Vulnerable

What does it mean?

A vulnerable species faces a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Vulnerable

Animals

A Vulnerable species is likely to become endangered unless the reasons they are vulnerable are fixed and/or they are able to increase reproduction. For example, an animal that has a decreasing population due to hunting, may be placed in a protected status so they cannot be hunted. In addition, education on their importance to the ecosystem may be provided so that people understand the risk of losing this species.

Asian small-clawed otters have over a dozen different vocalizations, each with its own specific meaning.

Native to South and Southeast Asia

The shells and skin are a brownish or yellowish in color, perfect for blending into a desert habitat. The head and limbs are the same color as the shell and are protected with thick scales. There are one or more enlarged, conical spurs (or tubercles) on the upper hind limbs. African spurred tortoises will dig burrows in order to conserve moisture. The burrows may reach up to 10 feet below ground. Their skin is thickened and aids in the prevention of water loss. Much of the water they need to survive is extracted from the succulent vegetation that they feed on.

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