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In contrast to aquatic animals, land animals live mostly or exclusively on land. Determining whether an animal is a terrestrial or aquatic animal is not always easy. There are also a number of creatures that have certain life cycles dependent on water.
Invertebrates (Invertebrata) These animals evolved billions of years ago. They do not have a developed spine, internal skeleton and also have a relatively simple anatomy. As for the relative representation of all animals, they are the most numerous. Some estimates put the figure at 95-98 % of all animals. Invertebrates vary greatly in size, from the 50 μm (0.002 in) rotifers (rota) to the 9–10 m (30–33 ft) large colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni). In total, about 1.25 million invertebrate species have been described so far. Invertebrate representatives include:
Amphibians (Amphibia) Amphibians are cold-blooded animals that begin their lives in water and then move to land. They have moist, smooth skin through which they breathe. Amphibians are omnivores and feed on insects, worms, spiders and small vertebrates. We currently know about 8 676 amphibian species (as of August 7, 2023), but new amphibian species are discovered and described every year. Of all the classes of vertebrates, amphibians are the most endangered species. Representatives of amphibians include:
Did you know... the smallest amphibian is the Monte Iberia eleuth (Eleutherodactylus iberia), about 10 mm in size? It is a small frog that is endemic to the rainforests of a small part of easternmost Cuba.
Reptiles (Reptilia) Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates (they adapt to the temperature of their surroundings) and their bodies are covered with stiff scales or hornlike plates. They also lay eggs, which, unlike amphibians, can be laid at some distance from bodies of water. You can find them in various forms on all continents, except Antarctica. In total, approximately 11 940 species of reptiles have been described so far (as of December 2022). Including:
Did you know... crocodiles are genetically closer to birds than to other reptiles? Their common ancestor lived 240 million years ago.
Birds (Aves) They are warm-blooded vertebrates that are characterized by feathers, a beak, laying shell eggs, a light skeleton and a fast metabolism. They live all over the world in all shapes and sizes. The smallest is the Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) with an average weight of 1.95 g (0.069 oz) and a length of 5.5 cm (2.2 in). On the other hand, the Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) has a weight of up to 145 kg (320 lb) and a height of up to 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in). In total, about 10 906 bird species have been described so far. New research estimates that there are between 50 and 430 billion birds on Earth.
Did you know that… birds evolved from a group of dinosaurs called Theropods? This group is the one to which the famous Tyrannosaurus Rex belonged.
Mammals (Mammalia) The name "mammals" comes from the Latin mamma, "breast"). They are warm-blooded animals and belong to the vertebrate class. We find them practically all over the world. A common feature is that adults nurse their young. In total, there are about 6 495 species of mammals on our planet. The most numerous representatives include:
Did you know… sloths are slow in every aspect of their behavior? For example, it can take them about 30 days to digest food.
Why are land animals important? Terrestrial animals are an important and inherent part of our environment. They play a vital role in the food chain, helping to break down organic material and to disperse seeds.
How many land animals are there in the world? It will probably sound strange in the 21st century, but no one knows the exact number of animal species. It is generally claimed that there are about 8.7 million species on our planet. And why is there such uncertainty around that number? Because it is estimated that about 86 % of all land species and 91 % of all marine species have yet to be discovered or described!
Whether you've noticed it or not, the fact remains that human activity causes ecosystem and environmental degradation at just about every level. This, of course, threatens the population of all animal species. The rate of extinction is currently estimated to be as high as 100 000 species per year. This is about 100 to 1000 times faster than if it was caused by natural processes alone. And what so epoch-changing is taking place?
Loss of natural habitat As a result of habitat destruction, fragmentation and degradation, the natural habitats of animals are disappearing. The loss of natural habitat is thus the main threat to wildlife. Greater requirements for agricultural land, the need for more land for housing development and the water situation in the landscape may be to blame.
Fragmentation of the natural environment Landscape fragmentation is the division of the original habitat into smaller, isolated parts. This may be due to road construction, agriculture, or other man-made changes. Landscape fragmentation has a negative impact on animals, making it difficult for them to move around, find food and mates, and escape from predators.
Climate changes For a long time, Climate Change was denied and its role downplayed. Today, however, we see direct consequences in practically all parts of our planet. It brings about changes in weather, the sea level and other factors that affect land animals. Changes in weather can lead to changes in the availability of food and water, which can lead to animal deaths. Changes in sea level can flood the habitats of land animals and destroy their homes.
Pollution We encounter pollution around us every day. This takes the form of the air in a city affected by exhaust fumes from cars, factory chimneys and power plants. It includes trash produced by people, dirty water, and also chemical substances that penetrate the soil during agricultural activities.
Through this pollution, substances enter the soil, air and water that Nature cannot always deal with. Their excess then causes a number of problems. For example, phosphorus and nitrogen are indispensable to plant life. With fertilizers, a huge amount of these substances get into the soil, which are subsequently washed away by water and cause damage to waterways and the ecosystem. Mercury is one of the most harmful substances that endangers humans as well as animals. Mercury contained in emissions in the air falls to Earth and accumulates in soil and water. There it turns into methylmercury – a highly toxic form. It is a powerful neurotoxin that affects the function and development of the central nervous system in wild animals as well as in humans.
Did you know… coal-fired power plants are the largest source of mercury contamination in the United States and are responsible for approximately 50 % of human-caused mercury emissions?
Diseases Diseases are a natural part of life. In a healthy ecosystem, diseases do not threaten species so much. Damaged ecosystems (whether through climate change, biodiversity loss or habitat loss) are more vulnerable to emerging diseases. Diseases from invasive species pose a danger, as native animals may not have natural immunity to them. Examples are:
Invasive species It doesn't sound too serious as a threat, but these species have a great impact. It is estimated that approximately 42 % of endangered species are threatened precisely because of invasive species.
Invasive species are often spread by human activity and mostly unintentionally. Thanks to the interconnectedness of the world and the transport of goods over long distances, we also carry uninvited species with us. These are, for example:
Over-exploitation People have become used to exploiting Nature to the fullest. And what we return to Nature is waste. Over-exploitation manifests itself at almost all levels:
Conflicts with people Land animals can come into conflict with humans, due to habitat loss, hunting, poaching and other human activities. The consequences for animals are always negative and they emerge from these conflicts as losers.
Lack of information Insufficient information about terrestrial animals, their problems, needs, habitats and protection options complicates the protection of these animals.
It is important that we realize that animals are living beings that feel pain and suffering. They have the same right to life as we do. Everyone can do something to help animals.
Combating habitat loss You can plant native plants yourself and maintain water resources in Nature. Animals thus have a place to hide, shelter, food and everything else they need to survive and raise the next generations.
The struggle against climate change Man plays the biggest role in climate change. That's why the biggest change is our responsibility – that is the responsibility of all of us. It is necessary to limit the burning of fossil fuels in order to reduce the number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide. The time has come to give priority to renewable sources of electricity, more efficient use of electricity using more economical devices, and to focus on the origin of food and stop wasting raw materials.
Adopt! This does not mean that you will suddenly have a Polar Bear beside the pool and a Panda in your tree, but, on the contrary, that you choose an organization that cares for endangered animals and the adoption will be only virtual. You choose an animal that is important to you and you support it financially from a distance.
Volunteer! Do you have a bigger heart than your wallet and helping is the meaning of life for you? You can be included among the volunteers who donate their time. You can help in shelters, in forests or clean beaches – every activity is important and each one counts.
Educate yourself! We learn and discover new things throughout our lifetime. Trying to protect animals is no different. It is necessary to understand the connections between the problems that affect animals. This is the first step to a solution.
Spread the word! Don't keep important information to yourself. Share with your friends, family and acquaintances your knowledge about wildlife and biodiversity loss. You can discuss ideas on how to help and support each other in order to protect Nature.
Shop responsibly! Watch what you buy. Some products may be made from protected animals (for example, preparations of traditional Chinese Medicine), or directly affect the environment in which the animals live – for example, unsustainably grown oil palms that are planted at the expense of virgin forests.
Recycle You can find out about the origin in Nature of the materials around you. If you recycle paper, the number of trees cut down will be reduced. Thanks to the recycling of plastics, less plastic will end up in Nature as waste, and the same is true of glass, iron and other materials. Recycling makes sense!
Pick up trash! Do not be indifferent to your surroundings. Even if the trash you can see in your neighborhood does not come from you, you can still help to clean it up. You will help Nature and the animals on our planet. Moreover, your activity can also motivate others.
Donate! You can also help to protect financially. Choose an organization that you think has a meaningful project and support it. It could be medical assistance at shelters on the other side of the world or feeding animals in need in your own town. It is definitely true here that no contribution is too small.
Apply pressure on elected representatives! Do you feel as if your voice is weak and your concerns about problems cannot be heard? Use your elected representative. They should become the instrument of correction and amplification of your voice. Demand solutions to problems and help direct efforts where needed.