Endangered Species

Endangered species are types of animals that are having a hard time surviving in the wild because of habitat loss, lack of food, or other challenges.  The Minnesota Zoo works to help endangered species survive—both in the wild, and in the Zoo.

Where They Live: 

There are endangered species on every continent and in every region of the world.  The United States Fish and Wildlife Service lists 15 endangered animal species in Minnesota – including some mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects, and mussels.

What They Eat:

Each endangered species has specific habitat requirements including space to roam, access to water, food sources, and places to hide or shelter from weather or predators.  They could be herbivores (eat mainly plants), carnivores (eat mainly meat), or omnivores (eat a mix of plants and meat).

Test Your Knowledge! (answers below)

  1. Spectaclecase is the name of an endangered…
    a. fish             b. mussel            c. bird             d. insect
  2. Where might you find a Piping plover?
    a. In a cave            b. in a pine tree       c. on a sandy beach   d. in a lake

Answer each of the following questions with True or False:
3.  Canada lynx are only found in Canada.
4.   The Dakota skipper is an endangered prairie butterfly.
5.   Endangered mussels help keep streams and rivers clean.

 

Explore endangered species at the Minnesota Zoo.

Answers