Thursday, March 5, 2015
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Monday, March 2, 2015
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Monday, February 23, 2015
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Monday, February 2, 2015
Saturday, January 31, 2015
BARRACUDA
The barracuda is a large species of fish found in the warmer, coastal regions of the world's oceans. There are more than 20 different species of barracuda that range in size from less than 50cm to nearly 2 meters in length.
The barracuda is widely spread across the oceans but is more commonly found in the more tropical regions where there is an abundance of food. Although barracudas can be found in the deep ocean, they tend to prefer coastal habitats along continental shelves and close to coral reefs.
Despite the difference in size and colour between barracuda species, all species of barracuda have a similar elongated appearance, and pointed head with powerful jaws, containing rows of sharp fang-like teeth used for eating larger prey.
The barracuda is known to be an aggressive and dominant predator, often relying on the surprise tactic in order to catch it's prey. Barracudas are also able to swim at over 40 km/h in short bursts which they do to overtake prey that may be trying to swim away.
The barracuda is an opportunistic predator, feeding only on other animals in the surrounding water. The carnivorous barracuda primarily feeds on smaller species of fish, marine invertebrates, crustaceans and squid, which the barracuda usually ambushes with tremendous power.
Due to the fact that barracudas can grow into very large sized fish, the barracuda has few natural predators in the ocean besides sharks and killer whales. Humans are also one of the barracuda's main predators as they are hunted and eaten all around the world.
Although little is really known about the reproduction of the barracuda, female barracuda are known to spawn during the spring. The female barracuda releases her eggs into the water which are then fertilised externally. As with many fish species, once spawned, the barracuda mother has no interest in caring for her young.
Today, due to it's aggressive nature, the barracuda is one of the most dominant predators within it's coastal environments and has even been known to act aggressively towards humans diving or snorkelling in the water.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Barn Owl
Barn owls are one of the most widely distributed birds found everywhere around the world apart from the polar and desert regions. Although this is the case, the barn owl population is more predominant in the Southern Hemisphere due to better climate conditions for the barn owl.
Barn owls tend to measure between 25 and 40cm tall and adult barn owls can have a wingspan of up to 110cm long. The wing span of the barn owl is however dependent on the species of barn owl so some owls may be smaller, where other species of barn owl may be much bigger.
Surprisingly, these common barn owls do not make the hoot sound that can often be heard at night. Instead the owls produce a high-pitched scream and can also hiss in a similar way to a cat or snake if the barn owl feels threatened.
Barns owls can be most commonly seen in the open countryside and along river banks, fields and even the verges on the side of the road. Barn owls are nocturnal animals meaning that typically barn owls rest during the light day time hours and emerge at dusk to begin a night of hunting.
Barn owls most commonly hunt small mammals such as mice, voles and rats but barn owls also hunt fish close to the surface of the water and smaller birds in the tree tops and even in the air. Barn owls swallow their prey whole and then bring back up (regurgitate) the indigestible parts such as bones in the form of a small pellet.
Barn owls are well suited to their nocturnal lifestyle. The large eyes of the barn owl enable the barn owl to have fantastic eyesight even in the darkness of night, but barn owls also have incredibly accurate hearing. The ears of the barn owl are set with one higher than the other giving the barn owl better hearing in general but it also means that when the barn owl is hunting for prey, it can use one ear to detect noise on the ground below and the other ear is used to detect noise from the air and trees above.
Female barn owls lay a clutch of up to 7 eggs in the warm months of spring. The female barn owl nests in a hollow tree or rock, and the barn owl eggs usually hatch after about a month. The male barn owl is known to help feed the barn owl chicks and the barn owl chicks are able to fly by the time they are 12 weeks old.
Although the barn owl, is not considered to be a threatened species of animal, the barn owl population numbers have severely decreased over the years due to pollution and habitat loss as the barn owls are finding it harder and harder in some areas to find food. Despite this being true, the barn owl population in the UK is thought to be increasing again.
There are more than 30 different species of barn owl found across Europe, Africa, Asia and parts of Australia and the Americas. All barn owl species have a similar appearance but can differ great in both size and colour.
Barn Owl Facts
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Strigiformes |
| Family: | Tytonidae |
| Genus: | Tyto |
| Scientific Name: | Tyto Alba |
| Type: | Bird |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
| Size (H): | 25cm - 45cm (9.8in - 18in) |
| Wing Span: | 75cm - 110cm (30in - 43in) |
| Weight: | 300g - 550g (10oz - 19.4oz) |
| Top Speed: | 80km/h (50mph) |
| Life Span: | 5 - 10 years |
| Lifestyle: | Solitary |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Colour: | Black, White, Grey, Orange, Brown |
| Skin Type: | Feathers |
| Favourite Food: | Small mammals |
| Habitat: | Open plains and low-lying woodland |
| Average Clutch Size: | 4 |
| Main Prey: | Small mammals, Fish, Birds |
| Predators: | Fox, Raccoon, Wild dogs |
| Distinctive Features: | White heart-shaped face and large, dark eyes |
BARB
The barb fish is often referred to as a freshwater shark, due to the fact that barb are one of the few species of freshwater fish to have rows of teeth in their mouths. Despite their small size, barbs are known to be ferocious hunters and are dominant predators in the world of small fish in their natural environment. Barb do only prey upon the fish that are smaller than them, but also on medium sized fish that can sometimes be double the size of the barb.
Due to their small size and bright colours barb are commonly kept in household aquariums worldwide. The most common barb kept in aquariums are the cherry barb (pink/red in colour) and the tiger barb (silver body with thick, black stripes and red fin on it's belly) .
Barb are known to be relatively hardy fish and can easily adapt to changes in the water including changes in pH levels and temperate. It is known that barbs can successfully inhabit unheated tanks, and although this has proved to be successful in many cases, it is not recommended as barb are naturally found in warmer tropical waters.
Due to their aggressive and dominant nature, it is not ideal to keep barbs in artificial tanks with smaller species of tropical fish. At the same time, barb will also hunt medium sized fish if there is a lack of food, and so are best kept on their own (just barbs) or with much larger species of fish.
Barbs are known to lay numerous eggs in order for a few to hatch successfully. The baby barb are called fry and generally hatch within a few days of being laid. Like their hardy barb parents, the barb fry are able to adapt well to changes in their surroundings.
Barbs are opportunists and will therefore eat almost anything that they can find. Although barbs prefer a predominantly meat based diet that includes smaller fish, insects and bloodworm, barb are also known to eat aquatic plants particularly those that are softer and therefore easier to ingest. The exact diet of the barb however, depends on the species and the region in which it inhabits.
Barb Facts
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cypriniformes |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Genus: | Barbus |
| Common Name: | Barb |
| Scientific Name: | Barbus Barbus |
| Origin: | Asia |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Size (L): | 2.5cm - 7cm (1in - 3in) |
| Water Type: | Fresh |
| Optimum pH Level: | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| Life Span: | 3 - 7 years |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Colour: | Black, White, Yellow, Orange, Red, Silver |
| Skin Type: | Scales |
| Favourite Food: | Fish |
| Habitat: | Slow flowing rivers and lagoons |
| Average Clutch Size: | 1,500 |
| Main Prey: | Fish, Shrimp, Algae |
| Predators: | Fish, Birds, Reptiles |
| Distinctive Features: | Easily adaptable and rows of teeth |
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Banded Palm Civet
The banded palm civet is a rare species of civet found in the tropical forests across south-east Asia. Banded palm civets were named for their tan and black striped coats which give the banded palm civet more camouflage in the surrounding jungle.
The banded palm civet is found inhabiting the tropical jungles and rainforests throughout much of south-east Asia including Burma and Thailand, and throughout most of Malaysia and Indonesia. Unfortunately, banded palm civets have been drastically affected by increasing deforestation (and therefore habitat loss) in their native regions.
The banded palm civet is widely spread and fairly commonly found throughout much of south-east Asia and despite their cat-like appearance and behaviours, banded palm civets are not felines at all but are in fact more closely related to other small carnivores including weasels and mongooses. The fur of the banded palm civet is one of the most distinctively marked of all civet species.
The banded palm civet is solitary animal that only comes out under the cover of night to hunt and catch food. These nocturnal animals are primarily ground-dwelling and highly territorial. Despite being predominately ground-dwelling though the banded palm civet is known to climb up into the trees either in search of food or to hide from approaching predators.
The banded palm civet is a carnivorous animal, and like other species of civet, it survives on a meat-based diet, supplemented by the odd plant or fruit. Small animals such as rodents, lizards, snakes and frogs make up the majority of the banded palm civet's diet, along with insects and other small creatures scuttling through the under-growth. Banded palm civets are also known to eat the fruits and flowers of palms, mangos and coffee in their natural habitats.
Despite being a secretive yet relatively ferocious predatory animal, the banded palm civet is actually preyed upon by a number of predators within their natural environment. Large predatory cats are the most common predators of the banded palm civet including tigers and leopards along with reptiles such as large snakes and crocodiles.
The female banded palm civet usually gives birth to up to 4 young after a gestation period that lasts for a couple of months. The babies are weaned by their mother until they are strong enough to fend for themselves. Banded palm civets can live for up to 20 years, although most rarely get to be this old.
Today, the banded palm civet is under threat from deforestation and therefore drastic loss of much of its natural habitat. The main reason for such extensive deforestation in the area is either for logging or to clear the land to make way for palm oil plantations.
Banded Palm Civet Facts
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Viverridae |
| Genus: | Hemigalus |
| Scientific Name: | Hemigalus Derbyanus |
| Type: | Mammal |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
| Size (H): | 43cm - 71cm (17in - 28in) |
| Weight: | 1.4kg - 4.5kg (3lbs - 10lbs) |
| Life Span: | 15 - 20 years |
| Lifestyle: | Solitary |
| Conservation Status: | Vulnerable |
| Colour: | Black, White, Grey, Yellow, Brown, Tan |
| Skin Type: | Fur |
| Favourite Food: | Rodents |
| Habitat: | Tropical rainforest |
| Average Litter Size: | 2 |
| Main Prey: | Rodents, Snakes, Frogs |
| Predators: | Lions, Snakes, Leopards |
| Distinctive Features: | Elongated body and snout with sharp, pointed teeth |
BALINESE
The Balinese cat is very much like the Siamese cat in characteristics but the Balinese cat generally has longer hair and is more likely to have markings on its fur. The Balinese cat is about the same size and weight as the Siamese cat and also tends to be found in similar colours.
The Balinese cat is a popular longhair household cat as the Balinese cat does not need grooming as much as other long-haired cats, such as the Himalayan cat and the Persian cat. The elegant features of Balinese cat also make it a popular breed in Western households.
The Balinese cat is a very affectionate feline and adores human attention. The Balinese is also a playful and energetic breed of cat and is most happy when it is active and playing.
The Balinese is an extremely intelligent breed of cat, and it is thought that the Balinese cat is the most intelligent breed of ling-haired cat. The Balinese also has a remarkably long lifespan for a domestic cats as the Balinese often reaches 20 years old.
Balinese Facts
| Name: | Balinese |
| Origin: | North America |
| Average Size: | 60cm (2ft) |
| Average Weight: | 5.4kg (12lbs) |
| Average Life Span: | 15 years |
| Group: | Semi-Longhair |
| Colour: | Brown, Chocolate, Lilac, Caramel, Black |
| Average Litter Size: | 5 |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, playful and energetic |
Badger
Badgers are found living in the forests of Europe and western Asia, scavenging for roots and berries as well as worms and insects.
Amazingly badgers can run up to 30km an hour for short periods of time and have been known to successfully fight off bigger mammals such as wolves, coyotes and bears!
There have been occasional reports over the years of badgers being particularly aggressive towards dogs and even humans! The badger is capable of producing a painful bite, and some badgers are also known to carry a type of rabies.The most commonly known badgers are the white and black striped badgers in western Europe.
Badgers are thought to be related to otters and weasels and can often grow to nearly a meter in length! The badger lives in underground burrows which often contains a maze of tunnels. It is thought that when digging its den, the badger is capable of removing tonnes of soil!
Badger is the common name for any animal of the badger three subfamilies, which belong to the family Mustelidae. This is the same mammal family as the ferrets, the weasels, the otters, and several other types of carnivore meaning that the badger is most closely related to these animals.
There are eight different species of badger, and these badger species are split into three badger subfamilies, the badgers of Europe and Asia, the Ratel badger or honey badger, and the American badger. The Asian stink badger was once classified as a badger but today this badger species is thought to be more closely related to the skunk than the badger.
Typical badger species have short legs and badgers also tend to have a relatively heavy build. The badgers lower jaw is articulated to the badgers upper jaw meaning that it is almost impossible to dislocate the badgers jaw. This enables the badger to maintain its hold on the badgers prey with great ease, but limits the badgers jaw movement to hinging opening and shutting or sliding from side to side.
Badger Facts
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Mustelidae |
| Genus: | Taxidiinae |
| Scientific Name: | Taxidea Taxus |
| Type: | Mammal |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Size (L): | 40cm - 75cm (16in - 29in) |
| Weight: | 11kg - 14kg (24lbs - 30lbs) |
| Top Speed: | 30km/h (18mph) |
| Life Span: | 4 - 10 years |
| Lifestyle: | Solitary |
| Conservation Status: | Threatened |
| Colour: | Brown, Black, White |
| Skin Type: | Fur |
| Favourite Food: | Worms |
| Habitat: | Woodland and hedgerows |
| Average Litter Size: | 3 |
| Main Prey: | Worms, Roots, Fruit |
| Predators: | Human, Eagle, Wildcats |
| Distinctive Features: | Flattened body and long claws |
Bactrian Camel
There are thought to be more than a million bactrian camels domesticated worldwide in not just Asia, but also parts of Africa and the Middle East. Camels have been domesticated for around 2,000 years for both pulling/carrying heavy loads but also for transporting both humans and merchandise.
Like the single humped camel, the bactrian camel is able to survive on its own water reserves for long periods of time meaning they can cross enormous desert plains and mountain ranges without the need to stop so often.
Today the bactrian camel is considered to be a critically endangered species with less than 1,000 bactrian camels thought to living in the wild in parts of China and Mongolia.
The bactrian camel is one of the most adaptive animals in the world with the bactrian camel being able to withstand temperatures from 40 degrees Centigrade in the summer to -30 degrees Centigrade in the winter.
Bactrian Camel Facts
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Family: | Camelidae |
| Genus: | Camelus |
| Scientific Name: | Camelus Bactrianus |
| Type: | Mammal |
| Diet: | Herbivore |
| Size (H): | 1.7m - 2.1m (5.5ft - 7ft) |
| Weight: | 600kg - 816kg (1,322lbs - 1,800lbs) |
| Top Speed: | 64km/h (40mph) |
| Life Span: | 35 - 50 years |
| Lifestyle: | Herd |
| Conservation Status: | Endangered |
| Colour: | Brown, Tan |
| Skin Type: | Fur |
| Favourite Food: | Grass |
| Habitat: | Deserts close to water |
| Average Litter Size: | 1 |
| Main Prey: | Seeds, Grass, Thorny Shrubs |
| Predators: | Human, Tiger, Monitor Lizards |
| Distinctive Features: | Thick fur and two humps |
BABOON
Baboon Classification and Evolution
The Baboon is a medium to large sized species of Old World Monkey that is found in a variety of different habitats throughout Africa and in parts of Arabia. There are five different species of Baboon which are the Olive Baboon, the Guinea Baboon, the Chacma Baboon, the Yellow Baboon and the Hamadryas Baboon which differs most from the others wide it's bright red face and cliff-dwelling lifestyle (the other four species are collectively known as Savanna Baboons). However, there is some debate over the classification of the different species due to the fact that some have been known to interbreed, indicating that they could be sub-species instead. Baboons are incredibly sociable and intelligent animals that are known to form close bonds with other members of the troop that often last for life. They are also incredibly adaptable animals but their population numbers are declining throughout their natural range primarily due to hunting and habitat loss.
Baboon Anatomy and Appearance
Baboons are large and powerfully built monkeys that spend most of their time on the ground. They have large heads with a long, dog-like muzzle and cheek-pouches for storing food with a heavy brow ridge protecting their eyes. Males are often twice the size of females and have fearsomely sharp canines that help them to defend the troop from danger, but their exact size depends on the species with the Chacma Baboon being the largest while the Guinea Baboon is the smallest species. Baboons have wild-looking fur with a longer mane that extends over the shoulders and hairless patches on their faces and rumps which are padded with hard skin. Their colour varies from olive-green to yellow, silver and brown depending on the species. They also have a distinctive bend towards the base of their long tails.
Baboon Distribution and Habitat
Baboons would have once been found throughout the African continent and today, although they are still widespread, their natural range continues to decrease. Baboons are found in a variety of habitats including savanna, scrub, rocky deserts and rainforests providing there is an ample supply of water. The Hamadryas Baboon is found in the rocky deserts in the hills that line the coast of the Red Sea both in north-east Africa and in parts of the western Arabian peninsula. The Olive Baboon is the most widespread species with a range that extends from west to east across a wide range of habitats, whereas the Guinea Baboon is confined to a small region in the west. The Yellow Baboon is found in the east and the largest species, the Chacma Baboon is also found the furthest south, with a range that covers the southern tip of Africa.
Baboon Behaviour and Lifestyle
Baboons are incredibly sociable animals that live in large troops that can be very varied in size and can contain a few hundred members. Baboon troops consist of both males and females with their young and form very close bonds by feeding, sleeping and grooming together. During the day they break into smaller bands of 4 or 5 females and young, that is led by a dominant male who attempts to keep other males away. The Hamadryas Baboon however, lives in much smaller groups of around 12 females and a single alpha male. Baboons live together for protection and are constantly on the look-out for dangerous predators, particularly when they are out in the open. If a threat is spotted, they make loud barks and while the males run to attack, the females and young disappear up into the safety of the trees. Baboons communicate between one another in a variety of different ways including vocals calls, facial expressions and even signal with their tails.
Baboon Reproduction and Life Cycles
Baboons breed all year round and while they don't have a strict breeding season, there are peaks in mating and births at certain times of year (depending on the location). When a female is ready to mate, the dominant male of their sub-group will defend his right to mate with her fiercely but despite his efforts, female Baboons mate with numerous males in the group during their lives. After a gestation period that lasts for around 6 months, the female Baboon gives birth to a single infant that grabs onto her fur instantly and clings onto her. When they are born, young Baboons are contrasting colours to their parents and are tolerated by the troop until they moult and grow their adult fur after about two months. Young females remain with their mother and the two will often form very close bonds throughout their lives, whereas males are chased out of the troop and are forced to try and prove themselves to another group.
Baboon Diet and Prey
The Baboon is an omnivorous animal that is known to eat a wide variety of both plant matter and small animals. Fruits, seeds, tough roots and flowers all make up the bulk of their diet, along with insects, eggs, lizards and rodents. However, their large size and power also means that they sometimes hunt and kill larger prey such as young Gazelles. In areas where human settlements are encroaching on their natural habitats, Baboons are also known to raid crop fields which has led to them often being seen as pests. Baboons have very similar teeth to people with a series of large, flat molars which are perfect for grinding down vegetation and surplus food can be stored in their flexible cheek pouches to be saved for later.
Baboon Predators and Threats
Due to their size and the fact that Baboons spend the majority of their lives on the ground, they are preyed upon by numerous predators throughout their natural range. Wildcats such as Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs are the most common predators of the Baboon along with large Pythons, African Wild Dogs and Birds of Prey that hunt the smaller and more vulnerable young. People however, pose the biggest threat to Baboons as they are often hunted and killed for meat and are even shot by farmers who consider them as pests, fearing for their crops. Their numbers though are being most affected by the loss of their once vast natural habitats, which are being subjected to deforestation for agriculture or land clearance for grazing and growing human settlements.
Baboon Interesting Facts and Features
Although Baboons retire into the safety of the trees to sleep at night, they spend nearly all of the rest of their lives on the ground and roam throughout their home ranges in search of food and water. They are known to walk many miles a day and only stop in the shade to get out of the midday sun, and are capable of travelling more than four miles between dawn and dusk. Like many other primates, Baboons take part in social grooming by picking parasites, dead skin and dirt from each other's fur. This not only strengthens social bonds within the troop but also highlights the status of the individual, with the Baboon who is being groomed having a higher status in the troop than the one who is grooming them. In order for male outsiders to be accepted into the troop, they must form a relationship with one of the females until he is then accepted by the others. This process can take months but the pair are usually known to remain close-knit friends for life.
Baboon Relationship with Humans
Baboons have adapted remarkably well to the growing human populations throughout their natural range but the fact that they often raid crops has led to them being persecuted by farmers. They are also hunted and eaten as bushmeat in many areas of their native regions but it is their dwindling habitats that is causing the biggest problem for them. Vast areas of forest are cleared every day to make room for agriculture or to log the tropical timbers which means that Baboons have fewer areas where they can sleep safely in the trees. The grasslands are also dwindling in size as land is turned over to livestock for grazing or used for the expansion of growing settlements.
Baboon Conservation Status and Life Today
Today, four species of Baboon are listed by the IUCN as a species that is of Least Concern from becoming extinct in the wild in the near future. The Guinea Baboon is listed as a Near Threatened species. However, despite still being relatively widespread, population numbers are declining in all species due to hunting and habitat loss, with populations in certain areas rapidly becoming more and more isolated from one another. They are found throughout many of Africa's national parks and reserves where they play a vital role in the upkeep of the eco-system.
Baboon Facts
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Primates |
| Family: | Cercopithecidae |
| Genus: | Papio |
| Scientific Name: | Papio |
| Common Name: | Baboon |
| Other Name(s): | Olive Baboon, Yellow Baboon, Guinea Baboon, Chacma Baboon, Hamadryas Baboon |
| Group: | Mammal |
| Number Of Species: | 5 |
| Location: | Africa and Western Arabia |
| Habitat: | Grassland, rocky desert and rainforest |
| Colour: | Olive, Yellow, Grey, Silver, Brown, Black |
| Skin Type: | Hair |
| Size (H): | 50cm - 86cm (20in - 34in) |
| Weight: | 14kg - 45kg (30lbs - 100lbs) |
| Top Speed: | 45kph (30mph) |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Prey: | Fruits, Seeds, Insects |
| Predators: | Lion, Leopard, African Wild Dog |
| Lifestyle: | Diurnal |
| Group Behaviour: | Troop |
| Life Span: | 15 - 40 years |
| Age Of Sexual Maturity: | 5 - 7years |
| Gestation Period: | 170 days |
| Average Litter Size: | 1 |
| Name Of Young: | Infant |
| Age Of Weaning: | 6 months |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Estimated Population Size: | Decreasing |
| Biggest Threat: | Hunting and habitat loss |
| Most Distinctive Feature: | Dog-like muzzle and long, bent tail |
| Fun Fact: | Can travel more than four miles a day! |
Monday, January 26, 2015
Akbash
The Akbash is a large, white breed of domestic Dog, native to the plains and mountains of western Turkey. The Akbash is a guard Dog and was originally bred by shepherds around 3,000 years ago to create a white-coloured Dog that could guard their flock of Sheep. Although the exact reasons for this particular choice in colour are unknown, it is widely believed that a white guard Dog was wanted, to ensure that it wasn't mistaken for a hungry predator, such as a Wolf. The Akbash is an ancient breed of domestic Dog and although it is thought to have derived from similar breeds in Italy and Hungary, it's exact ancestry is not really known. These other continental guard Dogs however, were thought to have been brought into Europe from parts of Asia.
Akbash Physical Characteristics
The Akbash is a large and powerful breed of Dog, that is perfectly built for a life of Sheep guarding in the mountains. It has a short to medium length coat, which is white in colour with occasional patches of light brown. The coat of the Akbash is coarse to prevent it from matting when exposed to the alpine elements, and the double-layer allows it to also be water-resistant, protecting the Akbash from getting too cold. The Akbash has a big head and powerful jaws, along with a very strong body, a short neck and large, curved toes. The tail of the Akbash is very distinctive to the breed as it is not only long and curved, but is also covered in longer, feathered fur. The Akbash has thickly padded feet and almond-shaped eyes that vary from gold to dark brown in colour.
Akbash Behaviour and Temperament
The Akbash was originally bred by shepherds to guard their flocks from large mountain predators, so they are naturally a dominant and aggressive breed. They are one of the most primitive guard Dogs among domestic breeds today and therefore require a firm and experienced owner. They are however, intelligent and courageous animals that risk their lives to protect the animals and people under their guard. The Akbash is a very loyal breed, completely devoted and dedicated to their owner and often regard strangers that are not in their owner's presence, as suspicious. The Akbash is very independent with strong and protective instincts, known to respond quickly and without help in the case of emergency, when it feels that it's flock is under threat.
Akbash Breeding
The Akbash breed first appeared roughly 3,000 years ago, when it was bred to be a strong and protective guard Dog that was white in colour. Although the breed itself has changed very little since the early days, individuals found in households today are less dominant and aggressive than these original guard dogs. They are however still bred to guard livestock, particularly on the ranches in southern America where they are used to protect animals from large carnivores like Coyotes and even Bears. Since their introduction the USA in the 1970s, the breed has become a popular guard Dog and although affected by hip problems like other larger breeds, they are not thought to be so badly affected. The Akbash tends to give birth to between 7 and 9 puppies per litter, which are fully mobile within their first 6 weeks,
Akbash Interesting Facts and Features
The Akbash is known to be a calm and clean breed of domestic Dog, and happily lives both inside and outside the house. Their fur also has little odour compared to that of other breeds. They are also known to have strong maternal instincts, and have been observed aiding Sheep in cleaning their newborn calves. In it's native country of Turkey, the Akbash was named after the Turkish word akbas, which means "white-headed". The Akbash breed first became popular as a household pet when 40 Dogs were imported into the USA from Turkey in the 1970s. These Akbash individuals are thought to be the ancestors of the entire population there today.
Akbash Facts
| Name: | Akbash |
| Origin: | Turkey |
| Group: | Dog |
| Average Size (H): | 86cm (34in) |
| Average Weight: | 63kg (140lbs) |
| Average Life Span: | 11 years |
| Average Litter Size: | 8 |
| Type: | Guard |
| Colour: | White, Brown |
| Temperament: | Calm, independent, brave and protective |
| Training: | Hard |
| Distinctive Features: | Big head and powerful jaws |
Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terrier History and Domestication
Unlike a number of species of other domestic Dog, the origins of the Airedale Terrier are well known. This breed was created 150 years ago by working class farmers in a valley in the West Riding of Yorkshire. Cross-bred from a Welsh Terrier and an Otter Hound, the Airedale Terrier quickly became the Terrier of choice and was officially recognised in 1886. The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all Terrier breeds and was originally bred as a hunter of small animals, particularly rats. Although the large size of the Airedale Terrier meant that it cannot actually go underground, they were very efficient at catching the rats once they had surfaced. The Airedale Terrier has many desirable traits, including being very intelligent meaning that they have also been used as messengers and police Dogs.
Airedale Terrier Physical Characteristics
The Airedale Terrier has a large square body which is only emphasised by it's incredibly straight front legs and a deep, wide chest. It's long head and muzzle are both broad and flat, and it has small pointed ears which are almost always folded down. The stiff, slightly curved tail of the Airedale Terrier is usually docked and tends to most commonly be black in colour. The majority of this breed's stocky body is tan in colour (including it's ears), with black and sometimes reddish coloured markings. Their double coat of fur is waterproof with a coarse and wiry layer, that is lined by softer warmer fur (a characteristic of the Otter Hound). The Airedale Terrier also has a very keen sense of smell due to it's combination of Hound and Terrier.
Airedale Terrier Behaviour and Temperament
The Airedale Terrier is known to be a loyal and very intelligent breed of domestic Dog. They are known to be independent and strong-willed, and will often form a close bond with their master and family. The Airedale Terrier is an incredibly sociable Dog and does not appreciate being left without Human companionship for long periods of time. They are known to be quite destructive if they become bored. Airedale Terriers are incredibly active and should be able to get a lot of exercise, although this is something that does appear to subside slightly with age. Like other Terriers, the Airedale Terrier should be trained from an early age as they can be fairly stubborn at times, but are known to be able to co-inhabit households peacefully with other animals and children if properly trained.
Airedale Terrier Breeding
The Airedale Terrier was first bred in the 1800s from a Welsh Terrier and an Otter Hound in order to produce a breed that had desirable qualities found in both breeds. Due to the fact that they have been bred as hunting Dogs from the start, the Airedale Terrier is naturally a very intelligent and loyal breed. Females gives birth to average litter sizes of between 7 and 10 puppies that, like many other canines, are born both blind and relatively hairless and it takes at least a couple of weeks before they are able to first see the world. Airedale Terriers should be groomed regularly to reduce the risk of heavy moulting and to prevent skin infections.
Airedale Terrier Interesting Facts and Features
The Airedale Terrier is named after the river Aire, which runs through the surrounding valleys that this breed first originated from in Yorkshire. The area was said to have a bigger problem with rats than usual so these larger ratters begin to become the Terrier of choice with the locals. The Airedale Terrier usually lives to be around 13 years old but they are known to suffer from genetic defects including problems with their hips and eyes.
Airedale Terrier Facts
| Name: | Airedale Terrier |
| Origin: | Great Britain |
| Group: | Dog |
| Average Size (H): | 58cm (23in) |
| Average Weight: | 20kg (44lbs) |
| Average Life Span: | 12 years |
| Average Litter Size: | 8 |
| Type: | Terrier |
| Colour: | Black, Tan, Brown |
| Temperament: | Friendly, adaptable and courageous |
| Training: | Fairly Easy |
| Distinctive Features: | Long muzzle and square body |
AINU DOG
Ainu Dog History and Domestication
The Ainu dog is thought to be one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world, first bred by the indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido, to hunt Salmon, Deer and Bears. Despite being hunter-gatherers that survived in freezing conditions, the Ainu are thought to have kept Dogs from the very beginning and respected them in nearly the same way as other Humans. The Ainu Dog is thought to have descended from medium-sized Dogs that arrived on the island with migrants from the main island around 3,000 years ago. Today, despite it's strong links to the Ainu people, it is more commonly referred to as the Hokkaido-Ken by the native Japanese people. Although the characteristics of the Ainu dog are thought to have changed a little over the years due to cross-breeding, this breed is said to still have a very wild streak.
Ainu Dog Physical Characteristics
The Ainu Dog is a medium sized canine that is well known for it's strength and power. Generally the double coat of thick fur used to keep the Dog warm, is light in colour, with white, grey and fawn being especially common. They are known to have a fearsome expression, due to their small dark, brown eyes, a broad head and a pointed muzzle that is tipped with a black nose. The ears of the Ainu Dog are small and sharply pointed making this breed appear even more alert. The tongue of the Ainu Dog is commonly covered in black spots which is said to suggest a relation to the Chow Chow, a smaller species of domestic Dog that is natively found in neighbouring China.
Ainu Dog Behaviour and Temperament
The Ainu Dog breed is a naturally wild and powerful Dog, making this breed an excellent guard Dog, They are also suspicious and alert and incredibly courageous when needing to protect their owner. The Ainu Dog is well known for it's faithfulness, bravery, and the ability to withstand the cold, among it's other desirable traits. It has an innate sense of direction and can therefore return to it's master no matter how great the distance it has travelled alone. The Ainu Dog is also known to howl, making a similar sound to that of a Wolf, when it believes it has done good by it's keeper. They are incredibly active Dogs and are known to not be suitable for apartment living or in households that contain other animals or young children.
Ainu Dog Breeding
The Ainu Dog was originally bred by the indigenous hunter-gathers to both help them to catch food, but also to protect them from large animals. Since then, the breed has changed slightly from these original Dogs, due to cross-breeding with similar domestic breeds throughout the Far East. Despite it's long history as a working breed, the Ainu Dog ideally now combines the roles of family pet and hunter. Today, Ainu Dogs are most commonly kept for hunting or as guard Dogs due to their alert and incredibly bold nature. On average, the female has around 7 puppies per litter which, like many other canines, are born both blind and with hardly any fur. Within their first month however, the Ainu Dog puppies will be up on their feet and begin to grow fast. The Ainu Dog can live to be 14 years old and is known to have relatively few genetic health issues.
Ainu Dog Interesting Facts and Features
The Ainu Dog has made a name for itself through it's courage nature, known to actually take on very large
Bears, a number of times their size, in order to protect their owner. Today, although they can be found in households in parts of Europe and America, the Ainu Dog is most commonly found in Japan, where it remains to be considered a cherished national breed by the Japanese people. The Ainu Dog was officially named the Hokkaido-Ken in 1937, despite it's rich history with the Ainu people.
Ainu Dog Facts
| Name: | Ainu Dog |
| Origin: | Japan |
| Group: | Dog |
| Average Size (H): | 50cm (20in) |
| Average Weight: | 30kg (65lbs) |
| Average Life Span: | 12 years |
| Average Litter Size: | 7 |
| Type: | Working |
| Colour: | Grey, Tan, Brown, White |
| Temperament: | Fearless, determined and loyal |
| Training: | Hard |
| Distinctive Features: | Sharply pointed ears and upturned tail |
Sunday, January 25, 2015
AFRICAN CIVET
The African Civet is a large species of Civet found across sub-Saharan Africa. The African Civet is the only remaining member in it's genetic group and is considered to be the largest Civet-like animal on the African continent. Despite their cat-like appearance and behaviours, the African Civets are not felines at all but are in fact, more closely related to other small carnivores including Weasels and Mongooses. The African Civet is most well known for the musk that it secretes to mark it's territory (called Civetone), which has been used in the manufacturing of perfumes for centuries, and it's striking black and white markings, make the African Civet one of the easiest Civet species to identify.
African Civet Anatomy and Appearance
One of the African Civet's most distinctive features are the black and white markings on their fur and grey face, which along with the black band around their eyes, gives these animals a Raccoon-like appearance. The similarity is only heightened by the fact that the African Civet's hind legs are quite a bit longer than the front legs, making it's stance very different to that of a Mongoose. The average adult African Civet has a body length of around 70cm with nearly the same length tail on top of that. The paws of the African Civet each have five digits with non-retractable claws to enable the Civet to move about in the trees more easily.
African Civet Distribution and Habitat
The African Civet is found in a variety of habitats on the African continent, with it's range extending from coast to coast in sub-Saharan Africa. African Civets are most commonly found in tropical forests and jungles and areas where there is plenty of dense vegetation to provide both cover and animals that the African Civets feeds on. African Civets are never found in arid regions and always must be in an area which has a good water source. Despite this though, it is not uncommon for African Civets to be found along rivers that lead into the more arid regions. They are capable swimmers and often spend their time hunting and resting in the trees as well as on the ground.
African Civet Behaviour and Lifestyle
The African Civet is a solitary animal that only comes out under the cover of night to hunt and catch food. These nocturnal animals are primarily tree-dwelling creatures that spend most of the daylight hours resting in the safety of the trees high above. African Civets tend to be most active just after sunset but tend to hunt in areas that still provide plenty of cover. Despite being generally very solitary creatures, the African Civet has been known to gather in groups of up to 15 members particularly during the mating season. They are also highly territorial animals, marking their boundaries with the scent released by their perineal glands.
African Civet Reproduction and Life Cycles
The only time when African Civets seem to be seen together is when they are mating. The female African Civet usually gives birth to up to 4 young after a gestation period that lasts for a couple of months. The female African Civet nests in an underground burrow that has been dug by another animal in order to safely raise her young. Unlike many of their carnivorous relatives, Civet babies are usually born quite mobile and with their fur. The babies are nursed by their mother until they are strong enough to fend for themselves. African Civets can live for up to 20 years, although many rarely get to be this old.
African Civet Diet and Prey
Despite the fact that the African Civet is a carnivorous mammal, it has a very varied diet that consists of both animal and plant matter. Small animals such as Rodents, Lizards, Snakes and Frogs make up the majority of the African Civet's diet, along with Insects, berries and fallen fruits that it finds on the forest floor. The African Civet predominantly uses it's teeth and mouth to gather food instead of using it's paws. This method of eating means that the African Civet can use it's 40 sharp teeth effectively to break it's catch down, and the strong jaw of the African Civet makes it harder for it's meal to try and escape.
African Civet Predators and Threats
Despite being a secretive yet a relatively ferocious predator, the African Civet is actually preyed upon by a number of other predators within their natural environment. Large predatory Cats are the most common predators of the African Civet including Lions and Leopards along with reptiles such as large Snakes and Crocodiles. African Civet populations are also under threat from both habitat loss and deforestation, and have been subject to trophy hunters in the past, across the continent. One of the biggest threats to the African Civet is the want for their musk.
African Civet Interesting Facts and Features
The musk secreted by the glands close to the African Civet's reproductive organs has been collected by Humans for hundreds of years. In it's concentrated form, the smell is said to be quite offensive to people, but much more pleasant once diluted. It was this scent that became one of the ingredients in some of the most expensive perfumes in the world (and made the African Civet a well-known African animal). African Civets are known to carry the rabies disease, which is contracted through contact with an already infected animal. The African Civet is also known to use designated areas around it's territory, where it is able to go to the toilet.
African Civet Relationship with Humans
Each African Civet secretes up to 4g of musk every week, which is normally collected from African Civets in the wild. However, the capturing and keeping of African Civets for their musk is not unknown and is said to be an incredibly cruel industry. Today, few perfumes still contain actual musk from the glands of an African Civet as many scents today are easily reproduced artificially. Although it is a protected yet not an endangered animal, the African Civet populations have also been severely affected by Human hunters, who hunt these little carnivores to simply add their skin to the trophy cabinet.
African Civet Conservation Status and Life Today
Today, the African Civet is under threat from deforestation and therefore drastic loss of much of it's natural habitat. The main reason for such extensive deforestation in the area is either for logging or to clear the land to make way for palm oil plantations. The African Civet is listed as being Least Concern, which means that there is little threat at the moment that the African Civet will become extinct in the near future.
African Civet Facts
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Viverridae |
| Genus: | Civettictis |
| Scientific Name: | Civettictis civetta |
| Common Name: | African Civet |
| Group: | Mammal |
| Number Of Species: | 1 |
| Location: | across sub-Saharan Africa |
| Habitat: | Tropical rainforest |
| Colour: | Black, White, Grey, Yellow, Brown, Tan |
| Skin Type: | Fur |
| Size (H): | 43cm - 71cm (17in - 28in) |
| Weight: | 1.4kg - 4.5kg (3lbs - 10lbs) |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Prey: | Rodents, Snakes, Frogs |
| Predators: | Lions, Snakes, Leopards |
| Lifestyle: | Nocturnal |
| Group Behaviour: | Solitary |
| Life Span: | 15 - 20 years |
| Age Of Sexual Maturity: | 11 - 12 months |
| Gestation Period: | 60 - 70 days |
| Average Litter Size: | 3 |
| Name Of Young: | Pup |
| Age Of Weaning: | 8 - 10 weeks |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |
| Estimated Population Size: | Abundant |
| Biggest Threat: | Habitat loss |
| Most Distinctive Feature: | Black band around their eyes |
| Fun Fact: | Secretes up to 4g of musk every week! |
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