Chuquiraga (Chuquiraga jussieui) Threatened
The Chuquiraga plant is a flowering, low shrub that reaches the height of about 75cm. The flowers on this plant are pale yellow or orange and is endemic to Ecuador and Peru. It is a dominant plant species in dry areas and local animals depend on it. Hummingbirds and insects use it for pollination. Some plants are used as fuel, ornamental plants. and as traditional medicine. This plant is threatened due to habitat loss.
Carrikeri Harlequen Frog (Atelopus carrikeri) Endangered
The Carrikeri Harlequin Frog is endemic to northern Columbia. This species is critically endangered due to the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, habitat destruction, climate change, and crop fumigation. These frogs had not been seen since 1994, but were recently re-discovered in 2008. They are found at elevations between 2,350 and 4,800 meters.
Puna Mouse (Punomys lemminus) Threatened
The Puna Mouse is a rare species found in Peru. This species is not found in any protected areas in the Tropical Andes. It has a restricted elevation range (4400 to 4900 m) so it is only capable of sheltering in rock crevices. Its habitat is threatened by wetland drainage and climatic change.
Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) Threatened
The Spectacled bear is the largest land carnivore in the continent. It is the only surviving bear species native to South America. The species is found almost entirely in the Andes Mountains. This bear is under threat for numerous reasons. A large portion of the bear's habitat is unprotected. Extensive logging and farming takes place in the bear's habitat and as little at 5% of their original habitat remains. Due to habitat loss, the bear's food sources are decreasing drastically. Locals hunt them for livestock. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses the bear's gall bladder and they are high cost in the International Market.
*This project was created for a school project.