Wednesday 28 February 2007
Alpaca
The
Alpaca (
Lama pacos) is a domesticated species, member of the family camelidae, derived from the
vicugna and have been bred for thousands of years. They are kept in herds in the Andes mountains, Chile and Bolivia. Estimates of the total number of Alpacas are around two million animals living in the Andes. Their wool is used for making ponchos, and other types of clothing. Interbreds of Alpacas and llamas are called huarizos. Alpacas may communicate using soft hums or other vocalizations, and with body language, such as neck posturing, ear and tail positioning, and head tilt. They can become 15 - 20 years of age.
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Wednesday 21 February 2007
Binturong
The
Binturong (Arctictis binturong) lives in South-east Asia. Despite all its other names like 'Asian Bearcat', 'Malay Civet Cat', 'Palawan Bearcat' or 'Bearcat', it is actually a species of civet. Due to habitat destruction and poaching for its fur or for medicine, the Binturong is endangered. They are nocturnal and sleep on branches. They are slow moving arboreal animals feeding mainly on fruit.
Interesting fact: The scent of Binturong musk smells like warm popcorn and cornbread.
Another interesting fact: Female Binturongs are believed to be capable of timing the birth of their young, called 'Embryonic diapause'.
photo taken by: Tassilo Rau, licensed under GFDL
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