10 Most Endangered Animals in the World

Although scientists estimate that there could be upwards of 30 million animal species on the planet, a number of those species are teetering on the verge of extinction due to man’s thirst for consumption or entertainment. Hunted for meat, for fur, and for other materials governments around the world are cracking down on poaching and illegal hunting practices.

Let's take a look at the 10 Most Endangered Animals in the World:

1. Hawksbill Turtle

With a range that covers all the world's tropical and sub-tropical seas, the hawksbill turtle population has decreased by 80% over the last three generations. The major threat facing the hawksbill turtle is the tortoiseshell trade. In the last 100 years, millions have been killed for their shells. Habitat destruction by human beach front development, excessive collection of their eggs, and poaching for meat are other major threats to their survival.

2. South China Tiger

It is also known as the Amoy found in the forests of South China. Its size is smaller than other sorts of the tiger. It is the most critically threatened cat. Only approximately 30-50 of them remaining. China hunts it at a very high rate. Which has become the greatest threat to wiping them out of the face of earth. To help save this tiger today the WWF is planning to introduce captive-bred tigers into the forests.

3. Saola

The saola, also known as the Asian unicorn, was first discovered by scientists in May 1992. They have only been found in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos. The nickname unicorn relates to their two sharp horns, which can reach up to 20 inches (51 centimeters). Saola means “spindle horns” in Vietnamese. They are cousins of cattle, goats and antelope.

4. Sumatran Orangutan

It is one of the two species of orangutan, which is found in Indonesia on the island of Sumatra. Only eight orangutans that are presently kept in quarantine cages at the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme at the Quarantine Centre are remaining because they require long time care due to disability and health related issues and they can therefore not be released into the wild just yet. The greatest threat for the Orangutan is the extensive destruction of the Sumatran rainforest by human activities such as logging, mining, construction of roads and it is also cleared to provide land for farming, which has made them easy targets for poaching because their population is left isolated and fragmented. In the process of capture and transport, approximately 6-8 of them die every day.

5. Amur Leopard

Unlike its southern cousins, the Amur leopard has adapted to live in the cold, temperate forests of southeast Russia and northeast China. Its winter fur is the longest of any leopards, with each hair growing to 3 inches (7 centimeters) long. It’s estimated there are only about 60 of these unique cats left. With such a low population, a distinct threat to their survival is inbreeding. Researchers have found hazardously low genetic diversity in the existing leopards. Also, cub survival rates have been decreasing for decades, which is likely due to genetic abnormalities.

6. Vaquita

Vaquita is the rarest marine mammal in the world. Its body is gray with a white stomach, and around the eyes, it has dark patches. Of the seven species of the Vaquita, it is the smallest and the only one that in the Eastern Pacific Ocean where waters are warm. They live in a tiny area in the Gulf of California in the north. According to the WWF, only 30 vaquitas are remaining. The greatest threat is accidental deaths when they get got in gillnets that are meant to catch other marine species. If a ban on the gillnet is not enforced, then they will become extinct very fast and probably by 2018.

7. Mountain Gorilla

Dian Fossey’s research work with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda brought them international attention. Despite increased conservation efforts, only two populations of gorillas remain today in four national parks in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorillas live in high mountain regions, at elevations of 8,000 to 13,000 feet (2,400 to 4000 meters). Their long fur allows them to tolerate sometimes freezing temperatures. Adults can weigh up to 440 pounds (200 kilograms), and stand over five feet tall when they’re up on two legs.

8. Pangolin

Pangolin is the only mammal whose entire body is covered with scales. They have large, curved claws for digging termite and ant nests. They are used to draw barks from trees and pulling logs so as to find their insect prey. Also, they are known as scaly anteaters, and they are increasingly becoming victims of illegal poaching in Asia and Africa where they are found. Their meat is a delicacy while their scales are highly valued. Only eight species of the pangolin exist today with four species living in Asia and another four species in Africa. International and national laws protect these pangolins. These species are on the list of Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

9. Javan Rhinoceros

This is the most endangered rhinoceros in the world, with only 63 animals surviving in a national park in Indonesia. They are also potentially the rarest large mammals on earth. Very little is known about the Javan rhino’s way of life. They live in extremely dense jungle, making them difficult to study. Adults live alone and only come together occasionally to mate. Their days are typically spent wallowing in mud holes, which they might deepen with their feet and horns for extra comfort.

10. Giant Panda

It is also known as panda bear. Gaint panda originates from central China. It is a treasure here in China and is adored all over the world. This panda has white and black colors on its body. Researches shows that adult pandas can live up to 30 years. However, this is not always the case. Because both the Cubs and adult pandas die because of many predators such as the yellow-throated martens and the snow leopard that kill and consume this animal. In particular, pandas are in danger of extinction due to loss and disintegration of habitat, and by people hunting other animals and harvesting plants from the forests. The most depraving thing is that they are also vulnerable to the loss of habitat and destruction.

10 Most Colorful Cities in the World

Colours are beautiful, colours are everywhere. Colours are what make our life so very special, and grab our attention and give us inspiration in this otherwise sullen, drab world. What if you could live in a city filled with such magical colours, and walk through streets that are a constant reminder of the rainbow?

Let’s take a look at the 10 Most Colorful Cities in the World:

1. Burano, Venice, Italy

It’s easy to spot the Venetian Island of Burano from the sea. The jewel-colored homes act like a beacon, which is what they were intended to be. According to island lore, local fisherman started painting their homes in bright colors hues of orange, red, yellow, and purple so they could see them while out fishing in the fog and could follow their colors back home. Now, the practice has become law, and if you live on the island and want to paint your home, you must ask for permission from the government, who will assign your home a color. For visitors, the homes are just a welcome dose of cheerfulness.

2. Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, South Africa

Bo-Kaap (also written Bo Kaap) is a multicultural neighborhood in Cape Town, South Africa, that is known for its brightly painted buildings and cobblestone streets. Formerly known as the Malay Quarter, it has been a predominantly Muslim district for more than a century, and it has one of South Africa's oldest mosques. Most inhabitants' ancestors are from the Indian subcontinent and insular Southeast Asia. Afrikaans has long been the language of this community, though English continues to gain ground. The historic two-story homes and bright paint schemes (pictured) have made this neighborhood a popular stop for tourist photo ops.

3. Willemstad, Curacao

The dazzling colors that adorn the capital city of this Caribbean island stem from an unlikely source headaches. According to local lore, back in the 1800s the governor of the Dutch colony decided that the color white caused his migraines. He issued a decree that buildings could be painted anything but white. Today, this jewel-colored city is an almost perfectly preserved Dutch colonial trading settlement with a UNESCO World Heritage designation.

4. Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

The capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is known as the Pink City. With a few exceptions, all the buildings within the historic city center are pink. This unusual color choice dates to the 19th century when a Rajasthani king ordered all buildings to be painted pink ahead of a visit by England's Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, in 1876. The color choice was meant to evoke a sense of hospitality and welcoming. The unique visual appeal of Jaipur is enhanced by its architecture. The City Palace, Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal (pictured) are a few popular sites, while a host of temples, gardens and squares allow people the chance to fill out their sightseeing itinerary.

5. St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada

Perhaps the most notable feature of the provincial capital of Newfoundland and Labrador is the row of colorful Victorian homes that runs through downtown. Called “jellybean houses” due to their wild red, blue, yellow, and green hues, the houses fill St. John’s with splashes of whimsy. Most of the homes are done with tasteful white trim, but others opt for a bit of discord with the color schemes. The colors began to appear in the 1970s, and many suspect this was done to cheer up a declining urban center. Whatever the origin, the homes are a bright spark on the island, particularly when the gray days of winter set in.

6. Valparaiso, Chile

This port city is the historical and cultural hub of Chile, with a wide array of museums, cathedrals, churches and colonial buildings. The coastal area is where beautiful boats, cruising this region, stop at. What’s even more magnificent about this part of the city is the multi-hued urban sprawl adorning the sea. The homes and the bohemian murals on the walls are a manifestation of the creative spirits of the citizens, and result in creating a splendour, especially from the acensores along the funiculars that provide a bird-eye view.

7. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

India’s Blue City, tucked into the Western state of Rajasthan, is a colorful reminder of India’s caste system. In the past, Brahmins, the so-called upper class, painted their homes in the royal hue of blue to differentiate their properties from those of the lower class. Over time, others just mirrored the effect. Even the city's Mehrangarh Fort got a solid coat of blue. Many suspect the color is now popular for a number of reasons including tradition. The blue paint’s chemical composition might be a good defense against termites, the color keeps dwellings cool in the blazing sun, and the vivid color is downright beautiful.

8. Guanajuato, Mexico

Located in the mountains of Central Mexico, Guanajuato was once a center of the silver mining industry. Visitors can trace the city's past by visiting the many 16th century plazas and churches scattered throughout the hillsides. Brightly painted buildings are found all around Guanajuato. Unlike many Mexican cities, this place is free from traffic jams. The narrow streets are simply too difficult for cars to navigate. Despite the pleasant setting, there are not many tourists in Guanajuato. Most visitors seem to prefer the similarly historic (but less colorful) San Miguel de Allende, about an hour away.

9. Chefchaouen, Morocco

The small and beautiful Chefchaouen city is nestled in the Rif Mountains of Northwest Morocco. This popular tourist town is known for its striking vivid blue-washed buildings. The bluish design of this city was introduced by Jewish refugees in 1930. The blue color considers as symbol of sky and heaven in Judaism. It also represents people must live their lives with spiritual awareness. The natives of Chefchaouen regularly repaint the buildings in blue shade in the memory of that old Jewish tradition and to keep the history alive. This bluish village glows differently in different time of a day. In Wet condition Chefchaouen also look like a clear blue water world.

10. Santorini, Greece

When you think of the Greek island of Santorini, it's likely that two colors come to mind: White, which is the color of many buildings' walls, and blue, which is not only the color of the roofs, but of the sparkling Ionian sea the laps at the island's shore. In fact, the building facades of the city of Oia feature a number of other colors, but the blues and whites are so dazzling it's easy to simply fixate on them. Another surefire way to appreciate the vibrant rainbow of Oia is to take your shots at sunset on a clear day, when the prismatic sky casts its colorful light on the darkened cityscape.

Top 10 Slowest Animals in the World

Every animal species have some kind of speciality that make them unique. Some animals have power to run faster than super cars, at same time some species are super slow in motion. Let's take a look at top 10 Slowest Animals in the World:

1. Seahorse

Our number one on our top ten list of the 10 Slowest Animals In The World is the Seahorse. Which is not a horse! The curiously cute creatures are actually fish, gills and all! Moving at an impressive 0.04 cm per sec the seahorse spends it’s days dreaming of what could really be. Found all over the world, from one inch to over one foot in size, the lucky ones can be found in beautiful blue tropical water and delightfully colored patches of coral. Now facing extinction, seahorses could commonly be found with their tales wrapped around a piece of seaweed rocking back and forth, very slowly.

2. Garden Snail

One of the slowest animal in the world is the garden snail. It is a land snail species and the most commonly known terrestrial mollusc. The slimy, slithery animal leaves behind a wet trail along its path and makes us squirm. They move at the top speed of 1.3 cm per sec. This means that it will take them 21 hours to cover just 1 km. Can you blame him? The legless creature carries his house around!

3. Three-toed Sloth

Known for their five-hour work days and nineteen hour long naps, slots, two and three toed, only go to the bathroom once every seven or so days. Hanging out in tree canopies, rarely moving, sloths crawl along at a pace of up to 3 cm per sec. Though they might not bring the chips in a dip on time, sloths are excellent swimmers and great listeners.

4. Starfish

You may already know that starfish is not really a fish. There are about 2000 different species of starfishes, and their speeds vary. Their average speed may be about 0.89-2.7 cm per sec. The leather star moves at 0.25 cm per sec, while the fastest one of them, the sand star, travels at 4.7 cm per sec. For a creature that can cover 0.168 km in an hour, floating along in ocean current is the best option.

5. Giant Tortoise

Once reportedly teetering on the edge of extinction, the Giant Galapagos tortoise, found exclusively on the Galapagos Isles is the largest tortoise in the world. Traveling at a top speed of 76 cm per sec. With males checking in at over 500 pounds the Giant Galapagos tortoise can last up to one year without food. When it is able to dine on greens, flowers, and other vegetation, the Giant Galapagos tortoise packs it away just in case a rainy 365 days strike. The giant Galapagos not only moves at a slow pace because of its anatomical features, but it also keeps the go slow in a means to conserve its energy.

6. Loris

Loris is a medium sized primate, often counted among strange and hideous creatures, what with its tennis ball eyes and curiously human-like but strangely long hands. They have slow movement, at a speed of about 55.5 cm per sec. They can extract mild toxins to discourage some predators, and can lumber to avoid them. Hence, they are fearless. Oh, and they are also nocturnal, hidden in the dark.

7. Manatee

This obese looking herbivore glides through coastal waters at a yawn-provoking about 139-222 cm per sec approximately. Related to the elephant, the Manatee dines primarily on sea greens. Using it’s molars to grind meals and snacks that easily add up to over 100 pounds of sea vegetation a day. Resembling more of a potato with fins than an elephant, the Manatee spends most of it’s time casually gliding through 70-degree waters near the surface finding easy access to air, well deserving of a spot on this list.

8. American Woodcock

The American woodcock is the only bird on this, and is a must-inclusion among the slowest animals in the world. Colloquially referred to as the timberdoodle, it is a small chunky shorebird. It is a migratory bird which, due to its courtship flights, is accepted as a harbinger of spring in northern areas. The American woodcocks move at a speed of 222 cm per sec. and are the slowest of birds.

9. Koala Bear

The Koala bear is a bear that isn’t a bear at all. This furry, beady-eyed, marsupial grows in a pouch and makes it slows emergence into the world. Spending most of their day sleeping, up to 20 hours, curled up in the tree it will occasionally wake and eat from. With reports of koalas traveling at speeds 447 cm per sec, the koala has earned its place on our top 10 list and probably isn’t moving anytime soon.

10. Gila Monster

If you don’t like lizards, you probably won’t like Gila monsters, either. They can grow up to a length of 60 cm, and its weight varies from 350 to 700 gm. It is the only venomous lizard in the US. But, they are hardly of any threat to you, as they move at a speed of about 667 cm per sec. Besides, they consume food up to one-third their weight, and store fat in body. So they rarely search for food.

Top 10 Intelligent Animals in the World

Humans are thought to be the only intelligent specie in the world but this is just a misconception on the part of humans. Animals are also intelligent in many ways and sometimes they have more brain power, a better in a lot of ways, than humans. Some of the animals are specialized to do things that human being can’t begin to ever think.

Let's take a look at top 10 intelligent animals in the World:

1. Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees are claimed to be the most intelligent species in the world after humans with desired human similarities. Chimpanzees look like humans and they also act like humans. Chimpanzees have the capacity to think like humans some of the chimpanzees have also learnt to play games and solve mathematical problems. A Chimpanzee’s mind can be trained to make his brain capacity equal to that of a 5 year old human child. And with these capacity of their brain and they are widely claimed as one of the smartest animals on Earth.

2. Orangutans

Just like chimpanzees, orangutans stand out as being especially gifted in the brains department. They have a strong culture and system of communication, and many have been observed to use tools in the wild. Orangutans live in widely scattered communities and form strong social bonds, which may be the key to their advanced cognitive skills. Females remain with their young for many years, teaching them all they need to survive in the forest.

3. Rhesus Monkeys

Rhesus monkey can copy human behavior and act. They are able to mimic human beings. Rhesus monkeys are believed to have advanced communication skills and they have capabilities to form complex social structure and act according to their post. They can break hard covering of things with heavy stone. They attack in groups and their attacks are also well planned.

4. Rats

The ability to think about thinking is called metacognition, and a few years ago scientists discovered that rats, like humans, can make decisions based on what they do or do not know. Studies also show that rats are surprisingly self-aware, they're ticklish, and they dream just as we do. Pet rats are extremely social and form strong bonds with their owners. They learn their names and come when they're called, and they beg for time out of their cage to play and interact with their owners.

5. Pigs

Yes you heard it right, pigs are among the smartest animals to live on Earth. Pigs are generally thought to be dumb but that’s not the reality. Pig’s mental capacity can be like that of a 3 year old human child. They are said to have emotions and feelings. Pigs have dreams in night and they cry while mourning. They have the ability to learn new skills every day. Pigs can also cope up with environmental stress.

6. Octopuses

Octopuses have the largest brains of any invertebrate. The common octopus has about 130 million neurons in its brain. A human has 100 billion. However, three-fifths of an octopus' neurons are not in the brain; they're in its arms. Each arm has a mind of its own, so to speak, and if cut off (which the octopus can regrow), will wander away and even grab at food as it did while still attached.

7. Squirrels

Squirrels are small and cute animals that live in both domestic and wild environment. Squirrels are not associated with capabilities related to humans. They don’t act like humans but when it comes to food gathering they turn out to be one of the smartest animals known. Squirrels can go to any limit for gathering food and they are also believed to have intelligent memory skills.

8. Dogs

When it comes to canine companions, "smart" means different things to different people. Some people feel an obedient dog is smart, while others believe a dog with a mind of her own is more intelligent. Very agreeable dogs are considered smart by most human standards. Humans judge the intelligence of dogs based primarily on how quickly they learn to obey our commands, how well they perform, and whether they are able to learn human-type stuff like identifying objects. Because dogs have lived among humans for so long and undergone so much domestication, some scientists believe they're more like humans than even chimps – and could serve as a model for understanding human social behavior.

9. Dolphins

Dolphins are well-documented as intelligent animals. As Discovery News reports, the dolphin’s large brain is structured for awareness and emotion. In fact, dolphin brains are more structurally complex than humans. As Emory University dolphin expert Lori Marino told Discovery News, "If human standards for intelligence are applied to non-human animals, however, dolphins come very close to our own brain aptitude levels."

10. Pigeons

Pigeons have always been used as the way of sending messages throughout history. They were like ancient post-masters. Pigeons have been delivering messages on places like battlefield and have always been the source of communication for lovers like Romeo and Juliet. Pigeons are said to be extremely good geo-locators and they are able to remember place throughout their lifetime. Not just that, Pigeons can also remember faces of people without forgetting them.

10 Most Endangered Animals in the World

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