Birds

Andean Condor
Vultur gryphus

Andean Condors, one of the world's magnificent vultures, inhabit the coast of Peru and Argentina. They can also be found in the Andes Mountains

These vultures are covered with black feathers. The upper side of the wings is white. The collar of the condors is circled with a layer of white feather. Male Andean Condors have a fleshy crest on the head. When these creatures spread their wings, the wingspan could reach up to 10 feet (3m). On an average Andean Condors weigh about 26 pounds (12kg).

These condors feed on dead animals, and fish.

The females lay their eggs in caves, holes, and among boulders. They reproduce every 2 years. On an average female Andean Condors lay 1 - 2 eggs. The average incubation period is 50-60 days.

Human's destruction of their habitat, and food source are their main reasons for nearingextinction. If humans don't destroy their needs, they shoot or poison them. 

Amphibians

Cape Platanna 
Xenopus gilli

The species can be found only in the southwestern Cape Province in South Africa. The frog'shabitat includes fynbos, which are stained, piquant seepages and in the ponds in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

The Cape Platanna has smooth skin, strong webbed hind feet and a pointed head. One unusual thing about the Cape Platanna is that it does not have a tongue. This frog measures around 2.3 inches (5.8cm). It is usually dark colored.

The adults eat insects during the summer, but prefer tadpoles and small frogs during the rest of the year.

Breeding begins in July.

The Cape Platanna was discovered in 1927. It is very picky with its habitats and that factor contributes on its decline. Other factors of its decline include: change of vegetation, change of water quality and its interbreeding with a larger, related species called the Common Platanna Xenopus laevis. The Xenopus takes over the Cape Platanna's habitat and also feeds on its tadpoles. Its surviving individuals are being protected and some 300 are in reserve parks. 

Chinese Giant Salamander 
Andrias davidianus

Andrias davidianus

The Chinise Giant Salamander can be found in the north, central, south and southwest China. Itshabitats are those of mountain streams at elevations below 3281 feet (1000m) with plentiful vegetation and shallow water surrounded with caves and pools.

The Chinise Giant Salamander is a Giant; it measures 3.3 feet (1m) and is one of the world's largest salamander. It has a broad head and mouth. It is usually dark colored with light colors underneath and black patches on its upper side. Its four limbs are short and its tail accounts for more than half of its measure. It has a smooth and thick skin.

This salamander eats crabs, shrimps, aquatic insects, fish and frogs. It hunts at night.

Breeding occurs from August to September.

One of the factors of the salamander's decline is the capitalization on medicine and food. This salamander is also being hunted for food, even though it is a protected animal. The numbers in the wild has decreased. Loss of habitats and the pollution of water are also factors of its decline. The protection of this species needs to be more effective and strict to prevent its extinction. 

TOP 10 MOST ENDANGERED SPECIES IN THE WORLD

#1 Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis)

Since 1970, the Black Rhino population, native to southern and east Africa, has declined by 90% to less than 3,000. They are killed primarily for their horns. Trade of Rhinos has been banned for more than twenty years. Although having banned trading of the species, there still continues to be a great demand for Rhino parts.Please click here: #2 Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Within a few short years, Giant Pandas could be facing extinction. Fewer than 1,000 remain in their native habitat of China. The main reason for their decline is due to loss of natural habitat and poaching.Please click here: