For animal lovers 2010-03-19T14:56:44+01:00 dan2000 http://thewebsiteofeverything.com/weblog/index.php jelmer.van.der.ploeg@gmail.com tag:animaloftheday,2010:Animaloftheday Pivot Copyright (c) 2010, Authors of Animal of the day 2010-03-19T14:54:00+01:00 2010-03-19T14:54:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2010:Animaloftheday.706

The yellow-footed antechinus (Antechinus flavipes) is a curious little marsupial that lives in the land down under. The little mammal resembles a mouse but does not have the characteristic mouse odour but does have teeth like a canine. The antechinus is usually gray in colour with a more rusty hue toward the belly and has a white-eye ring and black tipped tail. Colours vary with location. Adults are anywhere from 90 (3.5inches) to 160mm (6.2 inches) in length and weigh from 20 (0.75 oz.) to 75g (2.75 oz.). Unlike the majority of their species, they prefer to scamper around during the day scavenging for invertebrates, eggs, nectar, small birds and house mice to eat. After catching the prey, the antechinus oddly turns it inside out, as it prefers to get to the meaty interior. Not fearful of humans, the antechinus has been known to enter houses and to commence nest building. This fast-footed little animal, also known as mardo, is considered a low risk on the endangered species list as it is quite an adaptable little creature. Populations are found anywhere from northeast Queensland to southwest Western Australia and in environments ranging from dry deserts to lush forests. Mating season for the yellow-footed antechinus occurs annually at various times throughout the year depending on where individual groups are located. During this time, which lasts two weeks, the males go on a frenzy, as fighting ensues and many nests are visited until a suitable mate if found. Following the twelve-hour mating session, the males all die due to self-imposed starvation and the stress their little bodies endure from overexertion, lack of nutrients and loss of weight. Following a month’s gestation period the young are born. Seven to ten babies arrive and sometimes there are more babies than teats to feed them. They reside in their mother’s outside pouch and cling to her as she scampers along for the first five weeks of their lives. When the babies are too heavy to carry, they live in a nest prepared by their mother. The young yellow-footed antechinus are weaned at the age of three months; it is at this time they begin to travel with their parent. At times, the mother may kill her young. She does this not out of hunger but it is thought due to discrimination. The females are the victims who get disposed of in the first litter. The males are subject to destruction if another litter arrives later in the year. Soon the surviving young marsupials venture out on their own as they reach sexual maturity at eleven months. Picture of the yellow-footed antechinus by benjamint444, licensed under GFDL

The yellow-footed antechinus (Antechinus flavipes) is a curious little marsupial that lives in the land down under. The little mammal resembles a mouse but does not have the characteristic mouse odour but does have teeth like a canine. The antechinus is usually gray in colour with a more rusty hue toward the belly and has a white-eye ring and black tipped tail. Colours vary with location. Adults are anywhere from 90 (3.5inches) to 160mm (6.2 inches) in length and weigh from 20 (0.75 oz.) to 75g (2.75 oz.).

Unlike the majority of their species, they prefer to scamper around during the day scavenging for invertebrates, eggs, nectar, small birds and house mice to eat. After catching the prey, the antechinus oddly turns it inside out, as it prefers to get to the meaty interior. Not fearful of humans, the antechinus has been known to enter houses and to commence nest building.

This fast-footed little animal, also known as mardo, is considered a low risk on the endangered species list as it is quite an adaptable little creature. Populations are found anywhere from northeast Queensland to southwest Western Australia and in environments ranging from dry deserts to lush forests.

Mating season for the yellow-footed antechinus occurs annually at various times throughout the year depending on where individual groups are located. During this time, which lasts two weeks, the males go on a frenzy, as fighting ensues and many nests are visited until a suitable mate if found. Following the twelve-hour mating session, the males all die due to self-imposed starvation and the stress their little bodies endure from overexertion, lack of nutrients and loss of weight.

Following a month’s gestation period the young are born. Seven to ten babies arrive and sometimes there are more babies than teats to feed them. They reside in their mother’s outside pouch and cling to her as she scampers along for the first five weeks of their lives. When the babies are too heavy to carry, they live in a nest prepared by their mother. The young yellow-footed antechinus are weaned at the age of three months; it is at this time they begin to travel with their parent.

At times, the mother may kill her young. She does this not out of hunger but it is thought due to discrimination. The females are the victims who get disposed of in the first litter. The males are subject to destruction if another litter arrives later in the year. Soon the surviving young marsupials venture out on their own as they reach sexual maturity at eleven months.

Picture of the yellow-footed antechinus by benjamint444, licensed under GFDL ]]> admin 2010-03-18T16:10:00+01:00 2010-03-18T16:10:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2010:Animaloftheday.705

The lesser mouse deer or chevrotain (Tragulus kanchil) is the smallest hoofed mammal in the world. Although it is a shy and secretive forest dwelling relative of the deer and rarely seen, it is very well known throughout Southeast Asia. Its species name T. kanchil recalls its Malay name 'Sang Kancil', a renowned trickster and folk hero. At first glance, the lesser mouse deer resembles a tiny, rabbit-sized deer that walks on its tiptoes. Adults normally measure about eighteen inches (45 cm) long. Standing on their pencil-thin legs, shoulder height is a mere twelve inches (30 cm), and they weigh about five pounds (2.3 kg). Lesser mouse deer have soft reddish-brown fur marked with a pattern of pale spots or stripes running along the sides of the neck and a pale-colored underside. Unlike deer, the males have no antlers, but do sport a pair of canine teeth that can be seen projecting downward from the upper jaw like two tiny tusks. Males make use of their teeth to defend themselves and their mates against rivals. The natural habitat of the lesser mouse deer is the moist tropical lowland forest regions of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Java and Borneo), Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Isthmus of Kra), Singapore, southern China, Thailand and Vietnam. Mouse deer feed on fallen fruits, tender shoots, young leaves and fungi found along the ground and in the low, dense vegetation they inhabit. These tiny browsers are crepuscular feeders, meaning that they prefer being active in the dim light of dusk and dawn. In their forest home, mouse deer travel along paths which resemble tunnels of thick vegetation leading to resting places and feeding areas. Males are very territorial and they regularly mark their territories with scent glands found under their chins. Female mouse deer may give birth to a single fawn at any time of year. Like other hoofed animals, newborn fawns are precocial and stand within thirty minutes of being born. The does wean their fawns at around twelve weeks. The fawns can breed at five to six months, and may live for twelve years. The natural predators of the lesser mouse deer include crocodiles, snakes, birds of prey and all forest cats. They are taken by humans throughout most of their range for meat and skins. Hunting, trapping, roaming packs of dogs and habitat destruction pose their biggest threats. Sang kancil (pronounced: Kahn-cheel), the diminutive but wise mouse deer, holds a place of pride in Malay and Indonesian folklore. The tiny hero is cunning and intelligent, and able to prevail over larger tyrants and foes. In these tales, the only thing "lesser" about the lesser mouse deer is his size. Picture of the lesser mouse deer by Linda Kenney from United Kingdom, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic

The lesser mouse deer or chevrotain (Tragulus kanchil) is the smallest hoofed mammal in the world. Although it is a shy and secretive forest dwelling relative of the deer and rarely seen, it is very well known throughout Southeast Asia. Its species name T. kanchil recalls its Malay name 'Sang Kancil', a renowned trickster and folk hero.

At first glance, the lesser mouse deer resembles a tiny, rabbit-sized deer that walks on its tiptoes. Adults normally measure about eighteen inches (45 cm) long. Standing on their pencil-thin legs, shoulder height is a mere twelve inches (30 cm), and they weigh about five pounds (2.3 kg). Lesser mouse deer have soft reddish-brown fur marked with a pattern of pale spots or stripes running along the sides of the neck and a pale-colored underside. Unlike deer, the males have no antlers, but do sport a pair of canine teeth that can be seen projecting downward from the upper jaw like two tiny tusks. Males make use of their teeth to defend themselves and their mates against rivals.

The natural habitat of the lesser mouse deer is the moist tropical lowland forest regions of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Java and Borneo), Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Isthmus of Kra), Singapore, southern China, Thailand and Vietnam. Mouse deer feed on fallen fruits, tender shoots, young leaves and fungi found along the ground and in the low, dense vegetation they inhabit. These tiny browsers are crepuscular feeders, meaning that they prefer being active in the dim light of dusk and dawn. In their forest home, mouse deer travel along paths which resemble tunnels of thick vegetation leading to resting places and feeding areas. Males are very territorial and they regularly mark their territories with scent glands found under their chins.

Female mouse deer may give birth to a single fawn at any time of year. Like other hoofed animals, newborn fawns are precocial and stand within thirty minutes of being born. The does wean their fawns at around twelve weeks. The fawns can breed at five to six months, and may live for twelve years.

The natural predators of the lesser mouse deer include crocodiles, snakes, birds of prey and all forest cats. They are taken by humans throughout most of their range for meat and skins. Hunting, trapping, roaming packs of dogs and habitat destruction pose their biggest threats.

Sang kancil (pronounced: Kahn-cheel), the diminutive but wise mouse deer, holds a place of pride in Malay and Indonesian folklore. The tiny hero is cunning and intelligent, and able to prevail over larger tyrants and foes. In these tales, the only thing "lesser" about the lesser mouse deer is his size.

Picture of the lesser mouse deer by Linda Kenney from United Kingdom, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic ]]> admin 2010-03-19T10:08:00+01:00 2010-03-17T10:52:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2010:Animaloftheday.704

The Crab-Eating Raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) is smoother and lighter than its northern cousins. The males of this species are polygynous, which means they mate with several females from July to September of each year. The females, however, will not allow another male to mate with them after they have become pregnant. This leaves the males free to seek out other partners for the rest of the season. North American raccoons mate from January to June when the weather is rather cold. Their options for partners are somewhat more limited in this environment. So, Procyron cancrivorus is not only more attractive than Procyon lotor; he also gets a more exciting lifestyle in much better weather. This is why the Crab-Eating Raccoon could be nicknamed the sleek South American playboy of the raccoon world. Crab-Eating Raccoons inhabit central and south America. They prefer to live near bodies of water in parts of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Costa Rica. Procyon cancrivorus does seem to prefer marshy and swampy inland rivers. The Crab-Eating Raccoon can make use of just about any habitat, though, as long as there are adequate opportunities to find food, water, and shelter. Interestingly, the Crab-Eating Raccoon usually seems to prefer to eat fruit. Of course, like all raccoons, these animals will eat anything they can find: nuts, insects, amphibians, fish, and of course, crabs. They do have great hearing and excellent nighttime vision, even though they are colorblind. One thing that sets Procyon cancrivorus from other carnivores is its ability to use the sense of touch to find food. It can recognize prey by using its tactile senses—a very valuable asset for a nocturnal animal. Because they tend to prefer to live near water, they have probably been observed eating crustaceans, which led to them being given their common name. Crab-Eating Raccoons weigh between 3 and 7 kg (about 6-15 pounds). They are usually 54 to 65 centimeters in length (approximately 21-26 inches), including the tail. The tail comprises nearly half of the animal's total length. These anmimals can fall prey to any larger carnivore. Sometimes even owls and alligators will kill them for food. Humans may hunt them for their fur. The species is not threatened or endangered at this point, though it has received some attention from international associations. One famous orphaned crab-eating raccoon named Bandit resides at the Karanambu ranch in Guyana. Picture of the crab-eating raccoon by Steven G. Johnson, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

The Crab-Eating Raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) is smoother and lighter than its northern cousins. The males of this species are polygynous, which means they mate with several females from July to September of each year. The females, however, will not allow another male to mate with them after they have become pregnant. This leaves the males free to seek out other partners for the rest of the season. North American raccoons mate from January to June when the weather is rather cold. Their options for partners are somewhat more limited in this environment. So, Procyron cancrivorus is not only more attractive than Procyon lotor; he also gets a more exciting lifestyle in much better weather. This is why the Crab-Eating Raccoon could be nicknamed the sleek South American playboy of the raccoon world.

Crab-Eating Raccoons inhabit central and south America. They prefer to live near bodies of water in parts of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Costa Rica. Procyon cancrivorus does seem to prefer marshy and swampy inland rivers. The Crab-Eating Raccoon can make use of just about any habitat, though, as long as there are adequate opportunities to find food, water, and shelter.

Interestingly, the Crab-Eating Raccoon usually seems to prefer to eat fruit. Of course, like all raccoons, these animals will eat anything they can find: nuts, insects, amphibians, fish, and of course, crabs. They do have great hearing and excellent nighttime vision, even though they are colorblind. One thing that sets Procyon cancrivorus from other carnivores is its ability to use the sense of touch to find food. It can recognize prey by using its tactile senses—a very valuable asset for a nocturnal animal. Because they tend to prefer to live near water, they have probably been observed eating crustaceans, which led to them being given their common name.

Crab-Eating Raccoons weigh between 3 and 7 kg (about 6-15 pounds). They are usually 54 to 65 centimeters in length (approximately 21-26 inches), including the tail. The tail comprises nearly half of the animal's total length. These anmimals can fall prey to any larger carnivore. Sometimes even owls and alligators will kill them for food. Humans may hunt them for their fur. The species is not threatened or endangered at this point, though it has received some attention from international associations. One famous orphaned crab-eating raccoon named Bandit resides at the Karanambu ranch in Guyana.

Picture of the crab-eating raccoon by Steven G. Johnson, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported ]]> admin 2010-03-19T10:07:00+01:00 2010-03-16T09:56:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2010:Animaloftheday.703

The fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus), is a relatively small sized rat, with a slightly rotund body. This rodent actually belongs to the gerbil family, and looks very similar to the common gerbil sold in pet stores. Found mostly in North Africa and the Middle East, particularly throughout Egypt, Libya, Palestine, the Sudan coast, and Saudi Arabia, this creature prefers sandy areas, where there is little vegetation and little water. The food that they do eat tends to be low calorie, providing low energy. The heat of their environment, coupled with their low calorie food, makes them somewhat less active than normal rats. This results in their larger body mass, compared to length. Adult fat sand rats grow to weigh about 212 grams (.4664 lbs). At a length of 85-130 mm, or 3-5 inches, that makes this rat a bit chubby, though not quite as large as the name implies. While many rats are nocturnal (alert and active mostly at night), the sand rat tends to be more diurnal (more active during the day), though often the high temperatures force the rat to be more active during the cooler times of dusk and dawn. The sand rat’s extra weight results in frequent development of type 2 diabetes. This makes the sand rat a great choice for diabetes research, however, they usually do not do well in captivity. Living largely solitary lives, this rat lives to be around three years old, an average age for a small rodent. As with many rodents, they live in underground burrows, which protect them from weather and predators. This little rat has almond shaped eyes, and small ears that lay back close to the head. Its body is a reddish brown, with a lighter colored belly, and black nails. Like most rodents, they can breed prodigiously, have 2-5 babies, almost monthly, if they find the opportunity to mate. Due to their habitat and lack of human encroachment into the desert, these animals are not yet endangered. A forager by nature, this little rat rarely drinks water. Instead, it takes in its liquid nourishment through the vegetation it eats, and by licking morning dew off of plant leaves. The fat sand rat has very efficient kidneys, which are able to remove waste using very little water, while still keeping the rat healthy. The main predator of this rat are the desert lizards, snakes, and birds of prey. Picture of the fat sand rat by Tino Strauss, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic

The fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus), is a relatively small sized rat, with a slightly rotund body. This rodent actually belongs to the gerbil family, and looks very similar to the common gerbil sold in pet stores. Found mostly in North Africa and the Middle East, particularly throughout Egypt, Libya, Palestine, the Sudan coast, and Saudi Arabia, this creature prefers sandy areas, where there is little vegetation and little water. The food that they do eat tends to be low calorie, providing low energy.

The heat of their environment, coupled with their low calorie food, makes them somewhat less active than normal rats. This results in their larger body mass, compared to length. Adult fat sand rats grow to weigh about 212 grams (.4664 lbs). At a length of 85-130 mm, or 3-5 inches, that makes this rat a bit chubby, though not quite as large as the name implies.

While many rats are nocturnal (alert and active mostly at night), the sand rat tends to be more diurnal (more active during the day), though often the high temperatures force the rat to be more active during the cooler times of dusk and dawn. The sand rat’s extra weight results in frequent development of type 2 diabetes. This makes the sand rat a great choice for diabetes research, however, they usually do not do well in captivity.

Living largely solitary lives, this rat lives to be around three years old, an average age for a small rodent. As with many rodents, they live in underground burrows, which protect them from weather and predators. This little rat has almond shaped eyes, and small ears that lay back close to the head. Its body is a reddish brown, with a lighter colored belly, and black nails. Like most rodents, they can breed prodigiously, have 2-5 babies, almost monthly, if they find the opportunity to mate. Due to their habitat and lack of human encroachment into the desert, these animals are not yet endangered.

A forager by nature, this little rat rarely drinks water. Instead, it takes in its liquid nourishment through the vegetation it eats, and by licking morning dew off of plant leaves. The fat sand rat has very efficient kidneys, which are able to remove waste using very little water, while still keeping the rat healthy. The main predator of this rat are the desert lizards, snakes, and birds of prey.

Picture of the fat sand rat by Tino Strauss, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic ]]> admin 2010-03-19T10:07:00+01:00 2010-03-15T15:36:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2010:Animaloftheday.702

The Baird's Tapir (Tapirus Bairdii) is a strange animal that can be found from the tip of Mexico down to Ecuador. This is the only part of the earth where the Baird's Tapir can be seen. Physical description of the Baird's Tapir The Baird's Tapir is a funny looking creature that can weigh from 300 to 600 pounds(150 to 300 kilograms). Their body length is between 70 to 100 inches(180 to 250 centimeters). The Baird's Tapir is often considered pig-like because of its hard skin, long snout, and short legs. Their upper bodies are reddish brown in color, gradually becoming lighter. The Baird's Tapir has white lips, white-tipped ears, and sometimes white on the chest and neck. The habitat of the Baird's Tapir The Baird's Tapir live in many different types of habitat. They can be found in mountainous regions, as well as tropical rainforests. They have also been seen in marshes and swamps, woodlands, forests, and mangroves. The strange eating habits of the Baird's Tapir The Baird's Tapir is an odd eater. They are strictly herbivores and forage for plants. They will follow a path in a zig-zag pattern. They might eat several types of plant in a single area, or they might eat only one specific type of plant in that area, ignoring the rest. The silly things will also stop eating the leaves on one tree, and move on to another one of the same species, even if the first one still has plenty of vegetation to enjoy. The behavior of the Baird's Tapir The Baird's Tapir are excellent swimmers, which is very helpful considering they live in an area with a heavy rainy season. They can paddle, swim, and even dive with ease in the water. They are usually nocturnal animals, as the heat of the day is too much for their bodies. Like a pig, the Baird's Tapir sleep in wallowing holes. Although solitary creatures, they can be heard whistling to each other from distances. When scared, they will hiccup. Reproduction and child care The Baird's Tapir will form monogamous couples. The poor female has to endure pregnancy for 400 days. They will give birth to no more than one baby a year. The babies are brown in color, but have unique white stripes and spots on their bodies. Those markings are for camouflage, allowing the baby to hide in bushes for protection. Predators of the Baird's Tapir With their thick skin and fast feet, Baird's Tapirs are pretty well protected. However, they do have two predators. First, there is the Puma. This cat will pick off baby tapirs. Then, there are humans, because tapirs are often hunted as food. The Baird's Tapir is an endangered species The forests of Central America are quickly being destroyed because of deforestation. The loss of habitat is harming the Baird's Tapir. Also, the tapir is often hunted for food. Since they have such a low birth rate, more tapirs are being killed than are being born. While considered endangered in all of Central America, they are considered extinct in El Salvador. Picture of the Baird's Tapir licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0

The Baird's Tapir (Tapirus Bairdii) is a strange animal that can be found from the tip of Mexico down to Ecuador. This is the only part of the earth where the Baird's Tapir can be seen.

Physical description of the Baird's Tapir

The Baird's Tapir is a funny looking creature that can weigh from 300 to 600 pounds(150 to 300 kilograms). Their body length is between 70 to 100 inches(180 to 250 centimeters). The Baird's Tapir is often considered pig-like because of its hard skin, long snout, and short legs. Their upper bodies are reddish brown in color, gradually becoming lighter. The Baird's Tapir has white lips, white-tipped ears, and sometimes white on the chest and neck.

The habitat of the Baird's Tapir

The Baird's Tapir live in many different types of habitat. They can be found in mountainous regions, as well as tropical rainforests. They have also been seen in marshes and swamps, woodlands, forests, and mangroves.

The strange eating habits of the Baird's Tapir

The Baird's Tapir is an odd eater. They are strictly herbivores and forage for plants. They will follow a path in a zig-zag pattern. They might eat several types of plant in a single area, or they might eat only one specific type of plant in that area, ignoring the rest. The silly things will also stop eating the leaves on one tree, and move on to another one of the same species, even if the first one still has plenty of vegetation to enjoy.

The behavior of the Baird's Tapir

The Baird's Tapir are excellent swimmers, which is very helpful considering they live in an area with a heavy rainy season. They can paddle, swim, and even dive with ease in the water. They are usually nocturnal animals, as the heat of the day is too much for their bodies. Like a pig, the Baird's Tapir sleep in wallowing holes. Although solitary creatures, they can be heard whistling to each other from distances. When scared, they will hiccup.

Reproduction and child care

The Baird's Tapir will form monogamous couples. The poor female has to endure pregnancy for 400 days. They will give birth to no more than one baby a year. The babies are brown in color, but have unique white stripes and spots on their bodies. Those markings are for camouflage, allowing the baby to hide in bushes for protection.

Predators of the Baird's Tapir

With their thick skin and fast feet, Baird's Tapirs are pretty well protected. However, they do have two predators. First, there is the Puma. This cat will pick off baby tapirs. Then, there are humans, because tapirs are often hunted as food.

The Baird's Tapir is an endangered species

The forests of Central America are quickly being destroyed because of deforestation. The loss of habitat is harming the Baird's Tapir. Also, the tapir is often hunted for food. Since they have such a low birth rate, more tapirs are being killed than are being born. While considered endangered in all of Central America, they are considered extinct in El Salvador.

Picture of the Baird's Tapir licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 ]]> admin 2010-03-19T10:06:00+01:00 2010-03-13T20:32:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2010:Animaloftheday.701

The Melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra), though commonly called a whate is of a dolphin species that is part of the group known as blackfish. The Melon-headed whale lives in tropical waters, but isn’t seen very often because of its strong preference for deep water. Appearance and size Adult Melon-headed whales normally weigh over 450 pounds (200 kg) and usually measure in the neighborhood of 10 feet (3 m) long, a size considerably larger than their approximate 20-30 pound (10-15 kg), 3 foot (1 m) size at birth. As with humans, the females live longer (about thirty years) than the males (about 20 years). The Melon-headed whale has a rounded, triangular shaped head when viewed from on top or on the bottom. From the sides, the head looks rounded. They often are mistaken as a pygmy killer whale, especially when seen from far away. Their dorsal fin they have is distinctive and is located on their mid-back. Their ventral side is white and The rest of their body varies from black to dark grey. They have an unusual triangle shaped black mask on their face as well as distinctive white lips. Habitat Melon-headed whales have been spotted occasionally in odd places around the world, but are primarily found in tropical ocean areas. They can often be seen from the Philippines and from Hawaii. They are also known to traverse the Gulf of Mexico, the South China Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. In one of the most famous (and most voluminous) sightings, a large pod of these creatures was near the island of Bataan in 2009. They are most often found at the continental shelf and outward as well as around islands. Because it stays in deep water most of the time, these aren’t often visible by humans. Food The diet of the Melon-headed whale is mostly small fish and squid. Behavior Melon-headed whales are known to stay in groups of sizes ranging from 100 to 500. Also, they have been known to hang out with other species such as Fraser, Spinner, and Spotted dolphins and short finned pilot whales. This species regularly participates in mass stranding that result in death. One study documented that beached females outnumbered beached males by 2-1. Threats While this species is not officially listed as endangered, pollution, noise pollution, and direct and incidental catching are its primary threats. The only known predators of this species are humans, besides that it is top predator.

The Melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra), though commonly called a whate is of a dolphin species that is part of the group known as blackfish. The Melon-headed whale lives in tropical waters, but isn’t seen very often because of its strong preference for deep water.

Appearance and size

Adult Melon-headed whales normally weigh over 450 pounds (200 kg) and usually measure in the neighborhood of 10 feet (3 m) long, a size considerably larger than their approximate 20-30 pound (10-15 kg), 3 foot (1 m) size at birth. As with humans, the females live longer (about thirty years) than the males (about 20 years).

The Melon-headed whale has a rounded, triangular shaped head when viewed from on top or on the bottom. From the sides, the head looks rounded. They often are mistaken as a pygmy killer whale, especially when seen from far away. Their dorsal fin they have is distinctive and is located on their mid-back. Their ventral side is white and The rest of their body varies from black to dark grey. They have an unusual triangle shaped black mask on their face as well as distinctive white lips.

Habitat

Melon-headed whales have been spotted occasionally in odd places around the world, but are primarily found in tropical ocean areas. They can often be seen from the Philippines and from Hawaii. They are also known to traverse the Gulf of Mexico, the South China Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. In one of the most famous (and most voluminous) sightings, a large pod of these creatures was near the island of Bataan in 2009. They are most often found at the continental shelf and outward as well as around islands. Because it stays in deep water most of the time, these aren’t often visible by humans.

Food

The diet of the Melon-headed whale is mostly small fish and squid.

Behavior

Melon-headed whales are known to stay in groups of sizes ranging from 100 to 500. Also, they have been known to hang out with other species such as Fraser, Spinner, and Spotted dolphins and short finned pilot whales.

This species regularly participates in mass stranding that result in death. One study documented that beached females outnumbered beached males by 2-1.

Threats

While this species is not officially listed as endangered, pollution, noise pollution, and direct and incidental catching are its primary threats. The only known predators of this species are humans, besides that it is top predator. ]]> admin 2010-03-19T10:06:00+01:00 2010-03-10T16:46:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2010:Animaloftheday.700

The Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) can be found swimming in the warm coastal and estuary waters of temperate and tropical Asia. Marked by its lack of a dorsal fin, this playful but shy mammal instead sports a ridge that extends between the blowhole and the tail flukes. With a sleek round head and pink eyes (on about half the population), this joyful marine species is more difficult to spot than their human-friendly dolphin cousins. They don't seek out people, or like to surf on the bow waves of ships as the daredevil dolphins do. Though some have been seen performing “tail stands” and doing “spy hops” - quickly poking their heads out of the water just past the eyes, and disappearing into the water again. They live in small groups of about five to ten porpoises, called schools, or pods. However larger groups of twenty-five have been seen. Little is known about the size of the entire population of this elusive, yet beautiful creature. Shy of humans, and occupying an ever-diminishing natural habitat, the finless porpoise exhibits evasiveness around oceangoing vessels and other human activity. Because of this, it is difficult to gather enough data to understand the total population of this marine mammal. Born at about 75 cm, they can reach up to 170 cm (5.6 feet) and 70 kg (154 lbs). Some have been seen as long as 200 cm (6.6 feet) and weighing 100 kg (220 lbs). They are colored dark gray to whitish on their underbelly. They live to be about ten to twenty years old. They usually feed on fish, crustaceans, shrimp and small squid. They use echolocation to navigate the warmer waters of their habitats. As for natural predators, it seems they are most threatened by human activity. While sharks have been known to attack porpoises, in general they leave them alone. Similar to the beluga whale in appearance, the finless porpoise cuts a unique profile with its sleek and graceful lines, and photogenic smile. Found in the coastal waters off of Asia, Pakistan India, China and Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and many more countries, this curious species, though widespread, is not necessarily everywhere. Because of their shyness they are hard to track. Human activities such as fishing and damming rivers also diminishes their numbers. Although they are not fished for directly, they do get tangled in nets such as gill nets, and succumb to electric fishing practices in China's Yangtze River; an illegal practice that also decimates the porpoise's food supply. Finally, pollution continues to threaten the shallow waters where these creatures call home. The finless porpoise has been placed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Because little is known about the total population, they are classified as data deficient; and population decrease has been inferred, in the presence of factors such as bycatch, decline in the quality of natural habitats, pollution and mortality in fisheries. This incredible, shy, fun-loving creature of the sea smiles and swims off into its mysteries, but hopefully, not into history. Picture by ori2uru, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

The Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) can be found swimming in the warm coastal and estuary waters of temperate and tropical Asia. Marked by its lack of a dorsal fin, this playful but shy mammal instead sports a ridge that extends between the blowhole and the tail flukes.

With a sleek round head and pink eyes (on about half the population), this joyful marine species is more difficult to spot than their human-friendly dolphin cousins. They don't seek out people, or like to surf on the bow waves of ships as the daredevil dolphins do. Though some have been seen performing “tail stands” and doing “spy hops” - quickly poking their heads out of the water just past the eyes, and disappearing into the water again.

They live in small groups of about five to ten porpoises, called schools, or pods. However larger groups of twenty-five have been seen. Little is known about the size of the entire population of this elusive, yet beautiful creature. Shy of humans, and occupying an ever-diminishing natural habitat, the finless porpoise exhibits evasiveness around oceangoing vessels and other human activity. Because of this, it is difficult to gather enough data to understand the total population of this marine mammal.

Born at about 75 cm, they can reach up to 170 cm (5.6 feet) and 70 kg (154 lbs). Some have been seen as long as 200 cm (6.6 feet) and weighing 100 kg (220 lbs). They are colored dark gray to whitish on their underbelly. They live to be about ten to twenty years old. They usually feed on fish, crustaceans, shrimp and small squid. They use echolocation to navigate the warmer waters of their habitats.

As for natural predators, it seems they are most threatened by human activity. While sharks have been known to attack porpoises, in general they leave them alone. Similar to the beluga whale in appearance, the finless porpoise cuts a unique profile with its sleek and graceful lines, and photogenic smile.

Found in the coastal waters off of Asia, Pakistan India, China and Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and many more countries, this curious species, though widespread, is not necessarily everywhere. Because of their shyness they are hard to track. Human activities such as fishing and damming rivers also diminishes their numbers. Although they are not fished for directly, they do get tangled in nets such as gill nets, and succumb to electric fishing practices in China's Yangtze River; an illegal practice that also decimates the porpoise's food supply. Finally, pollution continues to threaten the shallow waters where these creatures call home.

The finless porpoise has been placed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Because little is known about the total population, they are classified as data deficient; and population decrease has been inferred, in the presence of factors such as bycatch, decline in the quality of natural habitats, pollution and mortality in fisheries.

This incredible, shy, fun-loving creature of the sea smiles and swims off into its mysteries, but hopefully, not into history.

Picture by ori2uru, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic ]]> admin 2010-03-19T10:03:00+01:00 2010-03-08T11:35:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2010:Animaloftheday.699

The Blue wildebeest (Connochaetes Taurinus), one of two species of wildebeest, is a large mammal of the Bovid family. Muscular in appearance, this animal moves gracefully on slim legs. Although he has a reputation for stampeding, this animal generally moves quietly, but when spooked can charge across the plain at speeds up to 40 mph. The silvery, blue luster on his short-haired hide, differentiates him from the plainer, Black wildebeest, and also gives him the distinction of his name. Parenthesis shaped horns adorn the heads of both the male and female wildebeest. Wide at the base while curving out and upward, the male’s horn span can reach 90 cm, 2.95 ft, with the female horns only half that size. Larger than the female, the male can reach a length of 2.5 meters, 7.5 ft, and a weight of 290 kg, 639 lbs, with the female slightly smaller. Since wildebeests must have daily, lengthy drinks, they should always be within 15 to 25 kilometers of potable water. Because of their need to drink, wildebeests are extremely vulnerable at river crossings. There, they are stalked by their enemies. The main predators of the wildebeest are the crocodile, lion, leopard, cheetah, and the hyena. The Blue wildebeest inhabits bush-covered and open savannah areas in south and east Africa, favoring a locale that is neither too dry nor too wet. Because wildebeests are grazers they prefer the grasslands of the savannah. Their diet consists mainly of short grass, but sometimes they may eat bark and leaves. The jaw structure, and their wide rows of teeth, prevents them from eating many of the longer types of grasses, compelling them to choose shorter growth. Zebras co-exist with the wildebeest for joint protection, and also allow the wildebeest to benefit from the Zebra’s grazing habits of shearing down tall grass, leaving the choice, shorter shoots behind. While the herds are mostly migratory, they will follow a seasonal grazing and watering path. Forming some of the largest migratory herds of all animals, the wildebeest will search for more lush grasses once the rainy season has ended. Yet, some wildebeest do not migrate, and prefer to stay in one area year round, forming small herds. Very territorial, the adult males will occupy their piece of ground for a month, or for the whole year, marking the space with dung heaps, gland secretions, and pawing of the ground. Generally, territories cease to exist once the dry season begins. Africa’s large herds of wildebeest have declined the last few centuries because of human habitat, hunting, and environmental droughts. Fencing, and lack of water due to irrigation and farming, has prevented the wildebeest from migrating and entering its usual seasonal ranges. The Blue wildebeest still numbers over a million, and continues to be wide spread throughout Africa. However because of their diminishing numbers, and fear for their survival, conservation efforts are working to repair damaged grasslands and the problems of excessive fencing. Picture of the Blue Wildebeest by Profberger, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic

The Blue wildebeest (Connochaetes Taurinus), one of two species of wildebeest, is a large mammal of the Bovid family. Muscular in appearance, this animal moves gracefully on slim legs. Although he has a reputation for stampeding, this animal generally moves quietly, but when spooked can charge across the plain at speeds up to 40 mph.

The silvery, blue luster on his short-haired hide, differentiates him from the plainer, Black wildebeest, and also gives him the distinction of his name. Parenthesis shaped horns adorn the heads of both the male and female wildebeest. Wide at the base while curving out and upward, the male’s horn span can reach 90 cm, 2.95 ft, with the female horns only half that size. Larger than the female, the male can reach a length of 2.5 meters, 7.5 ft, and a weight of 290 kg, 639 lbs, with the female slightly smaller.

Since wildebeests must have daily, lengthy drinks, they should always be within 15 to 25 kilometers of potable water. Because of their need to drink, wildebeests are extremely vulnerable at river crossings. There, they are stalked by their enemies. The main predators of the wildebeest are the crocodile, lion, leopard, cheetah, and the hyena.

The Blue wildebeest inhabits bush-covered and open savannah areas in south and east Africa, favoring a locale that is neither too dry nor too wet. Because wildebeests are grazers they prefer the grasslands of the savannah. Their diet consists mainly of short grass, but sometimes they may eat bark and leaves. The jaw structure, and their wide rows of teeth, prevents them from eating many of the longer types of grasses, compelling them to choose shorter growth. Zebras co-exist with the wildebeest for joint protection, and also allow the wildebeest to benefit from the Zebra’s grazing habits of shearing down tall grass, leaving the choice, shorter shoots behind.

While the herds are mostly migratory, they will follow a seasonal grazing and watering path. Forming some of the largest migratory herds of all animals, the wildebeest will search for more lush grasses once the rainy season has ended. Yet, some wildebeest do not migrate, and prefer to stay in one area year round, forming small herds. Very territorial, the adult males will occupy their piece of ground for a month, or for the whole year, marking the space with dung heaps, gland secretions, and pawing of the ground. Generally, territories cease to exist once the dry season begins.

Africa’s large herds of wildebeest have declined the last few centuries because of human habitat, hunting, and environmental droughts. Fencing, and lack of water due to irrigation and farming, has prevented the wildebeest from migrating and entering its usual seasonal ranges. The Blue wildebeest still numbers over a million, and continues to be wide spread throughout Africa. However because of their diminishing numbers, and fear for their survival, conservation efforts are working to repair damaged grasslands and the problems of excessive fencing.

Picture of the Blue Wildebeest by Profberger, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic ]]> admin 2010-03-19T10:02:00+01:00 2010-03-04T11:36:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2010:Animaloftheday.698

The squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) is a gliding mammal, somewhat similar to a possum, with a skin membrane covered with fur stretching between its front and hind legs. It’s of the marsupial family Petauridae, and is one of the wrist-winged gliders of the genus Petaurus. The squirrel glider is very similar in appearance to the sugar glider, a smaller relative. Its upper side is a pearl-grey hue and its underside is white. This glider also has a black line from between its eyes down to its lower back. The tail is very long and bushy, with a grey color shading to black at the tip. The squirrel glider is not a large animal, measuring in at 48 cm (18.9 inches). Of that length, 28 cm (11 inches) belongs to the tail, thus making the tail longer than the body. The weight of an adult averages about 230 grams, or approximately 8 oz (0.5 lbs). The squirrel glider is able to glide from tree to tree, sometimes even at distances up to 50 meters, or about 164 feet. Generally, they glide shorter distances, though. This enables the glider to avoid predators they would otherwise meet on the ground. Not only can this animal glide using its skin membrane, it can also use its long tail to hold on to branches. However, the tail usually acts as a rudder when the animal is gliding. The squirrel glider is a nocturnal creature, very active in foraging at night. It typically feeds on such things as tree sap, especially from eucalypt or Red Bloodwood trees; to obtain the sap, the glider gashes the tree trunk with its sharp teeth, causing the sap to flow. The glider also enjoys pollen and nectar from flowering shrubs and trees, as well as insects scavenged from flowers, leaves, and bark. The squirrel glider nests in tree hollows padded with leaves. It tends to live in family groups comprised of about 9 members, usually one mature male with 2 females and offspring. The gliders breed between June and January, producing one or two offspring each year, which are weaned after 4 months and are independent by 10 months. Gliders live from 4-6 years in the wild. The squirrel glider is endemic, or unique, to Australia, and is found particularly in eastern Australia. Though sparsely distributed, the squirrel glider is found from western Victoria to northern Queensland. It prefers habitats such as mature River Red gum forest and Box or Box-Ironbark woodlands which lie west of the Great Dividing Range, as well as Bloodwood forests in the coastal areas. It also favors mixed eucalypt forests with an acacia understory. The glider needs well-connected, lush tree canopies for gliding amongst. The squirrel glider isn't an endangered species, but is threatened by various human activities such as clearing or breaking up of habitats, such as areas where roads cut through forest canopies and gliding distances are too great. Losing old-growth, mature, hollow-bearing trees also imperils the glider. The squirrel glider has predators such as owls, foxes, cats and dogs.

The squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) is a gliding mammal, somewhat similar to a possum, with a skin membrane covered with fur stretching between its front and hind legs. It’s of the marsupial family Petauridae, and is one of the wrist-winged gliders of the genus Petaurus. The squirrel glider is very similar in appearance to the sugar glider, a smaller relative. Its upper side is a pearl-grey hue and its underside is white. This glider also has a black line from between its eyes down to its lower back. The tail is very long and bushy, with a grey color shading to black at the tip.

The squirrel glider is not a large animal, measuring in at 48 cm (18.9 inches). Of that length, 28 cm (11 inches) belongs to the tail, thus making the tail longer than the body. The weight of an adult averages about 230 grams, or approximately 8 oz (0.5 lbs).

The squirrel glider is able to glide from tree to tree, sometimes even at distances up to 50 meters, or about 164 feet. Generally, they glide shorter distances, though. This enables the glider to avoid predators they would otherwise meet on the ground. Not only can this animal glide using its skin membrane, it can also use its long tail to hold on to branches. However, the tail usually acts as a rudder when the animal is gliding.

The squirrel glider is a nocturnal creature, very active in foraging at night. It typically feeds on such things as tree sap, especially from eucalypt or Red Bloodwood trees; to obtain the sap, the glider gashes the tree trunk with its sharp teeth, causing the sap to flow. The glider also enjoys pollen and nectar from flowering shrubs and trees, as well as insects scavenged from flowers, leaves, and bark.
The squirrel glider nests in tree hollows padded with leaves. It tends to live in family groups comprised of about 9 members, usually one mature male with 2 females and offspring. The gliders breed between June and January, producing one or two offspring each year, which are weaned after 4 months and are independent by 10 months. Gliders live from 4-6 years in the wild.

The squirrel glider is endemic, or unique, to Australia, and is found particularly in eastern Australia. Though sparsely distributed, the squirrel glider is found from western Victoria to northern Queensland. It prefers habitats such as mature River Red gum forest and Box or Box-Ironbark woodlands which lie west of the Great Dividing Range, as well as Bloodwood forests in the coastal areas. It also favors mixed eucalypt forests with an acacia understory. The glider needs well-connected, lush tree canopies for gliding amongst.

The squirrel glider isn't an endangered species, but is threatened by various human activities such as clearing or breaking up of habitats, such as areas where roads cut through forest canopies and gliding distances are too great. Losing old-growth, mature, hollow-bearing trees also imperils the glider. The squirrel glider has predators such as owls, foxes, cats and dogs. ]]> admin 2008-09-01T12:08:00+01:00 2008-09-01T12:01:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2010:Animaloftheday.587

This is one of the funniest animal videos featuring funny cats and dog videos, Tyson the skateboarding dog, penguins and even a polar bear. I really like the funny cats in the beginning, I am curious what you think? Half of the clip is of Tyson the skateboarding dog, so if you get tired of him, you can stop watching... Have fun!

This is one of the funniest animal videos featuring funny cats and dog videos, Tyson the skateboarding dog, penguins and even a polar bear. I really like the funny cats in the beginning, I am curious what you think? Half of the clip is of Tyson the skateboarding dog, so if you get tired of him, you can stop watching... Have fun! ]]> admin 2008-02-02T15:02:00+01:00 2008-02-01T14:31:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2010:Animaloftheday.529

This is a funny video about a monkey pulling the tail of a dog. The dog doesn't know what hit him! Click here to view the video

This is a funny video about a monkey pulling the tail of a dog. The dog doesn't know what hit him!

Click here to view the video ]]> admin 2008-01-03T00:00:00+01:00 2008-01-03T00:00:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2010:Animaloftheday.526

Absolutely amazing story and movieclip about a lion that was rescued. Seems the king of the jungle has a softer side after all! Click here to view the movie where the lion hugs his rescuer

Absolutely amazing story and movieclip about a lion that was rescued. Seems the king of the jungle has a softer side after all! Click here to view the movie where the lion hugs his rescuer ]]> admin 2007-12-31T13:29:00+01:00 2007-12-27T02:40:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2010:Animaloftheday.132

This movie is from the Guinness Book of World Records. It shows the fattest cat in the world... I must admit it is unbelievably fat, but this cat can walk around fine and seems to be happy.

This movie is from the Guinness Book of World Records. It shows the fattest cat in the world... I must admit it is unbelievably fat, but this cat can walk around fine and seems to be happy. ]]> admin