Animal Research of the month! Orangutans
Sooo orange! Yup i'm talking about Orangutans! One of the The largest living arboreal animals, they have proportionally longer arms than the other, more terrestrial, great apes.They are amongst some of the most intelligent primates, and use a variety of sophisticated tools.
Native to Indonesia and Malaysia, orangutans are currently found only in rainforests on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, though fossils have been found in Java, the Thai-Malay Vietnam and Mainland China . There are only two surviving species, both of which are endangered: the Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) and the critically endangered Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii). The subfamily Ponginae also includes the extinct genera Gigantopithecus and Sivapithucus An average Orangutan standing height is from 4ft to 5ft. an orangutan weighs between 73-130 lbs . Males can weigh up to 230 lbs!
Orangutan hands are similar to humans' hands; they have four long fingers and an opposable thumb Their feet have four long toes and an opposable big toe. Orangutans can grasp things with both their hands and their feet. The largest males have an arm span of about 7.5 ft (2 m). The orangutan has a large head with a prominent mouth area. Adult males have large cheek flaps (which get larger as the ape ages). The age of maturity for females is approximately 12 years. On average, orangutans may live about 35 years in the wild, and up to 60 years in captivity (though it is unknown what the typical lifespan of the orangutan in the wild is and many would certainly live much longer). Fruit is about 65-90% of their diet . A 2007 study by the Government of Indonesia noted in 2004 it was estimated that there was a total wild population of 61,234 orangutans, 54,567 of which were found on the island of Borneo. The table shows a breakdown of the species and subspecies and their estimated populations from the report.
This indicates a decline from some estimates between 2000 and 2003 which found 7,300 Sumatran Orangutan individuals in the wild[57] and between 45,000 and 69,000 Bornean Orangutans.[2] Thousands of orangutans don't reach adulthood due to human disruption. Orangutans are killed for food while others are killed because of disruption in people's property. Mother orangutans are killed so their infants can be sold as pets. Many of the infants die without the help of their mother.[6] Since recent trends are steeply down in most places due to logging and burning, it is forecast that the current numbers are below these figures.[2]
Orangutan habitat destruction due to digging, mining and forest fires, as well as fragmentation by roads, has been increasing rapidly in the last decade. A major factor in that period of time has been the conversion of vast areas of tropical forest to oil palm plantations in response to international demand (the palm oil) is used for cooking, cosmetics, mechanics, and more recently as source of biodiesel).Some UN scientists believe that these plantations could lead to irreparable damage to orangutan habitat by the year 2012. Some of this activity is illegal, occurring in national parks that are officially off limits to loggers, miners and plantation development. There is also a major problem with hunting and illegal pet trade. In early 2004 about 100 individuals of Bornean origin were confiscated in Thailand and 50 of them were returned to Kalimantan in 2006. Several hundred Bornean orangutan orphans who were confiscated by local authorities have been entrusted to different orphanages in both Malaysia and Indonesia. They are in the process of being rehabilitated into the wild.Besides preserved animal and bones of Orangutan, Orangutan skulls have also trade silently in souvenir shops in several cities in Kalimantan, Indonesia with price between Rp.500,000 ($58.8) to Rp.2 million ($235) per skull.
Native to Indonesia and Malaysia, orangutans are currently found only in rainforests on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, though fossils have been found in Java, the Thai-Malay Vietnam and Mainland China . There are only two surviving species, both of which are endangered: the Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) and the critically endangered Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii). The subfamily Ponginae also includes the extinct genera Gigantopithecus and Sivapithucus An average Orangutan standing height is from 4ft to 5ft. an orangutan weighs between 73-130 lbs . Males can weigh up to 230 lbs!
Orangutan hands are similar to humans' hands; they have four long fingers and an opposable thumb Their feet have four long toes and an opposable big toe. Orangutans can grasp things with both their hands and their feet. The largest males have an arm span of about 7.5 ft (2 m). The orangutan has a large head with a prominent mouth area. Adult males have large cheek flaps (which get larger as the ape ages). The age of maturity for females is approximately 12 years. On average, orangutans may live about 35 years in the wild, and up to 60 years in captivity (though it is unknown what the typical lifespan of the orangutan in the wild is and many would certainly live much longer). Fruit is about 65-90% of their diet . A 2007 study by the Government of Indonesia noted in 2004 it was estimated that there was a total wild population of 61,234 orangutans, 54,567 of which were found on the island of Borneo. The table shows a breakdown of the species and subspecies and their estimated populations from the report.
This indicates a decline from some estimates between 2000 and 2003 which found 7,300 Sumatran Orangutan individuals in the wild[57] and between 45,000 and 69,000 Bornean Orangutans.[2] Thousands of orangutans don't reach adulthood due to human disruption. Orangutans are killed for food while others are killed because of disruption in people's property. Mother orangutans are killed so their infants can be sold as pets. Many of the infants die without the help of their mother.[6] Since recent trends are steeply down in most places due to logging and burning, it is forecast that the current numbers are below these figures.[2]
Orangutan habitat destruction due to digging, mining and forest fires, as well as fragmentation by roads, has been increasing rapidly in the last decade. A major factor in that period of time has been the conversion of vast areas of tropical forest to oil palm plantations in response to international demand (the palm oil) is used for cooking, cosmetics, mechanics, and more recently as source of biodiesel).Some UN scientists believe that these plantations could lead to irreparable damage to orangutan habitat by the year 2012. Some of this activity is illegal, occurring in national parks that are officially off limits to loggers, miners and plantation development. There is also a major problem with hunting and illegal pet trade. In early 2004 about 100 individuals of Bornean origin were confiscated in Thailand and 50 of them were returned to Kalimantan in 2006. Several hundred Bornean orangutan orphans who were confiscated by local authorities have been entrusted to different orphanages in both Malaysia and Indonesia. They are in the process of being rehabilitated into the wild.Besides preserved animal and bones of Orangutan, Orangutan skulls have also trade silently in souvenir shops in several cities in Kalimantan, Indonesia with price between Rp.500,000 ($58.8) to Rp.2 million ($235) per skull.
Endangered Species of North America
As of November 1,2009. The United States Fish & Wildlife Reserve listed approximately 1,200 animals and 750 plants as endangered or threatened in North America, Below is a partial list:
Animals
Mammals
Bison bison athabascae (Wood bison)
Canis rufus (Red wolf)
Corynorhinus townsendii (Townsend's big-eared bat)
Dipodomys casks (Stephen's kangaroo rat)
Dipodomys heermanni morroensis (Morro Bay kangaroo rat)
Dipodomys ingens (Giant kangaroo rat)
Dipodomys merriami parvus (San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat)
Dipodomys nitratoides (Kangaroo rat) (vulnerable)
Dipodomys stephensi (Stephen's kangaroo rat)
Eumetopias jubatus (Steller Sea Lion)
Lasiurus cinereus semotus (Hawaiian Hoary bat)
Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae (Lesser long-nosed bat)
Leptonycteris nivalis (Mexican long-nosed bat)
Microtus californicus scirpensis (Amargosa vole)
Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis (Mexican Hualapai vole)
Mustela nigripes (Black-footed ferret)
Myotis grisescens (Gray bat)
Myotis sodalis (Indiana bat)
Neotoma fuscipes riparia (Riparian woodrat)
Odocoileus hemionus cerrosensis (Cedros Island mule deer)
Oryzomys palustris natator (Rice rat)
Ovis canadensis californiana (California bighorn sheep)
Perognathus longimembris pacificus (Pacific pocket mouse)
Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola (Key Largo cotton mouse)
Puma concolor couguar (North American Cougar)
Puma yagouaroundi cacomitli (Gulf Coast Jaguarundi)
Puma yagouaroundi tolteca (Sinaloan Jaguarundi)
Rangifer tarandus caribou (Woodland caribou)
Reithrodontomys raviventris (Salt Marsh harvest mouse) (vulnerable)
Sciurus niger cinereus (Delmarva Peninsula fox)
Sorex ornatus relictus (Buena Vista Lake ornate shrew)
Sylvilagus bachmani riparius (Riparian brush rabbit)
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis (Mount Graham red squirrel)
Trichechus manatus (West Indian manatee)
Urocyon littoralis (Island fox)
Vulpes macrotis mutica (San Joaquin kit fox)[1]
Birds Agelaius xanthomus (Yellow-shouldered blackbird)
Reptiles Ameiva polops (St. Croix ground lizard)
Anolis roosevelti (Culebra Island giant anole)
Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle)
Chelonia mydas (Green sea turtle)
Clemmys guttata (Spotted Turtle)
Clemmys muhlenbergii (Bog turtle)
Crocodylus acutus (American crocodile)
Crocodylus moreletii (Morelet's crocodile)
Crotalus willardi obscurus (New Mexican ridge-nosed rattlesnake)
Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri (Mona ground iguana)
Dermochelys coriacea (Leatherback sea turtle)
Dermatemys mawii (Central American river turtle)
Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill sea turtle)
Eurycea sosorum (Barton springs salamander)
Gambelia silus (blunt-nose leopard lizard)
Glyptemys insculpta (Wood Turtle)
Gopherus agassizii (Desert tortoise)
Graptemys flavimaculata (Yellow-blotched map turtle)
Gopherus flavomarginatus (Bolson tortoise)
Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher tortoise)
Graptemys oculifera (Ringed map turtle)
Lepidochelys kempii (Kemp's ridley sea turtle)
Lepidochelys olivacea (Olive ridley sea turtle)
Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle)
Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus (Alameda whipsnake)
Neoseps reynoldsi (Sand skink)
Pseudemys alabamensis (Alabama red-belly turtle)
Sauromalus varius (San Esteban Island chuckwalla)
Sphaerodactylus micropithecus (Monito gecko)
Sternotherus depressus (Flattened musk turtle)
Terrapene coahuila (Aquatic box turtle)
Thamnophis gigas (Giant garter snake)
Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia (San Francisco garter snake)
Uma inornata (Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard)
Xantusia riversiana (Island night lizard)
Amphibians
Ambystoma californiense (California tiger salamander)
Bufo houstonensis (Houston toad)
Plethodon shenandoah (Shenandoah salamander)
Rana muscosa (Mountain yellow-legged frog)
Typhlomolge rathbuni (Texas blind salamander)
Insects and arachnids
Apodemia mormo langei (Lange's metalmark butterfly)
Boloria acrocnema (Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly)
Brychius hungerfordi (Hungerford's crawling water beetle)
Cicindela nevadica lincolniana (Salt Creek tiger beetle)
Cicindela ohlone (Ohlone tiger beetle)
Euphilotes battoides allyni (El Segundo blue butterfly)
Euphilotes enoptes smithi (Smith's blue butterfly)
Euphydryas editha quino (Quino checkerspot butterfly)
Icaricia icarioides (Boisduval's blue butterfly)
Lycaeides melissa samuelis (Karner blue butterfly)
Microhexura montivaga (Spruce-fir moss spider)
Neonympha mitchellii (Mitchell's satyr butterfly)
Nicrophorus americanus (American burying beetle)
Pyrgus ruralis lagunae (Laguna mountains skipper)
Speyeria callippe callippe (Callippe silverspot butterfly)
Texamaurops reddelli (Kretschmarr Cave mold beetle)
Texella reddelli (Bee Creek cave harvestman)
Trimerotropis infantilis (Zayante band-winged grasshopper)
Fish
Acipenser brevirostrum (Shortnose sturgeon)
Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi (gulf sturgeon)
Amblyopsis rosae (Ozark cavefish)
Catostomus microps (Modoc sucker)
Catostomus santaanae (Santa Ana sucker)
Catostomus warnerensis (Warner sucker)
Chasmistes brevirostris (Shortnose sucker)
Chasmistes cujus (Cui-ui)
Chasmistes liorus (June sucker)
Crenichthys baileyi baileyi (White River springfish)
Crenichthys baileyi grandis (Hiko White River springfish)
Crenichthys nevadae (Railroad Valley springfish)
Cyprinella caerulea (Blue shiner)
Cyprinella formosa (beautiful shiner)
Cyprinodon bovinus (Leon Springs pupfish)
Cyprinodon diabolis (Devils Hole pupfish)
Cyprinodon elegans (Comanche Springs pupfish)
Cyprinodon macularius (Desert pupfish)
Cyprinodon radiosus (Owens pupfish)
Deltistes luxatus (Lost River sucker)
Dionda diaboli (Devils River minnow)
Eremichthys acros (desert dace)
Erimystax cahni (Slender chub)
Etheostoma boschungi (slackwater darter)
Etheostoma nuchale (watercress darter)
Etheostoma okaloosae (Okaloosa darter)
Etheostoma wapiti (boulder darter)
Eucyclogobius newberryi (Tidewater goby)
Gambusia gaigei (Big Bend gambusia)
Gambusia heterochir (Clear Creek gambusia)
Gambusia nobilis (Pecos Gambusia)
Gila bicolor mohavensis (Mohave tui chub)
Gila boraxobius (Borax Lake chub)
Gila cypha (humpback chub)
Gila ditaenia (Sonara chub)
Gila elegans (bonytail chub)
Gila intermedia (Gila chub)
Gila nigrescens (Chihuahua chub)
Gila purpurea (Yaqui chub)
Gila seminuda (Virgin River chub)
Hybognathus amarus (Rio Grande silvery minnow)
Hypomesus transpacificus (delta smelt)
Ictalurus pricei (Yaqui catfish)
Lepidomeda albivallis (White River spinedace)
Lepidomeda vittata (Little Colorado spinedace)
Meda fulgida (spikedace)
Moapa coriacea (Moapa dace)
Notropis cahabae (Cahaba shiner)
Notropis mekistocholas (Cape Fear shiner)
Noturus flavipinnis (yellowfin madtom)
Noturus stanauli (Pygmy madtom)
Noturus trautmani (Scioto madtom)
Oncorhynchus apache (Apache trout)
Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi (Lahontan cutthroat trout)
Oncorhynchus clarki seleniris (Paiute cutthroat trout)
Oncorhynchus clarki stomias (Greenback cutthroat trout)
Oncorhynchus gilae (Gila trout)
Oncorhynchus keta (chum salmon)
Oregonichthys crameri (Oregon chub)
Percina antesella (amber darter)
Percina aurolineata (Goldline darter)
Percina jenkinsi (Conasauga logperch)
Percina pantherina (Leopard darter)
Percina rex (Roanoke logperch)
Percina tanasi (Snail darter)
Phoxinus cumberlandensis (Blackside dace)
Plagopterus argentissimus (Woundfin)
Poeciliopsis occidentalis (Gila toppminnow)
Pristis pectinata (smalltooth sawfish)
Ptychocheilus lucius (Colorado pikeminnow)
Salvelinus confluentus (Bull trout)
Scaphirhynchus albus (Pallid sturgeon)
Scaphirhynchus suttkusi (Alabama sturgeon)
Speoplatyrhinus poulsoni (Alabama catfish)
Tiaroga cobitis (loach minnow)
Xyrauchen texanus (Razorback sucker)
Clams, crustaceans, and snails "
Haliotis cracherodii" (Black Abalone)
"Haliotis sorenseni" (White Abalone)
Orconectes shoupi (Nashville Crayfish)
Animals
Mammals
Bison bison athabascae (Wood bison)
Canis rufus (Red wolf)
Corynorhinus townsendii (Townsend's big-eared bat)
Dipodomys casks (Stephen's kangaroo rat)
Dipodomys heermanni morroensis (Morro Bay kangaroo rat)
Dipodomys ingens (Giant kangaroo rat)
Dipodomys merriami parvus (San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat)
Dipodomys nitratoides (Kangaroo rat) (vulnerable)
Dipodomys stephensi (Stephen's kangaroo rat)
Eumetopias jubatus (Steller Sea Lion)
Lasiurus cinereus semotus (Hawaiian Hoary bat)
Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae (Lesser long-nosed bat)
Leptonycteris nivalis (Mexican long-nosed bat)
Microtus californicus scirpensis (Amargosa vole)
Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis (Mexican Hualapai vole)
Mustela nigripes (Black-footed ferret)
Myotis grisescens (Gray bat)
Myotis sodalis (Indiana bat)
Neotoma fuscipes riparia (Riparian woodrat)
Odocoileus hemionus cerrosensis (Cedros Island mule deer)
Oryzomys palustris natator (Rice rat)
Ovis canadensis californiana (California bighorn sheep)
Perognathus longimembris pacificus (Pacific pocket mouse)
Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola (Key Largo cotton mouse)
Puma concolor couguar (North American Cougar)
Puma yagouaroundi cacomitli (Gulf Coast Jaguarundi)
Puma yagouaroundi tolteca (Sinaloan Jaguarundi)
Rangifer tarandus caribou (Woodland caribou)
Reithrodontomys raviventris (Salt Marsh harvest mouse) (vulnerable)
Sciurus niger cinereus (Delmarva Peninsula fox)
Sorex ornatus relictus (Buena Vista Lake ornate shrew)
Sylvilagus bachmani riparius (Riparian brush rabbit)
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis (Mount Graham red squirrel)
Trichechus manatus (West Indian manatee)
Urocyon littoralis (Island fox)
Vulpes macrotis mutica (San Joaquin kit fox)[1]
Birds Agelaius xanthomus (Yellow-shouldered blackbird)
Reptiles Ameiva polops (St. Croix ground lizard)
Anolis roosevelti (Culebra Island giant anole)
Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle)
Chelonia mydas (Green sea turtle)
Clemmys guttata (Spotted Turtle)
Clemmys muhlenbergii (Bog turtle)
Crocodylus acutus (American crocodile)
Crocodylus moreletii (Morelet's crocodile)
Crotalus willardi obscurus (New Mexican ridge-nosed rattlesnake)
Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri (Mona ground iguana)
Dermochelys coriacea (Leatherback sea turtle)
Dermatemys mawii (Central American river turtle)
Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill sea turtle)
Eurycea sosorum (Barton springs salamander)
Gambelia silus (blunt-nose leopard lizard)
Glyptemys insculpta (Wood Turtle)
Gopherus agassizii (Desert tortoise)
Graptemys flavimaculata (Yellow-blotched map turtle)
Gopherus flavomarginatus (Bolson tortoise)
Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher tortoise)
Graptemys oculifera (Ringed map turtle)
Lepidochelys kempii (Kemp's ridley sea turtle)
Lepidochelys olivacea (Olive ridley sea turtle)
Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle)
Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus (Alameda whipsnake)
Neoseps reynoldsi (Sand skink)
Pseudemys alabamensis (Alabama red-belly turtle)
Sauromalus varius (San Esteban Island chuckwalla)
Sphaerodactylus micropithecus (Monito gecko)
Sternotherus depressus (Flattened musk turtle)
Terrapene coahuila (Aquatic box turtle)
Thamnophis gigas (Giant garter snake)
Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia (San Francisco garter snake)
Uma inornata (Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard)
Xantusia riversiana (Island night lizard)
Amphibians
Ambystoma californiense (California tiger salamander)
Bufo houstonensis (Houston toad)
Plethodon shenandoah (Shenandoah salamander)
Rana muscosa (Mountain yellow-legged frog)
Typhlomolge rathbuni (Texas blind salamander)
Insects and arachnids
Apodemia mormo langei (Lange's metalmark butterfly)
Boloria acrocnema (Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly)
Brychius hungerfordi (Hungerford's crawling water beetle)
Cicindela nevadica lincolniana (Salt Creek tiger beetle)
Cicindela ohlone (Ohlone tiger beetle)
Euphilotes battoides allyni (El Segundo blue butterfly)
Euphilotes enoptes smithi (Smith's blue butterfly)
Euphydryas editha quino (Quino checkerspot butterfly)
Icaricia icarioides (Boisduval's blue butterfly)
Lycaeides melissa samuelis (Karner blue butterfly)
Microhexura montivaga (Spruce-fir moss spider)
Neonympha mitchellii (Mitchell's satyr butterfly)
Nicrophorus americanus (American burying beetle)
Pyrgus ruralis lagunae (Laguna mountains skipper)
Speyeria callippe callippe (Callippe silverspot butterfly)
Texamaurops reddelli (Kretschmarr Cave mold beetle)
Texella reddelli (Bee Creek cave harvestman)
Trimerotropis infantilis (Zayante band-winged grasshopper)
Fish
Acipenser brevirostrum (Shortnose sturgeon)
Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi (gulf sturgeon)
Amblyopsis rosae (Ozark cavefish)
Catostomus microps (Modoc sucker)
Catostomus santaanae (Santa Ana sucker)
Catostomus warnerensis (Warner sucker)
Chasmistes brevirostris (Shortnose sucker)
Chasmistes cujus (Cui-ui)
Chasmistes liorus (June sucker)
Crenichthys baileyi baileyi (White River springfish)
Crenichthys baileyi grandis (Hiko White River springfish)
Crenichthys nevadae (Railroad Valley springfish)
Cyprinella caerulea (Blue shiner)
Cyprinella formosa (beautiful shiner)
Cyprinodon bovinus (Leon Springs pupfish)
Cyprinodon diabolis (Devils Hole pupfish)
Cyprinodon elegans (Comanche Springs pupfish)
Cyprinodon macularius (Desert pupfish)
Cyprinodon radiosus (Owens pupfish)
Deltistes luxatus (Lost River sucker)
Dionda diaboli (Devils River minnow)
Eremichthys acros (desert dace)
Erimystax cahni (Slender chub)
Etheostoma boschungi (slackwater darter)
Etheostoma nuchale (watercress darter)
Etheostoma okaloosae (Okaloosa darter)
Etheostoma wapiti (boulder darter)
Eucyclogobius newberryi (Tidewater goby)
Gambusia gaigei (Big Bend gambusia)
Gambusia heterochir (Clear Creek gambusia)
Gambusia nobilis (Pecos Gambusia)
Gila bicolor mohavensis (Mohave tui chub)
Gila boraxobius (Borax Lake chub)
Gila cypha (humpback chub)
Gila ditaenia (Sonara chub)
Gila elegans (bonytail chub)
Gila intermedia (Gila chub)
Gila nigrescens (Chihuahua chub)
Gila purpurea (Yaqui chub)
Gila seminuda (Virgin River chub)
Hybognathus amarus (Rio Grande silvery minnow)
Hypomesus transpacificus (delta smelt)
Ictalurus pricei (Yaqui catfish)
Lepidomeda albivallis (White River spinedace)
Lepidomeda vittata (Little Colorado spinedace)
Meda fulgida (spikedace)
Moapa coriacea (Moapa dace)
Notropis cahabae (Cahaba shiner)
Notropis mekistocholas (Cape Fear shiner)
Noturus flavipinnis (yellowfin madtom)
Noturus stanauli (Pygmy madtom)
Noturus trautmani (Scioto madtom)
Oncorhynchus apache (Apache trout)
Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi (Lahontan cutthroat trout)
Oncorhynchus clarki seleniris (Paiute cutthroat trout)
Oncorhynchus clarki stomias (Greenback cutthroat trout)
Oncorhynchus gilae (Gila trout)
Oncorhynchus keta (chum salmon)
Oregonichthys crameri (Oregon chub)
Percina antesella (amber darter)
Percina aurolineata (Goldline darter)
Percina jenkinsi (Conasauga logperch)
Percina pantherina (Leopard darter)
Percina rex (Roanoke logperch)
Percina tanasi (Snail darter)
Phoxinus cumberlandensis (Blackside dace)
Plagopterus argentissimus (Woundfin)
Poeciliopsis occidentalis (Gila toppminnow)
Pristis pectinata (smalltooth sawfish)
Ptychocheilus lucius (Colorado pikeminnow)
Salvelinus confluentus (Bull trout)
Scaphirhynchus albus (Pallid sturgeon)
Scaphirhynchus suttkusi (Alabama sturgeon)
Speoplatyrhinus poulsoni (Alabama catfish)
Tiaroga cobitis (loach minnow)
Xyrauchen texanus (Razorback sucker)
Clams, crustaceans, and snails "
Haliotis cracherodii" (Black Abalone)
"Haliotis sorenseni" (White Abalone)
Orconectes shoupi (Nashville Crayfish)
Animal Research of the day : Liger
Liger and Tigon : The differences between the two.
A Liger is a when a male Lion mates with a female Tiger creating a hybrid offspring together..
Liger do infact actually exist ...The offspring of a male Tiger and female Lion is called a Tigon. The difference between a Liger and Tigon is that Ligers tend to lean more towards gigantism and are generally larger than either of their parents, While Tigons are generally smaller or at least no larger than their parents.
Like most hybrids, Both are usually sterile, but occasionally a female will be fertile and can be bred back to a male lion or tiger, Producing
Lion + liger = li-liger
Lion + tigon = li- tigon
Tiger + liger = ti-liger
Tiger + tigon + ti-tigon
There has never been any record of fertile males, so you could never breed two ligers or two tigons together, or a liger with a tigon.
Tigers are found only in Asia, lions in Africa and the Gir Forest of India, where there are no tigers.
Historically, The Asiatic subspecies of lion had a much greater range which overlapped with that of the tiger, so it is possible, though unlikely , that they may once have sometimes occurred in the wild.
What a Liger looks like:
A liger looks like a giant lion with muted stripes but like their tiger ancestors, ligers like swimming.
In my opinion, People think that Ligers and Tigons are basically freaks of nature, or they think their "cool", But what people aren't looking at is that if we keep killing off species and we keep destroying their homes, what does everyone thinks going to happen, their going to start cross-breeding and we're going to have hybrid animals, I don't think that they should just be stuck in a cage at a zoo just for people's enjoyment of seeing them.Also, another thing is that with hybrids like the liger and tigon they sometimes get the best of both parents or they can get the worst of both parents, either way, It's not the animals fault that they are the way they are, Their "animals" they don't know right from wrong. People Do.
A Liger is a when a male Lion mates with a female Tiger creating a hybrid offspring together..
Liger do infact actually exist ...The offspring of a male Tiger and female Lion is called a Tigon. The difference between a Liger and Tigon is that Ligers tend to lean more towards gigantism and are generally larger than either of their parents, While Tigons are generally smaller or at least no larger than their parents.
Like most hybrids, Both are usually sterile, but occasionally a female will be fertile and can be bred back to a male lion or tiger, Producing
Lion + liger = li-liger
Lion + tigon = li- tigon
Tiger + liger = ti-liger
Tiger + tigon + ti-tigon
There has never been any record of fertile males, so you could never breed two ligers or two tigons together, or a liger with a tigon.
Tigers are found only in Asia, lions in Africa and the Gir Forest of India, where there are no tigers.
Historically, The Asiatic subspecies of lion had a much greater range which overlapped with that of the tiger, so it is possible, though unlikely , that they may once have sometimes occurred in the wild.
What a Liger looks like:
A liger looks like a giant lion with muted stripes but like their tiger ancestors, ligers like swimming.
In my opinion, People think that Ligers and Tigons are basically freaks of nature, or they think their "cool", But what people aren't looking at is that if we keep killing off species and we keep destroying their homes, what does everyone thinks going to happen, their going to start cross-breeding and we're going to have hybrid animals, I don't think that they should just be stuck in a cage at a zoo just for people's enjoyment of seeing them.Also, another thing is that with hybrids like the liger and tigon they sometimes get the best of both parents or they can get the worst of both parents, either way, It's not the animals fault that they are the way they are, Their "animals" they don't know right from wrong. People Do.
Animal of the day : Tarsier
The Tarsier, is one of our planet's endangered species, along with many other animals. There is only an estimated 5,000-10,000 left on this planet. the number declines every day . The Tarsier is one of the smallest primates in the world with a head that swivels approximately 180 degrees, and hind legs approximately twice as long as their head and body combined , Their fingers are elongated, and, contain suction cups, with their third finger approximately the same length as their upper arm. Their tails are almost entirely naked of fur . which allows them to hang from trees. Their most unique feature is their extremely large eyes . each eyeball is approximately 16 - millimeters in diameter , which is as large as the brain. Fossils of Tarsiers have been found in areas of Europe, North America, and Africa. But now the tarsier can only be found in areas of the Southland areas of Asia.
Cause of Death of the Tarsier:
The Tarsier is an extremely shy animal, and contact with humans, (including simply being petted by them), often leads to their death within a few months.
Unfortunately in some parts of the world, Tarsier's are hunted and sold as pets, and as sensitive animals who depend on having a mate, they have been know to commit suicide in captivity by banging their heads on something hard until they die from the impact. Another leading cause for this creatures population decline is the destruction of the earth's rain forests, which is their natural habitat, as well as the illegal logging that goes on in their native land of the Philippines.
Conservatioin of this animal is a huge must, The Siau Island Tarsier has been critically endangered since 2008, and is considered a totally protected animal in Sarawak, Borneo, where it is most commonly found.
Survival:
For this animal to survive, human contact must be limited, which is a prime reason why breeding colonies in captivity have never been successful. One sanctuary in Bohol has had some success in restoring the population by creating a man made rainforest, but it is still not enough to keep the population safe from extinction.
Cause of Death of the Tarsier:
The Tarsier is an extremely shy animal, and contact with humans, (including simply being petted by them), often leads to their death within a few months.
Unfortunately in some parts of the world, Tarsier's are hunted and sold as pets, and as sensitive animals who depend on having a mate, they have been know to commit suicide in captivity by banging their heads on something hard until they die from the impact. Another leading cause for this creatures population decline is the destruction of the earth's rain forests, which is their natural habitat, as well as the illegal logging that goes on in their native land of the Philippines.
Conservatioin of this animal is a huge must, The Siau Island Tarsier has been critically endangered since 2008, and is considered a totally protected animal in Sarawak, Borneo, where it is most commonly found.
Survival:
For this animal to survive, human contact must be limited, which is a prime reason why breeding colonies in captivity have never been successful. One sanctuary in Bohol has had some success in restoring the population by creating a man made rainforest, but it is still not enough to keep the population safe from extinction.
Raising awareness for animals.
Raising awareness for animals is not just about the Tigers,Lions, and other exotic animals. It also means your regular house pet a dog, cat or even hamster.
Alot of animal shelters and humane societies are not a "NO KILL" shelter, many animals are laid down to death because they do not get adopted at the right time, There are many ways you can also help to save our house pets. The animals do not deserve to die because of not getting adopted at the right time. about 1 animal is put down every eight seconds, meaning atleast 8 million homeless animals.
Some ,few homeless animals that get rescued get a heartwarming home, but many others end up being neglected, abused or end up back at a shelter.
-You can support an organization that is for "NO KILL" shelters.
-You can adopt or rescue an animal from the shelter or you could create a foster animal home.
-You could buy/adopt an animal for a close family member.
All these could help save an animals life.
Please if you do rescue or adopt an animal DO NOT abuse or neglect them. Dogs ,cats and other animals do not understand why they get hurt.
If you feel to do so please find them a new home that is filled with love. You can find many homes that have children or an elder that would enjoy a pet.
Alot of animal shelters and humane societies are not a "NO KILL" shelter, many animals are laid down to death because they do not get adopted at the right time, There are many ways you can also help to save our house pets. The animals do not deserve to die because of not getting adopted at the right time. about 1 animal is put down every eight seconds, meaning atleast 8 million homeless animals.
Some ,few homeless animals that get rescued get a heartwarming home, but many others end up being neglected, abused or end up back at a shelter.
-You can support an organization that is for "NO KILL" shelters.
-You can adopt or rescue an animal from the shelter or you could create a foster animal home.
-You could buy/adopt an animal for a close family member.
All these could help save an animals life.
Please if you do rescue or adopt an animal DO NOT abuse or neglect them. Dogs ,cats and other animals do not understand why they get hurt.
If you feel to do so please find them a new home that is filled with love. You can find many homes that have children or an elder that would enjoy a pet.
ENDANGERED/THREATENED ANIMALS
The number 1 most threatened and endangered animal is the Siberian Tiger, They have estimated that less than 200 Siberian Tigers are left most of which are living in nature reserves, They are threatened by the loss of their habitat and poachers who kill the tigers for their skins and their meat, the great cat is in danger of disappearing forever.
People are not realizing how valuable life is, Animals are no different than humans, they should be respected. not killed over someone wants a new fur coat.
The second most endangered animal is the Loggerhead Turtle It is found in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, also the Atlantic Ocean, this turtle faces many obstacles, It was once hunted for it's meat and eggs . Many Loggerhead turtles are caught in fishing nets and in Turkey, large hotels have been built directly on it's breeding grounds.
The third most endangered is the Jackass Penguins Jackass Penguins face a myriad of threats, from oil spills and pollution to a dwindling seal food supply, which makes this penguin prey rather than peer. Once the most common sea bird in South Africa, now is one of the 10 most endangered species on Earth.
The fourth most endangered is the Black Rhinoceros
It is found in West Africa, The Black Rhino is critically endangered and one the 10 most endangered species on the Earth, It is estimated now that there are less than 2,500 of these great creatures left in the wild. Unlike many other species , loss of habitat has not been the main cause of the great loss of this specie, instead poaching is this mammal's greatest enemy.
Their horns are extremely valuable and great numbers of these impressive beasts are beings slaughtered for profit. The good news is that there are conservation actions in place and animal activists across the globe fighting to keep the existance of the Black Rhino off the list of extinction.
The number 1 most threatened and endangered animal is the Siberian Tiger, They have estimated that less than 200 Siberian Tigers are left most of which are living in nature reserves, They are threatened by the loss of their habitat and poachers who kill the tigers for their skins and their meat, the great cat is in danger of disappearing forever.
People are not realizing how valuable life is, Animals are no different than humans, they should be respected. not killed over someone wants a new fur coat.
The second most endangered animal is the Loggerhead Turtle It is found in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, also the Atlantic Ocean, this turtle faces many obstacles, It was once hunted for it's meat and eggs . Many Loggerhead turtles are caught in fishing nets and in Turkey, large hotels have been built directly on it's breeding grounds.
The third most endangered is the Jackass Penguins Jackass Penguins face a myriad of threats, from oil spills and pollution to a dwindling seal food supply, which makes this penguin prey rather than peer. Once the most common sea bird in South Africa, now is one of the 10 most endangered species on Earth.
The fourth most endangered is the Black Rhinoceros
It is found in West Africa, The Black Rhino is critically endangered and one the 10 most endangered species on the Earth, It is estimated now that there are less than 2,500 of these great creatures left in the wild. Unlike many other species , loss of habitat has not been the main cause of the great loss of this specie, instead poaching is this mammal's greatest enemy.
Their horns are extremely valuable and great numbers of these impressive beasts are beings slaughtered for profit. The good news is that there are conservation actions in place and animal activists across the globe fighting to keep the existance of the Black Rhino off the list of extinction.
Major Threats to Wildlife and More...
Major threats to wildlife
Major threats to wildlife can be categorised as below:
i) Habitat Loss : Fewer natural wildlife habitat areas remain each year. Moreover, the habitat that remains has often been degraded to bear little resemblance to the natural wild areas which existed in the past.
ii) Climate Change: Because many types of plants and animals have specific habitat requirements, climate change could cause disastrous loss of wildlife species. A slight drop or rise in average rainfall will translate into large seasonal changes. Hibernating mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects are harmed and disturbed. Plants and wildlife are sensitive to moisture change so, they will be harmed by any change in the moisture level.
iii)Pesticides & Toxic Chemicals: Pesticides are deliberately spread to make the environment toxic to certain plants, insects, and rodents, so it should not be surprising that other plants and wildlife are deliberately harmed at the same time . In addition many chemical pollutants are toxic to wildlife, such as PCBs, mercury, petrolium by-products, solvents, antifreeze, etc.
iv) Hunting and Poaching: Unregulated hunting and poaching causes a major threat to wildlife. Along with this, mismanagement of forest department and forest guards triggers this problem.
Wildlife HabitatWildlife habitat is important not only for the conservation of species but also for a number of recreational opportunities. As a conservation purpose, wildlife habitat is managed for maintaining and using the resources in sustainable manner. Ninety-five percent of all commercially harvested fish and shellfish in the United States are wetland dependent. Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge is an example of recreational destination for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography that has a good wildlife management.Some parts of the area are wetlands managed for providing habitat of migratory birds, such as waterfowl and songbirds. The 14 million United States hunters generate in excess of $50 billion annually in economic activity. This does not include the 60 million people that watch migratory birds as a hobby. The Florida Keys wetland area generates more than $800 million in annual tourism income alone.
Types of wildlife management
There are two general types of wildlife management:
Manipulative management acts on a population, either changing its numbers by direct means or influencing numbers by the indirect means of altering food supply, habitat, density of predators, or prevalence of disease. This is appropriate when a population is to be harvested, or when it slides to an unacceptably low density or increases to an unacceptably high level. Such densities are inevitably the subjective view of the land owner, and may be disputed by animal welfare interests.
Custodial management is preventive or protective. The aim is to minimize external influences on the population and its habitat. It is appropriate in a national park where one of the stated goals is to protect ecological processes. It is also appropriate for conservation of a threatened species where the threat is of external origin rather than being intrinsic to the system.
Ways To Help Wildlife
Get to know your wild neighbors. Learn what's normal behavior and what's not, so you know when to help. For example, many fawns are accidentally kidnapped every year by well meaning people. Deer mothers do not stay with their babies, but come back periodically to feed them. Similarly, many fledging birds are also mistakenly "rescued" because people don't understand that this is a normal part of bird development.
Learn ways to coexist with wildlife. If you have a "problem" with a wild animal, please seek out humane solutions before trapping or contacting a nuisance control company.
Never try to keep a wild animal as a pet. Although they are very cute as babies, many grow up to be destructive and aggressive. The outcome usually ends badly for the animal and the "owner". Often, the owner decides to let the animal go. Unfortunately, captive raised animals lack the necessary skills to survive, and this option is nothing more than a cruel death sentence. The best solution is to place the animal with a rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Take time to think about how your trash can harm wildlife. A few extra minutes can mean the difference between life and death for a wild animal. Rinse glass and crush plastic containers before putting them in the trash or recycling bin. The smell of food attracts animals, and they can get their heads stuck creating a death trap. Cut six pack rings so they can not cause strangulation. Never throw plastic wrap that smells of food into open trash bins because animals can accidentally ingest it leading to fatal intestinal blockages. Make sure garbage cans are securely closed to keep wild animals out.
Always properly dispose of fishing line.
Never throw trash on the ground and never throw any type of food out of your car window. Animals will be attracted to it and can get hurt.
If someone you know is going to cut down a tree, check first to see if there is a nest in it or babies living inside the trunk.
Don't feed wild animals or leave pet food outside. If you feed your pets outside, feed them in the morning and pick the food up at night. Even if you are tolerant, your neighbors might not be.
Never use rat poison to control rodent populations. You may kill the targeted animal, but other animals might die if they eat the dead or dying animal.
Many wildlife injuries are caused by domestic pets. Consider keeping your cats and dogs inside or keeping them closely monitored, especially in the Spring and Summer when many animals have their babies.
Check your yard for rabbit nests before you mow. Mother rabbits only feed their babies twice a day to avoid attracting predators. Baby rabbits mature very quickly and will leave the nest soon.
If you find a bird nest on the ground with babies or eggs in it, tie it back to the tree by placing the nest in a small box (be sure to put drainage holes in it). Watch and make sure the parents come back.
Major threats to wildlife can be categorised as below:
i) Habitat Loss : Fewer natural wildlife habitat areas remain each year. Moreover, the habitat that remains has often been degraded to bear little resemblance to the natural wild areas which existed in the past.
ii) Climate Change: Because many types of plants and animals have specific habitat requirements, climate change could cause disastrous loss of wildlife species. A slight drop or rise in average rainfall will translate into large seasonal changes. Hibernating mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects are harmed and disturbed. Plants and wildlife are sensitive to moisture change so, they will be harmed by any change in the moisture level.
iii)Pesticides & Toxic Chemicals: Pesticides are deliberately spread to make the environment toxic to certain plants, insects, and rodents, so it should not be surprising that other plants and wildlife are deliberately harmed at the same time . In addition many chemical pollutants are toxic to wildlife, such as PCBs, mercury, petrolium by-products, solvents, antifreeze, etc.
iv) Hunting and Poaching: Unregulated hunting and poaching causes a major threat to wildlife. Along with this, mismanagement of forest department and forest guards triggers this problem.
Wildlife HabitatWildlife habitat is important not only for the conservation of species but also for a number of recreational opportunities. As a conservation purpose, wildlife habitat is managed for maintaining and using the resources in sustainable manner. Ninety-five percent of all commercially harvested fish and shellfish in the United States are wetland dependent. Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge is an example of recreational destination for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography that has a good wildlife management.Some parts of the area are wetlands managed for providing habitat of migratory birds, such as waterfowl and songbirds. The 14 million United States hunters generate in excess of $50 billion annually in economic activity. This does not include the 60 million people that watch migratory birds as a hobby. The Florida Keys wetland area generates more than $800 million in annual tourism income alone.
Types of wildlife management
There are two general types of wildlife management:
Manipulative management acts on a population, either changing its numbers by direct means or influencing numbers by the indirect means of altering food supply, habitat, density of predators, or prevalence of disease. This is appropriate when a population is to be harvested, or when it slides to an unacceptably low density or increases to an unacceptably high level. Such densities are inevitably the subjective view of the land owner, and may be disputed by animal welfare interests.
Custodial management is preventive or protective. The aim is to minimize external influences on the population and its habitat. It is appropriate in a national park where one of the stated goals is to protect ecological processes. It is also appropriate for conservation of a threatened species where the threat is of external origin rather than being intrinsic to the system.
Ways To Help Wildlife
Get to know your wild neighbors. Learn what's normal behavior and what's not, so you know when to help. For example, many fawns are accidentally kidnapped every year by well meaning people. Deer mothers do not stay with their babies, but come back periodically to feed them. Similarly, many fledging birds are also mistakenly "rescued" because people don't understand that this is a normal part of bird development.
Learn ways to coexist with wildlife. If you have a "problem" with a wild animal, please seek out humane solutions before trapping or contacting a nuisance control company.
Never try to keep a wild animal as a pet. Although they are very cute as babies, many grow up to be destructive and aggressive. The outcome usually ends badly for the animal and the "owner". Often, the owner decides to let the animal go. Unfortunately, captive raised animals lack the necessary skills to survive, and this option is nothing more than a cruel death sentence. The best solution is to place the animal with a rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Take time to think about how your trash can harm wildlife. A few extra minutes can mean the difference between life and death for a wild animal. Rinse glass and crush plastic containers before putting them in the trash or recycling bin. The smell of food attracts animals, and they can get their heads stuck creating a death trap. Cut six pack rings so they can not cause strangulation. Never throw plastic wrap that smells of food into open trash bins because animals can accidentally ingest it leading to fatal intestinal blockages. Make sure garbage cans are securely closed to keep wild animals out.
Always properly dispose of fishing line.
Never throw trash on the ground and never throw any type of food out of your car window. Animals will be attracted to it and can get hurt.
If someone you know is going to cut down a tree, check first to see if there is a nest in it or babies living inside the trunk.
Don't feed wild animals or leave pet food outside. If you feed your pets outside, feed them in the morning and pick the food up at night. Even if you are tolerant, your neighbors might not be.
Never use rat poison to control rodent populations. You may kill the targeted animal, but other animals might die if they eat the dead or dying animal.
Many wildlife injuries are caused by domestic pets. Consider keeping your cats and dogs inside or keeping them closely monitored, especially in the Spring and Summer when many animals have their babies.
Check your yard for rabbit nests before you mow. Mother rabbits only feed their babies twice a day to avoid attracting predators. Baby rabbits mature very quickly and will leave the nest soon.
If you find a bird nest on the ground with babies or eggs in it, tie it back to the tree by placing the nest in a small box (be sure to put drainage holes in it). Watch and make sure the parents come back.