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Monday 29 April 2013
The Fox Squirrel - The Largest Tree Squirrel of North America
The Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger) is the largest squirrel among all the tree squirrel species found in North America. It is also known as the Raccoon Squirrel, Stump-eared Squirrel, Monkey Faced Squirrel, and Red Squirrel. Although there is a difference in their size and coloration, people mistake this squirrel for the Eastern Grey Squirrel in areas where both the species coexist.
The fox squirrels are found almost everywhere in Eastern America, excluding Colorado, Texas, west of Dakotas, New England, and the southern parts of Canada. They have also been introduced to Southern and Northern California. They have a very versatile choice in terms of their selection for habitat. They are seen in forest patches spreading to 400,000 sq. m. They are also often found near urban developments where there are plenty of trees. They habitat best in areas where oak, walnut, pine, and hickory trees are found in abundance, since they produce food-like nuts which are stored for the winter.
The total length of an Eastern Fox Squirrel measures 17.71 to 27.55 inches (45 - 70 cm) with its tail measuring 7.87 to 13 inches (20-33 cm). Its weight also varies with its size. It can weigh anywhere from 1.1 lbs to 2.2 lbs (500 - 1000 grams). The animals in the eastern parts are bigger. There are three variations in its color according to the geographic conditions in which it is found to exist. In the southern parts, it is found with only black color coat while in eastern regions, it is dark brown or black with stripes on its face and its tail and in rest of the areas, it is found with a brownish yellow or a grayish brown coat. The fox squirrels have very sharp claws, flexors of forearms, and very well-developed extensors which help them in climbing. They have exceptionally good vision and their smelling and hearing senses are also well-developed. For communication with other squirrels, they make markings along with a specific scent.
Tree seeds are the first choice of Eastern fox squirrels when it comes to food. They also feed on fruits, buds, insects, food grains, small snakes, lizards, and birds eggs. Fox squirrels are considered as diurnal and non-territorial animals. Unlike other squirrels, although most of their time is spent on the ground, they are still swift climbers. They construct their house called 'dreys' according to the season.
These fox squirrels have two breeding seasons, in June and in December. The young ones have no fur at birth and are blind and helpless. After three months of their birth, they become independent and in one year, they reach their sexual maturity. In wild, they live only for seven months on an average while in captivity they are known to live up to 18 years.
Predators of eastern fox squirrels include humans, bob cats, hawks, snakes, and owls. Their agility is helpful to them to escape from their predators. They emit specific alarm calls to alert other squirrels when they are threatened. The increasing over-hunting and deforestation practices have put many species of this squirrel in danger.
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Friday 26 April 2013
White-headed Capuchin - The Movie Star and Service Primate
The White-headed Capuchin (Cebus capucinus), also known as the White-faced Capuchin and sometimes as the White-throated Capuchin, is a New World Monkey from South America and Central America, with a range that includes Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and parts of Columbia. They are a very versatile and adaptable species, which is considered a least-concern in the IUCN red list. They are able to adapt to their changing environment and have an omnivorous diet. They are usually around 8-9 pounds (3.9-4.2kg) and are usually 12 to 19.6 in (33-50) cm in length, with a prehensile tail that is an additional 15-21 in. (40-55cm) in length. The White-headed Capuchin's diet consists of an omnivorous mix of fruits and insects, and sometimes small birds, seeds, and small mammals. They are arboreal, but it will go to the ground more often than other relative New World Monkeys.
They usually live in groups of 5-30 individuals which have multiple males; however there is a hierarchy which starts with the Alpha Male, followed by the Alpha Female, and so on. As a social species they practice grooming, where the lower ranked members groom the higher ranked members and so on. Females of the species will form coalitions and stay with each other closely, when a new male or group of males attempts to take control and oust the other males they usually stay to themselves and cut off interacting with the males to keep themselves and the infants safe, however sometimes they will join with the males against intruding males. Interactions between troops seem to normally be aggressive and antagonistic in nature, however violence is usually a last resort. They will interact with other species of New World Monkey that are closely related, such as the various subspecies and even Geoffroy's Spider Monkey - and in rare instances going so far as travelling with and grooming them. On the flip side, there are violent fights between the two species as well as this sympatric behavior. They may also interact with howlers, however it is limited and mostly when young of both species play.
There are three subspecies of White-headed Capuchin, which are all closely related and will willingly interact socially (whether this is with aggression or not is dependent on the situation).
Cebus capucinus capucinus lives in Columbia and Ecuador, and is restricted to the western bank of the Rio Cauca River.
Cebus capucinus limitaneus lives in Honduras and possibly in the Mayan Mountains in Belize, although this remains unconfirmed.
Cebus capucinus imitator lives in Panama and covers areas of Costa Rica and also in the islands of Coiba.
Cebus capucinus curtus lives on Gorgona Island.
The White-headed Capuchin and its subspecies are all in the genus Cebus and Subfamily Cebinae, of which all Capuchin monkeys are members and many are endangered. Cebinae belongs to the Family Cebidae, which includes the squirrel monkeys. Cebidae belongs to the Parvorder Platyrrhini, which are all New World Monkeys, and this belongs to the Infraorder Simiiformes, of which we are members. This belongs to the Suborder Haplorrhini, which belongs to the order Primates. Primates belong to the Superorder Euarchontoglires which is comprised of Glires, being rodents and lagomorphs, and Euarchonta, being shrews, flying lemurs, and primates. Euarchontoglires belong to the Infraclass Eutheria, placental mammals, which belong to the Subclass Theria, which is all mammals except the monotremes. Finally this belongs to the Class of Mammals, of which all mammals are of course members.
They are able to use tools to help with food gathering, and are very skilled at adaptation and problem solving. They are, because of this, considered one of the highest in intelligence among other species in the new world and they have been studied for many years, and their intelligence is only ranked below the spider monkey in New World monkeys. If threatened by snakes they will pick up sticks and use them to beat the snake, and drive it away, or even to rescue an infant. In one example of tool use while captive (they usually use tools for food or for or in defense) a White-headed Capuchin actually picked up and threw a Squirrel Monkey at a human. In addition to tools they also rib certain plants on themselves and their fur in order to prevent parasites and deter insects, additionally they also use ants and millipedes, which release an irritating chemical normally, to further enhance this characteristic. It is because of their high intelligence and ability to learn and be trained that they have become service animals for humans that are disabled, such as paraplegics who cannot use their legs and quadriplegics who cannot use their arms or legs. They have a long history of being in the media as well, such Katie who played Marcel in the television series Friends.
Interesting Facts:
In addition to Friends, a White-headed Capuchin was featured in the film Outbreak.
Picture of the white-headed capuchin by Michelle Reback, licensed under GFDL
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The Wild Asiatic Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is an endangered species. True wild populations still live in Bhutan, India, Nepal and Thailand, while their domesticated counterparts are very widespread. They are large animals, standing 1.5 to 1.9 meters in height at the shoulder. Wild male water buffaloes can become 3 meters in length and weigh up to 1200 kilos, while their domesticated counterparts can weigh 250 to 550 kilograms. They can become 25 years of age in the wild.
The Wild Asiatic Water Buffalo is a social animal, with groups of 10 to 20 individuals, but also groups of 100 individuals have been observed.
Their diet mainly consists of grasses, herbs, aquatic plants, leaves and agricultural crops, The only predator in the wild is the tiger, but their main threats are habitat destruction and genetic pollution (breeding with their domesticated counterparts).
Interesting fact: Wild bulls are known to invade a domesticated herd, kill the domesticated bull (which is a lot smaller), and breed with the receptive females. The resulting offspring are less docile and too large to fit a farmer's equipment. Occasionally, the wild bull not only kills the domesticated bull, but also take over and drive off the owners, keeping the herd for himself.
Wednesday 24 April 2013
The Western Red Colobus Monkey, Acrobats of West Africa
The Western Red Colobus Monkey (Procolobus badius) can be seen leaping from branch to branch high above the forest canopy. Members of the old world monkeys, the long strong tail helps them balance in the tall trees. They are incredibly beautiful animals. Their backs are covered with a dark grey, almost silver, fur and orange colored front with a white chest. The males and females are relatively similar in size weighing 8.2 kilograms, 18 pounds, and body length of 57 centimeters, almost 23 inches. The incredibly long tail nearly doubles their total length.
Their rainforest habitats have been restricted to small local areas found in the western parts of Africa such as Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and other West African countries. The Red Colobus are very social and live in groups of male and female numbering 20 to 90 animals. Sometimes one may witness all male groups of 40 animals. This is because females leave the group in search of another while males stay with their birth group. The group chooses not to mark or defend a territory.
Western Red Colobus generally dine on young leaves, fungi and unripe fruit to provide their nutrition needs. They generally choose not to dine on ripe fruit since it causes gas and stomach upset. A diurnal animal, they spend the day feeding in the treetops where small young leaves are abundant.
This beautiful animal has become endangered and listed on the Endangered Species list when populations rapidly declined in 2000. The population dropped to half during the last three generations from a number of causes. They are natural prey of chimpanzees for one. The main causes are, however, relate to habitat loss and hunting for bush meat. In fact, habitat loss has forced the Western Red Colobus to sometimes leave their treetop home in search of food. They may even be found in grassy areas.
What is so amazing about the Western Red Colobus is the capability to leap far distances among the tops of the trees. It is almost like flying. Their name Colobus, in fact, means cut short to indicate the thumb missing on the forehand. The missing thumb helps this animal leap onto branches without getting hands caught in the smaller branches and are true acrobats of the tropical rainforest.
Tuesday 23 April 2013
Red deer - Nature's Red Giant
The Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) is one of the largest deer species in the world. Its remarkable size is amazing when you consider that most of its habitat encompasses many of Europe and Asia's coldest regions. This makes it interesting to study the Red Deer's habitat, its diet and its physical attributes.
The Red Deer's massive size is due in large part to its larger-than-normal physical attributes.
These attributes vary according to the gender of the animal. Stags are usually 175 to 230 cm (69 to 91 in) long and weigh anywhere from 160 to 240 kg (350 to 530 lb). Hinds tend to be 160 to 210 cm (63 to 83 in) long and weigh 120 to 170 kg (260 to 370 lb). Their tails are also unusually long. They tend to be 12 to 19 cm (4.7 to 7.5) in length.
Furthermore, it has one of the largest varieties of habitats in the world. The Red Deer is native to Europe, Asia Minor, the Caucasus Mountains and the Atlas Mountains in Africa. It also lives in Australia, New Zealand, South America because it was introduced into those areas by well-meaning humans. This wide geographic distribution has created unique habitats for the Red Deer. These habitats include woodland areas, forests and grasslands. This variety of habitats has created several sub-species of the Red Deer that are acclimated to the climates of these regions.
Its diet includes a variety of seasonal plants and grasses. Red Deer like to eat seasonal grasses, lichen, mosses and leaves off trees. If these foods are not available, Red Deer will also eat acorns, fruits and nuts that have fallen from trees. Stags will occasionally look for salt licks and other mineral deposits to keep their antlers in top condition.
They have several predators that keep healthier populations in check. The main predators of most Red Deer species are humans and domestic dogs. This is true because hunters in Europe, Asia and Africa enjoy hunting the Red Deer for sport and for food. The Red Deer also has to contend with wild wolves that tend to hunt for older or sicker animals. These predators have kept wild Red Deer populations in check throughout most of the world.
The Red Deer is also a semi-endangered species. This is because many sub-species of Red Deer are considered to be endangered species. This is the case because excessive hunting and habitat destruction have driven off many sub-species of Red Deer who live in Asia and Africa into untenable living areas.
Stags use this distinctive "roar" that is used to defend its territory and mates from possible invasion by other males.
Picture of the red deer by Bill Ebbesen, 26. september 2009 in Jægersborg Dyrehave in Denmark, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported
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Monday 22 April 2013
The Western Gray Squirrel - Nature's Barking Treehugger
The Western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus) can be regularly seen climbing trees, foraging for nuts, and leaping about forests and other woodland areas in the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. A small population of gray squirrels has also been found in the state of Nevada. The California Gray Squirrel is a popular nickname for these little furry friends, since there are so many of them throughout the area.
One trademark of the Western gray squirrel is their behavior of barking at potential predators or unwanted guests in their territory, since they are very shy, much more shy than the Eastern fox squirrel or the Eastern gray squirrel. This sound can be very loud and accompanied by quick repeated tail movements. Many animals and people will actually hear a Western gray squirrel long before they see it.
Western gray squirrels can become quite large compared to other types of squirrels. They can reach a length of 24 inches (60 centimeters) long including the tail, which contributes to half of its overall length. These squirrels usually weigh between approximately 12 and 32 ounces (350 and 950 grams). Part of what contributes to their weight is their large bushy tail.
These squirrels aren’t found in just any tree, choosing to live in oak and pine trees. They will occasionally live in valleys and foothills, but are most often in forested, deeply wooded areas. These squirrels will live inside the hollow parts of the tree or create their own home atop a tree out of moss, twigs, and other plant materials.
Western gray squirrels forage for food a large part of their day. Whatever food is not consumed is either hidden near their nesting spot or taken to their home itself. A daily squirrel diet includes nuts, acorns, pinecone seeds, bark, and berries. They have a wonderful memory of where they previously buried food, helping them keep a steady diet. Their strong sense of smell also helps them find any food they tucked away.
Oregon state has the Western gray squirrel on their list of sensitive species, since their number is continuing to fall in population. Washington classifies these squirrels as threatened in their state. Overall on a national level the U.S. Endangered Species Act does not include the Western gray squirrel, although if their numbers continue to decrease they may soon end up on the list.
Western gray squirrels are declining in numbers not only because of natural predators like snakes, owls, eagles, bobcats and mountain lions, but also because they are classified as game animals for humans to hunt. Other people that do not like squirrels around their property will put out traps that are not always humane and kill many squirrels off. All of these predators, both natural and man made, are a danger for squirrels.
Friday 19 April 2013
Walia Ibex - Endangered Mountain Climber
The Walia ibex (Capra walie) is a species of wild goat that is found exclusively in the mountains of northern Ethiopia. It is also known as the abyssinian ibex. Nearly all of the remaining endangered population resides along 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) in the Simien Mountains National Park. These mountains are characterized by huge gullies and gorges, where the very agile Walia ibex are able to inhabit even the most slippery, remote rocky cliffs and survive on very sparse vegetation.
It is the striking coloration and magnificent arching horns that distinguish the Walie ibex from other species of ibex. They have a beautiful chocolate-brown to chestnut-brown coat that is greyish-brown around the muzzle and a lighter gray around the eyes and along the legs. Their bellies and inside legs are white and the mature males sport black beards. There are also contrasting black and white marking patterns along the legs. Adults males generally weigh 80-125 kg (180-280 lb) and have very large horns that arch backwards in lengths up to 110 cm (43.3 in). Females also have horns, but are smaller and thinner than males with paler color markings.
Walia ibex actively move and feed only during the early mornings and late evenings. During the middle of the day, they are very lethargic and hide under dense brush to avoid the intense sun and predators. They are herbivores with diets consisting of bushes, lichens, grass, herbs, shrubs and creepers. It is not unusual to see them standing up on their hind legs to reach the tender, new leaves of bushes and shrubs. They live in herds consisting of five to twenty animals, but the older males tend to be more solitary except during mating seasons. Most of the herds consist of females and their offspring. They reach sexual maturity at one year of age. The only known predator for the adults is the hyena, but the young are also often hunted by a variety of fox and cat species.
Due to rapid population declines, the Walia ibex is classified as a critically endangered species. In 1963, only 150-200 of these animals were surviving. Mainly through the protection they have received after the establishment of the Simien Mountains National Park around 1969, their populations have increased to around 500 individuals. However, habitat loss and poaching still pose major threats to their survival. Important grazing areas have been lost to human settlement, livestock raising and cultivation. Additionally, illegal poaching by local people for the meat, hides and horns of the ibex continues to be an ongoing problem.
Thursday 18 April 2013
East Caucasian Tur - The Lyre-Horned Goat
The East Caucasian tur (Capra cylindricornis) is a type of goat that dwells in the eastern Caucasus Mountain range. It grows to be approximately one meter (39 inches) in height and weighs approximately 60 kilograms (130 pounds). They are quite large in stature but have relatively narrow torsos along with short legs and are typically dark chestnut in color during the winter with a lighter chestnut coat during the warmer, summer months. The males of the species have horns that are similar to a lyre in shape and generally stretch for about 90 centimeters or 35 inches. The females have horns as well although they are usually less than half the size of the male horns, about 30 centimeters (12 inches).
The East Caucasian tur generally lives in the terrain between 800 meters and 4,000 meters above sea level. They consume primarily leaves and grasses with their predators typically being lynxes or wolves. The females generally live within herds that consist of about 10 goats but the males are typically solitary.
The breeding of the species occurs between late November and early January with the births of the young occurring during May and June. The gestation period is quite short, typically about 150 days. The young are quite agile and are able to traverse over the steep crags within only a day or two. They suckle for between two and four months but begin to eat grasses after about one month.
During the warmer months, the animal feeds in intervals during the night, later afternoon, and morning periods. The warmest hours during the day are typically spent with the tur resting in a sheltered location. In the winter, the herds of East Caucasian turs remain in open fields during the day, occasionally resting and grazing. They can travel for long distances throughout the day, typically between 15 and 20 kilometers or 9.3 and 12 miles.
The East Caucasian tur migrates seasonally particularly during May and October. The distance of the migration typically is about 1500 to 2000 meters. The adult male East Caucasian tur typically lives at higher altitudes than the females and the young. They generally travel downwards during mating season. The breeding season typically brings about a rise in male competition for breeding females.
The East Caucasian tur is currently listed as a vulnerable species (VU) although they are, as yet, not an endangered species.
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Wednesday 17 April 2013
The Crab-Eating Raccoon - Sleek South American Playboy
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 c>
The Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger) is the largest squirrel among all the tree squirrel species found in North America. It is also known as the Raccoon Squirrel, Stump-eared Squirrel, Monkey Faced Squirrel, and Red Squirrel. Although there is a difference in their size and coloration, people mistake this squirrel for the Eastern Grey Squirrel in areas where both the species coexist.
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