm with a weight of 500grams, they can live up to 50 years.

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The species was once found in Egypt, and now, the Egyptian tortoises are close to complete extinction there. Other than destruction of their natural habitats due to human activities, illegal traders poise another great danger to the species. Egyptian tortoise is classified under critically endangered species currently, more efforts have to be put in to prevent the slow-maturing species with few off-springs from subsequent extinction that might follow.

Fighting Extinction #1 - Kakapo, the Giant Parrot

Kakapo is one of the largest species of parrot on earth (approximately 60cm tall) which is also a flightless, nocturnal, ground-dwelling parrot found in New Zealand. The flightless kakapo is defenseless and once thrived in its New Zealand habitat as there were no natural predators. However, as kakapo was eventually hunted by the natives and introduction of predators such as cats by the new settlers, its population has almost been wiped out. And now, kakapo one of the critically endangered animal species with less than 150 individuals in the wild.

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During mating season, males attract females with loud call and elaborate display. The slow process of reproduction resulted from late sexual maturity as males reach sexual maturity at approximately age of 5 while female around 10 and also they only start breeding when there is abundance of food supply. Average kakapo lives around 60 years, and it is not uncommon for kakapo to be nearly 100 years old.