Bezoar Goat (Capra aegagrus aegagrus)
Niche: Bezoar goats control weeds and reduce excess undergrowth in forested areas vulnerable to fires. Habitat: Bezoar Goat's live in mountainous areas in altitudes of up to 4,000 meters above sea level. They like shrubby vegetation or coniferous forest. Adaptation to environment: "A special adaptation of a goat is its wool which helps it survive the harsh mountain climate. Another adaptation is its horns, which it uses to defend itself and fight for females." (http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/wild_goat.htm) Plants they are dependent on: Bezoar Goats depend on grass, twigs, leaves, berries and bark. Relationship: This is their diet. |
Puma (Puma Concolor)
Niche: Pumas seek out habitats with dense underbrush in which they can stalk prey. Habitat: Pumas live in many different types of habitats including deserts, rainforests and mountains. Adaptation to environment: The puma's long hind legs are designed to leap great distances, which helps it catch and kill prey. Plants they are dependent on: "Pumas are territorial animals and territories depend on terrain, vegetation and the abundance of prey." (https://animalcorner.co.uk/animals/puma/) Plants also help them stay hidden while they are hunting. Relationship: Plants are part of their territory and helps them catch food. |
Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus)
Niche: Red Kangaroos also keep the levels shrubs and weeds down in chaparrals. Habitat: Red Kangaroos live in scrubland, grassland, woodland and deserts. They prefer open grassy plains with scattered trees. Adaptation to environment: "When pregnant, the female kangaroo is able to freeze the development of the young embryo during drought times until the food sources are replenished." (http://eleanorgadaptionsassignment.weebly.com/red-kangaroo.html) Plants they are dependent on: Red Kangaroos depend on shrubs, flowering plants and foliage. Relationship: This is their main food source. |
Echidna (Tachyglossidae)
Niche: It lives exclusively on ants and termites. Habitat: Echidna's shelter in rocks, fallen trees, burrows or caves. Adaptation to environment: Echidna's will wedge themselves beneath rock or burrow straight down into soft soil to escape predators such as dogs, eagles and dingos. Their hind feet are point backwards. This helps push soil away when the animal is burrowing. Plants they are dependent on: Echidnas do not eat plants or shelter in plants. They become nocturnal to avoid heat in the warmer months. Relationship: Plants are not needed for Echidnas to survive. |
Wallaby (Macropus)
Niche: Herbivore, strong legs, large feet for jumping and kicking. Habitat: Wallabies prefer remote areas that are wooded or rugged rather than open arid plains. Adaptation to environment: One way that wallabies keep cool during the summer is by licking their paws and wrists. Plants they are dependent on: Wallabies depend on grass, hay, leaves, twigs, fruits, and vegetables. Relationship: These are their main source of food. |