North America, the third-largest continent, boasts diverse species across its varied climates and habitats, from Arctic zones with polar bears and Arctic foxes to tropical areas inhabited by jaguars and parrots. The continent is notable for significant populations of mammals, including bison in the Great Plains, grizzly bears in the Rockies, and alligators in the southeastern swamps, alongside unique desert dwellers like the roadrunner and the Gila monster. Its extensive coastlines, rivers, and lakes support a wealth of aquatic life, with the Pacific Northwest famous for its salmon and orcas and the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico rich in shellfish, sea turtles, and manatees. Avian life thrives with many migratory paths for geese, ducks, and songbirds, and the iconic bald eagle stands out as a prominent bird of prey. Despite high development, North America maintains extensive conservation efforts through national parks and wildlife refuges, although challenges from habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and climate change persist.
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