Scarce & Superpowered: The Incredible Abilities of 5 Endangered Species

Maeve Kiley

A Magnificent Lyrebird.

As the first month of 2026 comes to an end, many animals face constant threats from deforestation, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, over 48,600 species are at risk of extinction, but this is an estimated fraction of the total, which could be close to a million. 

Some do not see the value in protecting the many struggling species and their determined quest for survival. Many believe that all animals are the same: alien, strange, and useless in the modern world. However, all life is valuable and worthy of protection. Endangered species are not simply victims; they are diverse, intricate, and intriguing organisms that help maintain the complex web of nature. 

Chipco Preserve believes strongly not only in protecting endangered species but also in uplifting them. By highlighting the incredible abilities, strengths, and natural contributions of individuals, we can focus on being protectors of the earth and members of the world's delicate ecosystem. 

The Amazing Axolotl's Regenerative Abilities

Exclusively living in the lake complex of Lake Xochimilco, the axolotl is a famous and globally recognizable creature. Their unique habitat makes them special, but their home is not the only thing that sets them apart. Axolotls have a healing factor that would make most superheroes jealous. They can regrow their entire limbs, parts of their brain, heart, lungs, spinal cords, and skin cells. All of this regrowth occurs without scarring. Scientists have been studying their abilities for decades in hopes of developing therapies for human limb loss, spinal cord injuries, organ damage, and scar-free healing. Axolotls are also resistant to cancer. 

Tragically, axolotls are among the most endangered species on the planet. They only exist in Lake Xochimilco, which is poisoned by sewage and agricultural runoff. Invasive species such as carp and tilapia were introduced, and they have been consuming axolotl eggs and babies. Droughts linked to climate change have worsened the issues as well. Researchers and activists have been scrambling to restore their habitats, such as traditional chinampas (floating gardens). Captive breeding and reintroduction efforts are underway as well, with graduates of these programs showing great success in the wild. 

The Bloody Defense of the Greater Short-horned Lizard

In the shortgrass of the prairies and under the hot sun of the sagebrush deserts, the Greater Short-horned lizard lurks. Predators frequently swarm the little lizard, and with its small size, other defense methods must be employed. Fortunately, the Greater Short-horned lizard has a bloody defense. The lizard contracts its muscles to prevent blood flow and raise pressure in the ocular sinuses. The increased pressure ruptures small blood vessels, spraying thick, hot blood from the corners of the lizard's eyes. The blood is foul-tasting (containing fragments of their ant-based diet), and it scares the predator, which gives the lizard enough time to escape. 

In Canada, the Greater Short-horned Lizard is listed as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Habitat fragmentation from agriculture and urban sprawl limits their land, and traffic lessens their mortality rates. Many conservation efforts focus on protecting known habitats, especially the Grasslands National Park, and caring for the current population. A few states in the United States list the lizard as endangered, but it is not federally recognized as threatened. 

The Vocal Capabilities of the Lyrebird 

Many birds can mimic human sounds, but a ground-dwelling songbird rivals all. The Lyrebird is native to the rainforests and woodlands of eastern Australia, mainly Queensland, down to Victoria. They are capable of producing a wide array of sounds from their environment, including, but not limited to, bird calls from over 20 species and mammal sounds. Fascinatingly, they can produce human-made sounds such as chainsaws, car alarms, camera clicks, whistles, and even musical jingles. They utilize their songs to impress female mates. 

There are two species of Lyrebird: Superb Lyrebird and Albert's Lyrebird. Initially, the Superb Lyrebird was considered "Least Concern," but that status is now being reevaluated following the tragic 2019-2020 Australian bushfires, which destroyed most of its habitat. The Albert's Lyrebird is "Threatened" due to its subtropical habitat being affected by logging and land clearing. Combining these factors with the frequent, natural predation from feral animals, the Lyrebird faces ongoing threats from both natural and human-made disasters. 

The Heat-sensing Sight of the Mangshan Pit Viper 

Pit Vipers have a fascinating fiery ability, and the Mangshan Pit Viper is no exception. The name "Pit Viper" refers to the deep sensory depressions, or pits, located between their eyes and nostrils. Inside the pits are infrared-detecting organs that can sense the heat emitted by warm-blooded prey. 

These pits give them thermal vision and help them hunt in complete darkness, which makes pit vipers incredibly effective predators. Unfortunately, the Mangshan pit viper is critically endangered, with an estimated 500 remaining in the wild. They face severe threats, including illegal hunting/collection and habitat loss. Conservation efforts, particularly at the Bronx Zoo, are supporting breeding programs to maintain genetic diversity within the remaining population. 

The Ultrasonic Call of Bats

  The nocturnal residents of the sky possess a powerful, sophisticated form of sonar that they use to hunt in complete darkness. Bats emit high-frequency ultrasonic sounds (too high-pitched for human ears to detect) from their nostrils or mouths. They carefully listen for returning echoes to build a detailed acoustic map of their surroundings, enabling them to navigate, hunt, and find potential mates. They analyze the intensity, pitch, frequency, and timing of these bouncing echoes and perceive the size, shape, texture, and distance of the objects in their surroundings. 

  This power is crucial for their survival and allows them to detect the tiny insects that they consume in the nighttime darkness. Bats have been experiencing a severe decline globally due to a devastating fungal disease called White-nose Syndrome. Pollution and construction, including mass destruction of foraging areas and cave roosts, have limited their habitat. Wind energy (particularly turbine collisions) poses a threat in rural areas, and humans regularly disturb their sensitive roosts. 

Where Wonder Lives 

Although these special critters are remarkable, there is beauty and wonder to be found in all of creation. From the intelligent, puzzle-solving minds of the chimpanzee to the complex, golden bodies of the chanterelle fungi, life is beautiful, powerful, and valuable. Humans may not understand all the scientific intricacies of the natural world, but there is no doubt that we need nature. Although terrible, tragic mistakes have occurred and many animals must suffer the consequences of human carelessness, we can also protect, provide, and improve through research, education, and conservation. Learn about the wonderful world around you and hear the call of life crying out from the forest. Listen to the call, step out into the unknown, and discover your place in the wondrous web of life. 

Works Cited:

All you need to know about the endangered axolotl. Earth.Org. (2024, July 3). https://earth.org/?endangered-species=axolotl-endangered-species-spotlight 

Canada, E. and C. C. (2015, July 31). Government of Canada. Greater short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi): recovery strategy 2015 - Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-public-registry/recovery-strategies/greater-short-horned-lizard-2015.html 

Endangered species interventions. Bat Conservation International. (2025, November 27). https://www.batcon.org/our-work/endangered-species-interventions/

Kever, J. (2020, October 21). How do snakes "see" in the dark? researchers have an answer. University of Houston. https://www.uh.edu/news-events/stories/2020/october-2020/10212020sharma-snake-vision.php 

New axolotl study gives researchers a leg up in work towards limb regeneration. NSF. (2025, July 18). https://www.nsf.gov/news/new-axolotl-study-gives-researchers-leg-work-towards-limb 

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (n.d.-a). https://www.iucnredlist.org/about/background-history

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Library staff. (n.d.). Libguides: Mangshan Pit Viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) fact sheet: Population & conservation status. Population & Conservation Status - Mangshan Pit Viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) Fact Sheet - LibGuides at International Environment Library Consortium. https://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/mangshanpitviper/population 

Smith, L. (2024, October 19). Short-horned lizard: The inflatable "horny toad" that squirts toxic blood from its eyes. LiveScience. https://www.livescience.com/animals/lizards/short-horned-lizard-the-inflatable-horny-toad-that-squirts-toxic-blood-from-its-eyes 

Veira, W., McCusker, C., & Wells, K. (2019). Advancements to the axolotl model for regeneration and aging. 

Visibility, H. (2024, September 5). Echolocation & evolution: How bats continue to redefine their diets and adapt to the night. Bat Conservation International. https://www.batcon.org/echolocation-evolution-how-bats-continue-to-redefine-their-diets-and-adapt-to-the-night/