For animal lovers 2012-02-08T14:02:37+01:00 dan2000 http://thewebsiteofeverything.com/weblog/index.php jelmer.van.der.ploeg@gmail.com tag:animaloftheday,2012:Animaloftheday Pivot Copyright (c) 2012, Authors of Animal of the day 2012-02-08T14:02:00+01:00 2012-02-08T13:58:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2012:Animaloftheday.1028

The lowland streaked tenrec (Hemicentetes semispinosus) is a small mammal with huge yellow and black stripes. A tenrec is a hedgehog-like mammal with a long snout. The lowland streaked tenrec lives only on the island of Madagascar’s eastern side. Unlike most mammals in Madagascar, this one is not endangered. That can soon change if Madagascar’s rainforests and marshes continue to be destroyed. Lowland streaked tenrecs eat insects, especially earthworms, which thrive in wooded areas near water. Although there are tenrecs in protected areas of Madagascar, biologists fear that tourists or curious natives could disturb their life and communications to the point where they may die from stress. Physical Description The lowland streaked tenrec has a body similar to a pygmy hedgehog, but has a long snout like an anteater. The snout is tipped in pink skin. The undersides of this little mammal are a chestnut brown, but on top they are striped like a bumblebee in yellow and black. Adults grow to only 6.3 to 7.48 inches (16 to 19 centimeters) long and weigh 3.17 to 7.76 ounces (90 to 220 grams.) But it’s this little mammal’s large spines that are truly remarkable. The spines along the flanks and back serve a dual purpose. They not only help protect the tenrec against predators such as domestic dogs, mongooses, Malagasy civets or the fossa, but are also used for communicating with other tenrecs. When a tenrec wants to communicate, it rubs specific pale spines together to generate an ultrasonic squeak. The sound carries a long way underground, where tenrecs spend most of their lives. Life Cycle and Behavior Lowland streaked tenrecs enjoy the company of tight-knit family groups. As many as 20 tenrecs can live in a single burrow. These very shy animals are opportunists, being active in both day and night to get food. Females become sexually active at the tender age of 5 weeks. Mating season is from September to December. After a gestation of 55 to 63 days, females give birth to a litter of one to eight babies that weigh a mere 0.28 ounces (8 grams) each. She will suckle them for only 25 days. Tenrecs hunt for insects aboveground and below ground, using their long snouts to poke through dead leaves or other litter. They usually go out in pairs or small groups for safety. With luck, a lowland streaked tenrec can live two and a half years. Picture of the lowland streaked tenrec by cliff1066, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

The lowland streaked tenrec (Hemicentetes semispinosus) is a small mammal with huge yellow and black stripes. A tenrec is a hedgehog-like mammal with a long snout. The lowland streaked tenrec lives only on the island of Madagascar’s eastern side. Unlike most mammals in Madagascar, this one is not endangered.

That can soon change if Madagascar’s rainforests and marshes continue to be destroyed. Lowland streaked tenrecs eat insects, especially earthworms, which thrive in wooded areas near water. Although there are tenrecs in protected areas of Madagascar, biologists fear that tourists or curious natives could disturb their life and communications to the point where they may die from stress.

Physical Description

The lowland streaked tenrec has a body similar to a pygmy hedgehog, but has a long snout like an anteater. The snout is tipped in pink skin. The undersides of this little mammal are a chestnut brown, but on top they are striped like a bumblebee in yellow and black. Adults grow to only 6.3 to 7.48 inches (16 to 19 centimeters) long and weigh 3.17 to 7.76 ounces (90 to 220 grams.)

But it’s this little mammal’s large spines that are truly remarkable. The spines along the flanks and back serve a dual purpose. They not only help protect the tenrec against predators such as domestic dogs, mongooses, Malagasy civets or the fossa, but are also used for communicating with other tenrecs. When a tenrec wants to communicate, it rubs specific pale spines together to generate an ultrasonic squeak. The sound carries a long way underground, where tenrecs spend most of their lives.

Life Cycle and Behavior

Lowland streaked tenrecs enjoy the company of tight-knit family groups. As many as 20 tenrecs can live in a single burrow. These very shy animals are opportunists, being active in both day and night to get food. Females become sexually active at the tender age of 5 weeks. Mating season is from September to December. After a gestation of 55 to 63 days, females give birth to a litter of one to eight babies that weigh a mere 0.28 ounces (8 grams) each. She will suckle them for only 25 days.

Tenrecs hunt for insects aboveground and below ground, using their long snouts to poke through dead leaves or other litter. They usually go out in pairs or small groups for safety. With luck, a lowland streaked tenrec can live two and a half years.

Picture of the lowland streaked tenrec by cliff1066, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license. ]]> admin 2012-02-07T20:01:00+01:00 2012-02-07T20:01:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2012:Animaloftheday.1027

The tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis) is also called the bufeo negro, the grey dolphin or the marine tucuxi dolphin. “Tucuxi” is pronounced “too koo she.” It is unknown how many of these rare dolphins are left. It is also unknown what natural predators feed on them except people. Many dolphins die due to water pollution and from getting caught in fisherman’s nets. Since dolphins need to breathe air, they soon drown in the nets. River dolphins can become stranded when rivers hit their lowest during the dry season. There are two subspecies of the tucuxi and it is unknown whether they can interbreed. The riverine subspecies, Sotalia fluviatilis fluviatilis lives in freshwater rivers cutting through the tropical rain forest. The marine subspecies, Sotalia fluviatilis guianensis, lives in the coastal ocean waters off of Brazil, Ecuador, Columbia and Peru. Physical Description Both subspecies of tucuxi look like, except the marine subspecies is slightly larger than the freshwater. Adult marine tucuxi grow up to 86.61 inches long (220 centimeters) while freshwater tucuxi grow to a length of only 59 inches (150 centimeters.) Adults of the marine subspecies weigh an average of 99.2 pounds (45 kilograms) while the freshwater subspecies weighs only 77.16 pounds (35 kilograms.) Both subspecies strongly resemble a small bottlenose dolphin, with a dolphin’s characteristic “grin.” The upper part of the body varies from a light grey to a blue-grey. The bottom part varies from a pinkish-white to a pearly white. White spots may appear on the tip of the triangular dorsal (top) fin and the tip of the nose. The dorsal fin is often hooked or curved at the top. Life Cycle and Behavior Tucuxi prefer to live in small pods or family groups from 15 to 50. The salt-water subspecies tend to live in larger pods. Males do fight for females, which then mate with more than one male if presented with the opportunity. Both subspecies eat fish and shellfish. Since the water is dark and hard to see through, they rely on echolocation in order to find prey and to navigate. Females of both subspecies have a gestation of 11 to 12 months and give birth to a single calf, often in November. Tucuxi are most active at dawn and at dusk. They are less playful than other dolphin species, but sometimes leap out of the water. With luck, a tucuxi can live to be 35 years old. They do not do well in captivity. Picture of the tucuxi by Archilider, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported and GFDL.

The tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis) is also called the bufeo negro, the grey dolphin or the marine tucuxi dolphin. “Tucuxi” is pronounced “too koo she.” It is unknown how many of these rare dolphins are left. It is also unknown what natural predators feed on them except people. Many dolphins die due to water pollution and from getting caught in fisherman’s nets. Since dolphins need to breathe air, they soon drown in the nets. River dolphins can become stranded when rivers hit their lowest during the dry season.

There are two subspecies of the tucuxi and it is unknown whether they can interbreed. The riverine subspecies, Sotalia fluviatilis fluviatilis lives in freshwater rivers cutting through the tropical rain forest. The marine subspecies, Sotalia fluviatilis guianensis, lives in the coastal ocean waters off of Brazil, Ecuador, Columbia and Peru.

Physical Description

Both subspecies of tucuxi look like, except the marine subspecies is slightly larger than the freshwater. Adult marine tucuxi grow up to 86.61 inches long (220 centimeters) while freshwater tucuxi grow to a length of only 59 inches (150 centimeters.) Adults of the marine subspecies weigh an average of 99.2 pounds (45 kilograms) while the freshwater subspecies weighs only 77.16 pounds (35 kilograms.)

Both subspecies strongly resemble a small bottlenose dolphin, with a dolphin’s characteristic “grin.” The upper part of the body varies from a light grey to a blue-grey. The bottom part varies from a pinkish-white to a pearly white. White spots may appear on the tip of the triangular dorsal (top) fin and the tip of the nose. The dorsal fin is often hooked or curved at the top.

Life Cycle and Behavior

Tucuxi prefer to live in small pods or family groups from 15 to 50. The salt-water subspecies tend to live in larger pods. Males do fight for females, which then mate with more than one male if presented with the opportunity. Both subspecies eat fish and shellfish. Since the water is dark and hard to see through, they rely on echolocation in order to find prey and to navigate. Females of both subspecies have a gestation of 11 to 12 months and give birth to a single calf, often in November.

Tucuxi are most active at dawn and at dusk. They are less playful than other dolphin species, but sometimes leap out of the water. With luck, a tucuxi can live to be 35 years old. They do not do well in captivity.

Picture of the tucuxi by Archilider, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported and GFDL. ]]> admin 2012-02-02T18:59:00+01:00 2012-02-02T18:59:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2012:Animaloftheday.1026

The Boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) is one of the most well known species of snake in the world. This is partly due to the fact that boa constrictors can be found in a wide variety of places, including Mexico, North America, South America, Caribbean islands, and more. They are also commonly seen at zoos and reptile houses across the world. The boa constrictor is a large breed of snake, often reaching a weight of 60lb (27kg) in the wild. Female boas are larger than males, at around 10ft (3m) while males average around 8ft (2.5m). In captivity, these creatures have been known to grow even larger since they are well-fed on a regular basis. The boa constrictor is highly versatile and adapts well to any living situation. Everything from the food they eat to the places they live are determined by their living environment. Ideally, the boa constrictor lives in the rain forest where it can camouflage itself within the trees and bushes, however this species has also been known to live in the desert or by oceans and lakes as well. When living in the desert, they often seek refuged deep within animal burrows, and while living by the water they tend to nest near the shore. The boa constrictor's diet depends greatly on where it's living, but always consists of small animals. The snake will camouflage itself waiting for an animal to pass. Once one does, the boa strikes, biting it several times before constricting the creature until dead. Then the snake begins the process of digesting it, which can take up to a week. Mice, lizards and other small mammals are often consumed if the snake is living in the desert, while, and bats and birds are consumed if living in the rain forest. If the boa is living by water, they often use their outstanding swimming abilities to hunt amphibians found within the water. As the boa grows, the size of the prey goes up as well. It's not uncommon to see an adult bow constrictor hunting rabbits or wild chickens. Young boa constrictors have many predators, including wild pigs, hawks, coatis, and caimans. The adult boa's main predator is the human, who hunt the snake for it's meat and skin. Because of this, the boa constrictor is listed as "Vulnerable" on the conservation status scale. This means that while the species isn't endangered currently, they are at a high risk of becoming so if special steps are not taken to protect this species. Picture of the Boa Constrictor by XPS420, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

The Boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) is one of the most well known species of snake in the world. This is partly due to the fact that boa constrictors can be found in a wide variety of places, including Mexico, North America, South America, Caribbean islands, and more. They are also commonly seen at zoos and reptile houses across the world.

The boa constrictor is a large breed of snake, often reaching a weight of 60lb (27kg) in the wild. Female boas are larger than males, at around 10ft (3m) while males average around 8ft (2.5m). In captivity, these creatures have been known to grow even larger since they are well-fed on a regular basis.

The boa constrictor is highly versatile and adapts well to any living situation. Everything from the food they eat to the places they live are determined by their living environment. Ideally, the boa constrictor lives in the rain forest where it can camouflage itself within the trees and bushes, however this species has also been known to live in the desert or by oceans and lakes as well. When living in the desert, they often seek refuged deep within animal burrows, and while living by the water they tend to nest near the shore.

The boa constrictor's diet depends greatly on where it's living, but always consists of small animals. The snake will camouflage itself waiting for an animal to pass. Once one does, the boa strikes, biting it several times before constricting the creature until dead. Then the snake begins the process of digesting it, which can take up to a week. Mice, lizards and other small mammals are often consumed if the snake is living in the desert, while, and bats and birds are consumed if living in the rain forest. If the boa is living by water, they often use their outstanding swimming abilities to hunt amphibians found within the water. As the boa grows, the size of the prey goes up as well. It's not uncommon to see an adult bow constrictor hunting rabbits or wild chickens.

Young boa constrictors have many predators, including wild pigs, hawks, coatis, and caimans. The adult boa's main predator is the human, who hunt the snake for it's meat and skin. Because of this, the boa constrictor is listed as "Vulnerable" on the conservation status scale. This means that while the species isn't endangered currently, they are at a high risk of becoming so if special steps are not taken to protect this species.

Picture of the Boa Constrictor by XPS420, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. ]]> admin 2010-08-03T12:22:00+01:00 2010-08-03T12:10:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2012:Animaloftheday.789

Very adorable video of two talking cats, they really seem to have a conversation. After you have watched it, watch also the next video, where you hear what they say in English, very funny... In this video, you hear what they were saying in English, good video.

Very adorable video of two talking cats, they really seem to have a conversation. After you have watched it, watch also the next video, where you hear what they say in English, very funny...





In this video, you hear what they were saying in English, good video. ]]> admin 2010-07-08T11:47:00+01:00 2010-07-08T00:01:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2012:Animaloftheday.774

This video has more than 11 million views, i cannot believe it. This cat has mastered the old ninja skill of moving without moving...

This video has more than 11 million views, i cannot believe it.

This cat has mastered the old ninja skill of moving without moving... ]]> admin 2010-07-05T10:48:00+01:00 2010-07-02T11:47:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2012:Animaloftheday.769

Amazing footage of a dog escaping from its prison. Michael Scofield eat your heart out! Very clever, at the beginning of the video you wouldn't figure out how the dog would escape, right?

Amazing footage of a dog escaping from its prison. Michael Scofield eat your heart out! Very clever, at the beginning of the video you wouldn't figure out how the dog would escape, right? ]]> admin 2010-03-26T18:01:00+01:00 2010-03-24T12:50:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2012:Animaloftheday.710

Imagine relaxing in the sea, together, resting in the coral, would you see this picture in your mind? Click the picture of this wolfish pair to watch the video.

Imagine relaxing in the sea, together, resting in the coral, would you see this picture in your mind? Click the picture of this wolfish pair to watch the video. ]]> admin 2008-09-01T12:08:00+01:00 2008-09-01T12:01:00+01:00 tag:animaloftheday,2012: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