'/> Amazing Animals: October 2013

Sunday, October 27, 2013

10 Cute Pictures of Odd Couples That Will Make Your Day

Cute pictures of animals that will freshen up your day.

Animal World: Odd couples

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Monkey: To fly or not to fly, that is the question?

Dovey: Still undecided … then go face the tiger, Shakesphere!



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Butterfly: Care to share some nectar?

Bee: Go on, feel at home.



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Kathie: 2 is a pair; 3 is a crowd; hmmp.. What’s next?

Doug: 4 is the start of infinity.. ha.ha.ha.



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Duck: See, I told you. I can beat you in a race, any day of the week.

Turtle: shut up! you one-legged ugly duckling!



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Kitty: 98 dogs, 99 dogs, 100 dogs … ah! better shift back to the old reliable method.. 97 sheep, 98 sheep…

Dog: I told you, always stick with the proven formula!



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Ostrich: I’m afraid we can’t make it to the other side?

Giraffe: Oh, you animal with little faith. Just let your neck above water… and we can do the impossible.



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Hamster:do you to think your family will accept me for who I am.

Creamy: With your expressive red eyes, I think they will.



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Rooster: Hey pal, just wondering, who do you think will go next to the dressing room?

Goatee: Ok, I’ll give you a clue. Next week is the annual Chicken Festival…



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Spiny: Alas! there’s someone whose not afraid to play with me.

Yellow: You may look weird, but I guess you’re harmless.



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Porky: sorry..I thought, you’re a cotton candy.

Roger: Sorry too, I thought you’re a Lechon de leche…

Friday, October 18, 2013

Nature Watch - Five Animals on The Way to Extinction!

If no concrete conservation plans are implemented and the global community disregard the warning of time, then it is safe to say that these animals are on the way out, 100 years from now!

Sumatran Orangutan

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The Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) is endemic to Northern Sumatra, Indonesia. This tree-dwelling primate grows to about 1.4 meters and 90 kilograms in males. Numbering to about 6,500 individuals remaining in the wild, Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered. Their dwindling population is due to habitat destruction and rampant pouching.

Luckily, the Indonesian government is doing all its best to protect this great ape species from becoming extinct. The Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme is launched to address the issue. The program tackles all aspects related to Sumatran orangutan conservation including: researches, habitat conservation and protection as well as conservation education and awareness raising.

Black Rhinoceros

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The Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), is a species of rhinoceros, found in Africa. Adults average around four meters long, stands about 1 meter at the shoulder, and weigh up to 1770 kg. There are four subspecies of the black rhinoceros: South-central (Diceros bicornis minor), South-western (Diceros bicornis bicornis), East African (Diceros bicornis michaeli), and West African (Diceros bicornis longipes).

In the early 1990s, Black Rhinoceros population is estimated at around 65,000 individuals roaming the wild; however, their numbers gradually decrease to an alarming level during the later half of the 20th century. Today, all four species of rhinos are on the brink of extinction. Now there are fewer than 2,500 left in the wild.

On 7 July 2006, The World Conservation Union (IUCN) announced that the West African Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis longipes), was put on the extinct list, with just 10 individuals recorded. Another species, the Northern White soon join the list as a few as 4 individuals is last noted. The Black Rhinoceros faces extinction due to habitat loss and illegal poaching for their horn. The rhino’s horn is used in folk medicine in China.

Recent conservation success has led to very gradual population increases due to the banning of cutting rhino’s horn. Add to this, the U.S. government has set up several Species Survival Plans (SSP’s) for four species of rhino. Task to attend for the species conservation are: The Los Angeles Zoo (greater one-horned Asian rhino), Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Park (Sumatran rhino), Zoological Park (white rhino), and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden (black rhino).

Bactrian Camel

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The Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus) is a large even-toed hoofed mammal native to northwest China and Mongolia. This two-humped camel grows to about 300 cm in body length, stands about 180-230 cm at shoulder height and weighs 600-1000 kg. The IUCN (1996), placed the animal in its Red List of Threatened Species. While domesticated Bactrian camels numbers are estimated around 1.4 million, records showed that in October 2002, around 800 individuals roam the wild in northwest China and Mongolia. Their number is decreasing due to habitat loss and drought. These animals are also killed because they compete with other domestic livestock for food and water resources.

Polar Bear

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The Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus), the world’s largest land carnivore, roam the Arctic ice sheets and swim in its surrounding seas. Also, the world’s largest bear, along with the Kodiak bear; adults average about 2.4–3 m in length and weigh around 350–680 kg. For decades, polar bear populations decline dramatically due to unrestricted hunting. In the early 1900s, this rampant illegal trade was put in check, thanks to the concerted efforts implemented by affected countries.

However, polar bear's survival, faces yet another huge challenge — climate change. The IUCN, United States Geological Survey and other polar bear biologists cited the impact of global warming as the major threat to polar bear's existence. Melting sea ice will result in habitat loss and can trigger malnutrition or starvation. Scientists predict that in 100 years, the polar bear will be a major attraction in museums!

Mountain Gorilla

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The Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) is yet another animal on the brink of extinction. There are about 720 animals remaining fighting for their survival. Mountain Gorilla’s are threatened by several factors including habitat loss, poaching, war and civil unrest and diseases. The world’s remaining mountain gorillas are now confined within four national parks, divided into two regions: Virungas and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

***If we want our grandchildren to see these five animals alive in their lifetime, then we MUST ACT NOW! in preserving them.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

The Watchful Meerkats – Now You See, Now You Don’t

Interesting facts about Meerkat!

Meerkats are such fascinating and a joy-to-watch animals. Here is a list of some interesting facts about the desert “comedians”.

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Meerkats (Suricata suricatta), also known as suricates, are small, diurnal, burrowing mammals widespread on the plains of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa. On average, they weigh about 731 grams (males) and 720 grams (females). Meerkat is about 25 to 35 cm long with a 17 to 25 cm tail.

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Meerkats are furry animals with sharp claws use in digging burrows and catching prey. They have long tails which are used for balancing. The eyes have black patches, brown nose, and small closable ears. Typically, meerkats live in a group called “clan”. “gang” or “mob”. A clan may consist of about 20 individuals, but there are “big families” that have more than 50 members. In the wild, markets can live up to 14 years.



Meerkats live in underground burrows that may contain about 70 different entrances. Aside from the entrance holes, meerkats home has several tunnels and sleeping chambers. Since, these animals are territorial, a territory can be between one to three square miles. Meerkats protect their occupied space against other gangs. Each territory can have from 6 to 15 dens depending on the clan’s size.



Meerkats hunt for food in a group with one member serving as guard watching for predators, while the rest of the group search for food. Each “guarding duty” may last for about an hour. They have eyes on the front of their faces which give them an excellent binocular vision. Also, they have depth perception, and wide peripheral range. The “guard” makes a beeping sound, when the surrounding is safe from predators, but whistles if he sees danger approaching. Its diet includes insects, insect larvae, plants and in some occasions other small animals (like lizards and mice).



Meerkats are social animals; they love playing, wrestling and grooming one another. A typical clan includes:

* Alpha male – the largest in the group who owns the breeding rights to the alpha female.
* Alpha female – Dominant female of the clan. The one suppose to breed in the gang.
* Beta male – about 10 months or older who must obey the Alpha male. After 3 years, they may leave the group to form another clan.
* Beta female – serves the alpha female but will be temporarily evicted when the alpha female gets pregnant. Also, they will leave the clan after 3 years in search of better breeding opportunities.
* Pups – babies about 10 months or younger.
* Babysitter – has the obligation to watch over the pups while the gang is out hunting for meals. This duty is for members in the clan about 6 months or older.
* Sentry – Stand on the ground, or climbing a tree to watch over the clan.
* Excavators - members left behind task to clean and renovate burrow systems. mentoring -
* Tutors – an elder member task to teach and train baby meerkats.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

10 Unique and Remarkable Dragonflies

Dragonflies are flying insects that don’t look like dragons at all. Although they don’t resemble dragons, these flying critters are among the most amazing fliers in the world- they can fly forward, backward and sideward. Aren’t they amazing?

Dragonflies are very helpful to humans because they feed on mosquitoes. And yes, like Damselflies, some dragonfly species also display the Symbol of Love while they’re making love.

Butterfly Dragonfly (Rhyothemis variegate)

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Rhyothemis variegata dragonflies are beautiful species that can be found in South Asia. These Dragonflies are remarkable for their large and brightly colored wings often mistaken for butterflies. The common name is unique – well, I just invented it.

Broad-bodied Chaser

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As the common name of this dragonfly species of Europe and Asia – the Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa) is characterized by stout and robust body, tail and head. It is also distinctive for the four wing patches.

Jade Clubtail

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Take a close look at the tail of the Jade Clubtail Dragonfly (Arigomphus submedianus). It was so named because of the appearance of its tail that resembles a club. amazing creature isn't she?

Twelve Spotted Skimmer

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The Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella) of North America looks fabulous and attractive with its wings that has three brown spots on each. As this dragonfly species grow older, additional white spots form between the brown ones and at the bases of the hindwings. Because of the number of these white spots, it is sometimes called the Ten-spot Skimmer.

Scarlet Dragonfly

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One of the most brightly-colored species of dragonfly in the world is the lovely and beautiful Scarlet Dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea). This bright red dragonfly is endemic to Europe.

Black Saddlebag

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The Black Saddlebags (Tramea lacerata) is a unique-looking dragonfly species native to North America. The dragonfly has notable wings characterized by black blotches at their proximal ends which make it looks like wearing saddlebags.

Common Green Darner

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This dragonfly species was named after its resemblance to a darning-needle and its color. The Green darner (Anax junius) on the above-photo is colored blue. This uncommon blue form of Green Darner was photographed in Ottawa, Canada. It is also commonly known as Common Green Darner.

Common Whitetail

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The Common Whitetail (Libellula lydia) is a North American dragonfly species with a striking and unusual appearance. Male species have chunky white body combined with the brownish-black bands on its otherwise translucent wings, give it a checkered appearance. It is also commonly known as Long-tailed Skimmer.

Halloween Pennant

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The Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina) is a colorful species dragonfly endemic to North America. Like the Rhyothemis variegata dragonflies, Halloween Pennants are often mistaken for butterflies because of their yellow-orange wings.

Widow Skimmer

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The Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) is dragonfly species native in North America. It is remarkable for its steely blue body and yellow with brown stripes. Its wings are marked with prominent black basal bands.