Archive for November, 2010

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    Ruby Throated Hummingbird – The North American Favorite

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | November 25, 2010
    The ruby throated hummingbird is a bird I came across while checking for profiles on birds the other day. This is a lovely little bird which is said to be the most commonly recognized among the hummingbirds of North America. It is the only hummingbird which is known to regularly breed in the United States of America. The red and green plumage of this little bird is well known and easily recognizable among bird watchers. The scientific name of the ruby throated hummingbird is archilocus colubris. Appearance: Size: It is around 3 to 3.75 inches in length and has a wing span of about 4.5 inches, with wings that are narrow and tapered. Bill: Black and long, with a downward curve. Colors: The colors found would include black, red, white, gray,  [...]
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    Big 5 Animals, Africa

    Posted in Africa | November 23, 2010
    If you have recently begun researching on the African safari, or you plan on doing one soon, you must have surely come across the term of the Big 5 animals. Do you know what this means? The Big Five was a term that was coined to refer to 5 African animals – leopard, lion, rhino, elephant and the Cape buffalo. But then again, this will make you wonder why the gorilla, giraffe and hippo do not make it to this list. Aren’t those big animals as well? Yes, they are. But the name Big 5 animals were given to these animals by the big game hunters (and not by the safari tour operators, as you may have believed). This term was coined to refer to the difficulty that they had when they tried to bag these large animals (hunting on foot), and this difficulty  [...]
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    The Volcano At Mount Longonot National Park Seems Active

    Posted in News | November 18, 2010
    There is a sight that is a must-see when you come to Nairobi. This is seen when you approach the cliffs of the Great African Rift Valley. The mount of Mount Longonot rises up from the floor of the valley that surrounds the region. A lot of years back, there was a national park that was created in the region surrounding the mountain. This effort was made to ensure that more tourists visited the region. This volcano had, anyway, been a dormant volcano for a very long time now. However, if you take into consideration the stories published on the blogs of volcanologists’, then the story is altogether different. The stories are much more sinister than the official story put together by the park officials and tourist attractions. The pictures that  [...]
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    Texas Wildlife

    Posted in North America | November 16, 2010
    Texas is known to be a state that is comprised of a number of diverse natural resources. Luckily, it is said that Texas is also said to be an extremely strong state of park systems. It is known to have a high number of federal lands as well. Whether you prefer woods, sandy beaches or mountains, you will have your pick of National Wildlife Refuges from which you could view nature. Big Thicket National Preserve: Big Thicket National Preserve is an apt playground for a visitor to view the beautiful and diverse Texas wildlife. This National Preserve is known to cover almost 100,000 acres and was the first of its types in the United States of America. This NP is home to a diverse group of animals and plants which would play host to a lot of nature  [...]
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    Volunteer Holidays In Greece

    Posted in Europe | November 11, 2010
    If you get only a few weeks off from your workplace and you want to do something beyond the normal ‘holiday package’, you could try out going on a volunteer holiday. This would help you get an insider’s view on the culture and living of the region you decide to visit; plus, you come back feeling satisfied about having helped out in your own little way. Volunteer Holidays in Greece: So you’ve decided to hit the European coast for your holidays this time; but you want to do your own little bit of good when you’re there. If you do zero in on Greece, we have just the idea for you. You could join the Katelios Group for the Research and Protection of Marine Terrestrial Life on the Ionian Island of Kefalonia as part of their volunteer holidays  [...]
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    Newer Bird Species Might Exist In Philippines

    Posted in News | November 9, 2010
    Philippines may have been known to boast of a number of interesting bird species in the past, but as per the new studies, there has been some light shed on the fact that there may be some more interesting species of birds available in the region. This observation has come to the forefront owing to recent research conducted by a certain Dr. David Lohman, who is an assistant professor of biology with the City College of New York. As per his findings, the nation of Philippines may actually be much more of a ‘biodiversity hotspot’ than it has been given credit for. If his studies hold ground with authorities, then it might be high time that there are some serious changes made in the process of conservation practices. A number of animal species  [...]
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    Female Dolphins Need Strong Associations With Successful Dolphin Mothers

    Posted in News | November 8, 2010
    Dolphins in the Shark Bay have been being studied for a very long time now; but this observation that’s been made is relatively new. As per a new study, it has been seen that female dolphins of the region are seen to be more successful as mothers if they get the needed support from their female counterparts (friends and relatives). These researchers ended up analyzing the behavioral aspects of the female dolphins at Shark Bay for over 25 years. A number of genetic samples were also derived from the dolphins here. Said one of the doctoral students who worked on the project that the genetic and social effects on the concept of reproduction and procreation could be studied using observations that were long-term; and these would have to be conducted  [...]
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    Manta Rays Magic

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | November 2, 2010
    Wild manta rays can never be accustomed to surface swimming that is slow, especially if it is for a fixed period of time. They do not usually swim at the surface post meals or after being handled by humans. Therefore, how can you train a giant manta that is in captive? How do you get a manta to feed from a ladle and then swim into a stretcher for veterinary purposes? Ladle Training Getting a giant manta ray into an aquarium is a huge responsibility. The staff at the aquarium must ensure that the animal gets all the nutrition and nourishment that it needs. The Georgia Aquarium located in Atlanta, Georgia is a unique one, in that they teach their mantas to feed from a ladle that is color coded. Giant manta rays traditionally consume plankton.  [...]
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    When In Perth

    Posted in Australia & Pacific | November 1, 2010
    A very large part of the Australian appeal lies in the fact that it can boast of a pretty unusual mix of wildlife. If you want to indulge in some sightseeing while in Perth, check out the options available to you. Caversham Wildlife Park: While here, you could have the good fortune of seeing some rather exotic animals and watch them in their natural habitat. This wildlife park is said to be close to Perth. There is no entry fee to the park and it is known to remain open from around 8:30 am to 5:30 in the evening. They are open all days of the week. If you choose to sightsee around this park, you will realize that this is the way to indulge in some pure relaxation. The park boasts of about seventy barbecue sites. Cohunu Koala Park: If you are  [...]