An Animal A Day

last SG · 2005-03-09T00:11:15+00:00

Deepwater Arrowtooth Eel The Deepwater Arrowtooth Eel (Histiobranchus bathybius) is a cutthroat eel of the genus Histiobranchus, found around the world at d...

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Pink salmon

The pink salmon or humpback salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) (from the Russian gorbuscha) is a species of anadromous fish in the salmon family. It is the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon.

Pink Salmon, Oncorhyncus gorbuscha

Pink salmon are bright silver fish when they live in the ocean, and their coloring changes to pale grey on the back with yellowish white belly when spawning. They have two dorsal fins including one adipose fin, dark colouration of the mouth and gums, large oval shaped black spots on the tail and back and 13-17 rays in their anal fins. The males develop a large humpback during spawning, hence their nickname "humpies". Pink salmon are the smallest of the Pacific salmon with an average weight of five to six pounds and length of 30 inches.

Pink salmon have a two year life cycle. Adult pink salmon enter spawning streams, usually returning to the water course, or race, where they originated. Spawning occurs between late June and mid-October. The pink salmon prefer sloughs and slow moving water for spawning, and may spawn in the intertidal zone or at the mouth of streams. The female fish lays her eggs in gravel, she digs a trough or nest, called a redd, in the gravel with her tail, and once she has laid her eggs, and they have been fertilized by the male's milt, covers them. The female lays between 1,500 to 2,000 eggs, and guards the nest until death, both males and females both die approximately two weeks after spawning. The eggs hatch from December to February depending on the water temperature and the young emerge from the gravel during April and May and quickly migrate downstream as fry. They return to freshwater in the autumn of the following year as two year old adults. Pink and chum salmon can interbreed to form hybrid salmon.

Adult pink salmon are cold-water fish with a preferred temperature range of 5.6 to 14.6 °C, an optimal temperature of 10.1 °C, and an upper lethal temperature of 25.8 °C. The pink salmon is native to Pacific and arctic coastal waters from Sacramento River in northern California to the Mackenzie River, Canada, and to the west from the Lena River in Siberia to Korea. Populations in Asia occur as far south as Hondo Island in Japan. Pink salmon were introduced into the Great Lakes, this is the only location where the pink salmon has successfully been introduced to an entirely fresh water environment.

Distrubution and abundance of pink salmon in the United States

For commercial fisheries the pink salmon is the least preferred of the pacific salmon, due to its small size and pale flesh. Pink salmon is grown in fish farms by aquaculturists in Canada, Australia and Chile. The flesh is often canned, smoked or salted. Pink salmon roe is also produced commercially.

Beginning in the late nineteenth century, fish traps were used to supply fish for commercial canning and salting. The industry expanded steadily until 1920. During the 1940s and 1950s, Pink Salmon populations declined drastically. Fish traps were prohibited in Alaska in 1959. Now most pink salmon are taken with purse seines and drift or set gillnets. Some increase in population is evident.

Salmon Pink is a color that is derived the flesh of the pink salmon.

Issue #282

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Marron

Marron (Cherax tenuimanus) is a large freshwater crayfish native to the main permanent rivers in the forested, high-rainfall areas in the south-west of Western Australia.

Marron, Cherax tenuimanus

Marron is one of the largest freshwater crayfish in the world and, consequently, has been the subject of continued interest for aquaculture.

Marron farming was pioneered by Dr Noel Morrissy in the mid 1970s. His initial research achievements included elucidation of the life cycle of marron. Over the ensuing 25 years he developed a system for the semi-intensive farming of the species. Much of this information is published and is available to prospective farmers. Consequently, there is now a good understanding of the basic biology and aquaculture requirements of the species, as opposed to early attempts at farming in the 1970s, when very little was known about marron.

Marron, like other Australian freshwater crayfish, are much in demand in international markets because of their large size, high quality, acceptance by European markets as a replacement for diminishing stocks of their own native crayfish, freedom from major diseases and ability to be landed alive in the major international markets.

Recreational fishing for marron is tightly controlled, with a limited season, permits required and minimum sizes.

Conservation status: Endangered

Issue #283

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Pteranodon

Pteranodon (Greek for "toothless wing"), from the Late Cretaceous of Western North America, was one of the largest pterosaurs of all time, with a wingspan of about 7.5 m/ 25 feet. Unlike earlier pterosaurs such as Rhamphorhynchus and Pterodactylus, Pteranodon had a toothless beak, like a bird. A fossil preserving fish in the throat region of Pteranodon indicates that the animal was a fish eater. The enormous length of the wings meant that they could not be beat rapidly and so Pteranodon probably spent much of its time gliding. Despite its incredible wingspan, it may have weighed little more than 15 kg, enabling it to glide slowly. With a low sinking speed, Pteranodon may have been able to soar on marine thermals, like living frigate birds. On land, Pteranodon was probably clumsy.

Pteranodon

Pteranodon was notable for its skull crest. These may have been used as mating displays, in a similar fashion to how a peacock uses its tail feathers, or it might have acted as a rudder, or perhaps both. It has been suggested that males of the species bore larger crests, but with fossils it is often difficult to tell whether differences in crest shape reflect different sexes or different species.

A number of species of Pteranodon have been named, including Pteranodon ingens, P. longiceps, and P. sternbergi.

Conservation status: Fossil

Issue #284

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Schipperke

A Schipperke (pronounced skipper-key) is a small Belgian breed of dog that originated in the early 16th century. They are small in size, but big in character. There has been a long debate over whether this type of dog is a terrier, spitz or miniature sheepdog.

Schipperke

History

Schipperkes were first formed as a breed in the 1880s, their standard being written in 1889. Much of what is known of their origins and early history comes from Chasse et Peche (French for "Hunting and Fishing") magazine, articles of which were translated into English and published by the English magazine The Stockkeeper.

The breed name of "Schipperke", officially taken in 1888, is traditionally thought to mean "little captain". Beginning in the 1920s, however, it became popular in Belgium to believe that the name was actually a corruption of the Flemish word "Shapocke" or "Scheperke", meaning "little shepherd". It has been suggested that the idea of "little captain" was an invention of the English, who mistook the Schipperke for a Dutch barge dog.

Before the name "Schipperke" was officially taken, the breed was also known colloquially as "Spitzke". It is thought that the name change was to distinguish it from the German Spitz.

Temperament

A Schipperke is an all-around dog: it has strong herding, hunting, and watching instincts. They are fearless and independent, smart and willful. They are a high-energy dog with an intense curiosity about everything and therefore require a great deal of attention and stimulation. Consistent, positive training is a must or life can become a contest of wills. Schipperkes, like many small breeds, seem not to realize that they are small dogs and behave as if they are much larger than they actually are. Some like to bark at big dogs, while some simply don't care! They also often act as though they are high in authority in whatever society they live. They also have the nickname little nurse and can be quiet bedside companions to a sick family member.

Health

They are longer-lived than some breeds. A Schipperke generally lives from fifteen to twenty years, while most dogs live only around a dozen years.

Appearance

Schipperkes are usually large in the middle and have little pointed faces with little pointy ears. Schipps are not however fat, they are merely shaped that way!

Country of origin: Belgium

Issue #285

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European mink

The European Mink, Mustela lutreola, is a European member of the Mustelidae family found in Sweden, Poland and the greater part of Russia, though not found east of the Ural Mountains. Formerly it extended westward into central Germany and into Finland in the north, but it is now extinct in those countries. It is similar in appearance to the American Mink.

European Mink, Mustela lutreola

A trend in recent years has been the release of farmed minks into the wild by animal rights activists. The result of the introduction of the American Mink into the wild in Europe has been disastrous for the European Mink, who occupies almost the same ecological niche but is outcompeted by the larger and better-swimming American species. Attempts are now underway to introduce the European Mink to islands too far from the continent for American Mink to swim to, in an attempt to prevent the species from becoming extinct.

It is sometimes possible to distinguish one species from the other based on the fact that the American Mink usually lacks a large white patch on its upper lip, while the European Mink always possesses one. Any mink without such a patch can be identified with certainty as an American Mink, but an individual with such a patch, if encountered in continental Europe, cannot be certainly identified without looking at the skeleton. The European Mink always and the American Mink usually has a white spot on the lower lip, which continues in broken or unbroken fashion to form ventral markings. Since each is a different shape, it is possible to recognize individuals based on these ventral patterns. Fur also grows white over a scar and older mink tend to have more such patches, although absolute age is difficult to quantify without studying the animal from birth. In fur farms, mink are generally slaughtered after eight months, but can live several years in the wild (although mortality is high, especially among dispersing juveniles).

Female European Mink are roughly 1.3 lb (600 g) and males roughly 2 lb (900 g); female American Mink are roughly 2 lb (900 g) and male American Mink roughly 3.5 lb (1,600 g), although weight can vary considerably. In general, since male American Mink continue to grow into the winter but females do not, sexual dimorphism is lower in that species as environmental conditions become more hostile.

Conservation status: critical

Issue #286

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Monk Parakeet

The Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), also known as the Quaker Parrot, is a species of parrot that originated in the temperate areas of Argentina and Brazil in South America. It is the only member of the genus Myiopsitta.

Domesticated female Monk Parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus

There are four subspecies:

- M. m. monachus, southeastern Brazil, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina
- M. m. calita, western and southern Argentina
- M. m. cotorra, from southeastern Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Argentina, and southern Brazil
- M. m. luchsi an isolated population in Bolivia which is smaller and may deserve species status.

This parrot is, on average, 29 cm long with a 48 cm wingspan, and weighs 100 g. Females tend to be 10-20% smaller. It has bright green upperparts. The forehead and breast are pale grey and the rest of the underparts are very-light green to yellow. The flight feathers are dark blue, and the tail is long and tapering. The bill is orange. The call is a loud and throaty graaa or skveet. Domesticated breeds have produced colors other then the standard natural plumage include white and blue variants instead of green.

It is the only parrot that builds a stick nest, rather than using a hole. This gregarious species often breeds colonially, building a single large nest with separate entrances for each pair. In the wild, the colonies can become quite large, with pairs occupying separate "apartments" in nests that can reach the size of a small automobile. Their 5-12 eggs hatch in about 24 days.

Unusually for a parrot, Monk Parakeet pairs will occasionally tolerate the inclusion of a third parakeet (often a grown offspring) which assists with feeding the young.

Since it is not restricted by the availability of tree-holes, the Monk Parakeet will readily use man-made structures. For example, the introduced birds in Homestead, Florida use a power substation for nesting.

As a temperate species, this species is more able than most tropical species to survive colder climates, and colonies exist as far north as New York City and Chicago, Illinois.

Its ability to cope with colder climates makes this species second only to the Ring-necked Parakeet amogst parrots as a successful introduced species.

Monk Parakeets are highly intelligent, social birds. Those kept as pets routinely develop large vocabularies, and are thought to be second only to the African Grey Parrot in verbal skills. They appear most frequently with the natural green plumage, though yellow and blue Quakers are also not uncommon.

Problems with introduced populations

In Argentina and Uruguay, Monk Parakeets are a major agricultural pests. In areas where they have been introduced, some fear they will harm local crops and native species, leading to local bans and eradication programs of introduced birds in some areas of the USA. However, there is a lack of evidence of the harm of of these birds in introuduced areas.

The Monk Parakeet was introduced to the United States in the late 1960s as a pet. Many escaped or were intentionally released. Populations were allowed to proliferate, generally because of the controversies surrounding killing a charismatic bird. By the early 1970s, the Monk Parakeet was established in seven states, and by 1995 the parakeets had spread to eight more. There are now thought to be approximately 100,000 of them in Florida alone. In Argentina and Uruguay they have long been known as a major agricultural pest; even Darwin noted this.

Outside the USA, introduced populations do not appear to raise similar controversy, presumably because of smaller numbers of birds.

Issue #287

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Leopard gecko

Eublepharis macularius, commonly known as the Leopard Gecko, is a nocturnal ground dwelling gecko commonly found in the desert areas of Pakistan, Northwestern India and Afghanistan. The etymology of their name is 'eu' = Good (=true), 'blephar' = Eyelid, 'macularius' = Spotted.

Leopard Gecko, Eublepharis macularius, four months old

The leopard gecko gets its common name from the adult coloration of wild specimen, which is generally a cream to yellow ground color with black spots. Leopard geckos are considered one of the easiest lizards to breed. In captivity, a number of distinct color morphs have been created possessing many varied colors and patterns. Some of these include: High yellow, orange, striped, patternless (no spots or stripes), lavender, "blizzard lizard" (which are solid white), and amelanistic (no black pigments in markings).

Leopard geckos, along with a few other old world geckos are one of only a few gecko species that have eyelids. This helps the gecko keep its eyes clean and particle-free in its dusty environment. Most geckos clean and moisten their eyes with their tongues. Another interesting difference in leopard geckos from most other gecko species is the absence of adhesive toe pads. Instead, they have small claws. Leopard geckos cannot climb walls or glass, although their claws give extra traction on the ground, the same applies for the same group of old world geckos having eyelids. Like all geckos, they shed their tail if chased or grabbed, though they will eventually grow a new one. However, the new tail will look nothing like the old one, having a monotone color and bulbous shape.

In its natural environment, the leopard gecko lives under rocks or in small caves to avoid temperature extremes. Like many desert dwelling species it is most active at night, hunting insects, scorpions, spiders, and small rodents as its prey.

Leopard geckos are only slightly sexually dimorphic, with the males being somewhat more heavy-bodied than females. Males possess a V-shaped row of enlarged pre-anal pores and a pair of hemipenal swellings at the base of the tail. Females have pre-anal pits and lack paired swelling at the base of the tail. Gender is differentiated during egg incubation and is dependent on the incubation temperature, but gender characteristics are not visible in young geckos.

Leopard geckos as pets

Leopard Geckos are widely considered to be a very good pet for a beginning herpetologist for several reasons: their small size, ease of care, cleanliness (they defecate in one corner of their enclosure), long life span (20+ years), and wide color range. They can usually be handled well by older children with the close supervision of an adult, as their tails can fall off if stressed or frightened. Feeding a gecko bottled gecko food is not enough; live food such as crickets and mealworms should be offered as they will promote exercise and offer better nutrition. Supplements are also necessary for captive animals. Force feeding should only be done in the most extreme situations and even then only by an expert, as this can result in injuries and/or stress, which may cause a gecko to bite and scratch.

Issue #288

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Grizzled Skipper

The Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus malvae) is a butterfly of the Hesperiidae family. It is widely distributed throughout western Europe and its habitats include scrubby grasslands, woodland clearings and disused artificial habitats. In the United Kingdom, the butterfly occurs throughout southern and central England and Wales.

Grizzled Skipper, Pyrgus malvae

The adult butterfly flies from the end of April until the middle of June. The females lay eggs singly on species of the Rosaceae plant family. On hatching the caterpillars build shelters for use when they are not feeding. The larvae feed mainly on Rosacea species, but may move on to other species. The larvae spin pupal cocoons and overwinter before emerging the following spring.

Issue #289

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Oscar

The Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is a large species of cichlid. Oscars originate from the rivers in the area from Venezuela and along the east coast of South America, down to Paraguay. The fish come in a wide variety of colors and patterns such as Tiger, Black, Albino, Zebra, Red and Fire Red. Oscars typically reach a maximum size of 12-13 inches. Due to their size, they are often paired by aquarists with other of the larger New World cichlids. The Oscar is one of the most popular large home aquarium cichlids.

Oscar, Astronotus ocellatus

Oscars have a large body, and a slow, majestic appearance but they can be quite devastating to their surroundings as they tend to uproot plants and move other objects in the tank. They are very territorial and aggressive fish that will eat anything small enough to fit in their mouths and can quite easily be trained to eat from their owners' hands. Oscars will frequently fight vigorously with other Oscars which leads to much chasing and splashing, although they typically do not hurt each other. The usual recommendation with Oscars is to pair them only with larger fish because they have been known to eat smaller fish that are introduced into their territory. An intelligent fish, if the Oscar is raised with a set of fish it will tend to leave them alone, but will attack newly introduced fish even if they are of a similar size and species as ones already there.

Issue #290

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Colossal Squid

The Colossal Squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) (sometimes called the Antarctic or Giant Cranch Squid) is believed to be the largest squid, and the only species of the genus Mesonychoteuthis. Current best estimates put its maximum size at 14 meters (46 feet), based on analysis of smaller and immature specimens.

A young Colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, caught in the Ross Sea in 2003.

Biology

Unlike the various giant squid species whose tentacles are equipped with suckers lined with small teeth, the tentacles of the Colossal Squid are tipped with a fierce mixture of suckers and swiveling hooks. Its body is wider and stouter, and therefore heavier, than that of the giant squid. Giant squids are believed to have longer tentacles, but a shorter mantle than a Colossal Squid.

The squid's known range extends thousands of miles northward from Antarctica to southern South America, southern South Africa, and the southern tip of New Zealand, making it primarily an inhabitant of the entire circumantarctic Southern Ocean.

While little is known about the life of this creature, it is believed to hunt prey such as chaetognatha and squid in the deep ocean using bioluminescence. Based on capture depths of a few specimens, as well as beaks found in sperm whale stomachs, the adult squid ranges at least to a depth of 2,200 m, while juveniles can go as deep as 1,000 m.

The squid's method of reproduction has not been observed, although some data on their reproduction can be inferred from anatomy. Since males lack an organ called a hectocotylus (a tentacle used in other cephalopods to transfer a spermatophore to the female), they probably use a penis instead, which would be used to directly implant sperm into females.

Many Sperm whales carry scars on their backs believed to be caused by the hooks of Colossal Squid. Colossal Squid are a major prey item for Antarctic sperm whales feeding in the Southern Ocean; 14% of the squid beaks found in the stomachs of these sperm whales are those of the Colossal Squid, which indicates that Colossal Squid make up 77% of the biomass consumed by these whales. Many other animals also feed on this squid, including the beaked whales (such as the bottlenose whales), Pilot Whale, Southern Elephant Seal, Patagonian toothfish, Pacific sleeper shark, and albatross (e.g., the Wandering albatross). However, beaks from mature adults have only been recovered from those animals large enough to take such prey (i.e., the sperm whale and Pacific sleeper shark), while the remaining predators are limited to eating juveniles and/or young adults.

Timeline

This species was first discovered in 1925, in the form of two tentacles found in the stomach of a sperm whale. In 2003, a complete specimen was found near the surface of the Ross Sea with a total length of 6 m (20 feet) and a mantle length of 2.5 m (8 feet).

Issue #291

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Balinese Tiger

The Balinese Tiger (Panthera tigris balica) is an extinct species of tiger found solely on the small Indonesian island of Bali. The tiger was one of three species of tiger found in Indonesia, along with the Javan Tiger (also extinct) and Sumatran Tiger (severely endangered).

The only known photograph of a Bali Tiger, Panthera tigris balica, one of three subspecies driven to extinction by humans.

It was the smallest of the tiger species and the last known specimen was shot in 1937. Given the small size of the island, and limited forest cover, the original population could never have been large, and it is considered impossible that any survive today.

Conservation status: Extinct (1940s)

Issue #292

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Munchkin

The Munchkin cat is a relatively new breed created by a random mutation that produced a cat with extremely short legs. Munchkins have short or long coats in a wide variety of colours. Somewhat surprisingly, because of their short stature munchkins are particularly adept at climbing and jumping. They are usually raised as indoor cats, although they are reported to be extremely active, agile and fast runners. Those who have spent time around barns have proven to be extremely good hunters. The mutation only affects the length of the legs.

Munchkin

The breed was begun in 1983 when Sandra Hochenedel found an extremely short-legged black cat living under a trailer in Louisiana. The cat, Blackberry, was pregnant and half of her kittens were born short-legged. One of Blackberry's kittens, a tomcat named Tolouse, became the father of a breeding program and helped establish the breed in North America.

The Munchkin breed is not recognised by all registering associations and is specifically banned by the Fédération International Féline FIFe and other European registries, but it is accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA). Because the munchkin gene is a dominant one, approximately half the kittens with a munchkin parent will be 'standard' munchkins. The remainder have normal length legs, but since it is a dominant gene these long/traditional legged cats cannot pass on the trait of short legs. Nor would this trait be passed on if the long legged kittens were crossed to another breed. At one time it was theorized that this short legged trait was due to the same gene that causes achondroplasia achondroplastic in humans, however all attempts to prove this to date, have failed. Neither is it the same gene nor has a specific locus on another gene been found and identified as of this writing. True "dwarfism" affects more than the long bones of the legs. The munchkin cat is shorter than a standard domestic, but in all other respects it is identical, genetically and in size and overall appearance.

Issue #293

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Giant pangolin

The Giant pangolin (Manis gigantea) is a pangolin species. Members of the species inhabit Africa with a range streching along the Equator from west Africa to Uganda. The giant pangolin is the largest species of pangolin, or "scaly anteaters"the large, scaled mammals belonging to the Manidae family. They subsist almost entirely on ants and termites. The species was first described by Johann Karl Wilhelm Illiger in 1815.

Giant pangolin, Manis gigantea

Habitat, range, and endangered status

The giant pangolin inhabits many countries with the largest concentration in Uganda, Tanzania, and western Kenya. It is found mainly in the savanna, rainforest, and forest, inhabiting areas with large termite populations and available water. Giant pangolins do not inhabit high-altitude areas.

Due to habitat destruction and deforestation, the species's numbers have greatly declined, and this together with the hunting of giant pangolins as bushmeat has led to concerns about population levels. Because the species is nocturnal, few studies have been carried out. Currently the pangolin is classified as an endangered species.

Physical description

The average mass of the species is unknown, but one giant pangolin was found to weigh 33 kg. Males are larger than females, with male body length about 140 cm and female about 125 cm. It is the largest of all pangolins, taking the name "giant pangolin" because of this. The scales are usually colored brown or reddish-brown. Like all pangolins, the species has large, armored scales and no hair except in the eyelashs. Giant pangolin have long snouts, a long and thick tail, and large front claws.

The animal has a strong sense of smell and large anal glands. Its secretions may be significant to animal communication. The species walks with most of its weight is on its columnar rear legs and curl their front paws, walking on the outside of the wrists rather than the palms to protect the claws. By using its tail for balance, giant pangolins can even walk upright as a biped.

Giant pangolins are endothermic and bilateral symmetric.

Behavior

Giant pangolins, like other pangolin, are motile and nocturnal, which makes observation difficult. They are also usually solitary, although in one case an adult giant pangolin was seen in a burrow with a juvenile. The species is capable of climbing trees and other objects.

Diet

Like all pangolins, the giant pangolin is a specialized insectivore that lacks teeth and the ability to chew. Its diet mainly consists of ants and termites, which the species finds by tearing open anthills and termite nests, both subterranean and mound-type.

Because of its relatively large size, the giant pangolin is particularly well-suited to breaking open termite mounds, done by leaning on the mound and resting its weight on its tail, and then ripping into the mound with its front claws. The combination of weight and physical damage quickly lead to partial collapse of the mound, exposing the termites. It eats the insects by picking them up with its sticky tongue (up to 16 inches in length).

Reproduction

Very little information about the reproduction of giant pangolins is known. Two birth records exist, with one litter was found in September and another in October, with the young weighing around 500 g. As in all pangolins, infants have soft scales that eventually open and are born with open eyes. They cannot walk on their legs, but can move on the stomach.

Conservation status: Endangered

Issue #294

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Belted Kingfisher

The Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) is a large, conspicuous and noisy kingfisher, the only member of that group commonly found in the northern United States and Canada.

Belted Kingfisher, Ceryle alcyon

This bird's breeding habitat is areas near inland bodies of waters or coasts across most of Canada, Alaska and the United States. In the winter, this bird leaves northern inland areas where the water freezes; in other parts of its range, these birds are permanent residents.

It is 2836 cm long, with deep blue or bluish-gray plumage with white markings, a shaggy crest and a broad white collar around the neck. As shown in the photo, females have a rusty band along the sides of the belly, making this the only bird found in North America where the female is more decorated than the male.

These birds nest in a horizontal tunnel made in a river bank or sand bank. The female lays 5 to 8 eggs. Both parents excavate the tunnel, incubate the eggs and feed the young.

It often seen perched prominently on trees, posts, or other suitable watchpoints close to water before plunging in head first after its fish prey. They also eat small crustaceans, frogs, aquatic insects, small mammals, lizards and berries. These birds often give a rattling call as they fly overhead.

A female Belted Kingfisher in flight

This bird migrates from the northern parts of its range to the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and northern South America, and has occurred as an extreme rarity in Iceland, Ireland and the UK.

The number of these birds appears to have declined, possibly as a result of habitat loss.

Issue #295

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Common Garter Snake

The Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is common in North America. T.s. parietalis has also been introduced to northern Halland in Sweden, where it thrives. The habitat of these snakes can range from forests, fields and prairies to streams, wetlands, meadows, marshes and ponds, but they're often found near water. They're semi-aquatic animals that can swim. Habitats range from sea level to mountain locations. Their diet consists of amphibians, insects, fish, small birds, and rodents. The animals that eat the common garter snake are: large fish, bull frogs, snapping turtles, milk snakes, hawks, and foxes. Most garter snakes have a pattern of yellow stripes on a brown background and their average length is about 1 - 1.5 m (3 - 4.5 ft). Like all other snakes, garter snakes use their tongue to smell.

Red-sided Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis, a subspecies of the Common Garter Snake.

Water contamination, urban expansion, and residential and industrial development are all threats to the garter snakes species. The San Francisco Garter Snake (T.s. tetrataenia), which is extremely scarce and occurs only in the vicinity of ponds and reservoirs in San Mateo County, California, has been listed as an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 1967.

Garter snakes can make excellent pets as they are small, easily kept in terrariums and feed readily on goldfish and other commercially available live foods. It is advisable not to give a steady diet of earthworms/nightcrawlers as these lack sufficient vitamins for the snake's health. Although they are usually found near water, the pet habitat must be dry with only a water bowl to avoid serious skin diseases. This is true of all snake species, including water snakes.

Life history

The Common Garter Snake is a diurnal snake. In summer, it is most active in the morning and late afternoon; in cooler seasons or climates, it restricts its activity to the warm afternoons.

In southern, warm areas, the Common Garter Snake is active year-round; otherwise, it hibernates in common dens, sometimes in great numbers. On warm winter afternoons, some Common Garter Snakes have been observed to emerge from their hibernacula to bask in the sun.

Garter snakes generally mate in March or April, after hibernation. The species is viviparous; females give birth to a litter of 12-40 live young anytime from July through October.

Toxicity

The saliva of a garter snake may be toxic to amphibians and other small animals. For humans, a bite is not dangerous, but may produce a swelling or a burning rash. Most garter snakes also secrete a foul-smelling fluid from postanal glands when handled or harmed. Like any predator they are highly unpredictable.

Taxonomy

Current scientific classification recognizes twelve subspecies:

* T.s. sirtalis Linnaeus 1758: Common Garter Snake
* T.s. parietalis Say 1823: Red-sided Garter Snake
* T.s. infernalis Blainville 1835: California Red-sided Garter Snake
* T.s. concinnus Hallowell 1852:Red-spotted Garter Snake
* T.s. dorsalis Baird and Girard 1853: New Mexico Garter Snake
* T.s. pickeringii Baird and Girard 1853: Puget Sound Garter Snake
* T.s. tetrataenia Cope 1875: San Francisco Garter Snake; endangered
* T.s. semifasciatus Cope 1892: Chicago Garter Snake
* T.s. pallidulus Allen 1899: Maritime Garter Snake
* T.s. annectens Brown 1950: Texas Garter Snake
* T.s. fitchi Fox 1951: Valley Garter Snake
* T.s. similis Rossman 1965: Blue-striped Garter Snake

Issue #296

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Wandering Violin Mantis

The Wandering Violin Mantis, Gongylus gongylodes, also known as the Indian Rose Mantis, is an insect of the order Mantodea. This is one of the more bizarre looking mantids. Characterized by extremely slender limbs with large appendages. It is not a particularly aggressive species and often kept as a pet by hobbyists. It feeds primarily on flying insects. Its native range is in southern India and Sri Lanka. It can reach sizes of up to 11 cm. The males of the species are capable of flight.

A young female Wandering Violin Mantis, Gongylus gongylodes

Young Mantis

Issue #297

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Gray Reef Shark

The Gray Reef Shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) is one of the most common sharks found around coral reefs of Indo-Pacific waters.

Gray Reef Shark, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos

Distribution and Habitat

The Gray reef shark is found from the Red Sea to the Easter Island from the surface to about 250 meters deapth in lagoons and close to islands and reefs.

Anatomy

As its name suggests, the shark is gray overall, with a white underside. The tips of most fins, except the first dorsal fin, are darker, and the trailing edge of the caudal fin has a prominent black margin. Some individuals have a white pattern on the leading edge of the dorsal fin. It has been recorded at up to 255 cm. The Blacktip Reef Shark looks similar, and also common, but is distinguished by a black tip on the first dorsal fin.

Behavior

They are active during the day, but more so at night, feeding on reef fishes, squids, octopus, and various crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp.

This species is social, aggregating in favored areas, often near dropoffs at the edge of a reef, or in atoll passes where there is a strong current. They are often curious, will investigate human scuba divers, and have been implicated in attacks, although there is some debate as to whether the sharks are fundamentally aggressive or have simply reacted badly to perceived threats by divers. They have been observed to adopt a distinctive "hunching" posture when feeling threatened, the body bent into a sort of "S" shape.

Reproduction

Reproduction is viviparous, with 1-6 pups in a litter. The numbers of Gray Reef Sharks have declined in recent years.

Conservation status: Lower risk (nt)

Issue #298

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Common Earthworm

The Common Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) is a large reddish worm native to Europe. Through much of Europe it is the largest naturally occurring species of earthworm, typically reaching 20-25 cm long when extended (though in parts of southern Europe there are native species which are much larger). It has an unusual habit of copulating on the surface at night, which makes it more visible than most other earthworms. It is now also widely distributed elsewhere around the world, along with several other lumbricids, due to human introductions. In some areas where it has been introduced, it is a serious pest species, out-competing locally native worms.

Common Earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris

Common names

Being widely distributed, Lumbricus terrestris goes under a variety of common names. In the British Isles it is primarily called the Common Earthworm. In North America and New Zealand the term Nightcrawler (or Night Crawler) is more common. In Canada, it is also called the Dew Worm, and in Britain Lob Worm (though that, as lobworm is also applied to a marine polychaete). In the rest of the world most references are just to the scientific name, though with occasional reference to the above names.

Although not the numerically most abundant earthworm even in its native range, it gets called the Common Earthworm (or even just "the Earthworm") as it is a very conspicuous and familiar earthworm species in garden and agricultural soils of the temperate zone, and frequently being seen on the surface, unlike most other earthworms. It is also used as the example earthworm for millions of biology students around the world, even in areas where the species does not exist. However this name can be a source of confusion, since in most of the world other species are more typical. For example, through much of the unirrigated temperate areas of the world, the "common earthworm" is actually Aporrectodea (=Allolobophora) trapezoides which in those areas is a similar size and dark color to Lumbricus terrestris.

Biology

Lumbricus terrestris is an anecic worm, that is, it forms permanent deep burrows and comes to the surface to feed, as opposed to burrowing through the soil for its food as most other earthworms do. An unusual habit of this species is to pull leaves into the mouth of its burrow where they partially decay before being eaten. While they generally feed on plant material, they have been observed feeding on squashed insects and feces.

The potential life span of Lumbricus terrestris is unknown, though it has been kept in the laboratory for 6 years. Official estimates of 4 to 8 years for a general life span are probably reasonable.

In parts of Europe, notably the Atlantic fringe of northwestern Europe, it is now locally endangered due to predation by the New Zealand Flatworm (Arthurdendyus triangulatus) and the Australian Flatworm (Australoplana sanguinea), two predatory flatworms accidentally introduced from New Zealand and Australia. These predators are very efficient earthworm eaters, being able to survive for lengthy periods with no food, so therefore still persisting even when their prey has dropped to unsustainably low populations. In some areas, this is having a serious adverse effect on soil structure and quality, as the soil aeration and organic material mixing previously done by the earthworms ceases.

Issue #299

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Ammosaurus

Ammosaurus ("lizard of the sand") has been identified by four incomplete skeletons found in United States and Canada regions. The first Ammosaurus skeleton was found in the late 1880s by a group of construction workers in the Connecticut Valley in the US, who were building a bridge at the time. The valley was once a swamp, on which Amosaurus would often search for food along its banks. Other fragmental skeletons have been found in Arizona and Nova Scotia.

Ammosaurus, Ammosaurus solus

When Othniel C. Marsh first identified Ammosaurus's remains, he confused them with those of another dinosaur, Anchisaurus. It was not until 1891 that he renamed the fossils as that of Ammosaurus. Ironically, some of the Anchisaurus remains were thought to be remains of prehistoric humans. Although no Ammosaurus skull has ever been found, enough fossil was found to determine that it was more closely related to Plateosaurus than Anchisaurus as previously thought.

Ammosaurus lived during the early Jurassic period, around 180 million years ago. It was a herbivore and could walk on both four or two feet, the latter undoubtably allowing it to reach higher branches. It had large claws on its hands to allow it to strip bark from trees and saplings. Compared to the rest of its body, Ammosaurus had both a long tail & neck, suggesting that it would have walked on four legs for most of its life, only walking on two to defend itself or reach food. To defend itself, it would stand on its hind legs, slashing at its attacker with its large thumb claws on its fore legs.

Ammosaurus measured over 4.3 m (14 ft) long and stood about 1.8 m (6 ft) tall, although it would only be knee high if it was on all fours. Ammosaurus weighed around 290 kg (639 lbs), mainly due to its large body. At its largest, it would grow to the size of a small car.

Conservation status: Fossil

Issue #300

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Portuguese Podengo

The Portuguese Podengo is the name given to three types of dog from Portugal with a related ancestry. They represent a small (Pequeno), medium (Medio) and large (Grande) type of dog, each with two hair coats (smooth and wirehaired).

Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio

The rarest of all, the Grande, was most likely developed from larger Medios and the Pequeno was most likely developed, with the addition of other small breeds, also from the Medio. Of the three, the Pequeno displays more color variety because of this probable outcrossing.

Each has a different type of temperament but all three love to hunt, as is their heritage and tradition in their native country. Typically, the dogs hunt in a pack with their human companion following them. Each is capable of hunting game that is appropriate to their size (Pequeno-rats, Medio-rabbits, Grande-boars).

They are very old type of dog, probably descended from ancient northern African sighthound-type dogs. As a breed, it is believed to be about 5,000 years old. They are all typically healthy, due to careful breeding practices in a rustic setting (in Portugal) where unhealthy whelps would not usually survive, thus removing them from possible breeding stock.

The WH PPM is a medium-sized, friendly, hardy and intelligent companion. It has a soft wire coat that functions as an air conditioner in the hot weather. The single coat (without undercoat) does shed. It is very active and is good with children and other animals, including livestock, if it is socialized from an early age.

The WH PPM (and S PPM) has existed in America for decades in small numbers with Portuguese-Americans in private home settings where they have been used for traditional rabbit hunting. Amazingly, they were never popularized outside of their immigrant homesteads. If dog-loving Americans had seen them there is no doubt that this breed would have become known sooner, as they are attractive, nice family dogs, with a touch of mischief.

They are watchful and observant and will bark when something gets their attention. They enjoy digging and need a secure fence. It is best if they have their own yard they can 'customize' themselves. When trained, they can have a good recall when not on leash. They are a very enthusiastic, trainable dog with a knowledgable trainer, as evidenced by their popularity in movies, where they are usually cast as a "scruffy mutt." This publicity has enabled the WH PPM to obtain a small but loyal fan base in America, who have turned into the first exhibitors (and will be the first breeders) of the breed.

The WH PPM have only recently been shown and developed as a registered (RVB-Netherlands, CPC-Portugal and AKC-Foundation Stock Service), pedigreed breed in the US and Canada.

The WH PPM is very young as a breed in America. There are about 11 breeders worldwide with registered, pedigreed stock. The available bloodlines of WH PPMs are extremely limited compared to other breeds of dogs (the coat types are not interbred) and all WH PPM are very closely related at this time. However, with careful breeding of only the best and healthiest dogs, larger bloodlines can be built confidently and strongly. Other examples of this situation are the Saluki and Basenji, both breeds which, within the past 100 years, descended from a tiny handful of registered dogs. With careful breeding of the best quality dogs, it is now a healthy, strong sighthound breed with much diversity.

Alternative names: Podengo Portugues, Portuguese Warren Hound
Country of origin: Portugal

Issue #301

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