Archive for the ‘Wildlife A-Z’

  • DWARF ELEPHANTS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | June 24, 2010
    Dwarf elephants are an extinct species of mammals. They are oft confused with the pygmy elephants that were a common sight in the fauna of South East Asia. The dwarf elephants of the Mediterranean lived in the Pleistocene period, which is approximately 10,000 years before our present day scenario. What gives them their small size? Insular dwarfism may be the primary cause for the size of these elephants. Insular dwarfism is a form of dwarfism, wherein the population’s gene pool gets limited to a very small environment. This is likely to happen on islands. MEDITERRANEAN ISLANDS Fossilized remains of this dwarfed form have been found on the Mediterranean islands; namely Cyprus, Malta, Crete, Sicily, Sardinia, the Cyclades Islands and the Dodecanese  [...]
  • CARNIVOROUS CHIMPANZEES

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | June 22, 2010
    Ever since we were in school, we’d been taught that creatures from the ape family are herbivores who were largely fruit eaters. What if, however, someone was to tell you that Chimpanzees are, in reality, meat eaters as well? I’m sure I’ve gotten a few gasps on this one! As for those of you, who already knew that a little bit of meat is normal for chimps; I’ve got news for you as well. It’s time to rephrase the ‘little’ in the dietary pattern of chimps. As a study done by Jane Goodall suggests, chimpanzees are predators, who hunt for their meals. This observation has shaken up quite a few souls, just like mine! On a tangent, it makes me wonder about all the other things I did learn while in school! How  [...]
  • Mexican Bobcat

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | June 16, 2010
    The Mexican bobcat is a species of the bobcat as well as is found in the regions of Central Mexico. The Mexican bobcat is frequently puzzled by means of the lynx as it is extremely similar in its appearance; on the other hand the tail is a little darker on the top when compared with that of the lynx. The Mexican bobcat is an average-sized cat by means of a ruff of fur about the sides of its face, which gives the appearance of the sideburns. In addition the adults of bobcats can grow two times as huge as the house cats, which reach more than four feet in length as well as weighs in between 13 and 30 lbs. Moreover the coloration of the coat varies from reddish-brown to light gray. Their coats are in addition wrapped with additional spots than  [...]
  • Black bears – the most familiar bear in North America

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | June 9, 2010
    Black bears are the most familiar as well as common bears that are found in North America. They characteristically reside in forests as well as are exceptional tree climbers, on the other hand are in addition found in the mountains as well as swamps. In spite of their name, the black bears can be anytime blue-black or else blue-gray, cinnamon, brown, or else even (very infrequently) white. In addition, Black bears are incredibly opportunistic eaters. The majority of their diet takes account of grasses, berries, roots, as well as insects. Moreover they will in addition consume fish as well as mammals, which includes carrion as well as with no trouble develop a tang for the human foods as well as garbage. In addition Black bears that turn out  [...]
  • Red Wolf – an endangered flourishing animal

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | May 28, 2010
    The red wolf was been declared an extinct animal within the wild in the year 1980 subsequent to the most recent recognized wild wolves that were captured as well as taken out of their wild to start on a confined breeding program. In addition there are at the present a predictable 200 individuals are found in the regions of North Carolina as well as various other areas where the red wolves have been introduced again. The red wolf, to some extent is smaller when compared with its family member, the gray wolf; moreover its build is further slender, in addition to its head additional elongated. The coat of the red wolf is tawny red by means of, a number of gray and black colored areas. The back of the wolf tends to be a little darker in the color  [...]
  • Manatees – the huge sea cows

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | May 26, 2010
    Manatees are occasionally acknowledged as sea cows; in addition their unhurried swiftness lends good point to the assessment. On the other hand, in spite of their gigantic immensity, they are elegant swimmers in the coastal waters as well as rivers. Controlling themselves by means of their physically powerful tails, manatees naturally glide the length of 5 miles (almost 8 km) in one hour on the other hand can swim almost 15 miles (around 24 km) in one hour in numerous short bursts. Manatees are generally seen single-handedly, in pairs, or else in small groupings of half dozen or else fewer animals. As of above the surface of the water, the nose of the animal and nostrils are repeatedly the barely thing that is noticeable. Manatees by no means  [...]
  • The Lappet-faced vulture of the Old World

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | May 24, 2010
    The Lappet-faced vulture is actually an Old World vulture that has got its name as of the lappets (the flat overlapping as well as the hanging pieces) that are sited on its bare, near the pink-colored head. The feathers of the lappet-faced vultures are by and large black and brown; however it has a white-colored underbelly. By means of a wingspan of almost 9 feet, it dominates various other vultures while feeding. Vultures are the scavengers; this means that they consume animals, which are died. A number of vultures consume barely hefty carcasses. On the other hand, the Lappet-faced vulture will as well eat smaller items, which includes living prey.This provides them alternating food sources once carcasses are uncommon. The Lappet-faced vulture  [...]
  • Green Anaconda – Gorgeous Yet Grievous

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | May 21, 2010
    Green anacondas are members of the boa family. The green anaconda, which is native to South America, is the largest snake on the planet. Its distant cousin is the reticulated python, which can reach similar lengths. The mammoth girth of the anaconda makes it heavy by two times. Green anacondas can grow up to 29 feet. They can weigh nearly 550 pounds or 227 kg. In diameter they measure more than 30 centimeters. Female anacondas tend to be larger than their male counterparts. All anacondas originate in Southern America. Besides the green anaconda, other species include the yellow and Bolivian anacondas. They are smaller in comparison with the green anaconda. Green Anaconda tend to inhabit marshes, swamps, and streams that move slowly. The tropical  [...]
  • Burmese Python – Dangerous Beauty

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | May 19, 2010
    Burmese pythons have a beautiful pattern of skin. Their growth rate is rapid, and their disposition is generally docile. Among reptile owners, they are known as a large snake of choice. These giant constrictors receive poor care and treatment. They are often released in the wild. Occasionally, there may be attacks on handlers, which can be life-threatening in some cases. The Burmese python is native to the forests and swamps of Southeast Asia. They are one of the largest snake species in the world. They have the ability to reach 23 feet in length. They can weigh up to 200 pounds. Their girth is as large as a telephone pole. Young pythons spend the majority of their times in the trees. Climbing trees becomes difficult as they grow in size and  [...]
  • Bird of Paradise

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | May 17, 2010
    The Paradisaeidae family has more than three dozen species of birds. They are often referred to as bird of paradise. Their colors are striking and their plumage is bright with blue, yellow, green, and scarlet. These myriad colors make them the most attractive birds on the planet. They are also the most dramatic of all birds. Males tend to sport wonderful elongated feathers or ruffs that are vibrantly colored. These elongated feathers are also known as streamers or wires. Some of the Bird of Paradise species have elaborate head plumes. Other distinctive features include breast shields and head fans. Male birds exhibit their bright colors and unique ornaments to attract the female birds. Their dances, poses, and rituals are unique and elaborate.  [...]