Sunday, December 23, 2012

Ten Interesting Facts About Panthers

Panthers are those animals that belong to the family of leopards, cats and loins. This is why panthers are also called the big cats. They are known for their lean body and fast speed. Panthers are also called jaguars. Panthers also do have different colors and classifications. Their colors and classifications are according to the areas where they are found. Most famous types of panthers are white and black panthers and both are very rare now days.


1. Types of panthers

The two main types of panthers are black and white panthers. Apart from these two types, there are other types of panthers as well. These are classified as the colors of panthers so other panthers are tawny or spotted panthers.

2. Name

Usually panthers are also called leopards or big cats. The name panther has been eliminated today but still the pure black leopards are called panthers.

3. Black panther

Black panthers are really beautiful but rare. They are usually found in the thick forests of united states, UK and Australia.

4. Ghost of forests

Panther is also called the 'ghost of forest' because of its quickness and stealthy walk. These are its features that help him catching target easily.

5. White panthers

White panthers are even rarer than the Black Panther. The total number of white panther in the whole world is just few hundreds. This is a sad fact that this species is disappearing very fast. White panthers are found in the region named 'chitraal' of Pakistan and some other northern areas of the same country.

6. Yellow panther

There is another type of panthers named as yellow panthers and it is really interesting fact that yellow mother panther can have both yellow and black cubs.

7. Life span

Life span of panthers is very short. The average life of a panther is twelve years but in captivity they can live up to 19 or 20 years.

8. Tree climbers

Panthers are the most capable and fast tree climbers in their whole group of animals. It is noticed that they have some really different and interesting tricks for tree climbing.

9. Strength

Panthers are so strong animals that they can lift heavy animals they killed with them on trees. They can also kill big animals like giraffe.

10. Territory

Panthers live in their own territory and do not allow any other panther to enter in their territory. By the age of 2, they are fully grown and able to hold their separate space.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

The Common Knowledge About Siberian Tigers

Siberian tigers are the world's largest cats. They live primarily in eastern Russia's birch forests, though some exist in China and North Korea. There are an estimated 400 to 500 Siberian tigers living in the wild, and recent studies suggest that these numbers are stable. Though their northern climate is far harsher than those of other tigers, these animals have some advantages. Northern forests offer the lowest human density of any tiger habitat, and the most complete ecosystem. The vast woodlands also allow tigers far more room to roam, as Russia's timber industry is currently less extensive than that of many other countries.

Tigers are the largest of all wild cats and are renowned for their power and strength. There were once eight tiger subspecies, but three became extinct during the 20th century. Over the last hundred years, hunting and forest destruction have reduced overall tiger populations from hundreds of thousands to perhaps 3,000 to 5,000.


Tigers are hunted as trophies and also for body parts that are used in traditional Chinese medicine. All five remaining tiger subspecies are endangered, and many protection programs are in place. Poaching is a reduced—but still very significant—threat to Siberian tigers.

Tigers live alone and aggressively scent-mark large territories to keep their rivals away. They are powerful hunters that travel many miles to find prey, such as elk and wild boar, on nocturnal hunts. Tigers use their distinctive coats as camouflage and hunt by stealth. They lie in wait and creep close enough to attack their victims with a quick spring and a fatal pounce. A hungry tiger can eat as much as 60 pounds in one night, though they usually eat less.

Despite their fearsome reputation, most tigers avoid humans; however, a few do become dangerous maneaters. These animals are often sick and unable to hunt normally, or live in areas where their traditional prey has vanished.

Females give birth to litters of two to six cubs, which they raise with little or no help from the male. Cubs cannot hunt until they are 18 months old, and remain with their mothers for two to three years, when they disperse to find their own territory.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Here Are Some Interesting Facts About African Elephants

African elephants are one of the largest land mammals. Three species of this animal are recognized. Some species of African elephants are extinct and no more exists on the face of earth. Animals are great source of attraction in zoos, and kids love to see them. They are considered as sacred in some religions. Here we are mentioning some interesting facts about African elephants.


1: Food

African elephant is giant animal and it needs lots of food to support their large body. They  can eat approximately 350 pounds of food during the day. They feed on fruits, grasses, leaves and bark.

2: Social life

African elephants are social animals and live in herds. The large herds of these animals can change the landscape very quickly, as they eat too much. An old female leads the herd and all African elephants take care of each other.

3: Reproduction

African elephants are mammals and reproduce sexually. Pregnancy period is 22 months long and calves are usually born in rainy season, as plenty of food is available in that season. Only one young elephant is born at a time, as they need attention and care. Interestingly, elephants do not breed in captivity.

4: Head and Ear

Head of an elephant is so large and weighs hundreds of pounds. To support this huge weight, their neck has extra muscles. Ear of elephant not only provide excellent sense of hearing but also work as air conditioners and keep body temperature moderate.

5: Threats

Pouching is the biggest threat for elephants. People hunt them for their tusks. Habitat destruction is another big threat for them. Lions also hunt young elephants for food.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

The Facts And Information About Mountain Gorillas

There are roughly 700 mountain gorillas remaining on Earth, and nearly half live in the forests of the Virunga mountains in central Africa. These gorillas live on the green, volcanic slopes of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—areas that have seen much human violence from which the gorillas have not escaped unscathed.

Many conservation initiatives are meant to aid mountain gorillas, and it is believed that their numbers may be steady or slowly increasing. Still they continue to face major threats from habitat loss and poaching.

Mountain gorillas have longer hair and shorter arms than their lowland cousins. They also tend to be a bit larger than other gorillas.


Gorillas can climb trees, but are usually found on the ground in communities of up to 30 individuals. These troops are organized according to fascinating social structures. Troops are led by one dominant, older adult male, often called a silverback because of the swath of silver hair that adorns his otherwise dark fur. Troops also include several other young males, some females, and their offspring.

The leader organizes troop activities like eating, nesting in leaves, and moving about the group's 0.75-to-16-square-mile home range.

Those who challenge this alpha male are apt to be cowed by impressive shows of physical power. He may stand upright, throw things, make aggressive charges, and pound his huge chest while barking out powerful hoots or unleashing a frightening roar. Despite these displays and the animals' obvious physical power, gorillas are generally calm and nonaggressive unless they are disturbed.

In the thick forests of central and west Africa, troops find plentiful food for their vegetarian diet. They eat roots, shoots, fruit, wild celery, and tree bark and pulp.

Female gorillas give birth to one infant after a pregnancy of nearly nine months. Unlike their powerful parents, newborns are tiny — weighing four pounds — and able only to cling to their mothers' fur. These infants ride on their mothers' backs from the age of four months through the first two or three years of their lives.

Young gorillas, from three to six years old, remind human observers of children. Much of their day is spent in play, climbing trees, chasing one another, and swinging from branches. In captivity, gorillas have displayed significant intelligence and have even learned simple human sign language.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

These Facts About Rare Black Rhinoceros

Today, many animals are on the verge of extinction, thanks to years of relentless poaching but rhinoceros, even today are probably one of the most majestic animals to walk the earth. The fact that these animals have been around since the Miocene era, million of years ago, only adds to their aura. But, these animals are today almost extinct with almost ninety percent of the population being killed and poached since the 1970s. There are five species of rhinos existent in the world today and the black rhinoceros is one of them. In this article, we will give you some facts that will help you understand more about this animal that once ruled sub-Saharan African jungles.


Facts about Black Rhinoceros

There is a lot to learn about this mammal. But before we take a closer look at how its appearance is, where it lives, what its diet is and other such details, let us get an overview of some basic features of the black rhinoceros.

Appearance

While they are categorized as black rhinoceros, it is important to understand that even the species of white rhinoceros is actually gray in color. The difference between the two actually lies in the shape of their lip, with the black rhinoceros having a pointed upper lip. This shape of the lip is an adaptability to allow the animal to feed on twigs, leaves, herbs and shoots. This species of rhinos have two horns, with the one in front being more prominent than the other. Rhino horns grow about three inches every year. The horn of the rhino is made of thick hair that is matted. It grows from the skull with absolutely no support from the skeletal system. While male rhinos use horns to battle predators, females use it to protect their children. Rhinos have eyelashes and have hair on their ears and at the tip of their tail. If you study the different facts about rhinoceros, you will learn that like every other species of the rhino, even the black rhinoceros is odd toed and has three toes on each foot. Many are surprised by the fact that a black rhino is actually very fast and can run at a speed of almost 50 kilometers per hour.

Behavior

Rhinos are known to be solitary creatures which prefer to roam around alone than in a herd. They tend to interact with each other only when they mate and when the mother is raising its calf. They are territorial animals that defend their areas fiercely. They have a very sharp sense of smell and also have a keen hearing power. Despite being a large animal with a lot of power, the fact remains that it is not a natural predator which is what makes it an easy prey for humans. But, these animals tend to be aggressive and attack not out of an actual threat but normally out of fear and confusion. They often have been known to attack tree trunks and termite mounds and this is generally a result of their poor eyesight.

Habitat and Diet

The black rhino normally stays in areas that have a dense and woody vegetation. These mammals feed at night and often lie around in a water hole with wet mud, so as to coat their skin with the mud which acts as a bug repellent and a sun block. The vegetation that a black rhino feeds on includes buds, shoots, leaves, bushes and trees.

As mentioned before, these animals are often solitary and do not mingle in herds but they have a close relationship with their calves that lasts for two to four years. Black rhinos are extremely intriguing animals that tend to awe you by their sheer presence, but their numbers are fast depleting due to a high demand for their horn. If something is not done and their depreciating numbers are not reversed, the black rhino may soon join the ranks of extinct animals.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Baisc Facts About American Crocodiles You Need To Know

American crocodiles are well-armored with tough, scaly skin. They are gray-green or olive-green with long, slender snouts, which distinguish them from their cousin, the alligator. Also unlike the alligator, the fourth tooth on the bottom jaw of the American crocodile is visible when its mouth is closed. South Florida is the only place where you can find both crocodiles and alligators.


Diet

An American crocodile's diet consists mainly of small fish, invertebrates, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Population

There are more than 1,000 American crocodiles, not including hatchlings, in Florida. American crocodiles are found in southern Florida, the Caribbean, southern Mexico and along the Central American coast south to Venezuela.

Behavior

American crocodiles inhabit brackish and saltwater habitats and are typically found in coastal mangrove wetlands, ponds, coves, creeks and canals. Decidedly less aggressive than the infamous Nile and Australian crocodiles, American crocodiles are shy, reclusive and rarely seen by people.

Threats

Once hunted intensively for their hides, today, loss of habitat to human development, illegal killing and roadkill are the greatest threats faced by American crocodiles. As sea level rises due to climate change, a significant portion of crocodiles’ coastal wetland habitat may face saltwater incursion or inundation.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Know More About The Panada

The panda, or more accurately known as the Giant Panda is a true bear native to central-western and south western China. It is easily recognizable by its large, distinctive black patches around the eyes, over the ears, and across its round body.
The western world first learned of the giant panda in 1869 when the French missionary Armand David received a skin from a hunter on 11 March 1869. The first living giant panda to be seen outside China was by the German zoologist Hugo Weigold, who purchased a cub in 1916. In 1938, five giant pandas were sent to London, but no more to follow for the next half of the century due to the Second World War and its repercussions.
Panda Facts
The giant panda is an endangered species because it is threatened by continued habitat loss and by a very low birthrate, both in the wild and in captivity. Furthermore, the giant panda has been a target for poaching by locals since ancient times and then by foreigners since it was introduced to the West. Thankfully, starting in the 1930s, foreigners were unable to poach giant pandas in China because of the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War, but pandas still remained a source of soft furs for the locals. The population boom in China after 1949 created further stress on the pandas' habitat, and the subsequent famines led to the increased hunting of wildlife, including the Giant Pandas.
Worse was to come because during the Cultural Revolution, all studies and conservation activities on the pandas were stopped. Then after the Chinese economic reform, demand for panda skins from Hong Kong and Japan led to illegal poaching for the black market - acts which were generally ignored by the local officials at the time.
The Wolong National Nature Reserve was set up by the PRC government in 1958 to save the declining panda population, but few advances in the conservation of pandas were made, due to inexperience and insufficient knowledge of Giant Panda ecology. Many believed that the best way to save the pandas was to cage them. As a result, pandas were caged at any sign of decline, and suffered further from the terrible conditions. Because of pollution and destruction of their natural habitat, along with segregation due to caging, reproduction of wild pandas was severely limited. But things began to change in the 1990s, when several laws (including gun control and the removal of resident humans from the reserves) helped the chances of survival for pandas. With these renewed efforts and improved conservation methods, wild pandas have started to increase in numbers in some areas, even though they still are classified as a rare species.

Friday, August 10, 2012

We All Need To Do Something To Protect Wild Tiger

There are millions of kinds of animals on the earth, and quite a lot of them are rare, with so much hurt to them, the numbers of animals are reducing now, especially the rare wild animals. Recently, I have been really disturbed by the plight of the wild tiger, the largest of all cats, and one of the most threatened species on earth.

Moreover, having grown up in South Africa, living on a farm and around game and nature reserves, animal conservation has always been an issue close to my heart. I hate to see an animal suffering or in need, and I cannot tolerate the endangerment of any animal species or habitats by irresponsible or destructive human behavior.


I started looking for a way to do something to help save these beautiful cats, and in the process I found some really great organizations doing amazing work for these animals. I hope that by sharing this information and supporting these organizations, I can do my small bit to help protect the majestic tiger.

Right now, we face the very real danger that we could lose the wild tiger. Their very survival is threatened by growing human populations, poaching (of both tigers and their prey species), illegal wildlife trade, and the loss of over 90% of their habitat. A century ago there were 100,000 tigers roaming the forests, swamps, and tundra of Asia. Today, there are as few as 3,200 left in the wild, and only 7% of historic tiger habitat still contains tigers. At this rate, wild tigers will be extinct in just a few decades.

We can save wild tigers. And by saving tigers, we also save the biologically rich and diverse landscapes where they still roam – Asia’s last great rain forests, jungles and wild lands.

WWF (World Wildlife Fund), the world’s leading conservation organization, has been helping to ensure the survival of wild animals all around the globe for over 50 years. You can support them by taking part in their Adopt a Tiger program. Save Tigers Now, a global campaign by WWF and Leonardo DiCaprio, aims to build political, financial and public support to double the number of wild tigers by 2022, the next Year of the Tiger. You can donate to the campaign to help save tigers in the wild. Save the Tiger Fund (STF) and Panthera have joined together in the fight to save tigers in the wild. You can contribute to the STF-Panthera Fund to help ensure that tigers will live on in the wild forever.

Friday, August 3, 2012

How Necessary Are The Outfits For Your Pet Dog

How do you think you're supposed to look after the merchandise? Does it call for specific laundering or is it a basic subject of throwing it into your washing machine? Check out to discover if your item must be hung dry or if it can be thrown into your dryer. Bear in mind that selected detergents could irritate your dog's skin so be aware of that when launder the apparel your select.

You don't have to restrict on your own to dressing your pet dog up only while in the winter. Many house owners have adorable t-shirts as well as other light-weight clothing for the warmer months. Spring would be the best period for light-weight puppy apparel. The moderate temperatures allow for them to wear different types of clothes with none discomfort.

Some tiny dogs tend to be more liable to the cool climate than much larger breeds. For example, Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers are merely not tailored to live in chilly weather conditions, and as a result, we need to assist continue to keep them heat and safe and sound with apparel. A simple sweatshirt can establish a precious tool in achieving this.

Will you be searching for an merchandise which is for just a big day? The precise occasion or need to have will allow you to decide just whatever you want to acquire. Maybe you’d like a jersey to your favored football group to decorate your buddy up in time to the Super Bowl, or possibly you’re celebrating a household wedding ceremony as well as your dog might be incorporated. Whichever the special day, you’ll be able to rest assured you are going to be in a position to locate something which is simply correct and will fit your tastes and your dog’s demands.

If you reside in a cold local weather region, you’ll want to normally have a wardrobe available in your pet to have on. Even if it is really merely a sweater and jacket,dog apparel, you will probably obtain you working with it quite` normally that can help preserve your canine warm during the cold. For destinations by using a large amount of snow, a weather-proof raincoat is important to keep your dog protected from the freezing snow and rain.

When most people think about pet dog attire,puppy apparel, they consider cute Chihuahuas using lovely and stylish gowns or outfits. Whilst dog outfits do offer type and attractiveness,dog clothes, also they are significant for any number of other explanations. Right here,Large Dog Clothes, we will require a look at some of these reasons and reveal when dog attire are unquestionably needed.

An frequently neglected item is puppy sneakers. Certainly you observed me effectively, they make sneakers for dogs. Although a lot of people will brush this item off to be a unneeded commodity, they are really terrific for safeguarding your dogs sensitive paws. When it is raining or snowing outside the house, the freezing, slippery ground can verify risky and tough for a dogs paws. Very simple booties and footwear will help secure their paws by delivering a protecting layer of snug product. If you make your mind up on buying pet dog footwear, be sure to find types that conform for your pet dogs paws and aren’t stiff.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Do You Know These Facts About The Eastern Wild Turkeys

Turkey is the necessary part in our Thanksgiving Dinner, it always has the significant meaning. Large and awkward eastern wild turkeys inhabit much of the continental United States from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. Although the birds were once hunted and their populations decimated in states such As New Hampshire, the wild turkeys have made a comeback because there is even the limited hunting seasons in most eastern states. The birds inhabit all of the northeastern states and it is normal during spring and fall seasons to see large flocks in fields and along roadsides. The wild turkey is an impressive bird when seen on the ground and also in flight. There are many interesting facts to know more about the wild turkeys that inhabit the woods of the United States.

1. Nearly Extinct in the mid 1900s

In the 1930s the population of wild turkeys was very small, wild turkeys have suffered from many years of over hunting and the destruction of their natural habitat. These two factors led to a rapid drop in the population around the country. Turkey hunts were often times fruitless as there simply ere no birds to be found in the woods and fields of the northeast. In the state of New Hampshire during the 1950s and 1960s it was believed that there were no wild turkeys living in the state at all. Throughout New England the turkey populations were very small. The birds became protected and with the establishment and passage of the Pittman-Robertson Act in 1937 funds became available to restore habitats and reintroduce turkey populations to the northeast. The astern Wild Turkey began to reappear in New Hampshire in the 1970s.

2. Natural Protection

The body of a male wild turkey is normally covered in 5,000 to 6,000 feathers. These feathers are patterned in a way that provides natural camouflage for the birds. The feather tracts on the birds allow them to easily blend in with the foliage. The coloration of the feathers in iridescent brown and gold hues blend in with underbrush and leave coverings to make them hard to spot by predators. Even with the large size of a male they can easily blend into forest habitats.

3. Mating Season

During the spring wild turkeys go through a mating ritual. This is when they are normally viewed in fields and along roadsides in New England. These birds prefer large open spaces for the mating rituals. Once they have mated the hen will normally lay 10 to 12eggs. Eggs are laid one a day over a two week period and then incubated for 28 days.

4. Male Turkeys

The typical male turkey weighs around 20 pounds and is distinguished by his fan tail, caruncle, snood and dewlap. Both males and females may have a beard, growth of feathers on the chest area.

5. Diet

Wild turkeys are omnivores, they eat both plants and meats. The normal diet is approximately 90% wild seeds and berries and 10% other items that may include small insects or other fleshy items.

6. Flight

Turkeys are capable of flight and can land in tight spaces. They seem rather awkward when taking off or landing and this is mainly because of their large size. Turkeys do not normally fly long distances.

7. Winter Habitats

Turkeys are not migratory and will remain in their habitats through the winter. Finding small areas where seepage occurs and there is some plant life will provide turkeys with forage for the winter months. Woodlands and forests provide protection form winter’s harshest elements.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Hispid Hares Are Among Those Shy And Secretive Mammals


The hispid hare is also called the "bristly rabbit" because it has coarse, dark brown hair. It's ears are short, and its back legs are not much larger than the front legs. It weighs about 2.5 kg (5.5 lb). It prefers tall grass-scrubsavanna, in flat, well-drained and thinly forested country. It is notgregarious, but sometimes lives in pairs. Its diet consists mainly of bark, shoots and roots of grasses, including thatch species, and occasionally crops.
  
Hispid Hare
The hispid hare was formerly found from Uttar Pradesh to Assam (India) along the Himalayan foothills, and south to Dacca in East Pakistan (nowBangladesh). In 1964, it was feared by some to be extinct, or nearly so, but by 1966 it was thought still to exist in a few isolated parts of its range along the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. In 1990 the areas from which it had been recently recorded included Assam, northwest Bengal, northwest Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and theteraiarea of southern and southwestNepal.
  
The main reasons for its decline include habitat loss, mainly for cultivation, forestry, grazing and the burning of thatch; human settlement; hunting for food and to protect crops; and predation by dogs. In addition, human-induced changes in seasonal flooding have favored the later stages of vegetationsuccessionwhich the hispid hare does not prefer.
  
Hispid Hare is widely found in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam. They are also spotted at Manas National Parkand Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bengal.
  
Habitat : Hispid Hare prefers low grassy areas to live.
  
Diet : Hispid hare is herbivorous animal and feeds on bark, shoots, grass roots and crops.
  
Reproduction : Gestation period rests for 25- 50 days. Litter size is 2-5 , with possibly 2- 9 litters per year. Young ones are usually born between January  to March.
  
The current status, distribution, habitat use and existing threats to the endangered hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) in the Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal, were investigated. The population density of hispid hare recorded in the study area was 1.01 animals/ha. Hispid hare pellets were found in the following grassland sites: Suklaphanta, Barkaula and Piparia. Hispid hare showed zero preference for short grassland, riverine forest and broadleaved forest. Grass species composition was similar in short grassland and tall grassland, but no pellets were found in the short grassland during the study period. This indicates that hispid hares select habitats that provide both shelter and food. The exiting threats to hispid hare were fire, invasion of grass species by broadleaved trees, grazing, flood, predation, and thatch collection.
  
Now, sporadically found in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and possibly Bhutan, it was at one time widely distributed along the foothill region of the southern Himalayas from Uttar Pradeshthrough southern Nepal, the northern region of West Bengal toAssam and into Bangladesh.
  
A significantly large number is found in the extensive grasslands of Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve. It prefers tall grasslands, thinly forested country and takes refuge in marshy areas or grass adjacent to river banks during the dry season, when these areas are susceptible to burning.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Chimpanzees Are The Closest Species To Mankind


Chimpanzee
Humans and chimpanzees are believed to share a common ancestor who lived some four to eight million years ago. Like human beings they are bestowed with intelligence and are social, noisy and curious. They share more than ninety eight percent of our genetic material. The number of chimpanzees in the world is estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000. Chimpanzees live in social groups of several dozen animals.

Although they normally walk on all fours, chimpanzees have the ability to stand and walk upright. When standing Chimpanzees are around 1.52m in height. Its weight is usually in the range of 29 to 54 kg. Chimpanzees have very long arms surprisingly longer than the legs, and a short body covered with black hair except on the face, fingers, palms, armpits, and bottoms of their feet. Adult chimpanzees have a short, white beard. By swinging from branch to branch they can also move quite well in the trees, where they do most of their eating. Chimpanzees usually sleep in the trees as well on nests of leaves. They can live up to the age of 50 in the wild, but have been recorded to reach up to the age of 60 in captivity.

Chimpanzees are one of the rare animal species that use tools. They use sticks to retrieve insects from their nests. They also use stones to smash open hard nuts. Chimpanzees have been taught to use some basic human sign language. Chimpanzees are omnivores and feed on both plants and meat. They search for food in the forests during the day - fruits, flowers, leaves, seeds, tree bark, plant bulbs and tender plant shoots. Their diet also consists of termites, ants, and small animals. Chimpanzees drink water, often by using a chewed leaf as a sponge to absorb the water. When faced by a predator, chimpanzees will scream loudly and use any object they can get against it. The leopard is the chimpanzee's main predator, though there have been instances of lions devouring them.

Females attain the reproductive age at thirteen, while males are at sixteen years old. The female’s gestation period is between 7.5 to 8 months. Females can give birth at any time of year, typically to a single baby chimpanzee that clings to its mother's fur and later rides on her back until the age of two. Young chimps may stay with their mothers till they are ten years old.

The greatest concentration of chimpanzee populations is present in the rain forest areas on what used to be known as the equatorial forest ‘belt’ - stretching across Central Africa. They like to live in hot and humid climate. They are usually found in dense tropical rainforests but can also be found in woodlands, bamboo forests, swamps, and open savannah. While chimpanzees spend equal time on land and in trees, they do most of their eating and sleeping in trees.

It is present in West and Central Equatorial Africa. Chimpanzees are found in twenty-one African nations. Congo, Angola, Senegal, Tanzania and Sierra Leone are a few of the countries it inhabits. Only 10 countries have chimpanzee populations more than 1,000. They are in abundance along the river Zaire. Habitat destruction is the greatest threat to its existence. Hunting and commercial exportation are also blamed for their declining numbers.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Take A Look At The Basic Information On Fennec Foxes


Fennec Fox
Fennec foxes are also known as desert foxes, since they survive in the Saharan desert. They are the smallest of the species of foxes, and several people wish to adopt them as exotic pets, because of their appearance. This is however, very rare, as they require special care and attention. Let's take a look at the basic information on fennec foxes, that includes its physical characteristics, its natural habitat, and its diet.

You should have legal permission to own a fennec fox as a pet.

Physical Characteristics:
  • The fennec fox is the smallest type of fox, with a body the length of about 9.5-16 inches. It has 6 inch long ears. It has a cream colored, furry body, with a black-tipped tail.
  • Physical characteristics such as their long ears radiate heat, and thus, help them keep their bodies cool. Moreover, the long hair on their body keeps them warm in winters, and protects them from heat in summers.
  • In order to walk on the hot sand, fennec foxes' feet are covered with hair, that help them for this purpose. Not only that, these feet also help them in digging, as they live in underground tunnels.
Habitat and Lifestyle:
  • The habitat of the this animal is mainly in the Sahara desert, and also in other parts of North Africa.
  • Fennec foxes are primarily nocturnal animals. They adapt themselves to the heat of their habitat with this trait.
  • They live in communities of ten, since they are extremely social animals, and each community has its own territory. This territory is marked out by a male fennec fox's urine.
  • These animals are however aggressive too, primarily in the mating season, where they compete for a mate.
Diet:
  • The diet of fennec foxes is omnivorous. While they can survive on plants, they also need other items to prey on such as insects, reptiles and rodents. Their adaptation to the desert allows them to survive for long periods without any water.
Fennec Foxes as Pets
  • Since fennec foxes are social animals, they require a good amount of attention and personal care. However, they are not domestic animals, so you might have to keep an eye on them as much as you can. They easily escape a closed environment, by their exquisite diggings skills, and are even good climbers.
  • If you happen to take them out, keep a good hold on the leash as they are quick runners, and difficult to get hold of once they escape.
  • They are primarily nocturnal, but should be allowed to lie in the sun for a while, to maintain their health. Also, they are highly active, and should be give adequate space for them to follow their own exercise routine.
  • Fennec foxes do not give out any foul odors, as do some other pets, and for this purpose make great pets.
  • A kennel is the best way to house a fennec fox, especially when you are not around to supervise its activities. At other times, when you are around, you may bring it into the house and keep it in a dog crate.
  • When you decide to keep them outdoors, you should do so in an outdoor pen, with a fence around it, that goes several underground, so that they do not escape by digging.
  • As mentioned before, since these are wild animals, training them to live in a house can be a challenge. Tasks like litter training may take a while. To do so, you will have to bring it to a litter box several times in a day from its pen, to relieve itself.
  • On the other hand, if you find it doing so openly in any other part of your house, don't punish it. Just move it back outside.
  • Since its diet is omnivorous, it requires a premium quality dry dog or cat food. This should be supplemented with other foods such as crickets, meal worms, and other fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Lastly, before you get one, find out if there is a veterinarian in your locality who will be able to treat it in case it has a health problem. They require vaccinations similar to dogs, particularly one against rabies, and other viruses.
  • Having fennec foxes undergo a health check up yearly is a good idea, to prevent them from heartworm, fleas, and perform other deworming techniques if required.
If you keep all these facts in mind, and if all these tips are followed, you can have a cute fennec fox for a pet, that will survive for up to 12-14 years, provided it is well cared for.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Different Species Of King Crabs Which Are Found In Seas All Around The Globe


King crabs are one of the most hunted sea dwellers. There are different species of these creatures which are found in seas all around the globe. They are also known as 'stone crabs' due to their appearance. They prefer to live in freezing cold waters, whereas other species of crabs are normally found in warmer waters. They are the largest amongst all kinds of crabs, and have a great commercial demand and importance. Some of their species are used as food by many people due to their size and taste. Japanese and American restaurants are famous for preparing king crab recipes. Around 40 species of king crabs are known till now. The most common are Red King crabs, Blue King crabs, and the Golden King crabs which are generally found in Alaskan waters.

Types of King Crabs

Red King Crab
The existence of these types of crabs is widely distributed in comparison to other species. They are generally found in the water bodies of Japan, and towards the north in the sea of Okhotsk. Scientifically, they are known as 'paralithodes camtschaticus'. They contribute greatly to the sea food business, and are widely bought and sold in the commercial market. They are also the most expensive amongst all crab types which are considered as food. They are the most difficult ones to catch, which is the primary reason for them being so highly expensive. Famous hunting grounds of Red King crabs are the Bering Sea and the Norton Sound, Alaska. Their outer covering can grow up to 11 inches, and their legs can grow up to 1.8 meters.

Blue King Crab
These types are usually hunted in Alaska. Their scientific name is 'paralithodes platypus'. The ones which are caught in the Pribilof Islands are the largest among the Blue King crabs. They have a brown-colored body, and have blue highlights. They exceptionally have big claws which seem really dangerous.

Golden King Crab
These types are also known as 'lithodes aequispinus', and are generally found in regions from the British Columbia to the Aleutian Islands, and also Japan. These are relatively smaller in size in comparison with other species. As their name suggests, they have a golden-colored outer covering.

Granular Claw Crab
These crabs are scientifically called 'oedignathus inermis'. They are usually found in large numbers across the Pacific coasts of USA, from California to Alaska. A feature that differentiates them from other species is the large number of eminences which are visible on the planate chelipeds and leg areas. They usually reside underneath purple-colored algae.

Rhinoceros Crab
These are also called golf-ball crabs, and are normally found in depths of about 10 - 75 meters. Their shell is triangular in shape, and approximately seven centimeters in length. There are numerous spines and bristle-like structures present on the legs of these crabs.

Scarlet King Crab
They are scientifically known as 'lithodes couesi', and are smaller in size. They are found in large numbers, which lessens their commercial value.

These are some of the known King crab facts. Their fishing is largely carried out in Alaska. Due to this reason, the government has implemented regulations on overfishing to save these King crabs from becoming extinct.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Among The Most Primitive Living Creatures On Earth Are The Dragonflies

Dragonflies have been known to roam the Earth for about 300 millions years. Paleontology (study of fossils) records reveal that the largest fossil of dragonfly was found to have a wingspan of about 2 ½ foot from the Carboniferous Period. Evolution in these species for millions of years changed their characteristics. Presently, Costa Rica homes dragonflies having wing span of 7 ½ inches. These insects are commonly found near water bodies like ponds, lakes and slow moving streams and other wet lands. These are the common spots for them to lay eggs. It has been known that dragonflies dwell in almost all continents, except Antarctica. Most dragonfly species are found in tropical areas. , There are about 5000 species of dragonflies found in the world, 450 out of which dwell in the United States. Here are some important dragonfly facts.

Dragonfly - Interesting Facts

Feeding
Dragonflies are regarded as strict carnivores insects. Insects like mosquitoes, gnats, midges, ants, termites, bees, butterflies and flies are on the menu of these insects. They also feed on larvae, tadpoles and even tiny fish. Dragonflies nymphs (the first stage after hatching) love to feed on mosquitoes. An adult dragonfly can savor about 50 mosquitoes in a day while flying around, and this is a very important factor in the biological control of mosquitoes.

Water
Dragonflies dwell in healthy and breathable water, and because of this characteristic feature they are considered as indications of good water source. Water bodies that support submerged and emergent vegetation provide shelter to these insects. They spend a major part of their lives underwater as nymphs in their larval stage. Sometimes this period goes up to 3 years, depending on the types of species. Adult dragonflies' life span lasts for a very short time - about a month.

Wings
Dragonflies are equipped with two sets of wings, so they do not have to beat their wings simultaneously. They flap their wings at a rate of 30 beats per second. It is known that these fliers can reach a top speed of 100 km/h. Their flight is similar to that of a helicopter; they can fly forward, backward, up and down and they are also capable of hovering. Such flying skills are achieved by powerful flight muscles and wings that can move independently.

Eyesight
Dragonflies are able to distinguish between colored, ultraviolet and even polarized light. The feature enable these insects to detect reflection in water. Among the most unbelievable fact about dragonflies is that each of their compound eyes contain about 30,000 individual lenses. They are able to have a 360º field of vision due to their eyes' position.

Territory and Mating
Like most males in the insect world and the animal kingdom, male dragonflies are very particular about their territory. They stake their claim to a particular area alongside a river, pond and the likes. Often, it can be seen that two dragonflies chase each other. When it comes to mating, these insects undergo a complex process. What is normally seen in a mating, is a couple attached to one another and flying through the air.

Predators
Birds are the natural predators of dragonflies. Apart from birds, these insects are also preyed upon by fish, water beetles, frogs, spiders, lizards and even larger species of other dragonflies.

Dragonflies and Humans
Various facts about dragonflies are surrounded by myths that revolve around these harmless creatures. It was believed that dragonflies have deadly stingers and people were allergic to them. It was also believed that, these insects used to sew the eyes of people who slept outside. The truth is, these insects are not a threat to humans. No cases have been recorded of any stings or bites from dragonflies. Instead, they are beneficial to humans. They help in reducing the population of mosquitoes and other harmful insects. Dragonfly facts also have some funny stories attached to them. One of them was a belief that these insects were snake doctors. They have the ability to bring dead snakes back to life. Now that's a hilarious one!

Conservation
Along with other insects and animal species, dragonflies also face a threat of extinction. The British Isles have witnessed the complete extinction of almost three species of these insects. The remaining population has become rare and have been restricted to a few areas of the world. These species face a constant threat from habitat destruction, pollution, and other environmental degradation.

Some More Facts
  • Native American culture attributed these flyers as the souls of the dead
  • The wings of the insect have ridges like formation. These help the dragon fly to detect the slightest brush of wind to take flight.
  • The efficient speed and maneuverability that the insect achieves in its flight is because the front wings are slightly longer than the wings at the rear.
  • The insect's brain devotes 80% of its ability in controlling sight, and processing of image the insect sees.
  • When a dragon fly reaches its adult stage, it crawls out of water and its exoskeleton is cracked open exposing its abdomen. When the wings come out, they are still wet and fragile. So the wings dry up and harden over the next several days after which the insect gets ready to go airborne.
Dragonflies form a small but an important part in the ecosystem. In fact, all animals and insects contribute to ecological balance, in someway or the other. Knowing about the facts of different species of the animal kingdom makes us aware of the prime importance of every creature. The dragonfly facts that have been described above, have been put up with an intention which can be of some help in preserving and respecting these wonderful fliers!

Sunday, April 8, 2012

The List Of Extinct Animals: Galapagos Penguin

The Galapagos penguin is the third smallest species of penguin in the world and is the most distinctive as it lives further north than any other penguin species. The Galapagos penguin is thought to be most closely to the African penguin and the Humboldt penguin found along the coast of Peru and Chile.

While ninety percent of the world's Galapagos penguins live among the western islands of Fernandina and Isabela, they can also be seen on Santiago, Bartolome, northern Santa Cruz, and Floreana. The northern tip of Isla Isabella crosses the equator, meaning that these animals occasionally visit the northern hemisphere, and are the only species of penguin to do so.

The Galapagos penguin has a black head with a white border running from behind their eyes, around the black ear-coverts and chin, to join on the throat. Galapagos penguins have blackish-grey upperparts and whitish underparts, with two black bands across the breast, with the lower band extending down the flanks to the thigh.

Before they breed, the Galapagos penguins moult, and they may do this twice a year. While the Galapagos penguins are moulting, they usually stay out of the water. They are able to go to the sea for food rather than starve though since the water is so warm in their area. Since they moult right before breeding, Galapagos penguins are able to ensure that they will not starve during the moulting process.

The Galapagos penguin is a carnivorous animal, that like all other penguin species, survives on a diet that is only comprised of marine animals. Krill and small crustaceans make up the bulk of the Galapagos penguin's diet along with larger organisms including squid and various species of fish.

Because of the Galapagos Penguin's smaller size, it has many predators both in the water and also on when they are on dry land. On land, the Galapagos penguins must keep an eye out for crabs, snakes, owls, and hawks, while in the water they must avoid sharks, fur seals, and sea lions. The Galapagos penguin has also been severely affected by human activity around the archipelago.

On average, the Galapagos penguin breeds once a year, forming pairs that usually remain faithful to one another. The female Galapagos penguin lays two eggs which are incubated by both parents for up to 40 days, when only one of the eggs will usually hatch. The Galapagos penguin chicks are fed and kept warm by their parents and remain with them until the chicks are nearly a year old.

Today, the Galapagos penguin is listed as an endangered species as like many species found around the islands, they are endemic to the area and do not adapt well to sudden changes in their environment.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

To Know All About The Sea Lions Habitats And Lifestyle

Sea Lions are found in all climates, in both the north and southern hemispheres and every ocean with the exception of the Atlantic Ocean. The sea lion is often seen around the big harbors of the world where groups of sea lions gather together to feed and bask in the sun.

The sea lion generally lives in coastal ares where there is a good food supply and land close by for the sea lion to have a rest from swimming and hunting in the water. The sea lion has 4 flippers which the sea lion is able to turn around when on solid ground, allowing the sea lion to walk on land.

The sea lion is often a popular attraction at zoos and parks, where the sea lions are generally being trained to do tricks with hoops and balls. The sea lion is a popular animal due the intelligence of the sea lion and also because of the quirky character which many sea lion individuals possess.

Today there are seven different species of sea lion found in waters around the world, These are the Steller sea lion which is also known as the northern sea lion as it is found in the North Pacific Ocean, and the Steller sea lion is the largest sea lion species; the Australian sea lion which is a small species of sea lion found on the south and west coasts of Australia; the South American sea lion, also known as the southern sea lion and is found along the west coast of South America; the New Zealand sea lion which is also known as Hookers sea lion is found around the south island of New Zealand and also the sub-antarctic islands; the California sea lion is found along the coasts of the north Pacific and is believed to one of the most abundant and intelligent species of sea lion today; the Galapagos sea lion is found exclusively around the Galapagos islands and is thought to be a distant relative of the California sea lion.

The only other sea lion species around was the Japanese sea lion, which was thought to have become extinct sometime during the 1950s. The Japanese sea lion was thought to have been related to the California sea lion and became extinct through hunt and the introduction of commercial fishing.

Sea lions are sleek and generally carnivorous animals although sea lions are known to eat sea weed and aquatic plants at times. Sea lions are playful marine mammals and can be observed spending hours playing in the water.

Sea lions generally gather on rocky, coastal land to breed. About a year later, the female sea lion will give birth to a single sea lion pup. Female sea lions tend to give birth to their young on land but it is not uncommon for the female sea lion to give birth to the sea lion pup in the water.

Sea lion pups are nursed by the mother sea lion until they are about six months old. Baby sea lions learn to swim when they are a couple of months old and it is then that the baby sea lions will go out and learn to hunt with the mother sea lion.

Sea lions are often seen in large groups of sea lions. Sea lions hunt in groups and in pairs and group numbers increase during the mating season. There have been instances where sea lions have been aggressive towards humans in the water. These acts are thought to be because the sea lions either want to play or they are male sea lions displaying and enforcing their dominance within their terrritory.

Sea Lion Foot Facts

》The sea lion has flippers in place of where its feet would be in order to help the sea lion move through water quickly, a substance that is eight times denser than air.
》In each flipper of the sea lion there are five skeletal digits, like toes, that give the sea lion more movement in its flippers but these are not always visible.
》Some species of sea lion are able to rotate their back flippers forward, so they are able to actually walk on all four flippers when on land.
》Adult sea lions have five claws on each of their two front flippers which the sea lion use to hook onto prey and to give them more grip when walking on land.
》The sea lion uses its front flippers to propel itself through the water with the back flippers acting as stabilisers meaning that they are not used a great deal in swimming.

Sea Lion Teeth Facts

》The sea lion has between 34 and 38 teeth which include incisors, canines, premolars and molar teeth.
》The incisors at the front of the mouth of the sea lion are quite small but are very sharp and are used for biting down on and holding onto prey.
》The canine teeth that are found behind the incisors in the mouth of the sea lion are large, conical, pointed and often slightly curved and these do most of the hard work.
》The molars and premolars in the mouth of the sea lion can vary in number but are very similar and have a slightly cup-like shape.
》The teeth of the sea lion are designed for grasping and tearing rather than chewing food and its for this reason that baby sea lions shed their milk teeth before birth.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The Baboon Is A Terrestrial And Ground Dwelling Animal

Baboons are medium sized primates found in Africa, and are best known for their bright behinds! The two most common species of baboon in east Africa are the olive baboon and the yellow baboon. The baboon is generally found in more forested areas but is also commonly known to wander the African plains.

Habitat
Baboons are found in surprisingly varied habitats and are extremely adaptable. The major requirements for any habitat seems to be water sources and safe sleeping places in either tall trees or on cliff faces. When water is readily available, baboons drink every day or two, but they can survive for long periods by licking the night dew from their fur.

Behavior
Baboons usually leave their sleeping places around 7 or 8 a.m. After coming down from the cliffs or trees, adults sit in small groups grooming each other while the juveniles play. They then form a cohesive unit that moves off in a column of two or three, walking until they begin feeding. Fanning out, they feed as they move along, often traveling five or six miles a day. They forage for about three hours in the morning, rest during the heat of the day and then forage again in the afternoon before returning to their sleeping places by about 6 p.m. Before retiring, they spend more time in mutual grooming, a key way of forming bonds among individuals as well as keeping the baboons clean and free of external parasites.

Baboons sleep, travel, feed and socialize together in groups of about 50 individuals, consisting of seven to eight males and approximately twice as many females plus their young. These family units of females, juveniles and infants form the stable core of a troop, with a ranking system that elevates certain females as leaders. A troop's home range is well-defined but does not appear to have territorial borders. It often overlaps with the range of other baboons, but the troops seem to avoid meeting one another.

When they begin to mature, males leave their natal troops and move in and out of other troops. Frequent fights break out to determine dominance over access to females or meat. The ranking of these males constantly changes during this period.

Males are accepted into new troops slowly, usually by developing "friendships" with different females around the edge of a troop. They often help to defend a female and her offspring.

For the first month, an infant baboon stays in very close contact with its mother. The mother carries the infant next to her stomach as she travels, holding it with one hand. By the time the young baboon is 5 to 6 weeks old it can ride on her back, hanging on by all four limbs; in a few months it rides jockey style, sitting upright. Between 4 and 6 months the young baboon begins to spend most of its time with other juveniles.

Diet
Baboons are opportunistic omnivores and selective feeders. Grass makes up a large part of their diet, along with berries, seeds, pods, blossoms, leaves, roots, bark and sap from a variety of plants. Baboons also eat insects and small quantities of meat, such as fish, shellfish, hares, birds, vervet monkeys, and small antelopes.

Predators and Threats
The baboon's major predators are humans. Knowing that humans can easily kill or injure them when they are in trees, baboons usually escape through undergrowth. Males may confront other predators like leopards or cheetahs by forming a line and strutting in a threatening manner while baring their large canines and screaming. Baboons are fierce fighters, but a demonstration such as this can put the predator on the run.

The baboon is intelligent and crafty; it can be an agricultural pest, so is often treated as vermin. Trade in baboons as laboratory animals has increased in recent years.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

African Civet Behaviour And Lifestyle You Should Kown

The African Civet is a large species of Civet found across sub-Saharan Africa. The African Civet is the only remaining member in it's genetic group and is considered to be the largest Civet-like animal on the African continent. Despite their cat-like appearance and behaviours, the African Civets are not felines at all but are in fact, more closely related to other small carnivores including Weasels and Mongooses. The African Civet is most well known for the musk that it secretes to mark it's territory (called Civetone), which has been used in the manufacturing of perfumes for centuries, and it's striking black and white markings, make the African Civet one of the easiest Civet species to identify.

African Civet Anatomy and Appearance
One of the African Civet's most distinctive features are the black and white markings on their fur and grey face, which along with the black band around their eyes, gives these animals a Raccoon-like appearance. The similarity is only heightened by the fact that the African Civet's hind legs are quite a bit longer than the front legs, making it's stance very different to that of a Mongoose. The average adult African Civet has a body length of around 70cm with nearly the same length tail on top of that. The paws of the African Civet each have five digits with non-retractable claws to enable the Civet to move about in the trees more easily.

African Civet Distribution and Habitat
The African Civet is found in a variety of habitats on the African continent, with it's range extending from coast to coast in sub-Saharan Africa. African Civets are most commonly found in tropical forests and jungles and areas where there is plenty of dense vegetation to provide both cover and animals that the African Civets feeds on. African Civets are never found in arid regions and always must be in an area which has a good water source. Despite this though, it is not uncommon for African Civets to be found along rivers that lead into the more arid regions. They are capable swimmers and often spend their time hunting and resting in the trees as well as on the ground.

African Civet Behaviour and Lifestyle
The African Civet is a solitary animal that only comes out under the cover of night to hunt and catch food. These nocturnal animals are primarily tree-dwelling creatures that spend most of the daylight hours resting in the safety of the trees high above. African Civets tend to be most active just after sunset but tend to hunt in areas that still provide plenty of cover. Despite being generally very solitary creatures, the African Civet has been known to gather in groups of up to 15 members particularly during the mating season. They are also highly territorial animals, marking their boundaries with the scent released by their perineal glands.

African Civet Reproduction and Life Cycles
The only time when African Civets seem to be seen together is when they are mating. The female African Civet usually gives birth to up to 4 young after a gestation period that lasts for a couple of months. The female African Civet nests in an underground burrow that has been dug by another animal in order to safely raise her young. Unlike many of their carnivorous relatives, Civet babies are usually born quite mobile and with their fur. The babies are nursed by their mother until they are strong enough to fend for themselves. African Civets can live for up to 20 years, although many rarely get to be this old.

African Civet Diet and Prey
Despite the fact that the African Civet is a carnivorous mammal, it has a very varied diet that consists of both animal and plant matter. Small animals such as Rodents, Lizards, Snakes and Frogs make up the majority of the African Civet's diet, along with Insects, berries and fallen fruits that it finds on the forest floor. The African Civet predominantly uses it's teeth and mouth to gather food instead of using it's paws. This method of eating means that the African Civet can use it's 40 sharp teeth effectively to break it's catch down, and the strong jaw of the African Civet makes it harder for it's meal to try and escape.

African Civet Predators and Threats
Despite being a secretive yet a relatively ferocious predator, the African Civet is actually preyed upon by a number of other predators within their natural environment. Large predatory Cats are the most common predators of the African Civet including Lions and Leopards along with reptiles such as large Snakes and Crocodiles. African Civet populations are also under threat from both habitat loss and deforestation, and have been subject to trophy hunters in the past, across the continent. One of the biggest threats to the African Civet is the want for their musk.

African Civet Interesting Facts and Features
The musk secreted by the glands close to the African Civet's reproductive organs has been collected by Humans for hundreds of years. In it's concentrated form, the smell is said to be quite offensive to people, but much more pleasant once diluted. It was this scent that became one of the ingredients in some of the most expensive perfumes in the world (and made the African Civet a well-known African animal). African Civets are known to carry the rabies disease, which is contracted through contact with an already infected animal. The African Civet is also known to use designated areas around it's territory, where it is able to go to the toilet.

African Civet Relationship with Humans
Each African Civet secretes up to 4g of musk every week, which is normally collected from African Civets in the wild. However, the capturing and keeping of African Civets for their musk is not unknown and is said to be an incredibly cruel industry. Today, few perfumes still contain actual musk from the glands of an African Civet as many scents today are easily reproduced artificially. Although it is a protected yet not an endangered animal, the African Civet populations have also been severely affected by Human hunters, who hunt these little carnivores to simply add their skin to the trophy cabinet.

African Civet Conservation Status and Life Today
Today, the African Civet is under threat from deforestation and therefore drastic loss of much of it's natural habitat. The main reason for such extensive deforestation in the area is either for logging or to clear the land to make way for palm oil plantations. The African Civet is listed as being Least Concern, which means that there is little threat at the moment that the African Civet will become extinct in the near future.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

An Introduction Of Finger Monkey

There are many kinds of monkeys in the world, are you currently grasped by a monkey around your little finger before? Is it normal that you gain uncertainties in your mind. No matter whether you trust it or not, this type of monkey is present. The category of this sort of little animal is finger monkey. It is an animal whose size is equivalent to that relating to an individual's little finger. Obviously, they were given their brand due to their sizing.
You will find 3 principal features of this animal. In the beginning, they like to cling to your fingers whenever you try to keep them. This animal could be the smallest dwelling primate in the world. Also, they are referred to as wallet monkeys. This cute primate cuddles to your little finger firmly. They're so cute that they frequently drag your heartstrings and entice one to bring them home. Secondly, This animals are extremely interpersonal animals. Inside the wild, they live in groups of 6-10. In most party, you will find an adult couple and off spring. Within their everyday life, they utilize special types of conversation to present notifications and warning to its family. These communications contain substance, oral, and actual types of conversation. As an example, a sharp alert whistle plus a hitting audio sign means danger to their family. Third, many wildlife might assault this animals, for example felines, snakes and birds. When vulnerable, this animals decide to continue to be quiet right up until the risk goes away.

Little finger monkeys are widely-used to dwelling in the rain forests of South America, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Little monkeys live in exotic rainforest bough or even a hole inside a shrub trunk, or side branch developing spherical nest. The finger monkey regular lifespan is around twenty five years.

Little monkeys are exotic pets for a lot of countries in the world. Prior to deciding to buy one, you have to check out regardless of whether adopting or maintaining a finger monkey is authorized. If you are likely to buy it from a pet shop, and make certain that your possible family pet is illness totally free. A pet finger monkey needs a lot of attention. In the beginning, this animal just isn't nicely-socialized. Nonetheless, via instruction you can make it very kind and genial.

Reading this article, you must learn a great deal about this animals. Would you like to maintain them as pet? If you plan to keep one, you will be able to devote much time and be patient from it.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

The Importance Of Protecting Wildlife

There are many different organizations that work to encourage the conservation of animals in danger of extinction. Some are voluntary organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the IUCN and others are government initiatives enacted by laws like America's Endangered Species Act.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) help conserve endangered animals by raising awareness which stimulates action and funding. They do this by picking an animal to act as ambassador for a particular habitat. The aim is that by achieving conservation of the ambassador species, the status of all other animals which share the habitat will be increased.


China is one of the countries that have the most abundant wildlife species. However, with the continuous development of human, the habitat of wildlife is threatened, many species of wild animals have been extinction or endangered. Many governments have a special law to protect wildlife.

Many people do not understand the importance of protecting the endangered wildlife. Even a lot of people are still hunting wild animals for their own interests. It speeds up the extinction of the wildlife. So we must try our best to protect the wild animals. It is necessary and urgent to protect the wildlife. The significances of protecting wildlife are the followings.

Firstly, the wildlife protection law of the People's Republic of China stipulates that rare and endangered terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and beneficial or have important economic, scientific value of wildlife are protected by state laws, so indiscriminately eat wildlife is an illegal action.


Secondly, to protect the wildlife is to protect humanity itself. Due to the environmental degradation and human's hunting, all kinds of wildlife are facing various threats. Nearly 100 years, the rate of species extinction has exceeded 100 times than the rate of natural extinction. Now there are more than 100 kinds of creatures disappearing from the earth. China also has more than 10 kinds of mammals being extinction, and also more than 20 kinds of rare animals facing extinction. While their extinction will lead to many new drugs that can be used to make molecular attributed to disappear, but also caused many gene that can be helpful for the crops to overcome the bad weather attributed to disappear, and even lead to a new plague. All the results are what we will never imagine. So we should take immediate actions to protect the wildlife, then our environment will be better.

Thirdly, it is easy to infectious diseases to eat wild animals. Nowadays, more and more people prefer to eat wild animals. There are a lot of viruses in the wild animals, they can not be killed or clear even in the low temperature of minus 15 ℃ or high temperature of maximum 100 ℃. It is quite easy to infect diseases if there is a slight mistake.

In short, humanity are of nature, not outside of the natural, and even not above the natural. So we should abandon the people-based perspective when we discuss the protection of animals, plants, ecological protection.

Now, nearly half of the wild animals are in the brink of extinction. To protect the wildlife is very urgently.

Friday, February 24, 2012

The Colourful And Lovely Kingfisher Bird

There are about 90 species of kingfishers.Usually kingfishers have a large head, long bills which are sharp and pointed, short legs and stumpy tails. Without exception between the sexes all have very bright colored feathers.
Kingfisher's main prey is fish. But they consume a wide range of prey. King fisher's usually swoop down from a perch and catch fish.

Most kingfishers species live in the eastern hemisphere. In the western hemisphere there are only six species of king fishers. Out of these six species three are of North America.

Kingfishers are lonely birds. Kingfishers' food consist of amphibians, crustaceans and water insects.

Most species of eastern hemisphere kingfishers don't fish.

The wood king fisher's also known as forest king fisher's chose to stay far from water. The fishing kingfishers live close to water and nest in burrows dug in river banks or creek banks.
Kingfishers use their long, sharp beaks to dig their nesting burrows and with their feet they push the mud out of the burrows. The king fisher is supposed to be one of the most beautiful birds in the world.

Trogons are said to be the closest relatives of kingfishers. Kingfishers are found in all parts of the world, except the Polar regions and some of the world's driest deserts.

However the red backed kingfisher of Australia lives in the driest deserts. Some kingfisher species live high in mountains or in open jungles.

A large number of species live on tropical coral atolls.

The African dwarf kingfisher which averages at 10.4g and 10cm is the smallest species of kingfishers.

The chief species of kingfisher is the giant kingfisher at an average of 355g and 45 cm. The used to Australian kingfisher is known as the laughing kookaburra.
The kingfishers have exceptional vision. They have restricted movement of their eyes within the eye sockets.

King fishers are supposed to be fearful birds. The sacred king fisher was acclaimed by the Polynesians, who believed it had control over the seas and waves. Read more Alarm Fredericia

The Dusun people of Borneo consider the oriental dwarf kingfisher a bad omen. A number of kingfisher species are considered threatened by human activities and are in peril of extinction.

The majority of these are forest species with limited circulation. They are threatened by locale loss caused by forest clearance or degradation and in some cases by made known to species.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Less And Less Tigers Left In The World

The tiger (Panthera tigris), a member of The Felidae family, is the biggest as to the four 'big cat' to the genus Panthera. natural how to a lot of eastern and southern Asia, the tiger is an apex predator as well as an obligate carnivore. Reaching build up how to 3.3 metres (11 ft) on total length, weighing build up how to 300 kilograms (660 pounds), and also posessing canines up how to 4 inches long, The larger tiger subspecies have to be comparable on dimensions To The biggest extinct felids.

Aside out of their nice bulk and also power, their quite a few recognisable feature is a system of dark vertical stripes that overlays nearwhite how to reddish-orange fur, with lighter underparts. The Most numerous tiger subspecies is the Bengal tiger while The largest is The Siberian tiger. Tigers have on a lifespan on 10-15 years to The wild, but may live more than 20 years in captivity.they're highly adaptable and also range from the Siberian taiga how to open grasslands and tropical mangrove swamps. they're territorial and also generally solitary animals, commonly requiring huge contiguous aspects as to habitat that support their prey demands. This, coupled by The truth that they are indigenous how to A few as for the significantly more densely populated places on earth, has created important conflicts by humans. Three as to the nine subspecies of present day tiger allow gone extinct, and The remaining six should be classified as endangered, A few critically a great deal. the primary sent out causes could be habitat destruction, fragmentation and also hunting. Historically tigers have existed out of Mesopotamia as well as The Caucasus throughout lots of of South and also East Asia. Nowadays The variety on the species is radically reduced. as long as most surviving species should be under formal security, poaching, habitat destruction as well as inbreeding depression go on To threaten The tigers. must be among the many recognizable as well as accepted as for The areas's charismatic megafauna. They have featured prominently in ancient mythology and folklore, as well as keep up how to be depicted on Modern films and literature. Tigers appear on numerous flags as well as coats of arms, a warm or hot environment mascots being sporting teams, as well as as the national animal as to several Asian nations, in addition to India.
Naming and etymology The word "tiger" is taken out of the Greek word "tigris", which is maybe derived from a Persian source meaning "arrow", a reference how to the animal's speed and also as well the origin as the name on The Tigris current. on American English, "tigress" was first recorded into 1611. this i has I as for The numerous species originally described usage Linnaeus to his 18th century the job, Systema Naturae: he named this Felis tigris. The generic component on this scientific designation, Panthera tigris, is Often presumed how to derive from Greek pan- ("most") and theron ("beast"), but this may be a folk etymology. even so it came into English through to classical languages, panthera is probably as to East Asian origin, meaning "The yellowish animal", or "whitish-yellow". Tigers rarely form groups (observe below), rather collective nouns often occupied when they achieve should be "streak". assortment as to The tiger not to mention The western portions 1900 as well as 1990
Additionally, within the past decade alone, The predicted location identified how to be occupied usage tigers has declined 41 percent. During the 19th century, the tiger entirely vanished out of western Asia and became restricted how to isolated pockets into The remaining sections as to their assortment. Nowadays, their choice is fragmented, and some portions degraded, as well as extends from India into The west To China and Southeast Asia to the east. the northern limit is near To the Amur flow on south eastern Siberia. The only big island inhabited using tigers today is Sumatra. Tigers vanished out of Java as well as Bali During The 20th century. to Borneo they are known only from fossil remains. Tiger habitats will most likely include adequate cover, proximity To pure water, as well as an abundance as for prey. Bengal Tigers live on numerous types as to forests, including wet; evergreen; The semi-evergreen as for Assam and also eastern Bengal; the mangrove forest as to the Ganges Delta; the deciduous forest on Nepal, and also The thorn forests as for the Western Ghats. in contrast how to The lion, the tiger prefers denser vegetation, for which this camouflage colouring is ideally suitable, as well as where a one predator is not at a disadvantage compared by The several felines into a pride. Among the huge cats, only the tiger and jaguar are strong swimmers; tigers must be commonly found bathing into ponds, lakes, and also rivers. Unlike various other cats, which seem how to evade pure water, tigers actively seek this out. During The ultimate heat as for The day, they Often stylish off in pools. Tigers could be excellent swimmers, competent To swim build up To 4 miles and also carry dead prey across lakes.
physical characteristics, taxonomy and evolution
The oldest remains on a tiger-likes feline, famous as Panthera palaeosinensis, have been discovered in China and Java. This species lived with regards to 2 million years ago, at the beginner of the Pleistocene, as well as i has smaller than a present day tiger. The earliest fossils as for real tigers are identified out of Java, as well as probably are between 1.6 and 1.8 mill years old. distinct fossils out of the early as well as middle Pleistocene were also discovered in deposits out of China, as well as Sumatra. A subspecies called The Trinil tiger (Panthera tigris trinilensis) lived regarding 1.2 mill years ago and also is recognized out of fossils discovered at Trinil to Java. Tigers 1st reached India and also northern Asia to The late.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Global Warming Link To Drowned Polar Bears Melts Under Searing Fed Probe


Polar Bears drowning in an Alaskan sea because the ice packs are melting—it’s the iconic image of the global warming debate.
But the validity of the science behind the image—presented as an ignoble testament to our environment in peril by Al Gore in his film An Inconvenient Truth—is now part of a federal investigation that has the environmental community on edge.
Special agents from the Interior Department’s inspector general's office are questioning the two government scientists about the paper they wrote on drowned polar bears, suggesting mistakes were made in the math and as to how the bears actually died, and the department is eyeing another study currently underway on bear populations.
Biologist Charles Monnett, the lead scientist on the paper, was placed on administrative leave July 18. Fellow biologist Jeffrey Gleason, who also contributed to the study, is being questioned, but has not been suspended.
The disputed paper was published by the journal Polar Biology in 2006, and suggests that the “drowning-related deaths of polar bears may increase in the future if the observed trend of regression of pack ice and/or longer open-water periods continues.”
It galvanized the environmental movement that led to the bear’s controversial listing in 2008 as threatened, and it is now protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Although the four dead bears cited in the paper were observed from 1,500 feet during flights over the Beaufort Sea, and the carcasses were never recovered or examined, Gleason told investigators it is likely the creatures drowned in a sudden windstorm that produced 30-knot winds, not for lack of an ice pack.
“We never mentioned global warming in the paper,” Gleason told the investigators, according to the transcript.
“But it’s inferred,” responded investigator Eric May. “That’s why the world took it up as a global warming tangent.”
Gleason told investigators that reaction to his and Monnett’s paper was overblown and spun out of context.
“I think these sorts of things tend to mushroom, and the interpretation gets popularized,” Gleason said. “Something very small turns into this big snowball coming down the mountain, and that's, I think, what happened with this paper.”
Gleason concedes that the study had a major impact on the controversial listing of the bear as an endangered species because of global warming.
“As a side note, talking about my former supervisor, he actually sent me an e-mail at one point saying, ‘You’re the reason polar bears got listed,’” Gleason said.
Monnett now manages $50 million in studies as part of his duties as a wildlife biologist with the Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement.
Investigators are also examining Monnet’s procurement of one of those research studies on polar bears conducted by Canada's University of Alberta, as well as the “disclosure of personal relationships and preparation of the scope of work,” according to a July 29 memo from the Interior Department's inspector general’s office.
In particular, investigators are asking questions about the peer review work on Monnett’s drowned polar bear paper, which was done by his wife, Lisa Rotterman, as well as Andrew Derocher, the lead researcher on the Canadian study under review by the inspector general's office.
Monnett is being legally defended by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), which posted the interviews the inspector general's office conducted with both scientists on its website.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Discus Fish Disease Once It Strikes Is Very Hard To Cure

Pet owners need to understand types of discus fish disease in order for them to be able to see the signs and symptoms and get help right away before anything gets worse. Remember that discus fish are expensive pets you would not want your investment to just die. Aside from that, they are highly interactive pets and you can easily get attached to them. As a pet owner, you would want the best care for them.
Prevention is better than cure. Discus fish disease once it strikes is very hard to cure. There is not much research on how humans can help them, which is why owners have to make sure to provide them the best living conditions and prevent them from getting any discus fish disease.
One of the common discus fish diseases is what we call hole in the head. The symptoms involve a small pinhole size development that can be seen on the head near the eyes and the mouth region. It is said to be caused by a protozoan infection and if not treated right away it could cause them to die. Cure it by using a soluble antibiotic that can be found in pet stores. Mix it in the water and make sure the water temperature is at 32 degree Celsius. Keep the water aerated before placing the medicine in order for it to work. Expect 3 days for it to get solved.
Another kind of discus fish disease is the gill flu. This is harder to solve because the disease can destroy the immune system of the fish, which will make it harder to cure the problem because the fish will not respond to treatment right away. The discus fish will have hard time breathing and after that can collapse on the surface of the water disabling them from swimming and the fish can turn into a dark pale color. Suggestions of using formalin and potassium permanganate combined with fluke tabs are seen to be the cure. Use it on interval in the span 4 weeks and make sure that there are no larvae that will remain in the water in order to prevent it from occurring again.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Rabbit Handling Tips

Think about the first time you picked up and carried a baby. It must have been an exciting but also frightening experience. You are not that sure if you are handling the baby right. While it may offend some to compare a rabbit with a baby, rabbit handling should also be done correctly for your pet's safety and for yours, as well. Here are some rabbit handling tips:
Approach by Stroking Its Head
The approach is the first step of raising rabbits. Do you know that your pet rabbit cannot see what is directly in front of its nose? That said, if you stroke its nose, you may get your hand bitten by a badly frightened rabbit. So, you stroke its head, instead. It is sort of like a signal that you are a friend and that you meant it no harm.
Lift from Its Level
Because lifting it suddenly may alarm the poor rabbit, you should lift it while crouching low on the floor. This way, your pet can see just who it is that is about to pick it up. Assure your pet that you are not about to eat it, just about to lift and cuddle it. One rule of rabbit handling is establishing the trust. The rabbit is an herbivore. It has to fend off many a predator higher up in the food chain.
Keep Its Spine Curved
When rabbit handling, remember to keep your pet's back curved. Why is that so important? Well, if your pet suddenly kicks and trashes while it straightens its back, it can actually break its spine. The rabbit is not just soft and cuddly but it is also extremely fragile. It should actually have a "handle with care" sign on it.
Release If It Struggles
If your pet rabbit keeps fighting you off, you should slowly release it. Get down on a crouching position as you have first picked it up, and gently place the rabbit on the ground. If you do not let go of the pet and let it violently kick while being held, it could break its spine. The rabbit may also break its back if it suddenly jumps from a great height. As mentioned earlier, you have with you a very delicate pet.
Upon reading the above guidelines, you now know that rabbit handling entails being extra careful. If you do not want the rabbit to end up crippled, you have to know just how to gently approach, lift, carry and release it.