Endangered Species of Romania

1. Endangered Species of Romania ” Diversity of life and living systems are a necessary condition for human development”

2. What does “endangered species” mean? • An endangered species is a population of an organism which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters.

3. Causes of endangerment The main causes of endangerment today are: • excessive hunting or fishing • the destruction of the natural habitat of animals • pollution

4. Why we should save those species… • We should save those animals to maintain a stable and diversified ecosystem • Because they are of esthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational and scientific value to everyone • Because the extinction of one species could cause a chain reaction that could affect others and us, humans • Plants and animals hold medicinal, agricultural, ecological, commercial and aesthetic/recreational value. Endangered species must be protected and saved so that future generations can experience their presence and value.

5. Ways to help the endangered animals • One of the most important ways to help threatened plants and animals survive is to protect their habitats permanently in national parks, nature reserves or wilderness areas. There they can live without too much interference from humans. It is also important to protect habitats outside reserves such as on farms and along roadsides. • You can visit a nearby national park or nature reserve. Some national parks have special guided tours and walks for kids. Talk to the rangers to find out whether there are any threatened species and how they are being protected. You and your friends might be able to help the rangers in their conservation work. • When you visit a national park, make sure you obey the wildlife code: follow fire regulations; leave your pets at home; leave flowers, birds’ eggs, logs and bush rocks where you find them; put your rubbish in a bin or, better still, take it home. • If you have friends who live on farms, encourage them to keep patches of bush as wildlife habitats and to leave old trees standing, especially those with hollows suitable for nesting animals. • Some areas have groups which look after local lands and nature reserves. They do this by removing weeds and planting local native species in their place. You could join one of these groups, or even start a new one with your parents and friends. Ask your local parks authority or council for information. • By removing rubbish and weeds and replanting with natives you will allow the native bush to gradually regenerate. This will also encourage native animals to return.

6. ROMANIA'S BIODIVERSITY • Romania has a unique and high level of biodiversity and intact ecological systems, as a consequence of its geographical location and evolution of the human society in the region. The vast reed beds of the Danube Delta, the high density of large carnivores and the extensive forests covering the Carpathian Mountains are some of the most significant and best known aspects attesting Romania's biological richness.BIOSPHERE RESERVES IN ROMANIA • Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve is the largest and least damaged wetland complex in Europe, covering a total area of 580,000 ha. • Retezat National Park, located in the western part of Romania, is the oldest national park, being established by law in 1935. Viable populations of large mammals, including brown bear, wolf, lynx, wildcat, wild boar, roe and red deer, and chamois populate the area, together with a large number of small carnivores including at least 8 species of mustelids. • Rodna National Park represents the largest protected area located in the northern group of the Eastern Carpathians, covering a surface of 56,700 ha. The vertebrate fauna is extremely diverse, including large birds, such as black grouse, capercaillie and eagles, as well as large carnivores (lynx, brown bear and wolf).

7. Animals are sensitive creatures, who need to live free, except for the domestics. For that, worldwide, there are organizations that defend their rights. For example: National Audubon Society’s, Endangered Species Campaign, Endangered Species Program, National Wildlife Federation, Wildlife Conversation Society. of all species in the world, 5000 are in danger. • Wildlife isn’t protect just by organizations. There are several laws that have been adopted to regulate the import, export, and sale of wildlife. There are also laws that protect species from various forms of inhumane treatment, including capturing and killing.

8. Today, on earth, there are about 1.500.000 species, according to the scientists. But, there are many more species on earth, still unknown to the scientists . • Of all species in the world, 5000 are in danger.

9. THE PROFILE OF AN ENDANGERED SPECIES FROM ROMANIA • Their color is variable, but all subspecies of chamois have black and white face markings and a black tail and legs. During the summer months the diet consists chiefly of herbs and flowers, but in winter the chamois eats lichens, mosses, and young pine shoots. • The increasing number of tourists, disturbs the living conditions of these animals. Some tourists don’t respect the marked tracks and get close to the chamois groups that get scared and run long distances. • The main causes that lead to mortality are the following: falling in pits because of the crumbling of the rocks, snow avalanches rock falls and, the attacks of the predators: the wolf and the lynx. • The chamois is a goat-like animal native to the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. Chamois are strictly protected animals under the European Habitats Directive. • Chamois live at moderately high altitudes and are adapted to living in steep, rugged, rocky terrain. A fully grown chamois reaches a height of about 75 cm and weighs about 50 kg. Males and females have short horns which are slightly curled in the posterior direction. The chamois is chestnut brown to black in winter and pale brown in summer. • Distinct characteristics are a white face with pronounced black stripes, a white rump and a black dorsal stripe. Chamois can reach an age of up to 20 years.

10. Live and let animals live! Don’t you care about them?!

11. ROMANIAN YELLOW TEAM CATALIN IOANA EDY LUCI TEO