Photo By bertdennisonphotography

Yosemite National Park is the crown jewel of the state of California’s natural wonders. Created in 1890, it is the third oldest national park in America, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With it’s towering rock cliffs, abundant wildlife and wilderness activities for all ages, this park is something everyone should see at least once in their lives.

Olympic National Park

Photo By SanyamStudio

Washington State’s Olympic National Park along with being a World Heritage Site, is also designated an international biosphere reserve due to its unique features. Within the park resides everything from coastal beaches on the pacific ocean, temperate rainforest’s that receive more rain than anywhere else in America, all the way up to glacier capped mountains rising over 10,000 feet. With hundreds of miles of trails, an abundance of wildlife, and camping locations scattered throughout the park, you would be hard pressed to not find something to interest you here.

Yellowstone National Park

Photo By dominiq

Created in 1872, Yellowstone is the very first national park in not just America, but the entire world. The park is home to some of the most amazing geological features in the United States with its geysers, hot springs and canyons. It is also home to one of the best wildlife preserves in all of North America. With over 60 species of mammals it is the last good example of North America’s mega-fauna in their natural habitat.

Everglades National Park

Photo By ruben i

This subtropical wilderness is the largest marshland in the United States. And is without a doubt the most in danger of this countries national parks. From encroaching development and pollution, to invasive species, water diversion, and hurricanes, this park has seen it all. Yet it still remains, and is an amazing sight to see for those brave enough to mingle with everything from alligators and pythons, to panthers and a plethora of bugs.

Mount Rainier National Park

Photo By Alaskan Dude

Mount Rainier National Park contains the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states. Capped with dozens of glaciers, it rises 14,411 ft into the sky. And is especially breathtaking for the fact that its base is at an elevation of less than 1,500ft making it seem even taller. With such a large change in elevation within the park comes many different things to do and see. From hiking and camping, to photography and wildflower and wildlife watching, it is a nature lovers paradise. And also a risk takers dream come true. With more glaciers than the rest of the lower 48 states combined, and the tallest mountain, Rainier has become a one stop destination for mountaineering.

Denali National Park

Photo By Unhindered by Talent

Denali National Park is home to Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in all of North America. It is so large that it takes up over 30% of the entire park, which is close to 10,000 square miles in size. It is so remote, that it only has one road, and even then, most of it is not paved. Other than the bus tours that take you down this road, you need to be in extremely good shape to really see all this park has to offer. As almost all of the park is only accessible by hiking dozens of miles into it.

Arches National Park

Photo By Ran Z

As it’s name suggests, Arches National Park is filled with naturally formed sandstone arches. Over 2,000 of them to be precise. Located in Utah, this park is home to so many rock formations that it would take you months, if not years to see them all.

Glacier National Park

Photo by Ken Thomas

Unfortunatly this parks name will no longer suit it in the not too distant future. Glacier National Park in Montana was once home to some of the largest and most stunning Glaciers in the lower 48 states. But over the last century has seen the majority of them drastically shrink, or fully vanish into history. Even so, this park is a definite must see for those wanting to get in touch with nature. From its mountains, lakes and wildlife, any backpacker or hiker will fall in love with this place.

Grand Canyon National Park

Photo By Wolfgang Staudt

Everyone’s heard of it, millions have seen it, very few people though know just how amazing it really is. The Grand Canyon is over 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, over 6,000 feet deep, and shows over two billion years of the earths history in it. It is by far the most stunning visual presentation of geology in all of the country, and is something none should miss out on seeing at least once.

Sequoia National Park

Photo By Miguel Vieira

Sequoia National Park is home to some of tallest, and largest volume trees on the planet. The “Giant Forest” Inside the park contains five of the ten largest trees. With the prime specimen being General Sherman at 275 feet tall, and with a 102.6 foot circumference. The park is also home to hundreds of caves,  many species of wildlife, and it’s trademark trees that you can literally drive through.

By Mark Johnson

Native to the northern coasts of Australia, this basketball sized jellyfish has tentacles filled with thousands of microscopic darts that fire upon impact with a predator or prey. On top of being excruciatingly painful, it’s venom is so strong that an average sized specimen contains enough venom to kill sixty full grown adults. If left untreated, a sting from this species can be lethal in less than five minutes. With many victims dying of heart attack or drowning before they can even get back to the beach.

Hapalochlaena Lunalata – Blue Ringed Octopus

Photo By Stephen Child Via Flickr

Like many of the worlds most brightly colored species, this magnificent looking creature from the tropical waters of Australia and Asia is also very deadly. Though it is no larger than the size of a Kiwi, it has within it one of the most deadly toxins known to man. It also has the ability to change its colors to camouflage itself until it is ready to strike, making it hard to stop when swimming or wading through shallow waters. Due to its colorful body, it is also a popular addition to brave(or dumb) home aquarists.

Conus Marmoreus – The Marbled Cone Snail

This harmless looking snail fires a harpoon like stinger from the tip of its shell that releases a neurotoxin into it’s prey. This toxin is so powerful that a single drop is capable of killing 20 people with ease. Most instances of human contact with this species occur in shallow waters by either stepping on them, or by those crazy enough to pick them up. Which is fairly common due to the profitable trade in their shells.

Synanceia – The Stonefish

Photo By walknboston Via Flickr

A contender for worlds ugliest fish, it is also the most deadly fish known to man. When disturbed, it uses it’s needle shaped dorsal fin, which is coated with a toxin to immobilize and kill whatever unlucky creature came in contact with it. This species is especially dangerous for its ability to camouflage itself into the color and shape of a rock. Making it very easy to step on one not knowing what it is until its too late.

Phoneutria Nigriventer – The Brazilian Wandering Spider

Recently listed by Guinness as the worlds deadliest spider, the Brazilian Wandering spider is also one of the most aggressive and fearless creatures on this list. Native to South and Central America, they get their name due to their habit of wandering the jungle floors at night looking for prey. During the day, they will nest in warm dark places, and  are especially fond of going inside peoples homes which leads to most human bites and fatalities. They are also good hitchhikers and have been known to sneak into shipments of Bananas to other parts of the world on a fairly regular basis.

Oxyuranus Microlepidotus – The Inland Taipan

Photo By Jen 64 Via Flickr

Another Australia native, the Inland Taipan is the worlds most venomous snake. One bite releases enough venom to kill one hundred fully grown adults. Thankfully there has been zero recorded fatalities by this snake due to its shy and docile nature. Along with the creation of a very potent anti-venom.

Dendroaspis Polylepis – The Black Mamba

The black mamba while not having as potent a venom as the Inland Taipan is much more deadly due to its behavior and size.  Native to over half of Africa, these highly aggressive snake grows up to fourteen feet in length and is feared for its habit of striking its prey multiple times per attack. With each bite releasing more of its deadly venom. And if that wasn’t bad enough, it is also the fasted snake in the world, with an estimated top speed of twelve miles per hour.

Enhydrina Schistosa – Beaked Sea Snake

This sea snake which is found in the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf is the deadliest of all sea snakes. It has a venom that is more potent than that of a king cobra, but much like the Inland Taipan is very docile in nature. In fact this sea snake so rarely bites humans that fishermen in India will grab them with their bare hands and release them from their fishing nets when they get caught.

Takifugu – Pufferfish

This Genus of Puffer fish, which contains 25 different species has a poison that is 1200 times more potent than cyanide. Though the fish itself is not what creates the poison, instead it is a bacteria that the fish eats that creates the neurotoxin. In japan, the fish is an expensive delicacy that is cooked by specially trained chefs. Even with these precautions multiple deaths are still attributed to eating this fish each year.

Phyllobates Terribilis- The Golden Poison Frog

Photo By Tambako the Jaguar Via Flickr

This cute little amphibian lays claim to being the most poisonous vertebrate in the world. A single gram of this toxin is capable of killing up to 15,000 humans. Like the Puffer fish, the frog itself is not what creates the poison, and in captivity these frogs are perfectly harmless.  Instead it is thought the toxin comes from an insect, most likely a beetle in Columbia which produces the toxin.

By Mark Johnson

Photo By Ivan Mlinaric Via Flickr

Amazon Rainforest
If your looking for a vacation that will immerse you with natural wonders, the worlds largest tropical rainforest is a good start. over ten percent of all known species call this jungle home, making this one of the best trips you can take to see wildlife. Over the last decade many eco resorts and adventures have started to operate in the Amazon so you can feel good about the company you are giving your money to as well.

Photo By Ardyiii Via Flickr

Costa Rica
Known for decades as the worlds best ecotourism destination, this small country has made environmentally friendly travel one of the largest sectors of their economy. They take it so seriously that they even have the worlds first carbon neutral airline. Best of all, no matter your age or physical condition, Costa Rica offers an eco vacation suited for you. From five star jungle resorts with zip lines and canopy tours. To some of the best backpacking, snorkeling, and beaches in the world, you would be hard pressed to not find something to enjoy.

Photo By footloosiety Via flickr

Yosemite National Park
There is a reason John Muir and Ansel Adam’s favored this park so much. It is one of the most stunning geographical features in all of North America. Inside this park lies a multitude of activities and sights for all ages. From mountaineering and rock climbing to backpacking or just relaxing in the valley watching wildlife, this is a true natural treasure that everyone should see at least once. With multiple lodges and camp grounds in the middle of the park, this also makes a great destination for those wanting to enjoy all of natures beauty without trekking into the middle of nowhere to get to it.

Photo By epcp Via Flickr

New Zealand
Much like Costa Rica, New Zealand has created a very large industry aimed at ecotourism. Anyone who has seen the Lord Of The Rings movies knows just how vast and wondrous this landscape is. With its snow capped mountains and multiple volcanoes, this is one of the worlds best destinations for mountaineers, backpackers, or anyone who enjoys winter sports. On top of that, the rest of the country’s lower elevations are rich with unique wildlife.  And its coastal  shores offer everything from kayaking and whale watching, to scuba diving and pleasure boating.

Photo By canardwifi Via Flickr

Seychelles
Visiting this island nation in the Indian Ocean is almost like stepping back in time to a more relaxed and slower paced lifestyle. It is world renowned for its tropical beaches, distinct rock formations, and exotic species. One of the main destinations in this country is the 10 square km island of La Digue which, has no cars, and even though it is so small, rises to close to 1,000ft in elevation at points. If you ever wanted to feel like you were on Gilligan’s Island, this would be the place to visit.

Photo By TheLizardQueen Via Flickr

African Safari
No ecotourism list would be complete without an African safari to witness some of the largest species in the world in their natural habitat. The choices of what to do and see on safari are almost endless. From jeeps and hot air balloons to historic lodges or temporary camp sights in the middle of it all.  This is an especially great destination for those with a knack for photography.

By Mark Johnson

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By Elizabeth Wolfe

Iberian Lynx

Programa de Conservación Ex-situ del Lince Ibérico www.lynxexsitu.

The Iberian Lynx very well could be the next species to go. It’s numbers are now estimated at as few as 100.  If the Lynx does become extinct, it will be the first big cat species to vanish since the Smilodon over 10,000 years ago. The good news though is that breeding program in Spain has been showing some success, and the first captive bred cubs were born in 2005.

California Condor

Sempivirens Via Flickr

This giant bird, which can live up to 50 years was nearly extinct in 1987 when there were only 22 California Condors left in the wild. All of them were captured to start a breeding program which has worked so well that there are now  322 of them, with 172 living in the wild. And while this is great news that all conservationists should be proud of,  this species is still very much critically endangered and could easily disappear in our lifetimes.

Black Rhinoceros

nonisense via flickr

Just 100 years ago, the four subspecies of  black rhinoceros had a population in the hundreds of thousands in Africa. Today less than 4,000 remain, with one of the four subspecies, the west African black rhino declared extinct in 2006. The large majority of this species decline is due to poaching by hunters and loss of habitat.

Mountain Gorilla

TKnoxB via Flickr

Roughly 700 Mountain Gorillas remain in the Virunga and Bwindi forests of Africa. They are facing not only the normal threats most endangered species are confronted with such as poaching and destruction of habitat.  But are also facing ongoing unrest and civil war that has spread more and more into their territory claiming the lives of many these last few years.

Island Fox

The Island Fox is the only one on this list that is not directly endangered by human activity. Instead this fox on the islands of southern California is at risk of extinction due to golden eagles laying claim to the islands this fox calls home.  Due to the decline in the bald eagle population from DDT in the 20th century, the golden eagle took advantage of their loss and moved into these islands and made the island fox a major food source. in the 1990′s this species went from 500 to 2000 per island to only a few dozen on each.

South China Tiger

ltansey via Flickr

This majestic animal is what all other tiger species originated from. Native to China, in 1959 Mao Zadong declared them an enemy of the people, and basically created a mass extermination campaign against them. By the 1980′s only 200 remained, at which point the Chinese government changed course and started protecting them. Sadly it was too late, and no tiger has been confirmed in the wild in over 20 years. A captive breeding program has been started, but with so few remaining many scientists are declaring the species functionally extinct.

Javan Rhinoceros

At one point the Javan Rhino was the most common Asian rhinoceros,  and ranged from Indonesia, China, Vietnam and even India. Today there are only two known populations remaining. One in Vietnam, with as few as eight remaining, and one in Indonesia on the island of Java, with as little as 40.  This species is at high risk of extinction as there are none in captivity, and the habitat these few left have is at high risk of being destroyed.

Right Whale

The North Pacific and Atlantic Right Whale was once one of the most common whales in the oceans.  Due to their slow speed they were the most popular target of whalers which has led to the near complete decimation of the species. In recent years many of their deaths have been from ship strikes. Today, only 400 Atlantic Right Whales remain, with the elusive Pacific population estimated at as little as only a few dozen to couple hundred.

Hirola

This antelope species from Kenya and Somalia is critically endangered with fewer than 1000 remaining, and none in captivity. As recently as the 1970′s there were as many as 15,000, but due to drought and competition from other species, especially cattle, they have been squeezed to the brink of extinction.

Amur Leopard

macjewell via Flickr

The Amur Leopard is considered to be at an extremely high risk of extinction due to poaching, deforestation, and inbreeding from the small population size. Only 35-45 remain in the wild, with the captive population at 290 in 2007.

By Mark Johnson

]]> http://sayiamgreen.com/blog/2009/09/10-species-on-the-verge-of-extinction/feed/ 4 http://sayiamgreen.com/blog/2009/09/photoshop-gallery-animal-plant-hybrids/ http://sayiamgreen.com/blog/2009/09/photoshop-gallery-animal-plant-hybrids/#comments Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:17:02 +0000 elizabethwolfe http://sayiamgreen.com/blog/?p=373 Oh, the things people can do with Photoshop these days. Skilled Photoshoppers have taken to showing off their skills in various contests on the Internet. Popular contests include mashing together two images, often of animals, to create new hybrid creatures that look almost real, if not completely ridiculous. Here’s a gallery of some great pictures that take it one step further and create new “species” that are hybrids of plants and animals. From the adorable, to the disgusting, to the punny (dandeLION, DUCKweed), these photos are all equally impressive.

Apple and goldfish from coolpicturegallery.net

Watermelon and rhinoceros from freakingnews.com

Banana and fish from coolpicturegallery.com

Cactus and iguana from coolpicturegallery.net

Lettuce and snail from freakingnews.com

Cantaloupe and sea turtle from coolpicturegallery.net

Potato and toad from coolpicturegallery.net

Duckweed and duck from freakingnews.com

Dandelion and lion from coolpicturegallery.net

Strawberry and frog from coolpicturegallery.net

Leaf and dragonfly from freakingnews.com

Onion and spider from coolpicturegallery.net

By Elizabeth Wolfe