Impossible five
The Impossible five are South Africa's most elusive animals. The group includes the Cape mountain leopard, the aardvark, the pangolin, the white lion, and the riverine rabbit.[1] They are almost impossible to track in the wild, and spotting one in the wild is considered a major accomplishment.
The Cape mountain leopard[clarification needed] is the apex predator of the fynbos region. It is much smaller than the average African leopard. The IUCN Red List considers it almost threatened.[citation needed]
The aardvark (Orycteropus afer) is found in southern and eastern Africa. It is nocturnal and eats ants and termites.
Pangolins are animals whose body is covered in hard scales. The animals are nocturnal and eat ants and termites. There are four species of pangolin that live in Africa, all four are vulnerable species, and all pangolins are listed on CITES on Appendix I. Pangolins are believed to be the world's most trafficked mammal, accounting for as much as 20% of all illegal wildlife trade.[2][3][4]
The white lion is not a subspecies of lion. Its white fur derives from a genetic mutation. It is very scarce in nature, but more common in captivity, where it is bred selectively. Note that white lions are not albino, because the pigment of their eyes and pigment is the same color as usual.
The riverine rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis) has white rings around its eyes and a dark brown to black line running from the corner of its mouth to the base of its ears. They are native to a very small area of the Karoo. According to the IUCN Red List, the species is threatened. In fact, it is the most endangered mammal in South Africa.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ Fox, Justin (2015). The Impossible Five – One Man's Search for South Africa's Most Elusive Animals. Cape Town: Tafelberg. ISBN 978-0-624-07196-9. Search this book on
- ↑ Sutter, John D. (April 2014). "Change the List: The Most Trafficked Mammal You've Never Heard Of". CNN.
- ↑ Kelly, Guy (1 January 2015). "Pangolins: 13 facts about the world's most hunted animal". The Telegraph.
- ↑ Franchineau, Helene (5 October 2016). "A ranger, poacher and investigator explain pangolin trade". Associated Press.
- ↑ "Red die Oewerkonyn". Archived from the original on 8 August 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
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