09:11 PM
Top 100 Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered animals: "David Pescovitz:
The Zoological Society of London has presented a list of the world's top 100 'most bizarre and unusual animals' whose existence is threatened. They call the critters on their list EDGE animals, standing for 'Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered.' Over at Cryptomundo, Loren Coleman draws the link between the amazing animals on this list and cryptozoology, the study of 'hidden' animals. (Seen here is the Slender loris, #22 on the list, whose tears are ingredients in some traditional medicines.) From the EDGE Top 100:
1. Yangtze River dolphin or baiji (Lipotes vexillifer)
Long considered the world’s rarest and most threatened cetacean, this species may already be extinct.
2. Long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus bruijni)
One of the most primitive mammals on the planet, this species lays eggs like a reptile.
3. Riverine rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis)
This ancient rabbit is one of South Africa’s rarest and most endangered mammal species.
4. Cuban solenodon (Solenodon cubanus)
This primitive insectivore was believed to be extinct until its rediscovery in 2003.
5. Hispaniolan solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus)
This ancient insectivore has modified incisors which enable it to inject venom into its prey like a snake.
Link to Cryptomundo post,
Link to EDGE site with complete list
(Via Boing Boing.)
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