An International campaign on protection of European carnivores
A unique layer of Russian and world culture is based on communication with nature. Everyone remembers animals from fairy-tales and cartoon-films which accompany people from their early childhood, but as we become adults we forget that our favorite animals live around us and they need our help and protection.
The year 2009 is announced by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums a Year of European carnivores. 12 species of carnivore animals which occur on the territory of Europe were taken under a special protection.
1. Arctic fox Alopex lagopus
2. Eurasian otter Lutra lutra
3. Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus
4. European wild cat Felis sylvestris
5. Grey wolf Canis lupus
6. Brown bear Ursus arctos
7. Marbled polecat Vormela peregusna
8. European lynx Lynx lynx
9. Polar bear Ursus maritimus
10. Wolverine Gulo gulo
11. Golden jackal Canis aureus
12. European mink Mustela lutreola
Carnivores are amazing and unique. They are an integral part of nature, a decoration of forests of Russia and Europe, but people feel fear towards them. Strong and “all-powerful” “kings of nature” – humans, are afraid of wolves and bears, afraid for their safety, and because of their ignorance humans mercilessly kill carnivores. But humans kill even the animals which cannot do any damage to them, because of their valuable fur. And many unique species are already endangered because of destruction of their natural habitats.
Not only inhabitants of Europe, but all mankind can lose carnivores that is why their protection is a very important condition of our life. We can help protect the unique richness given to us by nature!