We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 7 Fantastic Fungi of North America. It was certainly our pleasure to compile the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.
These few species listed herein represent only a portion of the natural wonders found throughout the region, though. Yet, it’s our belief that they serve as excellent representations of the wonders found here. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.
Rosy Veincap
Rosy Veincap Facts
- Leading off this article about these 7 Fantastic Fungi of North America we present the remarkable creation of Nature named the Rosy Veincap.
- This remarkable variety of fungus most frequently goes by the unique yet descriptive common name due to its appearance. It does have other, less often used titles, though. Those include such interesting terms as wrinkled peach and netted rhodotus.
- Within scientific circles, however, it’s referred to by its technical name. Thankfully for the layperson, that’s a comparatively simple term, as such go. That’s because this product of evolution and Nature bears the official moniker of Rhodotus palmatus.
- The distinctive mushroom received its original name due to the efforts of Jean Baptiste Francois Pierre Bulliard. The noted French botanist recorded the first acknowledgement of it as a separate and distinct species. He managed this is 1785.
- However, later researchers reclassified it a number of different times. Experts eventually reclassified it as the sole member of the genus Rhodotus. The French mycologist, René Maire, most recently placed this marvelous species there in 1926.
- Sadly, though, the gorgeous Rosy Veincap appears to be declining rapidly in numbers. That unfortunate trend further seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its known range. The IUCN therefore currently lists it as Near Threatened on its Red List.
- It presently faces several threats to its continued existence as a species. For the moment, the leading cause of its decline appears to be habitat degradation and outright loss. Understandably, it also now finds itself at risk due to the perils of climate change.
Rosy Veincap Physical Description
The impressive fungi known as the Rosy Veincap captures the attention of most people who encounter it. It does not do so due to sheer physical size, though. That’s true since this marvel of Nature ranks as average-sized for a mushroom. But Nature made up for that.
Nevertheless, its dimensions do bear noting, at least. The stem typically develops between 0.6 – 1.2 in (1.5 – 3 cm) in height. That same part of the structure generally attains a width of 0.16 – 0.24 in (0.4 – 0.6 cm) in thickness. It’s also usually thicker closer to the base.
The cap of the beautiful product of Nature also achieves respectable dimensions. This portion begins formation with a somewhat convex shape. As the individual ages, though, this generally flattens out. It attains an average diameter ranging from 0.8 – 2.4 in (2 – 6 cm).
This same structure of the Rosy Veincap displays yet another appealing characteristic, too. These most commonly roll inward, creating an intriguing pattern. The surface of that cap further tends to develop a network of lightly colored structures called ridges or veins.
It also possesses a texture best described as gelatinous. Its internal flesh develops as relatively firm, though rubbery, as well as light pink in color. The exterior color varies depending on lighting conditions, but usually ranges from red to pink to a salmon-orange.
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Basidiomycota
- Class: Agaricomycetes
- Order: Agaricales
- Family: Physalacriaceae
- Genus: Rhodotus
- Species: R. palmatus
Rosy Veincap Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Fortunately for it, the Rosy Veincap evolved as native to an extremely wide range of the surface of the earth. In fact, the nature and extent of that range may surprise many people. Examples appear in Europe, Asia, part of Africa, and North America. That’s a wide range!
In Africa, the species only appears in the northern sections of the continent. In North America, it’s been spotted in the eastern sections of both Canada and the United States. It’s presently unknown if it ever appeared anywhere outside this extensive zone of habitation.
The species has shown itself to possess a moderate degree of flexibility in its choice of habitat types. As a general principle, though, it seems to prefer regions that are flooded on a periodic basis. It further prefers these regions to receive only limited amounts of sunlight.
Like many related species, this most frequently consists of areas shaded by forest canopies. The fungi most often grows in small clusters on rotting hardwood trees. While it lives on many trees, it does seem to display a preference for maple, basswood, and especially elm.
Like all fungi, the Rosy Veincap reproduces via spores. In its case, these microscopic structures have a roughly spherical shape. Again following a pattern common to its kind, this natural wonder releases those spores at various times of the day, depending on conditions.
Though not toxic to humans, it’s generally considered inedible. It does, however, show moderate promise in medical research. A research study indicated that it displayed mild to moderate antibacterial effects against several tested bacteria strains in the laboratory.
Dead Man’s Finger’s
Dead Man’s Finger’s Fact’s
- Now appearing in this compendium of 5 Fantastic Fungi of North America comes the remarkable species best known as the Dead Man’s Fingers.
- The attention-grabbing term applied to it perfectly fits this distinctive fungus. That’s partly due to the fact that it evolved as a saprobic fungus, meaning it thrives among decaying organic matter. Xylaria polymorpha serves as its scientific name.
- The first recorded scientific recognition of this remarkable species occurred in 1797. A renowned German mycologist originally registered that acknowledgement under a different name. At that time, he initially named the fungus Sphaeria polymorpha.
- While some forms of fungi are consumed, that does not hold true for this variety. Although not toxic or technically inedible, very few people attempt to eat them. That’s largely due to the simple fact that the outer covering has a hard, wood-like texture.
- Fortunately for this particular variety of fungus, its population appears to be stable and sufficient. It’s also reasonably wide spread in terms of habitat range. The IUCN thus currently has no listing for it on the organization’s published Red List.
- The Dead Man’s Fingers nonetheless does face certain threats to its continued existence, like most forms of life. Given that it thrives most commonly in forests, deforestation naturally poses a great threat. Climate change also threatens it.
Dead Man’s Fingers Physical Description
It must also be pointed out that the Dead Man’s Fingers tantalizes us with its appearance wholly without relying on sheer physical size. That’s due to the simple fact that it’s not a large species. In terms of dimensions, it represents a roughly average-sized type of fungus.
In fact, its height averages between 1.2 – 3.1 in (3 – 8 cm). Its club-shaped form, meanwhile, develops as thicker at the base than at the top. Each specimen also develops either a single stalk, or multiples. Each further averages between 0.4 – 1.2 in (1 – 3 cm) in diameter.
Initially, the outer surface of the Dead Man’s Fingers appears as either grayish or white. As it matures, however, this changes to black, with tinges of blue or green. It also develops a covering of a fine powder, that becomes more granulated as the specimen matures.
The most immediately noticeable physical characteristic of the fungus, however, remains the one that serves as the source of its common name. That’s because, when a specimen does develop multiple stalks, these generally bear a very strong resemblance to a skeletal hand.
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Ascomycota
- Class: Sordariomycetes
- Order: Xylariales
- Family: Xylariaceae
- Genus: Xylaria
- Species: X. polymorpha
Dead Man’s Fingers Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Quite surprisingly, at least at first consideration, the bizarre Dead Man’s Fingers has a wide, though broken, distribution. It primarily appears, quite commonly, in fact, across much of mainland Europe. It’s most prevalent, though, in the countries of Ireland and Britain.
The intrepid fungus also appears in another part of the world. More precisely, it also grows in many regions of North America. There, most of its population appears in the United States. Accidental importation by man remains the most likely cause of its presence.
Wherever this visually distinctive species appears, though, like most fungi, it displays decided preferences for its choice of habitat. To be more precise, populations of the Dead Man’s Fingers rarely appear outside of deciduous forests. That’s due to its basic nature.
Being saprobic in nature, it almost always appears on or near the remains of dead trees. Even more specifically, however, these almost always consist of dead beech trees. On the rare occasions it’s spotted on other species, these always consist of other broadleaf types.
This fungus actually plays a vital role within the ecosystems it appears in. It consumes the compounds that bind the fibers of the wood together. As a result, the countless numbers of local insect species are able to feast on the rest of the remains of the tree far more readily.
Icicle Mushroom
Icicle Mushroom Facts
- The third wonder making its presence felt in this gathering of 7 Fantastic Fungi of North America is the intriguing one named the Icicle Mushroom.
- Perhaps most notably, the distinctive term given this species also serves as the common name for any of the fungi in the genus Hericium. Regardless of its unusual appearance, though, all known members of this genus remain edible, though tastes differ.
- The common name understandably derives from the obvious resemblance of its structure to hanging icicles, or, in the minds of some, cave-based stalactites. For the moment, researchers classify a total of four species within this fascinating genus.
- The different members of this interesting genus also bear other, rather colorful, common names. These distinctive monikers include the lion’s mane, the bear’s head, and the monkey’s head, to go along with their respective scientific names.
- The first known scientific description of these visually distinctive mushrooms further came at the hands of the South African mycologist, Christian Hendrick Persoon. Quite surprisingly to some, he actually made this identification in 1794.
- The Icicle Mushroom does have some commercial uses, though. In some portions of the world, this remarkable fungus can also be found in extensive cultivation as a food source. This usage of it most notably takes place in the country of China.
Icicle Mushroom Physical Description
Given that multiple forms of the Icicle Mushroom exist, one fact understandably stands out. That’s because certain physical differences quite naturally exist between them. Some of these characteristics nevertheless remain true to them all.
Firstly, the stalk of the fascinating mushroom variety itself remains relatively short. Secondly, it most commonly attaches itself to a tree via its spines. Mature specimens can also be easily distinguished from other varieties by the numerous drooping spines.
Depending on the exact variety of Icicle Mushroom, a third shared trait remains. That’s because these spines may grow either in rows or in large clusters. Unlike many types of mushrooms, this form develops no cap. Its coloring typically remains white or whitish-gray.
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Basidiomycota
- Class: Agaricomycetes
- Order: Russulales
- Family: Hericiaceae
- Genus: Hericium
Icicle Mushroom Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The various forms of the Icicle Mushroom thrive in most temperate and tropical portions of the world. The greatest number of species evolved in three specific regions of the world, however. This makes it among the most widely spread of all fungi.
More specifically, these zones of habitation consist of the widespread continents of Asia, South America, and North America. However, wherever the wonder appears, its habitat type should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with mushrooms.
That’s because, as remains the case for related species, this type of fungus also prefers to grow in dark, comparatively moist locations. Most commonly, though not exclusively, this variety of mushroom appears on the trunks of dead or dying trees.
When, as remains typical, the Icicle Mushroom appears on the trunks of dead trees, a somewhat unexpected pattern manifests itself. That holds true due to a distinctly uncommon fact. That’s due to the fact that it usually grows close to the top.
For the moment, the precise reason for this preference of placement remains a mystery to researchers. Ongoing research may one day change that, though. This fungus also plays a key role in folk medicine throughout Asia, most notably in Japan and China.
While all known varieties remain edible, those native to China and North America generally rank as the most palatable. The greatest consumption of this particular type of mushroom occurs in China. It remains rarely consumed outside of this region.
Bleeding Tooth Fungus
Bleeding Tooth Fungus Facts
- Our next choice for inclusion in this collection of 7 Fascinating Fungi of North America is the startling species titled the Bleeding Tooth Fungus.
- Just its distinctive name serves as enough to make this remarkable product of evolution stand out in the minds of most people. That’s not it’s only name, though. That’s due to the fact that it’s sometimes known by the alternate term of Devil’s Tooth.
- Among scientific professionals it’s best known by its formal name. That’s the hard to pronounce term of Hydnellum peckii. The American mycologist Howard James Baker accomplished the first formal acknowledgement of it as a species in 1913.
- Not surprisingly, the intriguing work of Nature also remains inedible to both humans and other animals. The astonishing fungus actually isn’t toxic, though. Its lack of edibility simply stems from what’s been called an extremely bitter taste.
- In fact, that bitterness even persists after the mushroom has been dried. Yet its appearance doubtless remains its main detractor. In addition to its sheer appearance, it remains notable for a somewhat different physical structure.
- Despite its generally repugnant appearance, the Bleeding Tooth Fungus does have its usefulness. It, and also related species, has value to those who extract dyes from mushrooms. In its case, these usually consist of blue, green, and beige.
Bleeding Tooth Fungus Physical Description
Most notably, only the emotional shock, and for some, revulsion, at the appearance of the Bleeding Tooth Fungus qualifies as large. The remarkable mushroom itself actually ranks as an approximately average-sized specimen of its kind.
The body of the incredible fungus typically reaches heights measuring about 4.1 in (10.5 cm). At the top of each specimen, a quite irregular-shaped cap forms. This may be as much as 8 in (20 cm) across, but most commonly remains somewhat smaller.
This feature generally begins as a comparatively dark, off-white color. However, as this part of the fungus ages, this changes. That part of the fungus then becomes light brown, with darker blotches. But inside, the flesh itself appears as a light brownish-pink.
One of its most extraordinary features is the viscous liquid young specimens exude when moist. This has a dark red pigment, producing the appearance of actually bleeding. This therefore serves as the source of the common name of Bleeding Tooth Fungus.
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Ascomycota
- Class: Agaricomycetes
- Order: Thelephorales
- Family: Bankeraceae
- Genus: Hydnellum
- Species: H. peckii
Bleeding Tooth Fungus Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Remarkably, the awesome Bleeding Tooth Fungus evolved as native to an extremely wide distribution. It appears to be most prevalent throughout the United States, in North America, however. There, its largest concentration grows in the Pacific Northwest.
Yet, this remarkable species also appears across a wide swathe of Europe, though in scattered concentrations. But sadly, its numbers in this part of the globe seem to be dwindling in the central sections. Some believe increased pollution to be the culprit.
Wherever it grows, however, the Bleeding Tooth Fungus typically prefers a specific habitat. It develops on the ground, almost exclusively under various types of conifers. This occurs due to the fact that it evolved a close relationship with such trees.
The mushroom also seems to have a distinct preference for either mountainous or sub-alpine habitats. Therein, the unique marvel thrives best among mosses and accumulated piles of pine needles. It also typically develops under the shade of the canopy.
Amethyst Deceiver
Amethyt Deceiver Facts
- Next up in this article about these 7 Fantastic Fungi of North America comes the colorful marvel given the name of Amethyst Deceiver.
- The picturesque and descriptive term given to the fungus serves as the generally accepted common name for a remarkable variety of mushroom. Its scientific name, however, remains the difficult to pronounce Laccaria amethystina.
- By either of these names, though, it’s a fungus with what some people humorously consider to be a psychological problem. That would be a confusing personality. That’s due to the fact that this marvel of Nature actually changes its color as it ages.
- As a result of this trait, it can sometimes be difficult to identify. This also serves as the source of the common name. The first scientific description of it occurred in 1778, as a result of the work of the respected English botanist William Hudson.
- Although it does appear in the Catalogue of Life, the IUCN currently has no listing for the Amethyst Deceiver. The fungus nonetheless faces several threats to its existence. Its greatest threat, though, likely comes in the form of climate change.
Amethyst Deceiver Physical Description
While this remarkable species understandably impresses many people, the Amethyst Deceiver does not do so due to physical size. Regardless of its many other wonderful qualities, this wonder of evolution only ranks as an average-sized form of mushroom.
Its stem, which develops as quite fibrous, as well as hollow, generally attains a maximum height of about 2.76 in (7 cm). The cap of the fungus, meanwhile, typically grows to around 2.25 in (6 cm) in diameter, and boats a small depression in the center.
Overall, the Amethyst Deceiver begins its life with a comparatively concave structure. This, however, flattens out with age. In color, the stem usually displays a lighter shade, closer to lilac. The cap, though, displays the famous purple, but it lightens as it ages.
The great majority of individual specimens also display a fascinating pattern of striations. These most commonly appear along the edges of the cap, and display an even paler shade. Its interior flesh possesses neither a discernible scent or color.
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Basidiomycota
- Class: Agaricomycetes
- Order: Agaricales
- Family: Hydnangiaceae
- Genus: Laccaria
- Species: L. amethystina
Amethyst Deceiver Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Quite fortunately, the Amethyst Deceiver evolved as native to a surprisingly wide swathe of the world. In point of fact, it appears in specific regions of Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. The majority of populations appear in northern regions, though.
It also shows a remarkable versatility in terms of its habitat type. That’s due to the fact that it appears in both deciduous and coniferous forests. The species, does, though, display a pronounced preference for temperate zones within this same geographical range.
Even more amazingly, a minor mystery presently exists regarding its most common choice of habitat. For reasons that still mystify researchers, most specimens appear in the immediate vicinity of certain types of trees. These consist of both beech and oak trees.
As with all mushrooms, the Amethyst Deceiver reproduces via spores. In its case, though, these develop as relatively large in size. It remains undetermined if this fact accounts for its tendency to appear only singly or in small groupings in any one location.
Though not commonly consumed, since most consider its flesh tasteless, it nonetheless remains edible, but only technically. This confusing state exists due to a surprising fact. Most often, individual specimens actually qualify as relatively toxic in nature.
Its own genetic structure contains no known toxic compounds. However, it also remains extremely sensitive to any naturally occurring arsenic in the soil in which it appears. When this is present, the mushroom absorbs it into its flesh, rendering it toxic as well.
Indigo Milk Cap
Indigo Milk Cap Facts
- Here, in this listing of these 7 Fantastic Fungi of North America comes the creation of Nature and evolution called the Indigo Milk Cap.
- Most frequently known by this common name for obvious reasons, this brilliantly colored mushroom easily dazzles the eye. It also has several other general names, though. These alternate terms include the blue milk mushroom and indigo lactarius.
- Scientific professionals, however, typically refer to the fungus by its official scientific name. That’s the relatively simple term, as such things go, of the Lactarius indigo. Regardless of which term one chooses to employ, though, it’s a marvel of evolution.
- The remarkable species received its present name at the hands of the respected German-American mycologist, Lewis David de Schweinitz. This noted researcher assigned it the term it’s now known by as a result of reclassification. This he did in 1838.
- The first known recognition of it as a separate and distinct species, however, took place in the year 1822. The same renowned researcher that later changed the name due to reclassification also made the first formal acknowledgement of the incredible fungus.
- The intriguing Indigo Milk Cap appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both sizeable and stable. This further seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its natural range. The IUCN therefore has no listing for it on the organization’s Red List.
- Nevertheless, that status could change in the near future. That’s because, like most species, it now faces several threats to its continued existence. Habitat loss naturally poses a danger. It’s greatest threat, though, likely consists of the peril of climate change.
Indigo Milk Cap Physical Description
The visually distinctive Indigo Milk Cap quickly draws the attention of all those who encounter it. It does so for several reasons, though, not just because of its remarkable coloring. This marvelous fungus is truly an impressive creation of Nature and evolution.
For starters, the brightly shaded mushroom varies in size, frequently significantly, like most of its kind. That’s due to a wide a variety of reasons, including local environmental factors. Most specimens, however, attain a cap diameter of between 2 – 6 in (5 – 15 cm).
The stem of this marvel of the world of mycology, meanwhile, ranges from 0.8 – 3 in (2 – 8 cm) in height. The thickness of this portion of the species further varies. This measurement itself ranges from 0.4 – 1. in (1 – 2.5 cm). This usually provides it with a stable base.
The edges of the cap also roll under as the fungus matures. It shares this trait with other members of its genus. The mushroom also shares the characteristic that serves as part of its name. That’s because, if the flesh is damaged, a milk-like substances slowly oozes out.
Yet it’s the coloring of the Indigo Milk Cap tht garners the most attention. That’s due to the fact that this presents as a brilliant shade of indigo blue. Even the aforementioned milky substance within it shows the same shade! This slowly changes to green in air, however.
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Basidiomycota
- Class: Agaricomycetes
- Order: Russulales
- Family: Russulaceae
- Genus: Lactarius
- Species: L. indigo
Indigo Milk Cap Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Fortunately, both for the Indigo Milk Cap itself, as well as those of us who appreciate Nature, the mushroom has an extremely large range of habitation. That’s because it inhabits certain portions of the continents of North America, Central America, Asia, and Europe.
In Europe, it’s only known to appear in southern France. In Asia, though, it lives in both China and India. Meanwhile, in Central America, the fungus is known to inhabit Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Colombia. Elsewhere, it thrives in the southern and eastern United States.
There, the majority of specimens of this impressive fungus develop from along the Gulf Coast of the United States, to the Appalachian Mountains. There, however, its population concentrations become somewhat scarce. Small groupings do appear elsewhere, though.
All regions in which it makes its home, though, share various natural attributes, of course. Chief among these is the presence of sufficient moisture. Warm temperatures represent another factor. Common locations include damp forests, frequently of pine or oak.
Much like many of its relatives, the intriguing Indigo Milk Cap evolved a mutualistic relationship with certain species of plants. These include pine and oak, thus explaining its preference for forests containing a high ratio of such species. It mainly thrives on the roots.
There, the mushroom extracts fixed carbon from its host tree. In exchange, however, the tree itself benefits. That’s due to the quantities of various amino acids and minerals the fungus removes from the surrounding soil. These it feeds to the host, ensuring mutual survival.
Phallus Indusiatus
Phallus Indusiatus Facts
- The final entry into this compilation of 7 Fantastic Fungi of North America is one possessed of an extraordinary effect, the Phallus Indusiatus.
- The attention-grabbing term we use here clearly serves as the scientific name for a fascinating variety of mushroom. This remarkable, and in some ways quite controversial, fungus, also goes by several other names, however.
- These include such terms as the bamboo pith, bamboo mushroom, veiled lady, crinoline stinkhorn, and the long net stinkhorn. Regardless of which of these distinctive names one uses for it, though, the fungus represents a most unusual species.
- That holds true due to the amazing existence of an entirely coincidental natural attribute it developed in the course of its natural evolution. When exposed to its inherent aroma, some women experience spontaneous orgasms!
- The first recorded scientific recognition of the Phallus Indusiatus as a separate species took place more than two centuries ago. Occurring in 1798, this took place as the result of the efforts of the French botanist Etienne Pierre Ventenat.
- For the moment, the IUCN has no listing for this species on its Red List of Threatened Species. It nonetheless faces potential threats to its continued existence. Like many other species around the world, it’s vulnerable to climate change.
Phallus Indusiatus Physical Description
The Phallus Indusiatus remains well known for more than just its distinctive aroma. It’s also an impressive specimen in terms of sheer physical size. In point of fact, this work of Nature possesses some highly respectable physical dimensions.
Mature examples of this intriguing variety frequently attain a height measuring as much as 10 in (25 cm). The large bell-shaped cap itself also boasts a respectable size. This part of the unique marvel reaches an average width of approximately 1.6 in (4 cm).
Yet the cap has other qualities to fascinate one than simply mere size. This feature further produces copious quantities of a green slime, containing its spores. This viscous fluid tends to attract large numbers of insects, including flies, who then spread the spores.
The Phallus Indusiatus also produces yet another distinctive feature. That’s a comparatively wide, and somewhat lacy, skirt. In color, meanwhile, the stalk generally displays a bright white color. The cap, though, most often shows either a light or dark brown shade.
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Basidiomycota
- Class: Agaricomycetes
- Order: Phallales
- Family: Phallaceae
- Genus: Phallus
- Species: P. indusiatus
Phallus Indusiatus Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Quite fortunately, the Phallus Indusiatus inhabits a wide swathe of the globe. Its greatest concentrations appear in parts of the continents of Africa and South America. But this natural wonder also grows, if in smaller numbers, in Mexico and portions of Asia.
Sadly, though, its overall numbers remain relatively low. That’s because, while it appears in many regions, its density in each of them is thin. It primarily appears in regions of tropical forest, but will grow opportunistically in gardens if the soil is rich enough for it.
It’s also edible, and commonly appears in Oriental cuisine. Regrettably, it doesn’t last long, typically only appearing for about 3 days. Research further shows that this fungus also possesses numerous chemical compounds with valuable medicinal properties.
But the compound of greatest interest to most remains the one that creates its astounding effect on women. The sexually stimulating effect for which it’s best known remains inconsistent, however. In studies, only 37.5% of females experienced the amazing result.
In lab tests, the Phallus Indusiatus also required strong concentrations. With smaller dosages, though it failed to create the controversial effect, it caused elevated heart rates. Men, meanwhile, found the aroma unpleasant, and experienced no physiological effects.
7 Fantastic Fungi of North America
We hope that each of you enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 7 Fantastic Fungi of North America. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.
Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.
Check out our other articles on 3 Surprising South American Moths, Wonderful Wild Cats of the World, 5 Fabulous Mammals of Florida, Africa’s Many Geological Masterpieces