W
HORSES BEAVERS PUFFERFISH
From the makers of
NE
BEES
ISSUE TWO TM
ALL ABOUT DOLPHINS EXPLORE THE HABITS AND HABITAT OF THE INTELLIGENT SEA MAMMAL
FASTEST ANIMALS ON EARTH
HOW THE QUICKEST CREATURES REACH FANTASTIC SPEEDS PLUS TRAPDOOR SPIDER AUROCHS SALMON SNOW LEOPARD SILKY SIFAKA
ORANGUTANS
BATTLE FOR MEET THE PEOPLE FIGHTING TO SAVE THE GREAT RED APES
SECRETS OF THE POLAR BEAR MEET THE EAGLES LION SAFARI Six varieties of the most majestic bird
WOODLAND WILDLIFE
How to see the king Explore the animals of the jungle yourself of Europe’s forests
DOGS HAVE THREE EYELIDS …and 24 other crazy canine facts
ISSUE 002
What you said about issue one “Just picked up your first issue and it’s brilliant! Love all the images, layout and the gorilla feature :)” Tara Shaw @taramayshaw
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“Possibly the most exciting wildlife magazine I’ve ever seen, really can’t wait for issue 2” Janet Oak email
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“Glad to see you covered the western lowland gorilla over the more commonly talked about mountain gorilla.”
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The amethystine python can grow to a massive five metres (16 feet) in length Learn more on page 75
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© Alamy; Thinkstock
Jason Reid, email
Welcome to issue 2 06 Amazing animals
48 Salmon
The intriguing life cycle of the migratory fish
12 The fastest animals on Earth 50 San Diego Zoo Find out how the quickest creatures reach recordbreaking speeds
Behind the scenes at one of the world’s greatest zoos
20 The aurochs
54 Dogs
22 Horses
56 Puffer fish
24 Silky sifaka
57 Bees
An extinct type of large wild cattle that inhabited Europe
How did today’s horses evolve from small dog-like creatures
Learn about this lemur-like creature that could become extinct very soon
26 Wildlife of the woodland
Discover the animals in the woodland of northern Europe
32 Eagles
Meet six varieties of the graceful eagle family
25 amazing facts about man’s best friend
The strange, inflatable marine creature explained
Learn how the insects communicate through dance
58 Beavers
How the beaver creates epic natural structures
62 Saving the orangutans
How humans are destroying the red ape and what can be done to stop this
34 Bottlenosed dolphins
68 Amazing Australian animals
44 Lions
78 Secrets of the polar bear
Learn about the life of these intelligent sea mammals
Find out how to view these majestic predators for yourself
46 Arctic tern
A bird that undertakes an amazing, global migration
The life of the solitary Arctic hunter revealed
98 Trapdoor spider
How this cunning invertebrate catches its prey
Throughout World of Animals you will see boxes like the one below. These are from the IUCN Red List of Threatened species, the most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of animal species in the world. Here’s what it they mean:
EXTINCT EXTINCT IN THE WILD CRITICALLY ENDANGERED ENDANGERED VULNERABLE
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Delve into these fantastic facts about creatures and critters from down under
THE IUCN RED LIST
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NEAR THREATENED LEAST CONCERN
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86 Fantastic reader photography
Enjoyed the issue? Get 3 more for just £3 page 60
88 Photograph insects
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ORANGUTANS
BATTLE FOR 90 Reader Q&A
MEET THE PEOPLE FIGHTING TO SAVE THE GREAT RED APES 54
78
93 Make a hedgehog feeding station
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WIN!
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AN EXCLUSIVE WEEKEND OF WILDLIFE! 5
© Michio Hoshino/FLPA
The amazing world of animals
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The amazing world of animals
A barnacle-encrusted gray whale is trapped by an early freeze up off the coast of Alaska These sea-bound behemoths are usually covered in parasites that transform their hides into something resembling a weathered ocean rock rather than the skin of an animal. They use their snouts to forage for food on the seafloor, using special filter-like plates in the upper jaw to strain out the suitable nutrition.
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The amazing world of animals A close-up look at a common blue damselfly taken at Tamar Lake, Cornwall, UK
©Naturepl.com
As their name suggests, the damselfly is a common sight in gardens and fields throughout Britain and mainland Europe, as they dri8 through the air in search of prey in the form of insects. You are most likely to see them between May and September and they can most o8en be found near water. Males have a bright blue abdomen spotted with black markings while the female can appear yellow with various dark markings across her body.
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The amazing world of animals
The Adélie, one of just five species of penguin that live on the Antarctic continent, are medium-sized penguins that are easily identified by white rings around their eyes. As well as being accomplished divers, they are excellent swimmers, o@en travelling over 300km (186mi) in the water.
© Alamy
Adélie Penguins take a fearless dive off an Antarctic iceberg
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© Patrick Fagot/FLPA
The amazing world of animals
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The amazing world of animals
This jaguar could have picked an easier lunch than this spectacled Caiman Like all members of its family, the spectacled Caiman carries a snout full of razor-sharp teeth and a tail that packs a vicious punch. Males, while rarely exceeding 2.5 metres (8.2 feet), can grow up to three metres (9.8 feet) long, while females measure up a little smaller.
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hat t s l a im n r a e t t a s e w t fas der n s ’ u d l r d o an w r i e a h t e th of e n i , m d o ts lan a n k o o s lo rd a o c e k e r a T d e e p s break 12
Fastest animals on Earth
70MPH
FASTEST PREDATOR
Cheetah
The cheetah can sprint at break-neck speeds to catch prey Given that the cheetah is known for accelerating from 0 to 70 miles (113 kilometres) per hour in less than three seconds – faster than a Lamborghini sports car – it’s no surprise that it takes the top spot as the world’s fastest land mammal. With an exceptional physique the cheetah is built to take on and win any high-speed sprint. Its lightweight frame, long slender legs and small head enable this big cat to soar across a landscape in top gear when pursuing its prey. However, it’s the cheetah’s unique, flexible spine that ensures it can reach its legendary speed limit. Built like a spring, the bottom of the spine curves inwards and then recoils during a stride – it’s this action that enables the cheetah to overlap its front and hind legs to extend its strides and increase its acceleration speed during a chase. At top speed, one stride can stretch as far as 7.6 metres (25 feet). During a sprint only one of the cheetah’s feet will touch the ground at any one time, if at all. At top speed the cheetah is physically pushed to the limits and can only sustain a sprint for short periods of time before it reaches exhaustion. Its oversized nose, lungs and heart work flat out to pump large volumes of oxygenated blood to its muscles. After catching its prey the cheetah will then need to rest for an extended period of time before eating.
Cheetah vs Ferrari 0-70mph 3 seconds
0-60mph CHEETAH Acinonyx jubatus
0-40mph in three strides
Class Mammalia
Territory Across Africa, central Iran Diet Carnivore Lifespan 10-12 years Adult weight 65kg / 143lbs Conservation Status
VULNERABLE
01 Take-off
02 Building speed
03 Long strides
Once a cheetah is set to sprint it will push off using the power of its back legs. Its tail will straighten to help it balance and its ridged footpads will provide traction with the ground.
The cheetah’s flexible spine curves so that the hip can rotate, enabling both the front and hind legs to overlap. Only one foot may touch the ground at this point.
As the cheetah stretches out, its spine will recoil, which helps it to increase its power. In this way it can accelerate from 0 to 64 kilometres (40 miles) per hour in three sides.
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Fastest animals on Earth Vital organs The pronghorn antelope’s oversized lungs and heart ensure oxygenated blood can be pumped quicker through the animal’s body when it’s running long distances or performing speedy sprints. Thanks to good circulation, the pronghorn’s muscles are well maintained by constant blood flow.
55MPH
FASTEST PREY
Pronghorn antelope Capable of winning a marathon race by miles, this animal has unbeatable stamina Racing across the open landscape of Western and Central America, the pronghorn antelope is one of the fastest mammals on land, beaten only by the cheetah. Capable of sprinting at speeds of up to 89 kilometres (55 miles) per hour, this animal’s impressive ability to run long distances is a trait of evolution, when the pronghorn was popular prey for the now extinct North American cheetah. Although it still couldn’t win in a sprint against a cheetah, the pronghorn’s ability to sustain speed for longer periods of time means it could easily outrun a predator in a marathon. With plenty of stamina, the pronghorn can travel long distances on flat land, at continuous speeds anywhere between 48 and 64 kilometres (30 and 40 miles) per hour. It can then pick up the pace quickly when needed and accelerate into a full 89 kilometre (55 mile)-per-hour sprint. Physically the pronghorn has adapted well to marathon sprints with a lightweight bone structure and long limbs that help it gain speed quickly. A strong build enables the pronghorn to leap into action when it feels threatened and its cushioned hooves are designed to absorb shock when running. To maintain its momentum, the pronghorn will run with its mouth open so that its oversized tracheae, heart and lungs can take in more oxygen and increase circulation, which is necessary when sprinting.
Extending strides Although most animals are built for either speed or endurance, the pronghorn benefits from both. Its long and slender legs have low mass with strong muscles positioned close to the torso. While sprinting, the pronghorn crosses its front and rear legs to increase the length of strides.
Increasing oxygen Sprinting for long periods of time requires lots of energy and plenty of oxygen. The pronghorn is able to inhale larger volumes of air while sprinting by opening it mouth. Its oversized windpipe will then pass the air down to its lungs in order to raise oxygen levels.
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PROGHORN ANTELOPE Antilocapra americana Class Mammalia
Territory America Diet Herbivore Lifespan 10-12 years Adult weight 68kg / 150lbs Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERN
Fastest animals on Earth
“The pronghorn’s ability to sustain speed for longer periods of time means it could easily outrun a predator in a marathon”
Discover how the tiger beetle temporarily loses its sight at full speed The tiger beetle shares not only its name with one of the big cats, but also its talent for speed. This quick critter is a remarkable runner and can scurry at speeds of around five miles per hour. This may seem slow in comparison to other animals, but given its size the tiger beetle is an impressive performer. In fact, its speed is relative to its body size and if the tiger beetle were as big as a human it could easily sprint over 800 kilometres (500 miles) per hour. Running at such a high speed for its size can blind the tiger beetle, as its eyes are designed to gather photons from light, which help locate its prey. Moving this fast means its eyes are unable to process enough information to form a clear image, so you’ll often see a tiger beetle stop regularly during a sprint to check its surroundings.
Tiger beetle vs a cruising passenger plane Relative to its size and if it were big as a human
500mph
TIGER BEETLE Cicindela hudsoni Class Insecta
Territory Everywhere except the Antarctica, Hawaii, the Maldives and Tasmania Diet Carnivore Lifespan 6 weeks Adult weight 0.4g / 0.01oz Conservation Status
Top speed
500mph
NOT EVALUATED
Spiny-tailed iguana The lightning lizard that can sprint at speed on its hind legs
Bone structure The animal’s lightweight bone structure and long legs make it easier for it to run at full speed. Its spine also flexes slightly in order for the front and hind legs to overlap and increase stride lengths. Although this is similar to how a cheetah’s spine works, it’s not as successful.
Shock absorption The pronghorn antelope’s pointed hooves have thick cushioned pads that absorb shock when it’s running over hard ground at speed. The front hooves are larger than the back as they carry the majority of the animal’s weight while running.
Although the spiny-tailed iguana may look like your average slow-moving reptile, it can run at surprising speeds. As the fastest lizard on Earth, this creature can whip into action and run at almost 35 kilometres (22 miles) per hour. The iguana’s back legs are designed to power it along in a sprint and can even support its weight when running on just two feet. To do this, the iguana raises its shorter front legs as it begins to build momentum. The lizard is able to balance as its front half is shorter than the back and it’s also able to use its long, thick tail to steer itself. Although capable of reaching impressive speeds, the spiny-tailed iguana will only run when it feels threatened by predators or catching prey.
SPINY-TAILED IGUANA Ctenosaura similis Class Reptilia
Territory Hot dry areas of Mexico and Central America Diet Omnivore Lifespan Up to 25 years Adult weight 1kg / 2.2lbs Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERN
Spiny-tailed iguana vs Usain Bolt 22mph Top speed
27mph
22MPH
FASTEST LIZARD
Pronghorn antelope vs Bradley Wiggins 55mph Top speed
40mph
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Fastest animals on Earth
Aligning with prey As soon as the peregrine is high enough it will dip its head to begin the glide downwards. With its wings still spread, the peregrine falcon can adjust the direction it’s headed and align itself with its unsuspecting prey below. As it begins to drop, the falcon will start to gain speed quickly.
Peregrine falcon 200MPH A daring free-diver that drops to Earth at 200 miles per hour This incredible aerial hunter can glide through the air at 97 kilometres (60 miles) per hour during level flight, then swoop in on unsuspecting prey at speeds reaching an eye-watering 320 kilometres (200 miles) per hour. Shaped like a bullet, this bird of prey can cut through the air in a matter of seconds when pursuing its quarry. Reaching its top speed, however, requires a cleverly developed technique know as the stoop. To do this, the peregrine falcon reconfigures its shape to effortlessly execute a dive. Once potential prey has been spotted, the bird will soar upwards to gain more vertical distance, which helps to increase its speed later. Directing its body downwards, the falcon will pull in its wings, tail and claws, forming a streamlined pose. The velocity at which the peregrine hits it prey will most often kill it on impact. This hunting technique would be fatal to almost all other birds of prey, but the peregrine falcon has adapted to withstand the physical pressure it’s put under during a stoop. Its nostrils, for example, feature small tubercles that guide airflow away from the nose, which means peregrines are able to breathe easily during the dive. PEREGRIN FALCON Falco peregrinus They also utilise Class Aves their third eyelids known as nictitating membranes to Territory Every continent protect their except Antarctica eyes from Diet Carnivore these intense Lifespan 7-15 years Adult weight 3.30lbs /1.5kg vertical drops. Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERN
FASTEST BIRD
Increasing distances Once the peregrine falcon spots its prey it will perform a spectacular stoop. To do this, it will beat its wings to soar higher into the sky in order to increase the distance between itself and its prey, this will enable it to gain more speed later as it glides downwards through the air onto its meal.
Gaining speed With its prey within clear sight, the peregrine falcon will tuck in its wings, tail and claws to get a more streamline silhouette, which will help it to increase its speed to almost 200 miles per hour and gain on its prey. Resembling a torpedo in the sky, it’s at this point that the peregrine is at its fastest.
“This hunting technique would be fatal to almost all other birds of prey”
Peregrin falcon vs light aircraft 200mph Top speed
200mph
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Catching prey As the peregrine catches up to its prey it will release its claws. In mid-air, the peregrine will strike its prey with a clenched foot or its beak, oDen killing it instantly on impact. The peregrine will then stretch its wings to catch its meal.
Fastest animals on Earth Maintaining motion The strong spine supports the weight and powerful white muscle of the sailfish. It also ensures that it’s agile while in motion underwater, which makes it easier for the sailfish to turn quickly at topspeed hunting and even leap out of the water through the waves.
Propulsion Propelling through the water, the sailfish’s crescent-shaped tail helps it to accelerate and maintain speed in the ocean. Working like a propeller, it powers the sailfish along and is used to help change direction when necessary to avoid predators or catch potential prey.
Streamline appearance The sailfish’s elongated bill is characteristic of a billfish and is used to help hunt schools of fish. Its long narrow shape also adds to the sailfish’s streamline appearance and causes low resistance flow, which helps it cut through the water while in motion, as well as at high speed.
68MPH
FASTEST FISH
Sailfish
Accelerating to top speed To reach top speed, the sailfish can accelerate thanks to a large mass of powerful white muscle beneath its scales. Although great for acceleration, the sailfish cannot sustain this speed for long, as it has less red muscle, which is required for stamina.
SAILFISH Istiophorus platypterus Class Fish
Territory Atlantic and IndoPacific oceans Diet Carnivore Lifespan 4 years Adult weight 100kg / 220lbs Conservation Status
Sailfish vs jet ski 68mph Top speed
LEAST CONCERN
70mph
The secret behind the sailfish’s impressive speed lies beneath its scales Powering through the underwater waves, the sailfish is the animal equivalent of a speedboat in the ocean. Capable of reaching speeds of up to an impressive 110 kilometres (68 miles) per hour, this incredibly fast billfish has also been known to swim 100 metres in under five seconds. Its cleverly designed hydrodynamic body means that the sailfish is built for speed and is capable of cutting through the waves quickly when evading predators or hunting its prey. To boost its performance underwater, the sailfish uses some of its best physical attributes to its advantage. Its characteristic long-pointed bill, for example, causes low resistance flow, which enables it to glide easily through water and its strong crescent-shaped tail enables it to propel while swimming. The sailfish also has a strong backbone that makes it agile and able to turn quickly while in motion, which is particularly useful when hunting a fast-moving school of fish. The real secret behind the sailfish’s remarkable speed, however, lies under its scales. This is thanks to a large mass of powerful white muscle, which helps the sailfish to accelerate quickly while swimming, as well as leap out of the water at high speed. Although the white muscle is central to its acceleration, the sailfish doesn’t have the stamina to sustain it over considerable lengths of time, as it has less red muscle. This is where it relies on its streamlined body, bill and tail to maintain the momentum.
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Fastest animals on Earth
Fastest animals on Earth – head to head
Frigatebird The frigatebird is a seabird with a large wingspan, which helps it to pick up speed quickly in flight.
From jetting though the vast oceans, to sprinting across the rolling plains and diving among the clouds, life on Earth is a constant race for survival. Here’s how the speediest creatures on our planet would fare if pitted in the ultimate contest
Wildebeest The bold wildebeest can increase its running speed up to 50 miles per hour when threatened. Springbok The springbok antelopegazelle has a lightweight and agile build, enabling it to sprint at high speed to evade predators.
Southern bluefin tuna Built like a torpedo, the southern bluefin tuna can power underwater at great speeds. Striped marlin The striped marlin’s agile and streamline physique enables it to reach 50 miles per hour.
Swordfish With a hydrodynamic build and elongated bill, the swordfish can slice through water at speed.
Five of the world’s slowest animals These creatures take life at a far more leisurely pace
Three-toed sloth Bradypus Class Mammalia The three-toed sloth has little muscle tissue, which makes it the slowest mammal on Earth. It’s so slow in fact that algae can grow on its fur.
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American woodcock Scolopax minor Class Aves The American woodcock spends most of its time on the ground but can fly at five miles per hour while courting a mate.
Giant Galápagos tortoise Chelonoidis nigra Class Reptilia The giant Galápagos tortoise is the largest tortoise species in the world and the slowest, moving at under one mile per hour.
Seahorse Hippocampus zosterae Class Actinopterygii Swimming in tropical waters at around 0.01 miles per hour, the dwarf seahorse is without doubt the slowest fish that lives in the sea.
Banana slug Ariolimax Class Gastropoda The yellow banana slug moves at only 17 centimetres (6.5 inches) per minute, making it the slowest creature on Earth aside from living coral.
“The three-toed sloth has little muscle tissue, which makes it the slowest mammal. It’s so slow that algae can grow on its fur”
Fastest animals on Earth Eurasian hobby The Eurasian hobby is a slim falcon that can fly at incredible speeds to take down prey.
Peregrine falcon Soaring across the sky, the peregrine falcon can also dive at 200 miles per hour.
27MPH
FASTEST HUMAN
White-throated needletail The fastest bird in flapping flight, the white-throated needle tail can reach speeds of up to 105 miles per hour.
Pronghorn Built for endurance running, the pronghorn will excel in a longdistance marathon race.
Usain Bolt Record-breaking runner Usain Bolt can sprint at over 27mph Olympic champion Usain Bolt is the fastest human on Earth. A trained sprinter, Bolt has won numerous gold medals and is a world record-holder for the 100- and 200-metre sprints. His personal best for the 100 metre event is 9.58 seconds. While racing he has reached a top speed of 43.9 kilometres (27.3 miles) per hour, with an average speed of around 23 miles (37 kilometres) per hour. His tall frame and long muscular legs enable him to spring off and take long strides during a sprint.
Cheetah The fastest land mammal on Earth, the cheetah can accelerate from 0 to 70 miles per hour in under three seconds.
HUMAN Homo sapiens Class Mammalia
Territory Worldwide Diet Omnivore Lifespan 70-100 years Adult weight 62kg / 137lbs Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERN
38MPH
Sailfish The sailfish’s white muscle mass enables it to power through the underwater waves at high speed.
It’s difficult for archaeologists to determine the exact speed of an extinct species, but the ornithomimosaurs are widely considered to be some of the fastest dinosaurs to have sprinted across the Earth during the late Cretaceous period. Based on fossil evidence, their tibia bones appeared to be almost 20 per cent longer than their
femurs. Their long feet and toes suggest that they could run at speeds around 61 kilometres (38 miles) per hour. These theropod dinosaurs in fact share a slight resemblance to the modern-day ostrich, with long necks and a feathered hide. Unlike ostrichs, however, ornithomimosaurs had long fore limbs with claws.
ORNITHOMIMOSAURS Ornithomimosauria Class Dinosauria
Territory North America, east Asia Diet Omnivores Lifespan n/a Adult weight 140kg / 309lbs Conservation Status
EXTINCT
© Getty; Peter Scott/ The Art Agency
Ornithomimosaurs Discover which dinosaur species could outrun lethal predators during the Cretaceous period
FASTEST DINOSAUR
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Aurochs
Once the sport of medieval kings, this huge relative of the modern bull had nothing to fear from any other creature, except human hunters Coat of many shades Young aurochs had chestnut coats that changed with maturity. Females gained a russet colour, while male coats deepened to a brown-black.
Fearsome horns The formidable horns of an adult bull could reach up to around 80 centimetres (31 inches) long with thick bones to support them in the animal’s forehead.
Powerfully built The dimorphism between the bull and the cow was quite extreme, with the bull reaching up to twice the size and weight of the females.
“As as the human population grew ever larger, the traditional habitat of the aurochs shrank” Dancer’s legs Aurochs had longer and slimmer legs than today’s modern cattle, with a height at the shoulder that could reach upwards of 1.83 metres (around six feet).
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years ago the species had been forced from much of its grazing pastures by agriculture, into more remote areas. Animal husbandry was a well-established human practice and the ancient aurochs had also been domesticated, as early as 10,000 BCE, from 80 wild aurochs. Human hunting had no small part to play in the eventual 17th-century extinction of the aurochs – it had disappeared altogether from Britain by the Iron Age (1200 BCE) and by the 13th century it had retreated mostly to areas in eastern Europe. Recognising that this valuable game creature was on the verge of disappearing altogether, hunting aurochs was at first restricted to nobility and eventually became the exclusive right of the royals. Regardless of the motive behind this medieval conservation effort, it was not enough to prevent the aurochs going extinct hundreds of years later.
Last seen… Date: 1627 Location: Poland By 1564 there were just 38 aurochs le5 in the wild, according to a survey by a Polish gamekeeper for the royal court. Less than a century later there were none le5. The last recorded aurochs had died not from hunting but from natural causes in 1627, in Jaktorow Forest, Poland. Today there are some more primitive breeds of cattle that bear a strong resemblance to the aurochs, including the Spanish fighting bull and also heck cattle – an early 20th-century attempt to breed back the aurochs from other ancestral cattle.
© Alan Batley Illustration; freevectormaps.com
In prehistoric times the precursor to modern cattle could be found right across the plains of Europe, Africa and Asia. The aurochs, while a recognisable ancestor of today’s breeds, was a giant by comparison in its Pleistocene heyday of around 270,000 years ago. It had a shoulder height inches clear of the heads of the tallest humans, an athletic bulk that could exceed a ton and a formidable set of forward-facing horns. Adult bull aurochs had little to fear from any animal except other aurochs competing for status in the herd. Even Eurasian wolf packs, big cats and other large predators, which roamed in far greater numbers, gave a healthy and mature adult a respectful distance. The demise of the aurochs can be attributed to several contributing factors. For instance, as the human population grew ever larger, the traditional habitat of the aurochs shrank. By around 2,000
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Evolution of
The Horse Over 60 million years the horse evolved from a dog-like rainforest forager to a tall, powerful animal that’s suited to living on open plains. Preserved fossils from stages of its evolution give a picture of how this mammal underwent massive modifications as a result of climate change What aided the evolution? Diet Grass-eaters prevailed in the shi*ing environment of North America, so the horses’ teeth became better suited to this vegetarian diet.
Hearing Horses are almost able to have 360-degree hearing, without even having to turn their head.
Teeth These are adapted for chewing vegetation and the wear on the incisors can show a horse’s age.
Eyesight Large eyes positioned on the sides of their heads give almost 360-degree vision to spot predators.
Survival Gradually toes became hooves, enabling the horses to run farther and faster. This enabled a speedy getaway from potential predators.
Predators Open prairies o*en le* horses extremely vulnerable to predators, so longer legs ensured a quick escape across the flat turf.
Hooves Hooves continually grow and they are essentially made of the same material as human fingernails.
Climate change When temperatures dropped over 30 million years ago, forests turned to dry grasslands, which were far more suitable for grazers.
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15 MILLION
Mesohippus 35 million years ago Considered to be the evolutionary midpoint between our modern horse and its ancestors, this larger animal looked less canine. The neck and legs were longer and there were three toes on its padded feet.
Miohippus 30 million years ago With its name meaning ‘little horse’, this close relative of the mesohippus was notably larger with a bigger skull and it outlived its earlier cousin. It lived almost exclusively during the Oligocene period.
Merychippus 15 million years ago This grazer was the first that began to look more horse-like, with a longer jaw to accommodate its much larger teeth, which were more adept at grazing. It had small hooves and side toes. 1.0 metres high
30 MILLION
1.0 metres high
0.4 metres high
Eohippus 60 million years ago Once known as the dawn horse, this small forest-dweller looked more like a dog than a horse, with a stumpy neck, short snout and little legs, but instead of hooves, they had padded feet with five toes.
35 MILLION
0.6 metres high
60 MILLION
Horse
“The rainforests that horses once inhabited had disappeared and prairies prevailed, signalling major changes in their evolution”
HORSE Equus ferus caballus Class Mammalia
Territory Worldwide except for Antarctica Diet Herbivore Lifespan 20-30 years Adult weight 54 to 998kg / 120 to 2,200lbs Conservation Status
NOT EVALUATED
Tail The tail of the horse has two parts. The dock consists of muscles and skin and the skirt refers to the long hairs hanging beneath the dock.
Rear legs The leg anatomy in the horse’s rear includes the bones of the pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula, metatarsus and the phalanxes.
Stomach Horses have one stomach, like humans, but they can digest cellulose, the main element of grass.
How do we know this?
Equus 4 million years ago Early equus had a zebra-like body and a long mane. It had a donkey-shaped head and only one toe. This species would be the basis for the modern horse, zebras and donkeys.
Scientists have discovered most of what we know about horse evolution from fossils Climate change had a huge impact on the horses’ diets and anatomies, which is reflected in their teeth. Scientists discovered that the low-crowned teeth of the early horses were typical of fruit-eaters, which were noticeably different from the sharper points of horses over 30 million years ago. This suggested a diet switch to leaves, coinciding with a cooler overall climate.
The rainforests that horses once inhabited had disappeared and prairies prevailed, signalling major changes in their evolution. Molars were taller and wider for chewing tough grasses, while fossils show their legs became longer, as the toes moved further from the ground. The weight ended up falling on the longest middle toes and these became the hooves they have today.
© Alamy
Pliohippus 10 million years ago Although not a direct ancestor of the modern horse, this relative saw the gradual loss of side toes, which were only stubs on either side of its hooves, making it similar to equus.
1.6 metres high
4 MILLION
1.0 metres high
10 MILLION
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Endangered
Silky sifaka SILKY SIFAKA Propithecus candidus Class Mammalia
Territory North-eastern Madagascar Diet Leaves, fruits and seeds Lifespan 15-20 years Adult weight 5-6.5kg / 11-14lbs Conservation Status
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
When it comes to the silky sifaka, one of the largest and most distinctive lemurs in Madagascar, the numbers highlight clearer than words ever could just how close to extinction they are. There are only around 250 silky sifakas left in the world and, of those, only an estimated 50 are fully grown adults capable of reproduction. As such, the sifaka is listed by the IUCN Red List of threatened species as Critically Endangered, with its population marked as decreasing and on the verge of collapse
Why it’s endangered Hunting The most major cause of the silky sifaka decline is due to human hunting, as there’s currently no legal protection to stop the lemurs being shot and sold to restaurants as a delicacy. Indeed, lemur bush meats are openly and freely traded in markets and shops without issue.
Construction Population density on Madagascar has exploded over the past 50 years and this has led to many new construction projects in and around the silky sifaka historical territory. Today, their remaining range is largely protected, however it’s unlikely they will ever regain their habitat of 100 years ago.
Logging As primarily a tree-dwelling species, the vast illegal logging industries of Madagascar have been a key factor in its range decline, with the species now restricted to a small region of humid rainforest. Even protected areas of terrain within national parks are targeted by the loggers and miners.
Discover more… HTTP://LEMUR.DUKE.EDU The Silky Sifaka Conservation and Research in Madagascar project operates out of the Duke Lemur Center, undertaking much work to help protect this incredibly rare species. For information about how you can help and get involved, please visit the website.
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The decreasing habitat Today the silky sifaka is restricted to a small range in north-east Madagascar that stretches along a humid forest belt extending from Maroantsetra in the Analanjirofo coastal region through to Andapa Basin and Marojejy Massif. In terms of elevation within this belt, the lemurs are typically located between 700 and 1,875 metres (2,300 and 6,150 feet) above sea level, while the population is largely splintered into small sub-groups. Unfortunately this range is but a fraction of what it once was, with 19th century sources stating that silky sifakas once inhabited much of north Madagascar, with the species commonly spotted far north of the city of Sambava. Major nesting site
Madagascar
Silky sifaka Decreasing numbers How silky sifaka numbers have declined drastically over a century
Madagascar 1913 Estimated number of animals left in this country
250
Estimated total animal population 100 years ago
10,000
“Lemurs no longer exist anywhere except in Madagascar, so they are now really a unique biological event”
Charlie Welch is a conservation co-ordinator at the sanctuary for rare and endangered prosimian primates Why should we protect lemurs? Well, the ancestral lemur existed in Africa about 60 million years ago. Somehow a few of those lemurs made it to Madagascar, maybe by driCing across aCer a storm on vegetation mats of one sort or another. So those lemurs got there, survived, reproduced and diversified into many ecological niches and up to 90 different species. In the meantime that ancestral lemur back in Africa went on to evolve into higher primates – so that is to say that lemurs no longer exist anywhere except in Madagascar, so they are now a unique biological event. It’s amazing that they exist at all and it shows clearly what evolution can do under two different sets of circumstances. In Africa they’re dealing with one set of predators and natural forces, while in Madagascar they took a different direction. They are unique animals that only exist on Madagascar and when they are gone from the country, they are gone from the planet. How can our readers get involved in protecting lemurs? I don’t know how to avoid making this sound self-serving, but the best way people can help protect species of lemurs in Madagascar is to donate to the project to help support its work. Half of the work we do with the Duke Lemur Center is funded by donations and half funding. At Duke people can donate and specify directly that they want their money to go to lemur conservation in Madagascar.
© Kevin Schafer/FLPA
Quick questions with the Duke Lemur Center
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The wildlife of the woodland
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The wildlife of the woodland From poisonous fungi on the ground, to wandering bears, the woodlands of northern Europe are rich in excitement and danger Words Charis Webster
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The wildlife of the woodland Five amazing woodland animals Most equipped Eagle owl Packing powerful talons and the ability to turn their heads up to 270 degrees, owls can so:en their wingbeat with specially adapted feathers, meaning they can swoop in on prey almost silently.
Most armed Fallow deer During the annual mating seasons (called rutting), male deer (bucks) can get extremely aggressive and protective over potential mating partners, using their antlers as weaponry.
Most misconstrued Centipede Centipedes don’t have 100 legs, despite their name. They have between 30 and 300, a pair to each of their body segments.
Most conserved Wisent The wisent (European bison) was reintroduced from captivity a:er the last remaining animals were killed during the 1920s. The species has now been upgraded to being Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Most colourful Common pheasant One of the world’s most hunted game birds, the common pheasant has a chestnut-brown body and brightly coloured head, but seemingly camouflages well into long grass.
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In a world filled with teeming rainforests, mysterious oceans and frozen caverns, the deceptively peaceful woodland seems like an effortless walk in the park. However, just like the more obviously dangerous habitats of some animals, woodland creatures face just as many threats to their survival. A daily struggle for food, a battle to survive the elements and a constant race to avoid deadly predators are everyday occurrences for animals of the wild, no matter how peaceful and serene their habitat appears on the outside. On the woodland ground, for example, bugs, insects and worms are perfect prey for a host of hungry hunters, who own specially adapted beaks, well-evolved snouts and cleverly dexterous claws to dig them from their hiding places. Take the humble badger, for example, which needs about 200 worms to see it through a day’s sleep. Worms are clever, ultra-sensitive and pick up the slightest vibration or sound, so the badger has learned to gracefully graze its sensitive nose and mouth just centimetres above the grass, so as to sneak up on its prey. When there’s an earthworm shortage, however , badgers will dine on a wide selection of animals, from beetles and wasp grubs to mice, moles and hedgehogs. It’s the latter of these potential meals that provides a perfect example of natural armoury. Hedgehogs’ spiny coats provide formidable defence against predators, enabling them to curl up into spiky balls when threatened, protecting their vulnerable stomachs. Each of their 5,000 spines fall out every year, to be replaced by new ones. Kept upright by muscles, the spines are actually hollow and will bend on impact. One of the hedgehog’s biggest predator is the fox, whose den is usually a burrow underground known as an earth, although the fox can live quite happily above ground too. Native to Europe, and other parts of the world, it’s the fox’s distinctive mating call that stands it out from other woodland creatures. Its sharp, high-pitched screams can often be heard from miles around, late into the dark night. The fox also has specially adapted eyes, so it can still see clearly through the pitch black. Other animals that roam the woodland’s floor include the rabbit, which dines mainly on grass, plants and
ABOVE The mole digs tunnels and searches for food (mainly earthworms) during both day and night
occasionally the bark of trees. Rabbits live in colonies three metres underground known as warrens – incredible mazes of tunnels and chambers. A dominant female rabbit (a doe) will fight for the best nesting site, while a dominant male (a buck) will mark its territory with droppings, scratching and scent. The subordinate rabbits are happy not to establish a territory so fiercely and will socialise with their peers quite happily. The tiny but vicious weasel is the smallest carnivorous mammal in the world. Found across all continents except Australasia and Antarctica, the slender, scurrilous weasel is built to rush down rabbit holes in search of its prey. Part of the mustelid family of carnivores, the weasel is very closely related to the stoat, which is a slightly larger version with a black nose that also lives in the woodlands across much of the Northern Hemisphere. Sharing the woodland with the small scurrilous mammals are fallow deer, which range from 70 to 90 kilograms (154 to 198 pounds) and stand at around one metre (3.3 feet) tall at shoulder height. The beautiful woodland roamers have chestnut-coloured coats, white spots and, unlike other deer, the buck’s antlers are large and flattened, as opposed to cylindrical and branch-like. BELOW Though they forage and store food at ground level, squirrels are able to quickly climb trees to escape potential predators
The wildlife of the woodland Disease and destruction Disease is one of the largest threats to the woodland and its inhabitants The woodland is at an immediate threat from an array of both natural and man-made issues. For example, over 80,000 ancient trees throughout the UK are at risk from many deadly diseases and pests. Ash dieback is one serious disease responsible for wiping out ash trees across northern Europe. A huge variety of diseases, able to jump from species to species of tree, viciously spread in the moisture of the air, via animals, or humans who tread diseases on their footwear or carry it on machinery, equipment or vehicle wheels. More direct destruction also causes a major threat. Expanding infrastructure (commercial, housing and even transport) causes obvious and constant threat to existing woodland areas and all the wildlife they house.
Constantly on the move, herds rarely stay in one place for too long, avoiding dangers at all costs. As they’re spooked fairly easy, it’s their mating season (rutting) that changes them almost entirely. At this time bucks get aggressive and fierce, making deep, throaty barks at would-be dangers. Dangers of the forest include the European brown bear, which can weigh over 400 kilograms (882 pounds). Equipped with claws of up to ten centimetres (3.9 inches) in length, adult brown bears are apex predators. They’re incredibly powerful, extremely fast and despite their size they’ve been clocked at speeds of up to 48 kilometres (30 miles) per hour. All animals of the woodland work in such a vital structure reliant upon a chain of events, a pecking order and an intricate infrastructure integral to their very existence. Life begins under our feet with animals used to hiding, foraging and living underground. It stems to the woodland floor where nutrient-rich soils feed the shrubbery, fungi and plantation so important to the woodland’s infrastructure. Ancient trees provide shelter, warmth and homes for animals such as birds, which nest out of harm’s way. It’s at the top of this structure that these birds fly freely, overlooking the entire scene. Like all other natural infrastructures on the planet, the woodland is a beautiful collection of intermingling fascination, filled with incredible dangers and endless possibilities.
“Dangers of the forest include the European brown bear, which can weigh over 400 kilograms”
ABOVE Once a popular caged pet, the bullfinch is a highly intelligent bird that can be taught to imitate a range of whistles
BELOW Badgers live in a complex underground burrow system called a sett and have been present in the British Isles for some 400,000 years
See it for yourself
England’s beautiful New Forest is famous for wild ponies roaming free among the woodlands and local villages. Visit www.thenewforest.co.uk to see how you could experience this and all other beautiful pleasures this 571 kilometre (220 mile)-square national park has to offer. Take up camping, biking, hiking, visit local wildlife and stay at a quintessentially British cottage (average £70 pppn) or a grand stately home (average £300 pppn).
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The wildlife of the woodland Fallow deer
Life in the woodland From the tiniest insects teaming along the forest floor, to the nesting birds high up in the trees and everything in between, the woodland is home to a world of unique species Roaming the woodland 1Q?IHGKEăQFCăDLOCPQăȰăLLOăDLOăDLLBă ?KBăPFCIQCO Animals such as fallow deer and wild boar predominantly live on the woodland floor, using plant debris, fallen leaves and earth to create nesting areas. Other animals, such as badgers, stoats and rabbits, merely use their waking hours to gather food, then hide underground where it’s warm and safe.
Giant puffball Edible when immature (must be a solid white inside), the giant puffball usually grows up to 70cm (28in) in diameter but looks similar to poisonous mushrooms.
Grey squirrel
Hard fern Unlike most ferns that have very soD, delicate foliage, this one has tough leathery leaves.
Foxglove Compounds from this deadly plant can, if consumed, slow down the heart and lead to a cardiac arrest as oxygen is cut off from the brain.
Yellowneck mouse
Foxes in their burrow, called an earth
Stoat
Most deadly European brown bear Most unusual delicacy $BG@ICăBLOJLRPC The edible dormouse is the largest of the species and can grow up to 19 centimetres. Considered a delicacy in ancient Rome, the delectable creature is also considered a special treat in countries such as Croatia and Slovenia.
With an adept sense of smell and superb memory, a European brown bear will often come back to a location where it’s found food before. Rubbish bin contents are difficult for them to resist, meaning in some areas the once shy bear now poses a threat to humans. Jay
Earthworm Wireworm
Woodlice
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Mole Fiercely territorial, male moles can fight to the death to protect their underground burrow systems. Also, though they’re hidden away, they leave heaps of soil (molehills) above ground, indicating their position.
Badger In groups of 14, badgers dig out a maze of underground tunnels called a sett. They forage for food at night, including worms, insects, berries and fruit.
The wildlife of the woodland Among the trees Life at the top Swooping among the treetops and open clearings are the beautifully feathered creatures of the woodland. The deciduous trees drop their broad leaves every winter and provide solid structures.
Eagle owl
Great Spotted woodpecker
Common pheasant
Wild boar Parasol mushroom Named a@er its shape, which resembles a parasol, this edible mushroom is sought a@er for its versatility in the kitchen.
Honeysuckle A type of fragrant flower, the honeysuckle is o@en used in perfumes and body wash.
Fritillary Bluebell While unsafe for human consumption, research suggests bluebells could have medicinal properties.
European hedgehog
Small creatures of the woodland Stoat Adept at chasing animals into their underground burrows, stoats’ wiry frames and agile feet enable them to hunt successfully.
Sulphur tuft fungi
Green woodpecker These beautiful birds spend most of their time feeding on the ground but peck holes in dead wood for them to breed. Fox With its bushy tail and dog-like features, the fox lives in an underground burrow called an earth and has a distinctive highpitched cry.
Red squirrel Since the introduction of the eastern grey squirrel from North America, there’s been a decline of the red variant across Europe.
Hedgehog Hedgehogs get their name from hunting habits, as they plough through hedges in search of insects and worms making pig-like grunts (hence, hog).
Hidden underground A safe haven from the dangers above A maze of burrowed hideaways and tunnels, perhaps the most interesting woodland world occurs under its grassy floor. Many animals surround themselves in the earth’s naturally moist, warm and protective soils.
Rabbit Sociable animals, rabbits live in colonies underground known as warrens. Prolific procreators (hence the phrase breed like rabbits), they can produce more than 20 offspring in one year, many of which in turn will breed when only a few months old.
Treecreeper Treecreepers always return to their birthplace, leaving their territories in autumn, but only as far as 20 kilometres (12 miles).
© Corbis; FLPA; Thinkstock
Common frog With the ability to breathe through its skin, the common frog can hibernate for several months beneath piles of mud, or rotting leaves and trees le@ scattered in the woodland.
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Meet the family
Eagles
Discover six fascinating types of the majestic bird of prey that’s king of the skies
Surfer bird The golden eagle likes to surf on air currents, holding its wings in a V shape to glide effortlessly on the air
GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaetos Class Aves
Philippine eagle A deadly predator that’s facing extinction
Currently found on just four Philippine islands, this bird of prey is one of the most endangered species of eagle in the entire world. Its incredible and formidable wingspan of 2.1 metres (seven feet), however, still Perfect balance makes it a frightening sight on the islands During flight the wings it inhabits, where it hunts lemurs and other are broad and the tail mammals. Because of its diet, this animal is long for excellent speed also somewhat unsurprisingly known as the monkey-eating eagle. This huge bird is primarily noticeable PHILIPPINE EAGLE for its large bill and the elongated Pithecophaga jefferyi feathers on its crest, in addition to a Class Aves white chest between black wings. Its loud and high-pitched whistle gives prey some forewarning of its deadly approach. Deforestation has pushed Territory The Philippines Diet Lemurs, other small this bird of prey into small areas where mammals it struggles to find enough food to Lifespan 30 to 60 years sustain itself. Adult weight 6.4kg / 14lbs Conservation Status
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
Territory Northern Hemisphere Diet Birds, reptiles, fish, insects Lifespan 25 to 30 years Adult weight 3-7kg / 6-15lbs Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERN
Golden eagle
Arguably the fastest eagle in the world Found across the Northern Hemisphere, this bird of prey is one of the most widely distributed eagles. Its speed makes it a formidable predator, as it can dive on its prey at up to 240 kilometres (150 miles) per hour. They have a wide and varied diet that includes carrion, reptiles and even fully grown deer. They maintain huge territories and prefer to nest high in trees where they can easily spot their prey. Their immense speed combined with their agility and sharp talons make them particularly adept hunters. In the UK only the white-tailed eagle is a larger bird of prey than the golden eagle, the latter of which is noticeable by its broad wings and very long tail.
Bald eagle
Why this US icon is a deadly and efficient predator
© Alamy; Thinkstock
Keratin weapons The beak, talons and feathers are made of keratin, the same thing human hair and fingernails are made of
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Found throughout North America, from Alaska to Canada to northern Mexico, the bald eagle is the national bird of the USA. It’s mainly brown in colour, with a white head and tail. Female bald eagles are also larger than the males. The bald eagle prefers to live near water such as rivers, oceans and lakes where it can easily get access to fish. Because of this, the eagle also prefers to nest in trees near water from where it can hunt BALD EAGLE for prey. It can reach speeds Haliaeetus leucocephalus of 70 kilometres (43 miles) per Class Aves hour and more than double this when diving for prey. It seldom dives, however, and is more of a scavenger of Territory North America dead fish (carrion), earning it a Diet Carrion Lifespan 15-20 years somewhat negative reputation. Adult weight 2.9-6.4kg / The species was actually 6.5-14lbs near extinction due to the Conservation Status use of certain agricultural pesticides, but was bred back to stronger numbers thanks to LEAST CONCERN national conservation efforts.
Eagles
Harpy eagle
One of the heaviest eagles in the world Located in the rainforests of Central and South America, the harpy eagle is one of the most powerful and heaviest birds of prey in the world. Its huge rounded wings can span up to two metres (6.6 feet) across, although compared to its body they are relatively small, providing a great degree of flexibility when swooping in on prey. This dark bird of prey has a distinctive look, namely a plume of feathers on its head that the bird fans into a crest when it feels threatened. It can even use some of its feathers to amplify incoming sounds and more easily pinpoint the location of prey. Harpies reside in tall trees, where they build huge nests big enough for a human to lie in. Razor sharp The hooked black bill, together with the large and robust talons, make the harpy eagle deadly
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4 2 HARPY EAGLE Harpia harpyja Class Aves
1. Smallest Booted eagle Territory Central and South America Diet Sloths, monkeys and other small mammals Lifespan 25-35 years Adult weight 4-9kg / 9-20lbs Conservation Status
NEAR THREATENED
Among the most heavy-weight eagles Arguably the largest eagle of all, the wedge-tailed eagle has a huge wingspan that can reach up to 2.3 metres (7.5 feet). It’s found in mainland Australia, Tasmania and southern New Guinea, where it inhabits a wide range of regions from sea level to the mountains. However, the eagle has adapted to thrive in wooded areas as well as in the open country. These particular eagles are known to soar to heights of up to 2,000 metres (6,500 feet), where they hunt for unsuspecting prey below. They enjoy nests with good visibility of the surrounding area, which is normally one of the tallest they can find. From this vantage point they can look for both carrion and live prey, including rabbits and hares, while some are even known to kill lambs if given the opportunity. Though it’s not considered to be endangered, the Tasmanian variety of this eagle is under threat.
Aquila audax Class Aves
Tail end The wedgeshaped tail of this eagle makes it very noticeable, in addition to its feathered legs
Territory Australia, Tasmania and southern New Guinea Diet Small mammals, carrion Lifespan 20-40 years Adult weight 2-5.8kg / 4.412.7lbs Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERNED
Bald eagles are not bald The word bald in its name is a misnomer, as bald eagles aren’t lacking feathers. The word bald once meant white, so this bird is not bald in the modern sense of the word at all, but rather it’s white-headed, which was the original meaning of the term. The name has stuck, however, causing some confusion.
The booted eagle measures a measly 46 centimetres (18 inches) in length with a wingspan of 1.2 metres (3.9 feet), making it the smallest.
2. Heaviest eagle Steller’s sea eagle
Wedge-tailed eagle
WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE
3
On average, the Steller’s sea eagle is the heaviest eagle in the world. Weighing up to a mammoth nine kilograms (20 pounds).
3. Fastest eagle Golden eagle The fastest eagle in the world is the golden eagle, which can reach a maximum airspeed of 320 kilometres (200 miles) per hour.
4. Rarest Philippine eagle The rarest eagle in the world is the Philippine eagle, which is facing complete extinction and is now native to only four of the Philippine islands.
King of the eagles The huge size of the African crowned eagle enables it to hunt larger prey than other eagles around the world
African crowned eagle A ferocious bird native to the African continent
Known for its short temper and immense size, the African crowned eagle is among the largest birds of prey in the world. Its home is in the forest woodlands and savannahs of southern Africa, where it enjoys a diet of reptiles, birds and mammals, including monkeys. The African crowned eagle’s dark-brown or black feathers cover a white undercoat, while its rounded wings make it extremely agile. The largest of this subspecies can measure up to a metre (3.3 feet) in length with a wingspan of 1.8 metres (six feet). Like other species of eagle, however, the female is the larger of the two genders. Interestingly this bird is very loud and, like the Philippine eagle, makes itself known to its prey in the African sky with a whistle.
AFRICAN CROWNED EAGLE Stephanoaetus coronatus Class Aves
Territory Southern Africa Diet Mammals, reptiles, birds Lifespan 12-16 years Adult weight 2.6-4.7kg / 5.7-10.3lbs Conservation Status
NEAR THREATENED
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All about the bottlenose dolphin
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All About
The bottlenose dolphin The dolphin is one of the most intelligent creatures on the planet, with sophisticated hunting tactics, sonar communication and an innate desire to play Words Laura Mears
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All about the bottlenose dolphin
The unique body of the bottlenose BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN Tursiops truncatus Class Mammalia
Territory Worldwide in warm and temperate seas Diet Carnivore Lifespan 40 years Adult weight 150-650kg / 330-1,430lbs Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERN
Elongated skull Dolphins have massively elongated skulls in comparison to other mammals and their nostrils, or blowhole, are located on the tops of their heads.
Dolphins are mammals and their bodies are actually quite similar to humans, although they have several unique features that they evolved while adapting to their life in the ocean. Among these are the loss of their hind limbs and their special “sonar” location
Stomach Like a cow, a dolphin can be classed as an ungulate, and can regurgitate the contents of its chambered stomach.
Blowhole Dolphins surface to breathe air through a blowhole on the top of their heads. Despite its similarity to the nose of other mammals, the blowhole has no smellsensing capability.
Skull The skull is adapted to receive the high-frequency sounds of echolocation. Vibrations are transmitted through the jaw to the bones of the ear.
Spine
Melon This mass of fatty tissue is involved in echolocation, acting to focus the sounds made by the dolphin, enabling them to transfer from its head to the water with minimal energy loss.
Eye socket
Maxilla
Lung
Conical teeth
Liver
Dolphins do not chew their food – their pointed teeth are used for rapidly grasping prey, usually fish, from the water.
Ribcage Heart
Teeth Dolphins do not have canines, incisors and molars. Instead, all of their teeth are cone-shaped, enabling them to quickly grab their prey.
JUVENILE
INFANCY Birth 0 months Newborn bottlenose dolphins measure around one metre (3.3 feet) in length and are born in shallow waters.
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Scapula
First breath 0 months The mother, or another midwife dolphin, helps the newborn to the surface for it to take its very first breath.
Suckling 0 – 18 months The mother produces milk for the infant dolphin and is able to squirt it from her mammary glands into the calf’s mouth.
The ribs are not firmly attached to the spine or breastbone, enabling the ribcage to collapse and tolerate the pressure of deep-sea diving.
MATURITY Teething and weaning 6 months – 3 years At around the age of six months, dolphins have grown teeth and are able to start eating fish.
Sexual maturity 10 years Female dolphins reach sexual maturity between the ages of 5 and 13, while males mature later, at 9 to 14 years old.
Reproduction 10 years Once sexually mature, female dolphins will produce a calf about once every three years.
The bottlenose dolphin Skin The outer layer of skin is between 10- and 20-times thicker than that of land-dwelling mammals. Dolphins have a well-developed sense of touch, with lots of nerve endings in the snout and pectoral fins.
Closest family Closely related to the bottlenose dolphin are…
Porpoise Dolphins, whales and porpoises all belong to the order called Cetacea, descended from land mammals around 50 million years ago. Porpoises are smaller than dolphins and lack the melon sensory organ involved in their echolocation ability.
Narwhal The narwhal is a toothed whale instantly recognisable by its long, helical tusk. It lives in small groups in the Arctic Ocean and communicates in a similar way to dolphins, using a series of knocks, clicks and whistles.
Hippo Dolphins and hippos are thought to have shared a common ancestor around 55 million years ago. Hippos are semiaquatic and spend most of their time in the water, leaving only to eat the grass that makes up the majority of their diet.
Dorsal fin A dolphin’s dorsal fin has no bones and is made from fibrous connective tissue. The arrangement of blood vessels to and from the fin enables close regulation of the body temperature.
Flippers The underlying bone structure of each flipper is equivalent to that of the front leg of a terrestrial mammal, however, the arm-bones are much shorter and the digits have extended to make a fin.
Small intestine
Notch
Pelvis
Kidney
Fluke The end of the tail is made up of two rigid, flattened flukes. Unlike the front fins, these have no bones and are instead held rigid by connective tissue and tendons.
Tail
How they move Dolphins gain most of their forward motion from vertical movement of their tail and can travel at speeds of up to 40 kilometres (25 miles) per hour, increasing to 48 kilometres (30 miles) per hour if they are riding on a bow wave. Their pectoral fins are used for balance and occasionally for turning.
Breeding and birthing 10-30 years Dolphin gestation lasts 12 months and they give birth to live young.
Male maturity 10+ years Adult males spend most of their time alone, or in small groups, joining larger pods periodically to breed.
Joining a pod 10+ years Dolphin pods vary in size and composition. During an adult’s life groups come together or break apart, occasionally exceeding 1,000 members.
“Dolphins have elongated skulls in comparison to other mammals and their nostrils, or blowhole, are located on the tops of their heads” 37
All about the bottlenose dolphin
How does the bottlenose behave? Complex communication and even tool-use demonstrate a high level of intelligence Bottlenose dolphins usually live in pods of around 12 individuals, but occasionally super-pods of 1,000 or more congregate together for short periods. Within the pod, social relationships are close, particularly between mother and calf, as well as between bachelor males. Dolphins remain in regular communication using a series of whistles, clicks and screams, created by modulating the pitch of the sound. Each bottlenose dolphin is thought to have a signature whistle, a particular tune that identifies them to members of their pod. It’s not known whether these whistles truly are unique to each dolphin, or if they are shared and adapted by members of the same pod so that they can identify one another. Dolphins can also generate percussive noises using their flippers, flukes and mouths. Tail-slapping on the surface of the water makes a loud warning noise that can travel great distances across the ocean. Dolphins are active during the day and night and spend much of their time socialising. Dominance is established within the group using a combination of display and aggression, including chasing, biting and tail-slapping. Larger males occasionally patrol at the edges of the pod, protecting the calves and females from danger. Dolphins have few natural predators, but are known to defend themselves aggressively against attacks from tiger sharks, occasionally even killing them. Bottlenose dolphins are known to be tool-users, a trait generally only observed in intelligent animals. For example, wild bottlenose dolphins living off the coast of Western Australia have been observed using sea sponges to protect their faces when hunting for fish among the sand on the sea floor. Dolphins spend a long time selecting a sponge that’s the correct size to fit their face and use it to push at the sand, disturbing hidden fish. The sponge protects the dolphin against any potential stings from lurking stonefish.
Echolocation Dolphins use sonar to communicate and locate their prey, producing a series of clicks and whistles using specialised sensory equipment
Nasal sacs A series of air sacs produce pulses of pressurised air. It’s thought that this causes the phonic lips to slap against fatty tissue within the nasal cavity, which makes the unique sound.
Dolphins also like to play and, alongside performing aerial acrobatics, blow bubbles under the water. The dolphins first flick their fins to generate a donutshaped vortex of water, then they blow air into the vortex, forming the equivalent of a smoke ring, also known as a toroidal vortex. Bottlenose dolphins play with these rings, batting them with their flippers and tail to keep them from rising to the surface and popping. Dolphins are not only sociable with their own kind either, as they also spend time with other cetaceans and have been observed hunting with other toothed whales and dolphins. When encountering larger species, like humpback whales, they sometimes ride in the pressure wave, much like they do at the bow of a boat.
“Bottlenose dolphins are known to be tool-users, a trait generally only observed in intelligent animals”
Phonic lips
Melon
Clicks
The dolphin lost its vocal cords at some point during evolutionary history, so instead produces sounds using lip-like structures in its blowhole. By passing pressurised air over the phonic lips, the dolphin is able to produce the vibrations that make up its characteristic clicks and whistles.
This specialised organ on the dolphin’s forehead is filled with a lipid known as acoustic fat; it has the same density as sea water and is used to transmit the clicks into the ocean. The dolphin can alter the shape of the melon, focusing the sounds that it produces.
The duration of clicks is often very short, lasting just fractions of a seconds, however, the sounds produced can be incredibly loud – around 220 decibels, or the equivalent of a sonic boom. These intense pulses of sound can be used to stun enemies.
Jawbone Sounds are received through the lower jaw, which has similar acoustic properties to the melon. The vibrations are then transmitted to the bones of the inner ear, where they can be detected and processed.
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The bottlenose dolphin
Hunting in pods
Dolphins live on a diet of mainly fish, squid and crustaceans, which they hunt as a co-ordinated group
Tactics
Communication
Dolphins use various tactics to ensure that their prey cannot escape. The primary strategy is creating a physical barrier, using their own bodies as a wall to prevent the fish from swimming away. By continually circling the shoal they slow it down, forcing the fish to group together and enabling members of the pod to swim in one at a time to feed.
Groups of dolphins use whistles to communicate when foraging and hunting, enabling them to work as a unit. Physical communication, like tailslapping is used to alert other members of the pod to the presence of food. In order to hear through the bubbles, dolphins send out pulses of sound in quick succession.
Dolphins periodically surface for air while hunting
Disorientated fish swim in circles within the dolphins, who hold the formation together ABOVE Dolphins remain close to the surface of the water so that they can come up for air
Sometimes dolphins use their tails to stun fish before catching them
ABOVE Dolphins blow spinning rings of bubbles, chasing, moving and biting at them until they burst
Herding
Shoal
Feeding
A group of dolphins will tightly encircle a shoal of fish, driving them towards the coast to trap them in shallow water.
The type of fish hunted by dolphins depends on the location, but they have a preference for tuna, mullet, drum and mackerel.
Dolphins enter the shoal one at a time to feed, grabbing fish with their conical teeth, or knocking them out with their flukes.
Herding fish towards the shore prevents them escaping beneath the dolphins
Diet and feeding Dolphins have a diet of mainly fish, squid and crustaceans, but have been known to hunt larger prey An average male bottlenose dolphin eats
13kg/30lbs
That’s 6% of its body weight
of food per day
95% of their diet consists of fish
They supplement their diet with squid or crustaceans, such as crabs and lobsters
ABOVE With a diet mainly consisting of fish, dolphins can use their long mouths to snatch them out of the water
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All about the bottlenose dolphin
Mating habits explained
ABOVE Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) leaping in mating rituals. Dolphins do not mate for life – instead the males prefer to distribute their genetic material as widely as possible in order to guarantee offspring
Male dolphins compete with one another for mates, fighting off the competition and herding females away from their companions Dolphins reach sexual maturity at different ages depending on their local environment, but on average both males and females are able to mate at around ten years old. They can live for around 40 years and during that time an adult female will produce a calf once every three years. Dolphins do not form long-term partnerships and instead males are promiscuous, travelling between herds, mating with as many females as possible in an attempt to guarantee that they pass on their genes. In order to ensure that their sperm has the best chance of reaching the egg, they make it in excess, enabling them to compete with any males who have previously mated with a particular female. However, this is an energy-consuming process, so males only increase sperm production around breeding season in order to maximise their chances of passing on their genes without wasting valuable resources. This mating strategy results in fierce competition for partners, so males engage in confrontational displays to establish dominance. Sounds are often emitted as a warning to other males before physical conflict begins and they use a combination of head-butting, body-slamming and tail-whipping to wear down their opponents. They
are not usually harmed during this process, however, so instead it’s a test of endurance, with the weaker male eventually tiring and admitting defeat. In order to avoid further competition, males, alone or in groups, will often herd females away from their companions, much like they herd fish when hunting. Isolating them in this way enables the males to wait until they are receptive to mating without having to worry about interference from other males. The dolphins’ external reproductive organs are usually concealed within a slit on their abdomen in order to preserve their streamlined shape. During mating, the pair join belly-to-belly in order to transfer sperm from the male dolphin to the female. Dolphin pregnancy lasts between 11 and 12 months and calves are usually born between spring and autumn. Females produce a calf once every three years, however if food is scarce, or there are other disturbances in their environment, they may not mate at all, prioritising survival over reproduction. Dolphin offspring take a long time to mature, making reproduction a costly option when resources are scarce.
How do dolphins give birth? Like other mammals, dolphins give birth to live young. A female has a calf around every three years and the gestation period lasts for 12 months. Depending on the location of the pod, the birthing season occurs at different times of the year, but the majority of bottlenose dolphins are born in spring and summer. Once the tail flukes of the calf have emerged from the mother, it can take several hours for the birthing process to finish. OBen another dolphin will remain with the mother as a kind of midwife, helping the calf take its first breath.
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Midwife
Tail-first
Newborn calf
A midwife dolphin, male or female, is often in attendance at the birth of a new calf, assisting with delivery and helping the calf to take its first breath.
Calves are usually born tailfirst, with the umbilical cord snapping during delivery, enabling the newborn to swim free immediately.
A dolphin calf measures around one metre (3.3 feet) in length. For the first few days the calf’s fin and tail will be soft and flexible before maturing.
The bottlenose dolphin
“Like other mammals, calves gain nutrition from milk produced by their mother”
Caring for the young Because dolphins take so long to mature, the mother and calf develop a close bond in order for the young to survive Dolphins live for several decades and take a long time to mature, requiring close parental care for the first few years. As soon as the calf is born it’s helped to the surface by another dolphin in order to take its first breath and within minutes it’s swimming and breathing on its own. Calves are born with a flexible pectoral fin and flukes and aren’t strong enough to keep up with the pod as it moves. To ensure the calf doesn’t get left behind, it remains close to its mother, travelling in her slipstream. Initially, like other mammals, calves gain nutrition from milk produced by their mother. This is around 33-per-cent fat, which helps the calf to develop a layer of blubber for insulation. Feeding underwater is challenging and a dolphin’s nipples are concealed behind mammary slits on its abdomen in order to maintain hydrodynamics. However, the mother is also able to actively squirt milk from her nipples. The calf begins feeding in the first six hours after birth, sessions are short so the calf feeds frequently, remaining close to its mother at all times. At around four months old, the infant’s teeth will start to grow, enabling it to begin eating fish, however it continues to suckle for another six to 18 months. The mother and calf have a strong bond and even after weaning the two remain close for an average of three to six years. In some populations, baby-sitting has been observed and if a mother needs to leave the group to find food, another dolphin will take care of her calf. When they reach maturity, male dolphins often leave their family pod to travel alone or in small bachelor groups, while females often stay with their original group.
ABOVE A midwife nudges a newborn calf to the surface for its first breath BELOW An IndoPacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) mother nursing a calf
ABOVE Calves stay close to their mothers, swimming in their slipstream to save energy
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All about the bottlenose dolphin
“Dolphins often travel with tuna and as a result frequently clash with the fishing industry”
Warm water Bottlenose dolphins can be found worldwide in temperate and warm waters
Explore the domain of the dolphin Bottlenose dolphins can be found in almost all of the salt-water oceans, with the exception of the Arctic and Antarctic. They inhabit warm and temperate waters, living in groups of all sizes
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Dolphins are large marine mammals, so their biggest threat isn’t predation, but human activity. Depending on location, the impact of humans on wild bottlenose dolphins varies, but chemical contamination, increasing marine traffic ships and competition for fish all pose a threat. Loud noises are also problematic, disrupting echolocation and communication. Dolphins often travel with tuna and as a result frequently clash with the fishing industry, becoming entangled in fishing nets and eventually drowning. Tighter regulations and the introduction of the dolphin-safe or dolphin-friendly logo with tuna products has encouraged the use of pole and line fishing to avoid dolphin deaths. The bottlenose dolphin isn’t a threatened species, but isolated populations are experiencing local environmental issues threatening their survival. The population in the Moray Firth in Scotland is dwindling due to pollution and reduction in fish stocks, while in the costal waters of the USA a measles-like virus is circulating through the local populations, causing a sharp decline in numbers.
Environmental factors Dolphins have few natural predators, but they do face environmental challenges Tourism Tourists love to watch dolphins ride the bow wave of their boats, however, approaching the dolphins too quickly can disorientate them, fragmenting family groups and separating them. Fishing Dolphins enjoy the same types of fish as humans and if the two are hunting in the same areas, the dolphins can o>en become caught up in the fishing nets all too easily. Noise pollution Dolphins rely on the ability to produce and detect sounds underwater in order to communicate. Increasingly, human activity is generating noise in the water, like drilling for oil.
The bottlenose dolphin Nearest neighbours
Dolphins and humans
Bottlenose dolphins are found worldwide and share their habitat with a variety of species
False killer whale False killer whales have been seen travelling in groups with bottlenose dolphins off the coast of New Zealand. The two species of dolphin find safety in numbers and have been seen hunting and resting together.
Social living Dolphins live in groups varying in size from a few individuals to several hundred
Humans and dolphins have regular interactions thanks to the fishing and tourism industries. Dolphins are well known for surfing on the bow wave produced ahead of a passing boat. They enjoy playing in the water, jumping into the air and blowing rings of bubbles. Due to their high intellect, dolphins can also be trained to perform tasks. Captive dolphins can be taught to do tricks in exchange for fish and some will even enable people to hold onto their fin while they swim. OCen this is done for show at aquariums and water parks, however both the United States and Russia have used trained dolphins for military purposes. As with police dogs, dolphins are used because their acute senses exceed our own, so by using dolphin echolocation, underwater mines and lost divers can be detected safely and quickly. Even untrained, dolphins appear willing to come to the assistance of other mammals. From struggling seal pups to injured divers, teams of dolphins occasionally come to the rescue. In 2004, off the coast of New Zealand, a group of four lifeguards came under attack by a shark and were protected by a group of dolphins for the 40 minutes it took them to swim back to shore.
Humpback whale This huge baleen whale measures up to 16 metres (52 feet) in length and can be found worldwide. Due to its enormous size, it generates sizeable waves, which bottlenose dolphins ride much like they would a bow wave.
In our culture Due to their intellect and playful nature, dolphins have repeatedly found their way into popular culture Flipper A heroic dolphin, Flipper, from the 1960s film and TV series, protected his human companion, Sandy, from many dangers, ranging from sharks to criminals.
Sponge Dolphins have been observed using sea sponges as tools to protect their faces when hunting through the sand for fish. They survive by channelling water through a series of pores in their bodies, extracting nutrients.
Ecco the Dolphin In this game, released by SEGA in 1992, Ecco is able to use echolocation to map his surroundings and can sing to communicate with other marine creatures in the game. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy In Douglas Adams’ Hitchhicker’s Guide to the Galaxy, dolphins are the second most intelligent species on Earth aYer mice and their aquarium tricks are futile attempts to communicate.
© Aredea; Alamy; Corbis; Getty; Naturepl.com; Peter Scott/The Art Agency; Thinkstock; Flip Nicklin/Minden Pictures/FLPA; Sol90 Images
Tiger shark Bottlenose dolphins have few natural predators, but larger sharks such as the tiger and the great white do occasionally pose a threat. At five metres (16 feet) long, this species of shark will eat almost anything it finds.
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Spotters’ guide
Lions
Where can you see them Lions can be found mainly in sub-Saharan Africa
A lion’s roar can be heard from five miles way, but here’s how to keep your eyes on the pride The king of beasts once prowled throughout Africa, Asia and Europe, but today lions only exist in the wild in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, except for a small population in India’s Gir Forest. As a mustsee for most tourists on safari, lions can be spotted in a number of national parks and reserves in Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. African lions’ lives are leisurely and you’re likely to find them resting in the savannah grasslands, seeking shade under acacia trees. They are the most social cats and a pride consists of related females and some males. These felines typically sleep for 20 hours a day, while the primary hunters, the lionesses, hunt at night. If you want to catch this rare glimpse of activity, it’s best to schedule an evening drive. Some safari companies restrict the mileage that a guide is allowed to drive in a day, so seek an experienced specialist who has a private vehicle.
You can also boost your chances of an up-close sighting by booking a safari during the annual great migration. The best times are in either the Serengeti between December and March, in time for the zebra and wildebeest birthing season, or in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve from July to October, where they migrate to greener pastures. This event is on every big cat’s calendar since it’s a golden opportunity for hunting, making it the prime time for a safari, too. When packing, bring binoculars to help you see these amazing animals from afar, as well as a camera with a long zoom to record the experience. A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent are also essential for the African weather. Make sure to wear neutral clothing, as bright colours increase your visibility. African Lions may seem fierce, but they’re easily spooked.
Get out and see them Find a lion-spotting trip Governors’ Camp Masai Mara, Kenya
www.governorscamp.com +254 733 616204 Stay in east African-style safari tents in the heart of the plains of Kenya. Lion Camp
www.lioncamp.com (260) 216 246024 Nine canvas and thatch chalets situated in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Great Plains Conservation
www.greatplainsconservation.com +27 021 434 5208 This resort allows guests to work with employees to save injured lions, cheetahs and bull elephants.
LION Panthera leo Mammalia
Wild Wings Safaris
www.wild-wings-safaris.com +44 0203 474 0093 This registered tour operator offers custom-made safari options throughout south east Africa. Lion’s Safari International
Territory Sub-Saharan Africa and western India Diet Carnivore Lifespan 10-14 years Adult weight 120-191kg / 265-420lbs Conservation Status
www.lions-safari-intl.com 255-27-250-6423 This Tanzanian experience boasts some of the best wild game parks, including the Serengeti.
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VULNERABLE
Lions Quick questions with a big cat keeper Briony Smith is a big cat keeper at the Wildlife Heritage Foundation. She took some time out to tell us a little about looking aTer lions Tell us about the lions you look a/er at the Wildlife Heritage Foundation in Kent, England? We have a pride of nine, including the father, Themba, two adult females, Sophia and Joy, as well as six cubs. The four older cubs are Joy’s, they’re seven months old and have learned to listen to Sophia, the boss. The smaller cubs are Sophia’s; being the alpha female’s cubs has it’s upsides, as they get away with murder, jumping all over mum and dad. We also have three bachelor lions called Tiny, Kafara and Manzi. What is the day-to-day life of a lion in captivity? Most of the time the lions are found sleeping or at the very least lying down. This is very similar in the wild where they can sleep up to 20 hours a day, usually through the worst of the African heat, and they will then be more active between dusk and dawn. This is very much reflected in our lions but with guests walking around they have reason to be a little more
active. The cubs are wonderful to watch around 4pm when it’s play time. How much do they eat? We feed our lions three times a week, as they wouldn’t eat every day in the wild. We would give the big males between about eight to eighteen kilograms (18 to 40 pounds) of horse meat depending on what their weight was like, how hot or cold the weather was and their body size. How should guests behave while visiting? Guests should act calmly at all times so the animals don’t get spooked. Some of the cats on site have been known to take a dislike to certain colours such as red. If people are to be going anywhere near the cats, it’s generally wise not to wear anything dangly such as scarves for health and safety reasons. Support the Wildlife Heritage Foundation’s conservation work by booking an exclusive Big Cat Experience or even adopting one of the lions at www.whf.org.uk.
“Most of the time the lions are found sleeping, in the wild they sleep for 20 hours a day”
© FLPA; Getty
BELOW An organised safari tour can get you up-close and personal
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The incredible journey of
Arctic tern
3. Time to refuel If you’re going on a long journey, you’ll want to stock up on supplies. A
The Arctic tern has the longest migration route of any living animal, an astonishing feat considering this tiny navigator weighs less than 100 grams 10. Almost there The terns are now beginning to reach the end of the journey and are close to the point where they originally stopped to refuel. By the time they reach their breeding grounds they will have covered an incredible distance of 70,000 kilometres (43,000 miles) and deserved their well-earned rest before the whole cycle starts again. This is one of the longest migrations of the animal kingdom.
ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisea Class Aves
Territory Global Diet Carnivore Lifespan Approx 20 years Adult weight 100g / 3.5oz Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERN
Arctic tern in numbers 72,000 km
The average distance the Arctic tern travels on a yearly basis
20 years Average life expectancy for a healthy adult
2,400,000 km
The distance flown in its lifetime – more than flying to the moon and back three times
7. Wintering time It’s now mid-November and the terns have reached their wintering home, the Weddell Sea, which lies between Coats Land and the Antarctic Peninsula. The terns are not only relatively safe in this area of land, but also have access to high quantities of fish, making it the perfect place to stock up before flying back to their breeding grounds that are, quite literally, on the other side of the world.
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9. A different route The most interesting discovery from tracking Arctic terns is that they take a totally different route when travelling home. Rather than hugging the coasts of continents, they travel back in a large S shape. The reason for this is to enable them to make maximum use of strong tail winds that help them travel over 482 kilometres (300 miles) a day with little physical effort. This is a good tactic on such a huge journey.
6. Zone troopers Despite the small and diminutive size of the Arctic tern, it’s actually an incredibly hardy and adaptable bird capable of enormous feats. By early November it has already reached the tip of Africa or Uruguay, before heading to its final wintering ground. By this point the tough little bird has travelled through three distinct zones: Frigid, Temperate and Tropical – it’s one of the few animals on Earth to do so.
Arctic tern
2. Journey preparations Breeding typically takes place between June and July, meaning that young fledgling chicks don’t have an easy time growing up. In addition to avoiding predators, they must prepare for their incredibly taxing journey. The terns usually set off on their record-breaking flights when they are a month old – the equivalent of getting a child to cross the length of England aKer just learning to walk.
1. Breeding Time Arctic terns typically breed in Greenland and mate for life, oKen returning to the same colony year aKer year. Breeding usually takes place on Qords, which offer great protection from enemies due to their relative openness. Both the male and female take it in turns to protect their young and will fiercely attack anything that approaches the nest regardless of size and strength, even inquisitive humans.
4. Decisions, decisions Scientists also recently discovered that during October the terns face a very important decision as they fly south. On reaching the Cape Verde Islands, flocks will typically break off into two separate groups. One continues flying along the African coast, while the rest fly across the Atlantic to continue down the east coast of South America. Wind conditions are thought to be the reason for this.
5. No time to stop By mid-October the terns are typically crossing the Equator, having doggedly followed the African coast. Although flying alongside land does give them a great deal more protection from the elements, they rarely land, as they are quite awkward and ungainly on foot. Instead Arctic terns stick to flight, eating and even sleeping on the wing while they glide to their wintering grounds in the south.
“By the time they reach their breeding grounds, they will have covered an incredible distance of 70,000 kilometres”
© Abi Daker; Corbis
8. Time to leave AKer resting in the relative security of the Weddell Sea, a part of the southern ocean that’s been described by humans as one of the most treacherous and dismal regions on Earth, the terns prepare for their flight home to the breeding grounds where they started. They typically make ready to leave the area in April and have completely departed the Weddell Sea within the space of a week.
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Life cycle of…
Atlantic salmon Salmo salar Class Actinopterygii
Territory Atlantic Ocean Diet Carnivore Lifespan 4-5 years Adult weight 5kg / 11lbs Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERN
Parr 1 year
Salmon are well known for their dedication in returning to their natal rivers to spawn. Driven by an acute sense of smell, they battle strong currents, leaping over rocks and rapids to climb back to the pool they hatched in, often sacrificing their lives in the process Adult 3-8 years
Smolt 2-3 years Once the parr reach 10 to 25 centimetres in length, they undergo a process known as smolting, becoming silver in colour, changing direction and swimming with the current towards the sea.
Adults at sea
After one year at sea, salmon reach adulthood and are ready to breed. They have a strong homing instinct and naturally migrate to their river of origin to spawn.
At one year old, the salmon are beginning to grow larger. They swim against the current, remaining in freshwater for an additional one to four years in order to grow large enough to make the journey out to sea.
Strength Salmon expend a lot of energy to reach their pool of birth
Kelts ăTCCHPă?ȳăCOă spawning
Fry 6 weeks As the fish grow they gain eight fins and begin to swim away from their birthplace in search of food, at this stage they are extremely vulnerable to predation as well as overcrowding.
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Salmon do not eat when they return to freshwater to breed, with many succumbing to predation and disease, dying in the same place they hatched. Eggs are laid in freshwater
Alevin 4-6 weeks
Egg 0-3 months
When the salmon hatch, they are still attached to their yolk sac. As the nutrients are used up, the alevins fill their swim bladder with air for buoyancy.
Salmon lay several thousand eggs at a time, however the survival rate is extremely low, so only a fraction of each generation ever reach the sea.
© Sandra Doyle/The Art Agency
ATLANTIC SALMON
A great experience from... Imagine falling asleep to the distant howling of wolves and waking up to the lions’ roar. Well now you can, and you don't have to travel to Africa either! Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire has just launched their new overnight visitor experience, 'Snooze at the Zoo'.
You're then free to spend the rest of the day enjoying the activities Paradise has to offer. These include three adventure playgrounds, mini golf and the Paradise Lagoon paddling pool. The highlight of your stay is a VIP guided tour by one of the well trained keepers. You'll learn all about the conservation work that happens at the park, and can get hands on with some of the smaller creatures too. But the fun doesn't stop when the gates close. After hours you will have exclusive use of the Paradise Lagoon and Woodland Walk surrounded by foxes, deer and owls. To finish the day the park has teamed up with a selection of local restaurants to give you exclusive discounts for your evening meal.
The park is giving guests the opportunity to spend the night in one of three themed luxury apartments, Tiger, Leopard or the largest of the three, the Zebra suite. Each room has been designed to the highest standard to ensure all guests get a good night's sleep before an action packed day Come and Snooze at the Zoo, in Paradise in 2014! at the park. But rest assured you certainly won't need an alarm clock as LEOPARD LOUNGE the lions will be on hand to help. Continental breakfast is served in the secluded Tiger Treetops Cafe. Exclusively yours for the morning, it TIGER BEDROOM overlooks the tiger enclosure. Devour freshly made croissants and coffee while the tigers enjoy their breakfast with you! ZEBRA SUITE
Paradise Wildlife Park is signposted from junction 25 of the M25. The Park is easily accessible by train to Broxbourne mainline station. Paradise operates a mini bus service for £1 per person to and from the station.
CODE WOA10 SIMPLY ENTER THIS TO SAVE! AT PWPARK.COM unction with any other offer.
in conj er 2014. Cannot be used . No cash value. *Valid until 31st Decemb £40. For admission only d spen e onlin m imu Min
Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Herts EN10 7QA
Zoos of the world
San Diego Zoo
Lost Forest Within the Lost Forest section can be found many of the zoo’s more popular animals including monkeys and apes living in a forest environment.
This pioneering zoo has revolutionised animal conservation for almost 100 years See it for yourself WWW.SANDIEGOZOO.ORG Location Balboa Park, San Diego, California, USA
Admission Child: (3-11): $34 Adult: (12+): $44 Senior: $39
San Diego
How to get there From the north, take the Pershing Drive exit from Interstate 5 and follow the signs. From the south, take the State Route 163 north exit on Interstate 5, while from the east you’ll need to take the Park Blvd exit on Interstate 8. Parking is free at the zoo.
San Diego Zoo
Scripps aviary Discovery Outpost This part of the zoo contains attractions for some of the younger visitors, with upclose animal viewing.
Almost 100 years ago, in 1916, the Panama-California Exposition was being held in Balboa Park, San Diego to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal. The exposition, which had already been running for a year, had seen exotic animals such as lions and bears brought in from all over the world. But when the exposition ended and the people cleared out, the animals were left behind. A local surgeon, Dr. Harry Wegeforth, feared for their well-being, so with his brother he used the animals as the heart of a revolutionary new zoo, where bars and cages were done away with in favour of open-planned natural habitats. With that, the San Diego Zoological Society, and in turn the San Diego Zoo, was founded in October 1916. Today the San Diego Zoo stays true to the same core values it was founded on by Dr. Wegeforth, while providing an enjoyable experience for visitors. “The whole vision back then was to have this spectacular place where animals from around the world could be shown to the public,” explains Rick Schwartz, an ambassador and zookeeper of 13 years for San Diego Zoo. It’s the zoo’s proud tradition of providing natural habitats for animals to roam free in, rather than just keeping them inside standard enclosures, that makes it unique. “You’re not just going to see a tiger in a cage, you’re going to be immersed in the other plant and animal life that is found in the south-eastAsian areas where the tiger resides. You’re immersed in what we call a bioclimatic zone,” says Schwartz. It’s not just what goes on inside the confines of the zoo that make it a globally renowned name, however.
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“You’re not just going to see a tiger in a cage… You’re going to be immersed in what we call a bioclimatic zone”
San Diego Zoo Northern Frontier Explore the tundra regions of the world in this habitat, where you’ll see polar bears, reindeer and Arctic diving ducks. Panda Canyon San Diego Zoo is one of just a handful of zoos in the US that plays host to giant pandas, which can be found here in Panda Canyon, replicating their natural habitat in Asia. Giant panda research station Asian Passage Among palm trees and towering bamboo, here you’ll find a re-creation of the habitat that sun bears, macaques and other animals enjoy.
Elephant Odyssey This 2.5-acre elephant habitat contains six of the giant animals, one male and five females, in addition to statues of some of the large animals that used to once roam southern California.
Owens Aviary Over 200 birds representing 45 species are here in one of the world’s largest walkthrough aviaries.
Urban Jungle This interactive zone enables visitors to see instances where the worlds of humans and animals have crossed paths.
Outback Nicknamed Koalafornia, the Australian Outback opened in May 2013 and features a huge, open, outdoor enclosure for Sun-loving koalas to enjoy alongside other Australian animals. These include the recognisable wombats and wallabies.
Africa Rocks Set for an upgrade in the next few years, the Africa Rocks section plays host to some African savanna animals including meerkats and warthogs.
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Zoos of the world Representatives from the zoo are actively working on conservation in about 35 different countries around the world, from assisting local cultures in living around wildlife to studying animals and their ecosystems. “We do so much work around the world at this time that you can travel just about anywhere and mention San Diego Zoo and people are aware of either the zoo itself or of the work the zoo does around the world,” says Schwartz. One example of this conservation work is that of koalas in Australia, according to Schwartz. “Just last year I was in Australia off the coast of north-east Queensland, where there’s an island in the Coral Sea that has an under-distributed population of koala,” he explains. “This koala population is very important to study for many reasons. Studying the koalas enables us to have a better understanding of their breeding behaviour and hormone changes. We also do a lot of sound studies because the different calls koalas make are quite unique depending on the time of year and even who is in the vicinity. But we don’t necessarily understand everything a koala needs to successfully live in the wild, so by studying this baseline group on this island we can apply that knowledge not only to better manage our zoo collections, but also the population on mainland Australia.” In tandem with this conservation work, San Diego Zoo uses the knowledge it gains to better tailor its natural habitats towards the animals it houses. In May 2013 it opened a new enclosure called Australian Outback, where koalas and other Australian animals such as Tasmanian devils and wombats live in an area 2.5 acres in size. “That’s one of the really fun things for me, that we have these exhibits where our guests can come and experience RIGHT Over 100 tigers have been born and bred at San Diego Zoo since it was founded in 1916
BELOW The red-collared lorikeet can be found in the new Australian Outback habitat
BELOW San Diego Zoo has been instrumental in conservation work for the desert tortoise
San Diego Zoo BELOW Snow leopards are one of the zoo’s popular attractions
Stars of San Diego Zoo Clouded leopard
these wonderful images of the world,” says Schwartz. “Then mixed in with the exhibits are signs and information about the current conservation work we are doing and how the visitors can get involved if they want to. That’s really the goal; we have millions of visitors each year and if we can reach that many people and give them a better understanding of what’s going on, then it’s a great opportunity for everyone really.” At the zoo today there are about 650 different species, with a total population of between 3,500 and 4,000 animals depending on the breeding programmes that are running. To maintain the enclosures and look after the animals, in addition to educating and entertaining around 3.5 million visitors each year, the zoo employs just over 1,000 people in the off-season from November to March and over 1,500 during the peak season from April to September, where there’s more work to be done. The most popular animals at the zoo are often some of the more traditionally famous animals, as Schwartz explains: “People love the apes and the monkeys of course. The really neat thing that we have is called the Lost Forest, which is designed to have upper- and lower-level viewing and it takes you through this kind of giant tropical forest. That’s important because some current species and other animals prefer to be on the forest floor and some in
“There are about 650 species, with a total population of between 3,500 and 4,000 animals” Saving the California condor A breeding programme that grew a species from 22 birds to 400 in the wild “Back in 1982 there were only 22 California condors le? in the entire species,” explains Schwartz. “A lot of the problems the condor was facing were man-made, so San Diego Zoo, along with a few other conservation organisations, got together and brought in from the wild those 22 birds to protect them. We did a vast amount of genetic studies to set up a breeding plan and today there are now over 400 in the world, with half of that population currently being back in the wild. It’s a huge success given that science and technology has moved forwards over the years, enabling us to do more, but back then that was really ground-breaking work.”
Elephant These enormous and sociable animals have amazed visitors at San Diego Zoo for years, but their livelihood in the wild has been under threat. Some are endangered, so the zoo serves to help promote their conservation by understanding their behaviour within their own natural habitat, which is replicated at the zoo.
Giant pandas San Diego Zoo has been carrying out work in partnership with China to help save this endangered species. In fact, there are only about 1,600 giant pandas alive on Earth today. Thanks to zoos like this, however, survival rates are increasing as more and more is understood about them.
© San Diego Zoo
ABOVE There are ample opportunities for you to get closer to nature
the trees, so it’s always a very popular space to wander through. Another big draw, of course, are the elephants, the polar bears and everyone always asks to see the pandas. We’ve had the pleasure of having great success with our panda-breeding programme. We’ve been working closely with the Chinese government and its conservation efforts over there to share our science and knowledge that we learned from having the pandas here.” Looking towards the future, San Diego Zoo intends to continue and progress with some of its pioneering conservation work around the world. It works together with many different zoos in the 35 countries it operates in, which enables each zoo to specialise in certain areas and work in tandem with one another. Back in San Diego, though, the zoo will be undergoing some changes over the next few years to bring it more up to date. “It’s a 100acre zoo and, although we just finished and completed the Australian Outback, there are other parts of the zoo that because of our history have buildings that are still standing that were built in the 1920s and 1930s, so it’s time to update those too. We will be updating a large portion of the zoo that is probably one of the oldest areas, our African area and everything that goes with that. That’ll be a very large undertaking. It’s not uncommon that when we do these large updates that we also kind of put a spotlight on our conservation efforts that are happening in that area, similar to what we did with the Australian Outback.” Before San Diego Zoo is further upgraded, however, there is the small matter of planning for its 100th anniversary. “In 2015 the whole Balboa Park will have a centennial celebration,” Schwartz concludes. “We’ll all be involved with that because we’re a big part of the park, we’re right in the middle of it. Then also we’ll have our own centennial celebration afterwards. We’re going to have all sorts of great things that year to celebrate our 100 years of work that we do, so for us it’s going to be a busy couple of years to come!”
These reclusive cats are a popular animal at San Diego Zoo. They live solitary lives and so have retained an air of mystery about them. Outside of protected areas, however, its numbers are dropping. At the zoo they are ambassadors, o?en appearing on television to highlight some of the work being done at the zoo.
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25 Amazing facts Dogs
Some of the most amazing facts about the animal known as man’s best friend
Dogs have a weasel heritage The evolution of modern-day dogs can be traced back around 40 million years to the weasel-like Miacis, an animal genus that lived in trees and dens. The miacis later evolved into the Tomarctus, believed to be a direct relation of the genus Canis, that includes wolves and dogs. Dogs are as smart as toddlers Studies have indicated that dogs are intelligent enough to understand up to 250 words and gestures, as well as numbers up to five and simple mathematical calculations. The average dog is as intelligent as a twoyear-old child.
It’s a myth that dogs are colour blind, they can only see colours very faintly – as well as humans can during dusk There’s a Beatles track just for dogs The Beatles song A Day in the Life contains an extra highpitched whistle on the track that’s only audible to dogs. The whistle was recorded onto the track by Sir Paul McCartney as a tribute to and for the enjoyment of his pet Shetland sheepdog.
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Dogs are some of the most diverse mammals on the planet From the Bassett hound to the golden jackal, dogs show off an incredible diversity in body shape and size. A study showed that the difference between some breeds’ skulls is as profound as the difference between some mammal species. It showed that a collie skull is as different from a Pekingese as a cat skull is from a walrus, for instance.
Dogs have powerful noses The canine sense of smell is incredibly powerful compared to humans, though does vary among breeds. While humans have around five million smelling cells, alsatians are believed to have around 220 million. Sniffing out almost anything is never much of a problem. A weaker sense of taste Dogs depend more on their strong sense of smell, rather than their sense of taste, to differentiate between types of food. In fact, humans have almost five times the amount of taste buds that dogs do, so it’s no wonder that dog food isn’t very appealing to us.
Some stray dogs in Moscow have learned to use the city’s subway system in order to travel to busier areas in search of food scraps. Dogs drink water by turning the underside of their tongue into a cup in order to scoop up liquid. The oldest intact fossilised remains of a pet canine date back 33,000 years and were discovered in Siberia during the 1970s. A dog’s nose is as unique as a human fingerprint, with no two being the same. Known for their speed, the average running pace of a greyhound is 64 km/h (40 mph) and they can reach up to 72 km/h (45 mph).
Dogs The shoulder blades of a dog are not tightly attached to the rest of the skeleton in order to offer greater flexibility for running Hugs aren’t for them While a lot of us enjoy hugging our dogs, canines don’t enjoy getting a cuddle as much as humans and other primates. Canines interpret putting a limb over another animal as a sign of dominance, something dogs won’t always accept.
A dog’s yawn is contagious Dogs are susceptible to catching yawns from humans because of the phenomenon known as contagious yawning. This suggests that seeing another yawn triggers an empathetic reaction.
Dogs have three eyelids The eye of a dog consists of three lids: an upper, lower and a third lid, called a nictitating membrane or haw. This third lid is designed to keep the eye both moist and protected from foreign bodies.
The oldest dog on record was an Australian cattle dog called Bluey who lived for 29 years Dogs can smell illnesses If you have a certain strain of cancer, diabetes or epilepsy, your dog might already know, as studies have shown that they can be trained to sniff out these illnesses. Scientists believe this could be due to dogs sniffing out abnormal proteins.
Unlike humans, who sweat everywhere, dogs only sweat through the pads of their feet. While humans have around 9,000 taste buds on their tongues, dogs have about 1,700. Cats, on the other hand, have less than 500.
A wet nose helps their sense of smell The wetness of a dog’s nose is essential for determining from which direction a particular smell is coming from.
Dogs turn in circles before lying down in the wild as this movement flattens long grass into a bed. The smallest dog was a matchbox-sized Yorkshire terrier who was just 9.5cm (3.75in) from nose tip to tail and weighed 100g (4oz).
All dog breeds, despite their variations, are the direct descendants of wolves and as a result any can mate together easily
© Corbis; FLPA; Thinkstock
Alexander the Great was such a lover for canine companions, he founded and named the city Peritas in memory of his dog.
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Bizarre!
PUFFERFISH Tetraodontidae Class Actinopterygii
Perhaps most famous for the potentially deadly Japanese dish created from it, the pufferfish is a small family of fish that’s highly toxic and particularly tough to swallow
They make patterns in sand to attract mates
They only have four teeth
Pufferfish are poisonous if prepared incorrectly
Pufferfish have four large teeth that are fused into the upper and lower plates of their jaw. These are used to break and crush the tough exoskeletons of crabs and other crustaceans. The fish are thought to develop their poison via this diet.
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Pufferfish mating rituals are, as you might expect from this strange creature, highly unusual. Mating varies from one species of puffer to the next, but some pufferfish males create displays to attract females. These are large circular structures in the sand of the seabed that could provide a safe place for her to lay her eggs.
Their reproductive organs and liver contain large quantities of tetrodotoxin, an extremely potent neurotoxin 1,200-times more poisonous than cyanide, which has no known cure. It’s deadly to most animals but despite this, pufferfish, or fugu, is considered a delicacy in Japan and fugu chefs receive special training to safely prepare fish.
LEAST CONCERN
They are slow in the water
Pufferfish are poor swimmers, which would make them easy targets if it weren’t for their defence mechanism. Their stomachs enable them to rapidly ingest water and sometimes air too, inflating them to several times their original size.
Pufferfish make poor pets While they can be interesting pets, pufferfish are hard work. At the least a warm temperature needs to be maintained in the tank. They’re also quite territorial, will nip at the fins of other fish and will even eat smaller species given the chance.
© Getty
The poisonous puff-ball that’s useless at swimming
Territory Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans Diet Carnivore Lifespan 10 years Adult weight 1.81kg / 4lbs Conservation Status
You wouldn’t believe
How bees communicate
Honey bees have their own ingenious method of communicating, enabling them to direct the other members of their colony to food, water or a new place for habitation HONEY BEE Apis mellifera Class Insecta
Territory Global Diet Pollen and nectar Lifespan Up to five years Adult weight 0.1g Conservation Status
NOT EVALUATED
When a bee wishes to communicate to the other bees of its colony that it has found something beneficial to the hive, such as a large food source, it uses the waggle dance to inform them not only of its direction but also its relative distance. The waggle dance is a figure-of-eight motion that’s repeated in a circuit up to 100 times, with the intensity of the bee’s dancing motion communicating how excited it is about the find. The bee’s direction of straight-line motion indicates the direction of the find in relation to the Sun’s position outside and the length of said straight-line motion explains how far it is from the hive. By undertaking this waggle dance, many members of the hive can be informed quickly of its presence all at once.
ABOVE Pairs of honey bees can also communicate by touching their antennae and proboscises together
“The waggle dance is a figure-of-eight motion that’s repeated in a circuit up to 100 times”
01 Align with the target
© Thinkstock
Upon identifying a food source (such as a good supply of nectar), a water source or a possible new housing location, the honey bee returns to the hive. It flies as close to the hive’s centre as possible before aligning itself with its target’s direction by angling itself to a certain degree from the Sun’s position outside the hive.
Angled to the Sun The honey bee uses the Sun’s position during its dance in order to communicate the exact location of a food source The centre of the hive The honey bee will fly as close to the centre of the hive as it can before beginning its dance, thereby informing as many of its companions as it can
02 Shake your abdomen
03 Make a figure of eight
The bee then begins its waggle routine, which is a dance-like motion with two distinct phases, the waggle run and the return. The waggle run consists of a straight-line movement in the direction of the target, with the bee’s abdomen rapidly moving back and forth and side to side. The return, which is activated at the end of the waggle run, is a curved movement back to its starting point without any waggling action.
The bee then replicates the same phases, with the waggle run followed by the return, however this time it turns in the opposite direction at the end of the run, thereby completing a figure-ofeight shape. The total figure-of-eight procedure is then repeated until other bees in the hive are aware of the target’s direction and distance from the hive (the length of the waggle run is an indication of the target’s distance).
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Lodge Beavers don’t live in their dams, but instead construct lodges out of sticks and mud. A beaver family may make several of these structures, but during the winter will all live together in one.
Animal architects
Inside a beaver’s lodge The beaver is nature’s lumberjack and by using its four sharp incisors, along with incredibly powerful jaw muscles, an adult can fell a fifteen-centimetre (six-inch) tree trunk in just fifteen minutes, toppling over 200 every year. Most of these are eaten, but the remainder go towards building some of the largest natural dams in the world Mud armour A hardened layer of mud on the outside of the lodge reinforces the structure against attack by large predators, such as wolves and bears.
Raised platform A single chamber in the centre of the lodge provides a safe, dry space for eating, sleeping, giving birth and raising young.
NORTH-AMERICAN BEAVER Castor canadensis Class Mammalia
Territory North America Diet Leaves, buds and bark Lifespan 24 years Adult weight 20kg / 44lbs Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERN
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RIGHT Logs are driven into the riverbed to stabilise the dam
Inside a beaver’s dam Dam superstructure The dam is reinforced using whatever materials the beavers have to hand, including rocks, mud, grass, leaves and other plant matter.
Repairs Beavers work during the night to perform constant repairs and upgrades to their homes. They carry materials to the site in their mouths, or clasped in their front paws.
RIGHT Dams slow the flow of water, creating a raised pond in which to build a safe nest
Five facts about beavers The world’s biggest beaver dam can actually be seen from space and is twice the size of the Hoover dam, measuring at 850 metres (2,790 feet) across. A beaver’s powerful jaw can break through a 1.3cm-thick (0.5in) sapling. For anything larger, they carefully gnaw a groove around the trunk, similar to the axe cuts made by a lumberjack. Beaver dams cause huge changes to the local environment. Not only can they flood vast areas, but the beavers will often also cut down rare trees and sometimes won’t even use them for their building. The slow-moving water in the ponds created by beaver dams provides the perfect environment for salmon and trout, enabling young fish to hide from predators. The water trapped by beaver dams turns rivers into wetlands. It gradually accumulates nutrients and when the dams eventually break, the nearby ground is fertilised, enabling meadows to form.
Diverting water Building a dam blocks the water flow, raising the water level inside the beaver’s pond to around 1.8 metres (six feet). This provides protection against predators.
“The upper part of the structure is constructed from sticks, plant matter and wet mud is used like mortar”
How they build it… The beaver has evolved to use the range of natural resources around it to construct its dam and lodge
Underwater entrances In order to secure their homes against predators, beavers build underwater ramps. This requires a minimum water depth of between 0.6 and 0.9 meters (two to three feet).
Beginning the dam Beavers start dam construction by diverting the water flow to slow the stream. They then begin work on the base of the dam, building a solid support structure out of logs and rocks. Their large tails act as a counterbalance for support when they carry building materials in their teeth, front legs or paws.
Building up the dam In order to create a pond with water deep enough to build their homes and food stores, beavers continually remodel the dam, increasing its size by around 1.5 metres (five feet) every day. The upper part of the structure is constructed from sticks, plant matter and wet mud is used like mortar to seal the gaps.
Stocking the pool Beavers eat mostly wood and drive logs into the mud at the bottom of the pond in order to store it for the winter. Once the pool is deep enough they begin to build lodges. These domed structures, made from sticks and mud, measure up to six metres (20 feet) in diameter and provide a safe resting place for up to five animals.
© Thinkstock; DK Images
Dam base The dam is secured using rocks and logs, which are driven into the soP bed of the stream, providing a stable base upon which to construct the rest of the structure.
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Battle for survival
SUMATRAN ORANGUTAN Pongo abelii
© Thomas Marent/Minden Pictures/FLPA
Class Mammalia
Territory Sumatra Diet Omnivore Lifespan 30 years Adult weight 90kg / 200lbs Conservation Status
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
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ORANGUTANS FOR
Last issue we revealed how the Sumatran orangutan is one of the world’s most endangered animals. This month we look at the people and organisations trying to save them Words Darran Jones The Sumatran orangutan is in serious trouble. Found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, it’s a peaceful giant ape that faces continual persecution from man. Thanks to human greed, the once lush rainforests of Sumatra are rapidly turning into an unrecognisable landscape, one fuelled by a lust for the lucrative palm oil and other precious resources that have helped Sumatra’s economic wealth, but is seriously impacting on the fascinating creatures that live there. In the last 20 years this gentle giant has lost over 80 per cent of its natural habitat and unlike many other endangered animals found on the IUCN Red List, the cause of its plight is almost entirely centred around humans. Time is running out for these creatures and they are unable to help themselves. It’s fortunate, therefore, that there are many individuals and organisations that are dedicated to preserving this noble ape. One of these dedicated individuals is Gordon Hunt, the current deputy head of mammals at Durrell Wildlife Park, whose passion for wildlife is infectious. Originally joining Durrell in 1998, he worked in the Bird department for four years, until the departure of a keeper gave him the opportunity to work with Durrell’s gorillas and orangutans. It’s a position that Hunt has held for the last 11 years and he’s used the opportunity to work closely with Ian Singleton, the director of the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme. We were keen to know why Hunt is so drawn to orangutans. “I think it’s the fact that they are so close to us,” reveals Hunt. “Genetically there’s very little difference between all of the great apes and people, in terms of DNA. They look like us… I think they’re just fascinating really. I know everyone’s into something different; I have a friend whose thing is venomous snakes – for me, it’s apes.” Even before Hunt became involved with the current plight of the Sumatran orangutan, he learned at a young
Borneo
Sumatra
age about man’s often harmful relationship with the wildlife around him. He travelled around frequently in his younger years and lived with his family in Kuwait, which enabled him to witness the sheer diversity of nature. His family would continually return to Scotland though, spending summers and winters there. “We had a stream out the back of the house and I used to collect stuff from the stream like frog spawn, little minnows and baby trout,” he recalls. “One year when we went back, a housing estate had been built up the road from us and pretty much since that went up, all the little fish had disappeared from the stream. I guess from quite an early age I got an idea that humans impact on wildlife.” It’s now many years later and Hunt is in a position where he can do his part to help save some of the world’s most endangered animals, with one such creature being the Sumatran orangutan. This magnificent creature’s numbers have shrunk massively in the last 75 years and it’s thought
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Battle for survival
ABOVE Ian Singleton helping orangutans of Sumatra in 2004
that the population has shrunk by 80 per cent in that time frame. Durrell Wildlife Park in particular has a big focus on the endangered ape, with an extensive breeding programme that resulted in the birth of two baby apes earlier this year. “Durrell used to have Bornean orangutans as well as Sumatran,” reveals Hunt. “Now though we just focus on Sumatrans and our link with Ian Singleton who runs the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP). He worked as an orangutan keeper here and we have a really good relationship with him. At least four of his staff have been here to Jersey to go on training courses at the Durrell Conservation Academy based here and I’ve been out to Sumatra three times. Other staff have been out and we keep in contact with Ian, we raise funds for him and promote his work around the park, particularly at the orangutan enclosure, so our focus is Sumatra.” While both Bornean and Sumatran orangutans are endangered, Hunt and his team feel that the SOCP is important, primarily because Sumatran orangutans don’t attract the attention they should. “Borneo gets a lot of media attention because it has more programmes,” reveals Hunt. “More people visit Borneo, it’s easier for the lay person and the traveller to be involved to see them up-close, but Borneo fairs a lot better in numbers compared to Sumatra. In Sumatra the orangutans are critically endangered, you’re looking at between 5,000 and 6,000 of them left in the wild, which is really nothing at all, yet Sumatra gets bypassed because Borneo gets all the press. The problems are the same on both islands, it’s the deforestation for palm oil and other plantations, logging, mining that’s threatening them, but certainly in Sumatra they’re really clinging on in there.”
Know your orangutan At first glance Bornean and Sumatran orangutans look extremely similar, but there are subtle differences… Broad cheeks The cheeks of a male Bornean orangutan are generally wider than those of a Sumatran male.
Different menus Sumatran orangutans prefer to eat more insects and fruit than Borneans, who eat many plant species.
A head for heights Sumatran orangutans spend a lot more time climbing among the trees compared with the Borneans.
Slim build The Sumatran orangutans are typically thinner and have longer faces than their Bornean cousins.
Bushy beards The beards also tend to be longer on Sumatran orangutans compared to their Bornean counterparts
Hairy business Hair is another key difference between the two variants and typically the Sumatran has longer hair.
“In Sumatra the orangutans are critically endangered, you’re looking at between 5,000 and 6,000 of them left in the wild”
Sumatran orangutan in numbers 90,000 03-10 1/5 2,000
48 The number of chromosomes an orangutan has in its cells
64
The approximate number of Sumatran orangutans at the start of the 20th century
09
%
The per cent of time male orangutans spend socialising
DAYS
The number of days orangutans spend courting a potential partner
The amount of forest cover Indonesia lost between 1990 and 2010
million tons of CO2 released due to forest fire and peatland loss
RIGHT Scientists warn that if destruction of habitats continues at the current rate there will be no viable orangutan population le@ within the next decade or so
15 400 12YEARS The number of different food types orangutans are known to eat
before a female orangutan has her first infant
Orangutans Threats to the orangutan The Sumatran orangutan faces many dangers and all of them are directly because of humans
Palm oil The production of palm oil has had the biggest impact on Sumatran orangutans. Companies strip away large amounts of rainforest in order to build plantations, which immediately affects Sumatra’s eco system.
Illegal pet trade It’s illegal for people to keep orangutans as pets, but that doesn’t stop some from taking baby orangutans from their mothers. The mothers are typically killed so that their young can be taken.
Habitat fragmentation Orangutans are arboreal, preferring the safety that treetops offer them. Creating a road that cuts through a forest o?en splits orangutans into smaller groups as they are reluctant to cross open areas.
Logging and mining While palm oil is one of Sumatra’s most valuable resources, there are still plenty of other resources that humans continue to take from the island. Illegal logging, drainage and fire are all direct results of this.
ABOVE Sumatran orangutans spend more time in trees than their Bornean cousins
So, why is everyone focusing on Bornean orangutans when the Sumatran apes face such a bigger threat? Why is there so much attention on a species whose numbers dwarf that of their Sumatran cousins? Hunt isn’t really sure, telling us: “I don’t know why it has happened that way. It just seems to be that celebrities in particular will go to Borneo for photo shoots with orangutans there. Lots of the centres in Borneo have no release sites, so they have a lot of captive animals that the public can get close to, can see, can even hold and have their picture taken with. It’s almost like a tourist attraction thing. The SOCP doesn’t go in for any of that. You can’t just go and visit their project, you wouldn’t be allowed to, whereas in Borneo there are quite a lot of captive rehabilitation projects. However, these aren’t actually rehabilitating anything, they’re just keeping them in these centres with nowhere to go. Harrison Ford was recently in Borneo and Julia Roberts has been to one of the sites in Borneo too. It just seems to attract people there. I know Birute Galdikas was one of the first women who went out, similar to Dian Fossey, so perhaps it’s something to do with that. Orangutans became famous through early work in Borneo, but Sumatra is much more in need of the high-profile media attention, more so than Borneo.” That needed help has seen Hunt go out to Sumatra on no less than three occasions, once in 2005, again in 2011 and more recently in 2013, when the BBC filmed a documentary about the endangered animal. The SOCP is divided into numerous sections, all of which play an important role in the rehabilitation of these magnificent creatures. The quarantine site deals with looking after
recently submitted animals; fieldwork concentrates on the monitoring of wild animals, while the release part of the programme prepares orangutans for their re-entry into the wild. Hunt was only too keen to reveal what can go into a typical day’s work in the various areas. The quarantine section is vital, as it’s one of the first places orangutans are submitted upon entering the SOCP. Needless to say a lot of work is done there. “If I were at the quarantine site then it would mean starting in the morning at a similar time to what we do here at Durrell,” begins Hunt. “So about 8 o’clock they’re feeding and cleaning out the cages for those being held there temporarily before they’re released. Monitoring them throughout the day, filling in check sheets [and] being involved with the veterinary side. They would be anaesthetising one of them for medical checks, for tattooing (they tattoo a number on the inside leg so that they’re easily identifiable upon release) and medical checks. All that would feature in a typical day at the quarantine sites.” Fieldwork is also important to the orangutan’s survival as it enables Singleton’s team to monitor wild and released animals, ensuring that they’re not coming into any danger. Tracking animals and looking for nests is all part of the daily routine, with Hunt revealing that a day typically begins before it gets light and doesn’t finish until just before dark, leaving workers just enough time to make notes on their finds before starting again the next day. Unsurprisingly, fieldwork can also be quite dangerous. “There are still tigers in Indonesia,” warns Hunt. “Field workers
BELOW Rehabilitation programmes are crucial to getting Sumatran orangutans back into the wild
RIGHT Baby orangutans are still hunted for the illegal pet trade. The mothers are o?en killed trying to protect them
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Battle for survival come across tigers and they will kill you if they want to. There are also venomous snakes, insects and tropical diseases. When you’re out and about in very remote places you’re five or six hours away from the nearest road, so you don’t want to fall over and break anything, or get into any kind of medical trouble. It’s dangerous, but it’s exciting as well because you’re in places where there’s no mobile signal, there’s no television, there’s nothing. It’s a really nice feeling actually to be cut off from all of that and being in a very remote natural forest.” Perhaps the most important part of the entire project is the reintroduction of animals back into the actual wild. “They go on a soft release where the cages are left open for them to come and go freely,” begins Hunt about the important process that includes checking on animals for a certain period of time, seeing if they return for supplementary feeds and making sure they’re okay to build their all-important nests. “When the field workers are happy that those animals are getting on by themselves, then they will move on to the next one. It’s a continual process of releasing them.” Overall it’s a long process that can take many months and it’s certainly not an easy thing to stomach, particularly when you witness the state of many of the orangutans that come in. Hunt reveals that many of them are starving, emaciated and are missing limbs from where they’ve been
chained up for years. Orangutans get beaten, shot, attacked by dogs and still kept as pets as elitist status symbols, despite the fact that the keeping of orangutans is illegal. Hunt’s most painful memory of his time there was witnessing the fate of Leuser, a male orangutan who not only had 62 air rifle pellets in his body (only 14 could be removed) but was also shot in the eyes and left permanently blinded. “Just seeing such a huge, great majestic creature now stuck in a small cage at the SOCP – which is why they want to build a new haven so he has more space and freedom – I think that is my worst memory to be honest.” Orangutans like Leuser will never be released back into the wild, which is why the SOCP is working on creating a new enclosure called Orangutan Haven. It’s to be situated near one of Sumatra’s big cities, so that people can understand how the commercial pillaging of their country is affecting the other animals that live there. It’s in areas like this that Durrell Wildlife Park helps out, fund-raising alongside the Swiss-owned PanEco, an NGO that directly
ABOVE Gordon Hunt has been working with the orangutans and gorillas for 11 years. He’s now deputy head of mammals
“Orangutans get beaten, shot, attacked by dogs and still kept as pets”
How Durrell is looking after Sumatran orangutans A look at the large enclosure Durrell Wildlife Park has built to protect this critically endangered species
Play area This children’s play area serves several useful purposes. In enabling easy access to the enclosures, it also encourages mimicry and interactive play. It’s been made to look just like the orangutans’ own climbing structures.
Viewing area Situated at the front of the orangutan house is the public viewing area that enables access through the house. There are two transfer tunnels above this giving the creatures access to their enclosure.
The long house An Indonesian long house is found above the waterfall. While it gives a soothing view of the enclosure, it also houses several panels that explain the biology of the animals and the many plights they face. Living areas The orangutan house is split into two habitat areas and also has two holding spaces, while staff have their own room at the back of the house.
Natural flora To keep the environment as natural as possible, a large number of different trees, plants and shrubs have been planted around the enclosure. In total 126 different species were originally planted. Safe distance A moat around the entire enclosure keeps animals and visitors at a safe distance from one another. While orangutans can access the water’s edge, they’re unable to reach deeper water.
Stimulating surrounds While boulders can be found here, more-natural habitats are far more stimulating and fulfil the orangutans’ psychological needs. Good climbing Sumatran orangutans are far more arboreal than their Bornean cousins. As a result there are numerous structures for the animals to climb on.
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Discreet observation There are several viewing platforms based around the enclosure, enabling visitors to view the orangutans, while ensuring they keep privacy.
Two islands The highlights of the outer enclosure consist of two islands. The smaller island is approximately 850m2 (9,150M2), while the larger island is an impressive 1,500m2 (16,150M2).
Population name: Seulawah Protection: Nature Reserve Population:
43
The dwindling Sumatran name: West Leuser orangutan population Population and West Middle Aceh Block In 2008 The IUCN Red List revealed the remaining populations of Sumatran orangutans. It not only makes for depressing reading, but odds are the figures are now even lower
Population name: NW Aceh and NE Aceh Block Protection: None Population:
834
Protection: Leuser Ecosystem and National Park Population:
Orangutans Population name: East Leuser and East Middle Aceh Block Protection: Leuser Ecosystem and National Park Population:
1,389
2,611
Population name: Sidiangkat Protection: None Population:
134 Population name: Tripa Swamp Protection: Leuser Ecosystem Population:
280
2008
Estimated orangutan population
Estimated orangutan population
90,000 7,341 Incredible births Durrell Wildlife Park witnessed two orangutan births, as Gordon Hunt explains Earlier in 2013 Durrell Wildlife Park was proudly able to announce the birth of two baby orangutans, one of which was captured on camera. Gordon Hunt was keen to tell us how the two babies are getting on. “Jantho is seven months now, while our little girl Kea is five months and they’re doing really well,” he tells us, pride evident in his voice. “We don’t have to intervene at the moment. We didn’t at the birth, which was ideal. It was pretty much a trouble-free birth. We haven’t had to do anything and that’s the ideal situation for us that the mums rear their youngsters and they’re as naturally reared as possible without our help. Even though they’re in a captive environment the last thing we want to do is begin handrearing a primate, because it becomes imprinted on people and then it doesn’t exhibit normal behaviour anymore.” Find out more information and view the astonishing birth at www.durrell.org/soso.
1,500
Population name: East Sarulla Protection: None Population Population name: W Batang Toru Protection: None Population:
150
400
funds Singleton’s important programme. “We help each other out in terms of experience, knowledge and skills based around captive care of the orangutans,” explains Hunt about Durrell’s partnership with the SOCP. “We have people come and study the orangutans here, whether that’s locomotion of them, cognition, enclosure use, all sorts of studies go on and that can be very useful for the people in Sumatra who are looking after them temporarily in a captive environment.” So what is the government doing to help the plight of these animals? Hunt isn’t sure, suggesting that “they’re more interested in growing the country’s economy. It wasn’t long ago that Malaysia was the world’s biggest palm oil producer. Indonesia has now overtaken it – so now it’s the biggest producer in the world and the largest exporter. For the economy it’s like a liquid gold rush.” Even though the government states that land is being properly monitored, Hunt explains how workers are constantly encroaching on protected land, putting the Sumatran orangutan in an ever more precarious position. This is why programmes like the SOCP are so important, because despite the obstacles in their way, Singleton’s team is achieving a lot in their work. “It’s an uphill struggle – they’re constantly fire-fighting against government policy, big business and big agri-business as well. But actually the results they are getting for such a small organisation are incredible. If they weren’t doing it, then nobody else would be. Not in Sumatra anyway.” The plight of the Sumatran orangutan may be taking place thousands of miles away from us, but Hunt feels that there’s plenty of ways in which World of Animals readers can help these creatures. “Donations to the SOCP and to Durrell are going to help massively,” he begins. “With the palm oil, get involved with online petitions. There are a lot of things on Facebook petitioning companies. The big companies are driven by their profits and when their products dip because consumers stop buying their products they tend to sit up and listen and want to know what they can change.” However, this change isn’t something that can just happen overnight, it’s something we all must create, otherwise wildlife sanctuaries such as Durrell and images in magazines like this will be the only places these magnificent creatures will still exist. Their future really does lie in our hands.
Do your part How you can help the Sumatran orangutans As you’re now aware, the Sumatran orangutan desperately needs all the help it can get. While it’s not possible for everyone to travel to Sumatra, there’s still plenty you can do to help this beautiful but endangered animal. The easiest option is to dip into your pocket, which will immediately help young orangutans, such as baby Kea, and those still in the wild. Durrell has animal adoptions that give you birth certificates, family pictures, interesting back stories on the animals you’re adopting and even park tickets. In addition to adopting an animal you can also sponsor one of the many field workers that work tirelessly on the front lines at the SOCP. You can find more adoption details by visiting www.durrell.org/adopt/ sumatran-orangutan and sponsorship details at www.durrell.org/soso#sponsor.
Discover more WWW.DURRELL.ORG
A special thanks to Gordon Hunt and Kelly Barker of Durrell Wildlife Park for their help with this article. Their work, along with many other conservationists, is vital to the survival of this species. For more information on the Save Our Sumatran Orangutans campaign, visit the website.
© FLPA; Corbis; Thinkstock; Gregory Guida; Jon Stark; Colin Stevenson
1900
Population name: Trumon-Singkil Protection: Leuser Ecosystem and Wildlife Reserve Population:
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Words Rob Jones
Despite large parts of this island nation perceived as inhospitable, every part of Australia is in fact home to a bounty of wondrous creatures, many found nowhere else on Earth Isolated by continental drift for millions of years, Australia took a 45-million-year journey northwards. The unique wildlife of the Great South Land are the descendants of the passengers on this journey, the marsupials and egglayers (also known as monotremes) who were joined by bats and rodents from Asia that arrived by floating or flying over the oceans. Today the legacy of this geological migration is the unique, rich, diverse and truly wonderful wildlife that calls Australia its home. Discover more of this magical land as World of Animals brings you 50 facts about amazing Australian animals.
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Australia’s amazing animals
Red kangaroos can jump nine metres in one bound Perhaps Australia’s most-recognisable creature, the kangaroo is capable of great leaps across the plains and can reach impressive top speeds
Activity Red kangaroos are crepuscular creatures, meaning that they are most active during dawn and dusk, spending much of the day lying in shady areas.
Diet Red kangaroos primarily consume green vegetation such as fresh grasses and forbs, the latter being a type of herbaceous flowering plant.
Of all Australia’s species, it’s the kangaroo that’s most well-known and famous, it being the largest mammal native to the country. Of the kangaroo subspecies, the red kangaroo is the largest and most spectacular, capable of amazing feats of athleticism and agility, such as jumping over nine metres (30 feet) in one bound and hopping at speeds greater than 56 kilometres (35 miles) per hour. Both these abilities are granted thanks to the species’ highly specialised muscular hind-limbs, which work like a pair of elastic bands, storing up energy and then releasing it quickly and effectively whenever the animal needs to sprint and bound. Size-wise a typical red kangaroo sports a head-andbody length of 1.4 metres (4.7 feet), as well as a strong and powerful metre (3.3 foot)-long tail, which is used to aid balance while standing and sprinting. The female of the species tend to be smaller than the males, generally living together in groups of two to four, with the most common being groups of females with their young. At select times of the year, however, red kangaroos tend to congregate in large numbers, with masses of more than 1,500 individuals common in areas of high foraging potential, an activity that usually occurs at dawn and dusk. In fact, dawn and dusk are the primary times of activity for the red kangaroo, with the daytime heat – which in Australia is incredibly intense – spent dozing in the shade. Despite their ability to travel very quickly and surpass most natural obstacles, due to their high agility, kangaroos don’t travel around much at all, staying usually within a well-defined home range. Natural disasters and poor foraging conditions will cause them to migrate, as well as in times of rare predation by large groupings of dingoes.
Who can leap the farthest? Bushbaby Cottontail rabbit
Mike Powell (long jumper)
Kangaroo
Snow leopard
Rocket frog
RED KANGAROO Macropus rufus Class Mammalia
0m
5m
10m
15m
Territory Australian mainland Diet Herbivore Lifespan Up to 23 years Adult weight Up to 90kg / 200lbs Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERN
ABOVE Jumps of up to nine metres in length and three metres in height are common, as well as speeds of 60 kilometres (37 miles) per hour
69
Australia’s amazing animals
False head The thorny dragon’s distinctive, second, false head clearly on display. When attacked, it offers this to predators to protect itself.
The thorny dragon has two heads A creature stranger than fiction, this lizard has developed a unique way of protecting itself Known as the thorny dragon, thorny devil and Moloch horridus mountain devil, this lizard Class Reptilia is without doubt one of Australia’s most interesting species due it its amazing evolutionary appendage – a Territory Western Australia second head. Diet Carnivore The second head, which Lifespan 12-20 years Adult weight 95g / 3.4oz is mounted to the top-rear Conservation Status of its real head, is used to avoid being mortally wounded in an attack. As a NOT EVALUATED predator, such as a bird of prey or goanna, sweeps in to attack, the dragon quickly dips its real head and offers the spiky fake one instead, which is then attacked. The spiny, inedible nature of the false head usually then deters any further attack by the predator, leaving the dragon wounded but very much alive. The other remarkable, stand-out element to the thorny dragon is its distinctive gait, which is unlike any other species on Earth. As the lizard proceeds to undertake its daily activity of searching for food, water and potential mates, it walks with a rocking motion, jutting backwards and forwards as it moves, before proceeding to freeze for a moment, before rocking backwards and forwards again. THORNY DRAGON
RAINBOW LORIKEET Trichoglossus haematodus Class Aves
Territory Australian mainland and Tasmania Diet Herbivore Lifespan 15-20 years Adult weight 280g / 10oz Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERN
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Conical spines The dragon is covered with uncalcified conical spines that help deter potential predators.
CAN CONSUME UP TO
3,000 ANTS
Rainbow lorikeets pair for life Probably the most colourful creature in Australia, the rainbow lorikeet is a species of true parrot that can be found across large swathes of the country, but specifically in Queensland, where a wildlife sanctuary is home to literally thousand of them. The species grows to a size of around 30 centimetres (11.8 inches) and has a wingspan close to 20 centimetres (7.9 inches). It tends to eat fruits, pollen and nectar, the latter harvested with ease thanks to its tongue, featuring a papillate appendage. Rainbow lorikeets breed in Australia from September to December.
PER DAY
The platypus is an evolutionary dead-end
DUCK-BILLED PLATYPUS Ornithorhynchus anatinus Class Mammalia
So odd-looking that when it was first discovered by Europeans it was thought a forgery, the platypus is in fact a very real species that inhabits large parts of eastern Territory Eastern Australia Diet Carnivore Australia. Its unusual appearance is only Lifespan 15 years one aspect of interest, however, as the Adult weight 0.7-2.4kg / platypus is a rare egg-laying and venomous 1.5-5.3lbs Conservation Status mammal, with the venom largely consisting of defensin-like proteins. The platypus also uses electrolocation to find other organisms LEAST CONCERN by detecting their electric fields, something generated by their muscular contractions. Another interesting aspect to this species is that it’s at an evolutionary dead-end, with it sitting at the end of its evolutionary tree branch, so to speak. Its genome shares features with mammals, birds and even reptiles. In terms of habitat, the platypus is semi-aquatic, spending its time slipping in and out of small streams and rivers.
Australia’s amazing animals
The barking owl is totally silent in flight Ninox connivens Class Aves Territory Australian mainland
The irukandji jellyfish measures only one cubic centimetre Carukia barnesi Class Cubozoa Territory Australian coastal waters
KOALA BEARS SLEEP FOR UP TO
The venom of a stonefish can kill a human in just two hours
22PEHR DARYS
Synanceia verrucosa Class Actinopterygii Territory Australian reefs
Central bearded dragons communicate by bobbing their heads Pogona vitticeps Class Reptilia Territory Central Australia An incredibly common species of agamid lizard found in arid and semi-arid environments, the central bearded dragon is one of Australia’s most well-known species and they are o>en kept as pets. Adults typically grow to about 0.6 metres (two feet) in length and can vary quite dramatically in colour, with reds, browns, whites and even yellow colouration possible. The most notable aspect of this species is its nodding-based communication, with slow bowing nods indicating submission, fast bobbing nods indicating dominance and violent large nods indicating a desire to mate with a partner.
Koalas have fingerprints like humans Another iconic creature from the land down under, the koala is perhaps the most idle marsupial around
“The koala is easily recognisable by its squat tailless body”
An incredibly interesting KOALA species closely related to Phascolarctos cinereus wombats, the koala – not the Class Mammalia inaccurate koala bear – is a tree-dwelling, herbivorous species native to Australia. Typically located in the Territory Eastern and southcoastal forested areas of eastern Australia the mainland’s eastern and Diet Herbivore Lifespan 13-18 years southern regions, the koala Adult weight 9kg / 20lbs is easily recognisable by its Conservation Status squat, tailless body, round fluffy ears and odd-looking nose. In terms of diet, this LEAST CONCERN species eats eucalyptus leaves almost exclusively, so its habitat is frequently found to be eucalypt woodlands, however as these leaves deliver restricted nutritional content the koala is often found sleeping, an activity it engages in for up to 22 hours a day.
71
Australia’s amazing animals
The Tasmanian devil’s bite is strong for its size Surpassing any other land mammal in terms of sheer biting strength, the Tasmanian devil is a wily and often vicious opportunist The Tasmanian devil is one of the largest and fiercest carnivorous marsupials in the Sarcophilus harrisii world. Found on the Australian island state Class Mammalia of Tasmania, the devil is characterised by its stocky, muscular build, sharp teeth, distinctive screeching call and black fur. The devil’s feeding process is arguably Territory Tasmania its most interesting aspect, as despite Diet Carnivore eating violently and with much aggression Lifespan 4-6 years Adult weight 4-12kg / 9-26lbs – when consuming small animals a devil will Conservation Status literally leave no trace, devouring its bones and fur too – it does so communally, with groups of devils all consuming the same ENDANGERED target without in-fighting. Interestingly, devils have also been witnessed working together to acquire a meal, with certain reports indicating that they practise ambush predation, tracking and then taking down a target before consuming it rapidly. A devil can eat up to 40 per cent of its body weight in just 30 minutes. Despite its apparent hardiness, however, the Tasmanian devil is currently listed as Endangered due to an estimated population decline of 80 per cent since the Nineties, with now only 10,000 to 15,000 remaining in the wild. Causes for this decline appear to be habitat loss, displacement, human culling, disease and incidents involving vehicles, with large parts of their historical range now developed on and thousands of individuals hit by cars each year. As an iconic animal of Australia, conservation efforts are underway to stem the decline and the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act now protects the species. TASMANIAN DEVIL
Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Class Aves Territory North-east and mainland Australia Commonly referred to as the jabiru in Australia – even though that is technically a name for a similar but different species of stork found in the Americas – the black-neck is Australia’s only stork, inhabiting large swathes of the north-east area of the country. Growing to about 1.4 metres in height, the black-necked stork is a large bird that, unlike some species, can actually fly using its 230-centimetre (91-inch) wingspan to cruise long distances to engage in breeding opportunities.
A numbat’s diet consists almost exclusively of termites Myrmecobius fasciatus Class Mammalia Territory Southern Australia A rare marsupial found in Western Australia, the numbat was once found throughout the southern regions, but due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as mass predation, it’s listed as Endangered. The numbat is a small, colourful mammal that’s identified by the distinctive white stripes on its hindquarters. Unlike most other marsupials, the numbat is largely diurnal, being most active in daylight hours, when it hunts out termite colonies, its primary food source.
Megaptera novaeangliae Class Mammalia Territory Australian ocean waters
Scavenger As well as actively hunting prey, with wombats a common choice, the Tasmanian devil is also an active scavenger, consuming carrion when available.
CAN EAT UP TO OF ITS BODY WEIGHT
IN 30 MINUTES
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The black-necked stork is the only stork native to Australia
Humpback whale songs last 10 to 20 minutes and are repeated for many hours
Dominance Male Tasmanian devils establish dominance through posturing, vocalisations and, in some cases, fighting.
40%
“Growing to about 1.4 metres in height, the blacknecked stork is a large bird that can actually fly”
The perentie can grow to over 2.5 metres in length Varanus giganteus Class Reptilia Territory Central Australia
King browns The flatback are among the turtle lays fewer longest snakes but larger eggs in the world Pseudechis australis than other Class Reptilia turtle species Territory Mainland Australia Natator depressus Class Reptilia Territory Australian bays, reefs and estuaries
The galah is a distant relative of the white cockatoo Eolophus roseicapilla Class Aves Territory Mainland Australia
When you think of a snake, you typically don’t think of something that’s over three metres in length, but with the king brown that’s exactly what you get, with the species frequently surpassing the 2.5- to 3-metre mark. The brown is also venomous, with its poison consisting of a neurotoxin that it can deliver in a large 150-milogram dose per bite. The king brown is also one of the most widespread snake species in Australia.
Australia’s amazing animals
WHALE SHARK Rhincodon typus Class Chondrichthyes
The massive whale shark lives on tiny plankton A slow-moving, filter-feeding shark that takes the title of the largest living fish on Earth, the whale shark is one of Australia’s most spectacular marine species, measuring up to 12 metres in length (40 feet), weighing more than 20,000 kilograms (44,000 pounds) and sporting distinctive yellow spots and stripes. Unlike most other sharks it
feeds primarily on macro-algae, plankton, krill and various small vertebrates. Prey are drawn into its large mouth by ram filtration and then sifted by a system of ten filter pads each with between 300 to 350 rows of tiny teeth. Despite their large size, whale sharks pose no threat to humans, with divers often swimming with them.
The rat kangaroo is no bigger than a domestic cat Despite it now being rated as a Vulnerable species, heading towards extinction, the quokka was once far more widespread on mainland Australia and was one of the first species discovered by Europeans when exploring the country. Today, typical quokka specimens weigh between 2.5-5 kilograms (5.5 to 11 pounds) and never measure in at more than about 70 centimetres in height, earning them their nickname as the rat kangaroo. Despite appearing like a small kangaroo, however, the quokka can climb small trees and shrubs, spending its time in and around them in the long grasses of QUOKKA Setonix brachyurus Rottnest Island. Class Mammalia
Territory South-west Western Australia and Rottnest Island Diet Herbivore Lifespan 5-10 years Adult weight 4.2 kg / 9lbs Conservation Status
VULNERABLE
Casuarius casuarius Class Aves
Dacelo novaeguineae Class Aves Territory Tasmania and Western Australia
Territory North-eastern Australia Diet Frugivore Lifespan 30 years Adult weight 58.5 kg / 129lbs Conservation Status
VULNERABLE
The cassowary is the world’s second-heaviest living bird Related to the emu and ostrich, the southern cassowary is one of the largest birds on the planet, ranking in as the third-tallest and second-heaviest of all, with individuals growing to over 1.8 metres (5.9 feet) in height and weighing in at over 58 kilograms (129 pounds). Despite its large size, cassowaries are typically shy creatures, avoiding human contact in most circumstances. Indeed, thanks to their habitat largely consisting of deep forests and woodlands, sightings aren’t common. One of the cassowary’s most interesting features is its head-mounted casque, a horn-like crescent made from keratinous skin.
An interesting species of penguin native to Australia and New Zealand, as well as a bounty of smaller islands in the vicinity, the little penguin is incredibly tiny, as you’d expect. Nicknamed the fairy penguin by locals, this species typically grows to only about 30 centimetres (12 inches) in height and weighs no more than 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds). Like most seabirds, however, they have relatively long lifespans and can live for over six years at best.
VULNERABLE
A kookaburra’s call sounds like human laughter
CASSOWARY
The little penguin is the smallest in the world
Territory Australian northern coastal waters Diet Herbivore Lifespan 70-100 years Adult weight 20 tons Conservation Status
LITTLE PENGUIN Eudyptula minor Class Aves
Territory South coast of Australia and Babel Island Diet Carnivore Lifespan 6 years Adult weight 1.5kg / 3.3lbs Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERN
Lyrebirds can mimic sounds from their environment Menura novaehollandiae Class Aves Territory Southeastern Australia
The sea wasp jellyfish is one of Australia’s most deadly creatures Chironex fleckeri Class Cubozoa Territory Northern Australian ocean waters A killer that between 1884 and 1996 accounted for at least 63 known deaths, the sea wasp is a species of box jellyfish that specialises in pumping its victim with deadly venom. This comes courtesy of its three-metre-long tentacles, which are covered with millions of cnidocytes that release microscopic darts filled with the deadly chemicals. Typical stings from the sea wasp result in excruciating pain followed by, if leJ untreated, swiJ death.
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Australia’s amazing animals
The saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile on Earth
Fat boys Male saltwater crocodiles can grow to truly massive proportions, with some recorded specimens weighing in at more than 2,000 kilograms (4,400 pounds).
An evolutionary survivor, the saltwater is a throwback to a time when giant lizards ruled the Earth Commonly referred to as the saltie, the saltwater crocodile is one of the Crocodylus porosus country’s most famous and Class Reptilia recognisable species. The largest of all living reptiles, as well as the largest terrestrial and riparian Territory Indo-pacific coasts predator in the world, this Diet Carnivore Lifespan 70-100 years crocodile species is quite Adult weight 400-1,000kg / simply enormous with some 880-2,200lbs of the largest specimens Conservation Status weighing in at more than 2,000 kilograms (4,400 pounds). This size and LEAST CONCERN weight makes it an apex predator, capable of taking down almost any animal that enters its territory, including humans. When ambushing prey the saltie is capable of astonishing bursts of speed and power, meaning it can swim at up to 18 miles per hour – three-times as fast as an average human. Attacks from salties tend to involve an ambush from a submerged water state, catching a shoredwelling or riverbank-dwelling species off guard and dragging them into the water. The saltwater crocodile has the highest bite force of any species on Earth, with figures north of 16,000 Newtons (3,700 pound force) recorded in a laboratory setting. SALTWATER CROCODILE
The black swan has a distinctive S-shaped neck and red bill
A second species of snubfin dolphin has been found
Cygnus atratus Class Aves Territory South-east and southwest Australia
Orcaella brevirostris Class Mammalia Territory Coastal waters of northern Australia
Bilbies can give The monjon birth in 12 days inhabits only Macrotis lagotis a tiny area in Class Mammalia Territory Northwestern and north-western central Australia Australia Desert-dwelling marsupial omnivores, bilbies are bandicootlike creatures that commonly grow no bigger than 55 centimetres (22 inches) in length and rarely come out during the day. The most interesting aspect to the bilby is that it doesn’t need to drink, as it gets all of its moisture from food. Bilbies are also excellent burrowers, using their strong forelimbs and large claws to excavate extensive tunnel systems for habitation.
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Petrogale burbidgei Class Mammalia Territory Western Australia
The spotted handfish’s fins resemble human hands Brachionichthys hirsutus Class Actinopterygii Territory Tasmania
SALTWATER CROCS HAVE THE STRONGEST
BITE ON EARTH
Red-necked wallabies thump to communicate Distinguished by their black noses and paws, as well as distinctive red shoulder colouration, red-necked wallabies are among Australia’s most iconic creatures. Weighing in at around 15 kilograms (33 pounds) and standing shorter than the average kangaroo at 0.8 metres (2.5 feet), the red-necked wallaby can be found throughout Australia’s eastern coastal areas as well as the island state of Tasmania. Zoologists have noted that, when threatened, the wallaby will adopt a frozen posture then thump its foot to warn others of the danger. Unlike other species, RED-NECKED WALLABY the red-neck is a solitary Macropus rufogriseus animal, only gathering Class Mammalia in groups when an area boasts an abundance of food, water or shelter. When grouped they have Territory Eastern Australia a social hierarchy led by Diet Herbivore Lifespan 15 years dominant males. Adult weight 13-18kg / 29Interestingly, the 40lbs red-necked wallabies Conservation Status inhabiting Tasmania are smaller than their mainland relatives and LEAST CONCERN tend to have longer fur.
Bite Saltwater crocodiles have the strongest bite of any living creature, capable of crushing a bovid’s skull with ease. Bite force values of 3,700 pound force have been recorded.
Australia’s amazing animals Dusky hopping mouse young reach maturity in 70 days Notomys fuscus Class Mammalia Territory South Australia
Male Australian sea lions kill the young of rivals to protect territory
Born free The dingo is a freeroaming species with two types of behaviour, one associated with hunting and the other with exploration.
Neophoca cinerea Class Mammalia Territory South and west coasts of Australia
The echidna is one of only two egg-laying Honeyeaters mammals are Australia’s Tachyglossus aculeatus Class Mammalia smallest birds Territory Mainland Australia and Tasmania
Julia Creek dunnart tails are carrotshaped Sminthopsis douglasi Class Mammalia Territory North-eastern Australia
Myzomela sanguinolenta Class Aves Territory South-eastern mainland Australia The scarlet honeyeater is a small bird with red or brown plumage common to eastern mainland Australia, where it inhabits a wide range of terrain, from coastal heaths to forests. The species is arboreal, spending much of its day foraging among foliage.
The amethystine python is the largest snake in Australia Morelia amethistina Class Reptilia Territory Northern Queensland, Australia Simply put, the amethystine python is huge, feeding on birds, fruit bats, rats and possums to grow to its enormous size. With typical specimens delivering a length of five metres (16 feet) but record individuals clocking in at over eight metres (26 feet), the amethystine is the biggest python not just in Australia but the entirety of Australasia. Its name is derived from the milky iridescent sheen on each of its scales, which give the snake an amethyst colouration. In Australia, the highest density of amethystine pythons can be found in the rainforests of Queensland, however specimens are regularly found in the bushlands.
The dingo is the largest carnivorous mammal The largest carnivorous mammal in the whole of Australia, the dingo encapsulates the wild nature of the outback inches) in length and 16 One of the few freeDINGO kilograms (35 pounds) roaming dog species left Canis lupus dingo in weight, with males on Earth, the dingo is one Class Mammalia typically being bigger of Australia’s most famous and heavier than females. creatures. The largest pure The dingo is covered terrestrial predator on the with a short, soft fur island, it has a varied diet, Territory Australian mainland and features a bushy tail attacking and consuming Diet Carnivore Lifespan 10 years like a fox, with a reddish everything from livestock Adult weight 13-20kg / 29brown colouration being to rabbits, rats and even 44lbs common. Historically kangaroos. Kills are made Conservation Status dingoes varied more in by biting the throat and colouration, with all-black causing asphyxiation, with specimens common. the prey first being worn VULNERABLE Regardless, all dingoes down through extended sport small white markings periods of chasing, on the chest, muzzle and legs. According ramming and biting. to DNA evidence, the dingo is more The average Australian dingo closely related to the domestic dog than measures about 55 centimetres (22 it is to wolves or coyotes. inches) in height, 140 centimetres (55
“The dingo is more closely related to the domestic dog than it is to wolves” The dugong has a fusiform body A large marine mammal closely related to the now Dugong dugon extinct Steller’s sea cow Class Mammalia (Hydrodamalis gigas), the dugong is an interesting animal with a fusiform body (it’s tapered at Territory Australian northern both ends), no dorsal fin coastal waters Diet Herbivore and no hind limbs. As Lifespan 70 years such, this is one of the Adult weight 499 kg / 1,100lbs most distinctive marine Conservation Status mammals to be found in Australian waters, with it typically found grazing VULNERABLE on seagrasses growing on the ocean floor. Despite a dugong individual typically living for 70 years in the wild – a lifespan similar to the average for humans – the species is currently classified as Vulnerable and heading towards extinction, in part caused by a legacy of human predation for its meat and oil. DUGONG
The black wallaroo is the smallest
The dibbler is carnivorous and nocturnal
Macropus bermardus Class Mammalia Territory Arnhem Land, Northern Territory Australia
Parantechinus apicalis Class Mammalia Territory Western Australia’s south-west mainland
75
Australia’s amazing animals
The frill-necked lizard can run on two legs This quirky tree-dwelling lizard features a colourful display of skin and can break into a comic upright sprint to escape danger The frill-necked lizard, also commonly referred to as the frilled dragon, is the only member of the genus Chlamydosaurus. It sports a distinctive frill of skin around its neck that, when the reptile is frightened or trying to display an act of dominance, is splayed out quickly via a series of cartilaginous spines in a vivid deimatic display. Once open, its frill exposes an area of bright pink, red and yellow. Typically this sudden burst of colour and size is enough to deter encroaching creatures, startling them into submission and retreat. If not then the little reptile will sprint for the safety of the nearest tree, comically running on its hinds legs
FRILL-NECKED LIZARD Chlamydosaurus kingii Class Reptilia
Territory Northern Australia Diet Insectivore Lifespan 15-20 years Adult weight 0.5kg / 1.1lbs Conservation Status
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while the front two windmill around. The lizard’s frill is also used during courtship rituals, being displayed prominently before females. Like many other of Australia’s lizards, the frill-neck is insectivorous, with a diet largely composed of cicadas, beetles and termites. Large butterflies and moths, as well as their larvae, are also a particular favourite, with the odd spider also thrown into the mix if necessary. The frill-necked lizard doesn’t eat on a daily basis, however, instead tending to binge when possible before going through extended periods without feeding at all.
“Once open, its frill exposes an area of bright pink, red and yellow” Unseen A frill-neck’s natural environment is among the tops of trees, so it sports a natural camouflage to blend in with its surroundings.
The tail of the scaly-tailed possum is completely hairless Wyulda squamicaudata Class Mammalia Territory, Western Australia
The inland taipan snake has the most deadly venom of any snake in the world Oxyuranus microlepidotus Class Reptilia Territory Central-east Australia
Kangaroo island is one of the best places to see New Zealand fur seals in the wild Arctocephalus forsteri Class Mammalia Territory Australian south coastal waters and Kangaroo Island
LEAST CONCERN
The Australian quoll evolved about 15 million years ago Dasyurus viverrinus Class Mammalia Territory Mainland Australia and Tasmania
Emus can grow up to two metres high
Frill The lizard’s frill is supported by long spines of cartilage that are connected to the jaw bones. This rapid and vibrant display is oRen enough to deter most inquisitive predators.
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Dromaius novaehollandiae Class Aves Territory Australian mainland The largest bird native to Australia and the only living member of the genus Dromaius, the emu is common throughout the entire country. A typical emu grows to a whopping 1.9 metres (six feet) high and 1.5 metres (five feet) in length. Furthermore, the emu pairs this size with a rapid top speed, with its highly specialised pelvic limb musculature enabling it to hit 48km (30 mph).
Australia’s amazing animals
Wombats take two weeks to digest their food A short, dumpy, four-legged marsupial famous for its ability to dig extensive underground burrow systems, the wombat is one of Australia’s most famous herbivores. Found throughout south-eastern Australia and Tasmania, the wombat inhabits a wide range of habitats, including heathlands, mountains and forests. The animal is crepuscular and nocturnal, being most active from dusk to dawn, spending the night foraging for grasses, sedges, herbs, barks and plant roots, gnawing them with their incisor teeth. As such, wombats are not as commonly seen as other Australian mammals, with their grey, brown and black furs camouflaging them well. The wombat’s most notable feature is its extraordinarily slow metabolism, taking up to 14 days to finish a digestion cycle. WOMBAT Vombatus ursinus This is an excellent Class Mammalia evolutionary gain for the wombat, as it enables it to remain healthy and active Territory Australian mainland for many days in arid Diet Herbivore conditions, something Lifespan 5 years Adult weight 15-35kg / 33other mammals can’t 77lbs do. The counter to this Conservation Status ability, however, is the wombat’s poor agility that often leaves it vulnerable to LEAST CONCERN predators and other danger.
Latrodectus hasseltii Class Arachnida
Territory Mainland Australia Diet Carnivore Lifespan 6 months to 3 years Adult weight NA Conservation Status
NOT EVALUATED
WOMBATS 4123̏14-© -©! " AT
2FO5R 90MSEPCSH
The redback is the most venomous spider in Australia A relative of the European black widow, the redback spider is the most venomous arachnid native to Australia, with the species responsible for the vast majority of spider bites in the country each year. The redback is not only found throughout the country, but it also has a penchant for living in or near human dwellings, with individuals reportedly found in bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. This is a problem for residents, because the redback is one of the few spider species that can severely harm humans, as its venom is packed with a complex mixture of cells, enzymes and toxins that cause pain, burning, swelling, nausea and even infections of the skin. Prior to the introduction of the anti-venom in 1956, redback bites in rare cases also reportedly led to comas and deaths. Since its introduction, however, there have been no redback-caused deaths recorded. The redback species is primarily nocturnal, with the larger dominant females creating untidy webs in warm, sheltered locations. Male redbacks and any spiderlings produced live in the outskirts of these untidy webs, typically feeding on the left-overs produced by the female. The name redback is derived from the marked red stripe that runs along the dorsal aspect of the adult female’s abdomen.
The brolga has the most intricate mating dance in the world At first glance the brolga appears simply to be Grus rubicunda another bird in the packed Class Aves crane family, however, it’s, world-renowned for its ritualistic and intricate mating dance. This begins Territory North Australia with a brolga picking up Diet Omnivore Lifespan 10-25 years some grass with its bill and Adult weight 3.7-8.7kg / tossing it into the air before 8.2-19lbs catching it once more. The Conservation Status brolga then jumps into the air by one metre, outstretching its wings. Once LEAST CONCERN landed from its extrovert leap, it then stretches its neck, bows and struts around, bobbing its head up and down while calling prominently. This performance is both undertaken singularly and also in pairs or even large groups, with multiple brolgas dancing and strutting around one another en-masse. BROLGA
© Alamy; FLPA; Getty; Naturepl.com; Thinkstock
REDBACK SPIDER
Defence The wombat’s primary defence against predators is a toughened rear hide made of cartilage.
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Secrets of the polar bear
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The diary of this fearless Arctic wanderer is anything but predictable, as expert Dr. Andrew Derocher reveals Words Jodie Tyley
A polar bear mother is getting ready to take her first steps outside of the den in over six months. Spring has come to the Arctic and the Sun will now remain in the sky for 24 hours a day, putting an end to the perpetual night of winter. This is a prime time for hunting, as the bear is not the only one to become a mother. The scent of seal pup is in the air and it’s making her hyper-sensitive nose quiver. She hasn’t eaten the entire time she has been nursing her twin cubs (common in polar bears) and needs to feed fast if she has any hope of keeping them alive. If she can raise just one of them to maturity it will be a great achievement in the face of the many dangers that await them in this frozen world.
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Secrets of the polar bear Hungry wolves, cannibalistic male bears and starvation are just some of the obstacles this one-parent family is up against, but growing cold is not one of them. Layers are key to wrapping up warm, so a polar bear’s fur has an insulating undercoat, followed by guard hairs that aren’t actually white, but transparent and reflect the visible light. Underneath, the bear’s skin is black to absorb the heat from the Sun and beneath that is a thick layer of fat that can be 11.5 centimetres (4.5 inches) deep. All this protection against temperatures as low as -37 degrees Celcius (-35 degrees Fahrenheit) can cause a polar bear to overheat, so they move slowly and rest often. The polar bear is the largest carnivorous land animal – a male can reach a length of over three metres (ten feet) and weigh half a ton. It’s little wonder they require plenty of naps as well as eight hours sleep, but no one tells them when to go to bed. “The normal daily patterns POLAR BEAR we see in temperate and Ursus maritimus Class Mammalia tropical species don’t hold for polar bears,” says Dr. Andrew Derocher, one of the world’s leading experts on the animal. “The bears tend to be a bit more Territory In and around the active in the morning and Arctic region Diet Carnivore evenings but this isn’t for Lifespan 20-30 years long. Remember, the bears Adult weight 450kg / 990lbs live in a world that is 24 Conservation Status hours of darkness for the winter months and then 24 hours of daylight for the VULNERABLE summer.” While females and
“The bears live in a world that is 24 hours of darkness for the winter months and then 24 hours of daylight for the summer” Dr. Andrew Derocher
BELOW If a bear becomes stranded on land during winter, it has to wait for the ice to return before it can hunt
sub-adults will be cautious about where they rest their head, it’s a different story for fully grown males. “They sleep anywhere, wanting and fearing little or nothing,” Dr. Derocher continues. These Arctic dwellers are the polar opposite of their brown and black cousins that hibernate. Instead, they can slow their metabolic rate to conserve energy and survive when food is scarce, which is crucial in the summer when the ice melts away. Some bears swim for hundreds of miles to stay with their prey, living up to their Latin name meaning maritime bear. Others become stranded on land and must wait for the sea ice to return, going without food for long periods of time since it’s much harder to hunt in BELOW Mothers will fiercely protect their cubs from predators, which include hungry male polar bears
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polar bear LEFT A fully grown polar bear will sleep whenever and wherever it chooses to
Insulation Polar bears are so wellinsulated that they easily overheat when running. This is why they tend to remain still when hunting.
Polar bear diet
Ringed seals Seals make up most of a polar bear’s diet since there are millions residing in the Arctic. They are full of caloric blubber that mature bears need, while younger bears feast on the proteinrich red meat. Juveniles that haven’t mastered hunting will scavenge on carcasses for vital sustenance.
What do polar bears eat?
Bearded seals Unlike the much smaller ringed seal, the bearded variety is almost as big as a polar bear. It’s believed that only a mature male is a match for this blubbery beast, but the payoff in nutrition is equally huge. Walruses can also be on the menu, but their tusks deter most bears.
Beluga whales These creatures are tricky to capture, measuring four metres and weighing one ton, so they’re a huge prize for any bear. However, bears stand a good chance if a beluga whale becomes trapped in the ice, as it can only hold its breath for 20 minutes. The bears simply wait for the whale to surface.
Birds’ eggs and vegetation Polar bears have been photographed scaling near-vertical cliffs to feast on thick-billed murre chicks and eggs. Researchers suggest that bears are probably looking for alternative food sources when the sea ice melts in the summer months. They are easy prey and provide a high-calorie snack.
“Male polar bears will clash over mating rights in spring”
Fur Contrary to popular belief, a polar bear’s fur isn’t white; it’s transparent and reflects the light, much like snow that o=en surrounds it
open water. This means there is no such thing as set meal times – it’s simply a case of eating whatever and whenever they can. “I have a list of over 80 species that polar bears have been known to eat, but it’s ringed and bearded seals that keep them moving,” says Dr. Derocher. “The bears will eat walrus, other seals, beluga whales, narwhal, birds, eggs, fish, berries, seaweed, snowmachine seats, garbage and any carrion. They were observed in Svalbard eating a whale carcass that was thawing out of a glacier and the age of the whale was several hundred years old!” Though they don’t hunt in groups, polar bears have been known to dine together so long as the guests know how to show good manners to their host – the one who was there first. Any newcomers must stay low to the ground to show submission and walk slowly around the food. Finally it touches noses with the bear who owns the carcass, who is more likely to offer him a seat now that proper etiquette has been shown. However, this sight is rare in the summer when food is limited. To warn off any advancing competition, the bear will emit a deep growl. Attacking polar
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Secrets of the polar bear bears charge, ears flat against their head and jaws open ready to bite their opponent. Aside from food, male polar bears will clash over mating rights in spring and, less intensely, in the run-up to the mating season when they are trying to establish the social hierarchy. They’ll rear up on their hind legs to reveal their full, intimidating height and trade blows with their paws. You will often see veterans bearing the scars and missing teeth of past mating seasons. However, this isn’t to say females are afraid of getting their paws dirty. They may be half the size of their male counterparts, but they will resolutely stand their ground to protect their cubs if they should run into a hungry bear. Polar bears are attentive, nurturing mothers who rarely get a moment’s peace, as Dr. Derocher explains: “The cubs spend a lot of time playing. It seems that mothers with older cubs are pulled along by the
curiosity of their offspring. Yearlings and two-yearold cubs (offspring normally stay with the mother for 2.5 years) are very adventurous and much less wary than adults.” She’ll scold them with a low growl if they are drawing too much attention to themselves, which can scare off potential food. The main prey for polar bears is the ringed seal, which provides them with the calories they need. “You can think of a polar bear as akin to being a blubber sponge,” he says. “They hunt seals for their blubber and a bear can eat up to 20 per cent of its body mass in a single meal. Most of this meal would be fat and of this, well over 90 per cent will be deposited directly into the fat cells of the bear. They are predisposed to being big – there’s no polar bear that ever looked at its reflection in the water and thought ‘I’m too fat’.” The chances of catching a seal are much greater on land, where bears can sniff out their flippered
Birthing Females will carry two or three cubs by December. These newborns are 30 to 35 centimetres long (12 to 14 inches) but their mother’s milk enables them to grow quickly so that by April they can leave the den. The female will then enjoy her first meal in four to eight months. Her young will be dependent on her for 2.5 years.
The life of a polar bear
01 Hunting Spring is the time of year to relentlessly hunt ringed seals, a polar bear’s favourite meal. There are no set meal times, but the first course is always the skin and blubber, which provides the bear with energy-rich fat content. This is followed by the meat, but sometimes the bears leave the remainder of the carcass to be picked over by birds, Arctic foxes and other bears.
02 Grooming Polar bears prefer to look their best at all times, spending a great deal of time grooming throughout the day. After snoozing, a bear will usually rub its large body over the snow to get rid of any dirt and it always washes its blood-stained fur coat in the water after eating. The ice then acts as a natural towel to dry their wet fur. This ensures their fur can carry on doing its job of keeping them warm in extremely cold temperatures.
“Real fights break out in the mating season, where bears are often left with broken teeth and scars” 03 Walking Communicating If a polar bear wants to ask a question, such as whether he can share some food, he will gently touch noses with the other bear. Any hissing, growling or snorting noises mean that a bear is angry, but chuffing (similar to a noisy puffing sound) shows that the bear is distressed. Mothers o?en make this sound when they are concerned for their cubs.
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During mating season in the spring, males will follow the tracks of a breeding female for 100 kilometres (60 miles). Polar bears don’t move particularly quickly either, due to their cumbersome frame, plodding along at a rate of five to six kilometres (three to four miles) per hour. In general, bears avoid running, as this can burn up precious energy. Short bursts of speed are only reserved for catching prey.
06 Mating In April and May female bears over four years of age will start courting a male who has gallantly fought with other males for the right to mate with her. Partners will stay together for a week and the mother will then take on food before making a den in the autumn. Her heart rate will start to slow from 46 to 27 beats per minute. This is like hibernation, but the bear isn’t sleeping all the time.
Swimming Polar bears’ Latin name translates to maritime bear, which is appropriate because they’re such strong swimmers. Their large front paws propel them through the water in a dog-paddle style and they can swim at speeds of ten kilometres (six miles) per hour. A thick layer of fat keeps the bear warm while swimming in sub-zero temperatures and their nostrils close when underwater. They prefer to catch their prey on land, but have been known to make shallow dives when stalking prey.
polar bear
Playing Cubs and adolescent bears spar for fun, rolling around in the snow and nipping at each other. When they grow older, the males among them will continue this tradition in preparation for mating season. This helps them figure out their place in the polar bear hierarchy and teaches them how to fight for their mating rights. A play fight can be initiated by wagging their head and by standing on their hind legs with their paws by their sides.
05 Fighting We may think of them as ferocious beasts, but polar bears tend to avoid confrontation where possible. They are not territorial like their grizzly cousins and they have been known to share their food with others. However, real fights break out in the mating season, where bears are often left with broken teeth and scars. Mothers will also clash with male bears since they pose a threat to their young.
04 Sleeping Expectant mothers will dig dens in snow banks, while other bears curl up in pits they’ve dug in the snow. With their backs to the wind and a paw for a pillow, they fall asleep for about eight hours, taking plenty of naps in between. This conserves their energy, which is very important in the Arctic environment where food is not always readily available.
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Secrets of the polar bear Bears and humans The polar bear has long been hunted by native people of the north for the sake of tradition, food and trophy-hunting. Guns and snowmobiles have only made it easier to kill this creature and now man has created another threat to its survival. The bear has made headlines as the first animal to become endangered due to global warming and its conservation rating is Vulnerable. Habitat loss means they are being driven onto land for the long summer months without access to their primary prey, seals. In their search for food, bears have been spotted in northern coastal communities and encounters with humans have increased, ending badly for both bears and humans. Churchill, Manitoba, has become known as the polar bear capital of the world, but attitudes are changing as tourism grows, supporting the town’s industry.
On the hunt How polar bears catch their staple food
Going fishing The polar bear uses its powerful sense of smell to locate a seal’s breathing hole, then lies in wait for hours or even days.
To the water If a seal is spotted hauling up onto an ice floe, the bear will take to the water, while staying out of sight.
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polar bear
The bear facts
40 450 km/h
The top speed a polar bear can reach on land
LEFT A bear slips down a snow bank to reach the water on the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean
“The creamy white fur camouflages the polar bear, but it’s just a myth that they cover their black noses to hide from prey”
KM/H
Speed when swimming
Wide paws with five claws
down to break through. Its aim must be deadly accurate or the seal stands a good chance of slipping away down the nearby exit hole to the water. The creamy white fur camouflages the polar bear, but it’s just a myth that they cover their black noses to hide from prey. Another method of hunting is an aquatic stalk, as Dr. Derocher explains: “If a seal hauls out onto the ice, the bears will try to get close enough to grab it by swimming to the seal. They seem to be able to map out a route and stay very low in the water. Sometimes they’ll also stalk hauled-out seals on top of the ice – they use every bump in the ice as cover and then charge the last distance, hoping to get the seal before it reaches the water.” The bears devour as much as they can during spring when ringed seals are pupping, then again in the autumn. Polar bears depend on ice for access to seals and the loss of their sea ice habitat due to climate change is the main threat to the Arctic’s iconic animal. “The bears cannot adapt fast enough to deal with a world without enough sea ice,” Dr. Derocher says. “If there’s no sea ice, there’s no ice bear. The terrestrial niche for an Arctic bear is already filled by the barren-ground grizzly (brown bear). At the end of the last ice age, polar bears didn’t adapt to a warming climate, they moved northward as a species. They only left their fossilised remains behind in the Baltic Sea.” It’s a man-made problem and man can fix it, he adds: “Anything anyone does to reduce their greenhouse gas production will help. Educating oneself about the risks to the planet and our way of life is the key.”
Discover more…
DIG DEEPER INTO THE LIFE OF THE POLAR BEAR Polar Bears: A Complete Guide to Their Biology and Behaviour by Dr. Andrew Derocher is out now.
The catch If the bear has approached with enough caution, the seal will be taken by complete surprise.
Sneaky swim Planning a careful route to use the ice as cover, the bear can creep up on the unsuspecting seal.
© naturepl.com; Corbis; Getty; Thinkstock
ABOVE Several crashes are sometimes needed to break through to the birthing lair and if the bear is not accurate, the seal can escape
friends from more than one kilometre (0.6 miles) away and a metre (three feet) under the snow. Unrivalled in its cunning, the ice bear has a range of hunting tactics in its arsenal, the most popular of which is known as still hunting. While scoping out a breathing hole (a small opening in the ice), a bear will wait patiently for hours or even days on end. The seals, meanwhile, are in the water hunting for their own food, but as air-breathing mammals, they must always come up to the surface and polar bears know this. “The bears can look asleep but they are lightning fast when the seal comes up,” Dr. Derocher says. “They use their teeth and dive down the hole as far as they can – seals don’t swim backwards that well, but they are very wary coming up for a breath. They know it could be their last.” Another much-used method is stalking, where the bear cleverly pinpoints a ringed seal’s birth lair. These caves are built under the snow but above the ice, keeping the seal pups safe from predators. The roof is no match for half a ton of polar bear, rearing on its hind legs and pounding
KILO
Weight of a fully grown male
42 10 31 cm
Sharp teeth with canines that can grow up to 4cm long
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Send your photos
[email protected] WIN! WIN! Send us your photos and you could be in with a chance of winning a FREE subscription to World of Animals magazine
Admiral macro Andrew Brown I hope you like this macro shot I took of a red admiral butterfly in my back garden sometime over the summer. I’ve never tried macro photography before so I’d be interested to hear what your more experienced readers think of my efforts.
A Christmas robin Neil Compton The photo was taken at Sandwell Valley near Birmingham in November 2013. I had sat on bench to eat a sandwich when I noticed movement in nearby bushes and this robin appeared, obviously attracted by my food. He didn’t keep still for long but I managed to get a few shots handheld and I think this one was about the best.
“A large wasp was carrying a spider up the side of a wall” 86
Wasp kills spider Carly Wallace While staying in North India in the foothills of the Himalayas I came across the strangest scene. A large wasp was carrying a spider up the side of a wall. It came to my attention the spider was not dead, just paralyzed. The wasp lays its eggs inside the living spider and as they hatch they eat the spider from the inside out!
Great giraffes Cadence Hart I took this picture of this giraffe family on a safari holiday to South Africa in 2011. I think it is a female with three young calves. They struck me as very peaceful and seemed totally unperturbed by our presence.
Your world of animals What’s on the website?
Tiger close up Colin Langford This image was taken on a photo-shoot day with Photographers on Safari at the Wildlife Heritage Foundation in Kent, using a Nikon D800 and a Nikkor 70-200 F2.8 lens, ISO 800 F4.5 and shutter speed 1/2500. This is an excellent venue for anyone interested in big cats.
www.animalanswers.co.uk for a huge resource of wildlife information
Fascinating facts Two-mouthed eels The moray eel has a second set of jaws located behind the skull. These lurch forward a
Q&A What are hedgehogs’ spines made of? They are made of keratin protein with a hollow sha< and a muscle for each spine so they can be raised when the hedgehog feels threatened.
STAR PHOTO
Nainital dog Navjot Singh This picture was taken when I was travelling to Nainital, India in May 2012. I took it with my Canon 600D DSLR while playing with the dog.
Animal videos Orcas hunt in packs
Bottoms up!
Sharp Focus
Natashja Wilson
Victoria Tickle
I took this picture of two cheeky ducks, at a local RSPB reserve. It was quite difficult to capture, as the two ducks kept disappearing under the water. I finally managed to capture this shot as the two ducks dived into the water in unison.
Meet Snatch the white-tailed sea eagle, Britain’s largest bird of prey. She is a magnificent bird who is currently residing at Blair Drummond Safari Park. Her amazingly advanced eyesight coupled with her sharp beak make her a highly successful predator. I was able to capture this photo of both of these impressive features as she scanned her surroundings.
This amazing footage shows orcas training younger whales to hunt seals using the awesome wave method.
Your animals Share your photos You can share your photos online instantly and get feedback, advice and admiration from our readership.
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How to take better
Insect photos Learn how to shoot close-ups of insects and more using your camera and a simple setup Macro photography is essentially close-up photography where the size of the subject is larger than life. It’s a style of shooting that’s typically used for small subjects that are sometimes difficult to see. There are a number of ways in which these shots can be achieved and with the latest advances in technology it’s now
easier than ever for anyone to attempt macro photography with specialised lenses or even just cameraphone accessories. The most effective way to get the bestpossible macro shots of insects is to set up in a suitable location and wait, so grab your camera and follow these easy steps to get some great insect close-ups.
RIGHT Look everywhere for potential macro shots – even the most mundane subject can look fantastic when shot up-close
“It’s now easier than ever for anyone to attempt macro photography with specialised lenses or even just cameraphone accessories”
Send your insect photos to us at…
[email protected] 88
Your world of animals The kit you need Macro photography can be as in-depth or as simple as you like with the right kit
01 Set up a tripod
02 Macro scene mode
Working with small subjects means the slightest movement can have a huge effect, so setting up a tripod is an important step to eliminate this issue. Choose your location wisely and find a spot where subjects are likely to come into view.
If you’re lucky enough to have a DSLR or CSC then you can get a dedicated macro lens for the best results. However, most digital cameras now come with a Macro scene mode that attempts to replicate this setup, so anyone can capture close-up shots.
Macro filters A budget option If you’re just dabbling with macro and don’t want to shell out for a lens, filters are a great option. They screw onto the front of your lens to magnify the image but the optical quality isn’t as good as a macro lens will produce.
Cameraphone lenses Useful accessories
03 Aperture priority
04 Turn your flash on
Most Macro modes are fully automatic, but cameras will enable you to control the aperture. With most shots you’ll want the background out of focus, so choose a wide aperture (low f-number) but be sure to check the entire subject is within the focus depth.
You might be blocking any light available, so you’ll need to keep the lighting at a level where your camera can capture fast movements. Setting your flash to fire can help, but it may need to be diffused with some card to stop it overpowering the subject.
If you don’t have a DSLR, you can still get great close-ups, with just a cameraphone. You can buy macro lenses that attach straight onto your phone, such as the Olloclip 3-in-1 lens, which also comes with wide-angle and fisheye options. These just enable you to get that little bit closer than you might have otherwise.
Macro lens The choice of the pro
05 Track the subject
06 Continuous shooting
Because you’ll be dealing with cautious and easily spooked subjects, using your camera’s Continuous Autofocus mode is highly recommended. Now, if your critter moves around, your camera will automatically track it and keep it in focus.
The slightest movement can put small and fast-moving subjects out of focus, or introduce blur. Using a Continuous Shooting or a high-speed Burst mode can enable you to take a series of shots in quick succession for a better chance of capturing that perfect shot.
How to make a hedgehog home on page 93
The best option for macro shooting is a dedicated macro lens. Make sure it has a 1:1 magnification and opt for a longer focal length such as 100mm so you can keep your distance somewhat. Bear in mind that these are expensive, so make sure you’re serious about macro shooting first.
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Animal answers Send your animal questions to us at: @WorldAnimalsMag
worldofanimalsmag
How do giant squids survive at such depths? Wouter van Ingen The giant squid (Architeuthis) and the colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis) are both believed to live at depths of at least one kilometre (0.6 miles). At this depth, the water pressure is 100 atmospheres – roughly equivalent to having a woman in stilettos walk on every square centimetre of your body! But this pressure is exerted evenly in all directions simultaneously. Squid don’t breath air and they don’t have a swim bladder, so they have no air pockets that could be compressed. The pressure inside their body is the same as that outside, so the two cancel out. The airbreathing sperm whales that prey on giant squid actually have a much harder time of it and can only make brief dives to these massive depths.
www.animalanswers.co.uk
Do lemmings really jump off cliffs, or is this a myth? James Budgen They definitely don’t. Lemmings are small arctic rodents that normally live solitary lives, burrowing through the snow, eating grass and seeds. Like many species of rodent, they breed extremely rapidly to compensate for the high rate of predation from stoats and owls. This can lead to sudden population explosions when conditions are good and large groups of lemmings will occasionally embark on mass migrations to find new food sources. Lemmings do sometimes drown when they attempt to cross fast-flowing rivers but there is no evidence that significant numbers are killed this way, much less by falling from cliffs, whether on purpose or accidentally. The 1958 Disney film White Wilderness didn’t invent the lemming suicide myth, but it did popularise it, creating entirely false suicide scenes.
Why do cats and dogs lick you? Alice Tulloch It’s much the same reason that we hug and kiss and chimpanzees pick fleas off each other. This is grooming behaviour that has become associated with bonding and affection. Cats and dogs don’t have hands, so their primary way of interacting with the world is by using their mouth. When they are born, the sensation of their mother licking them all over is virtually their first experience. Cats can spend between 30 and 50 per cent of their day licking themselves to stay clean. When your pet licks you, you are being given the animal equivalent of a friendly hug. They probably wonder why we don’t lick them back and insist on stroking them instead!
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Your world of animals
What is the most recent animal to be discovered? Lance Corrigan The answer changes every day. Modern advances in DNA sequencing have allowed scientists to identify whether an animal is a new species much more quickly. Just in the Amazon, for example, two new animal
species have been identified every week for the last four years running. Some of the recent ones include a purring monkey, a plant-eating piranha, a frog the size of your thumbnail and a housecat-sized jaguar called a tigrina.
Can wasps hear? Alison Smith Not exactly. Wasps are predators and hearing isn’t very useful to find prey when you are as small as an insect. Some other insect groups can hear, but they use it for communicating with each other. Insects that make noises, such as grasshoppers and cicadas, can also hear. This ability has evolved independently among the insects and different insect groups have their ‘ears’ in different places. Cicadas have two on their abdomen, for example. All insects have tiny strain sensors built into their leg joints that allow them to coordinate their leg movements and these are also sensitive enough to pick up vibrations through the ground. It’s not strictly hearing but it amounts to the same thing and wasps can use this to detect nearby movements, provided they have their feet on the ground.
Is it true that all centipedes have 100 legs?
Why are bats blind? Jemma Johnson Bats can be broadly divided into two categories, microbats and megabats, and in fact, neither group is blind. It is a common misconception that because insect-eating microbats use echolocation to navigate and hunt, they cannot see. In fact, their small eyes are well adapted to low light, with lots of rod-cells, allowing them to build up a black-andwhite map of their surroundings, enabling them to identify obstacles in their path. Echolocation is generally reserved for occasions that require shortrange precision, such as hunting. Megabats, or fruit bats, do not use echolocation, and are more heavily reliant on sight for navigation. They have large eyes to capture as much light as possible at night and can see in colour, allowing them to identify bright fruits among the green foliage in daylight.
Jack Masterton It is estimated that there are around 8,000 species of centipede, and in fact none of these have exactly 100 legs. Centipede legs are arranged two per body segment, and interestingly they always have an odd number of pairs, making 100 legs extremely uncommon – 49 or 51 pairs would result in 98 or 102 legs respectively. In fact, most centipedes don’t even have that many legs; house centipedes and stone centipedes generally have no more than 30 legs, whilst tropical centipedes have more, at around 42. Soil centipedes are the longest, and the some species can have in excess of 300 legs.
What’s the longest living animal? Marta Fayazz The oldest we can definitively measure is a type of clam called the ocean quahog. These have very slow metabolisms and one recent specimen was found to be 507 years old. But ‘natural life span’ isn’t a concept that translates well to all species. For example, lobsters don’t appear to age at all – if nothing eats them first, they just keep on growing. And the jellyfish Turritopsis dohrnii just cycles endlessly between a free swimming and a polyp form, which makes it theoretically immortal, although no one has observed a specimen for long enough to be sure.
“Megabats are heavily reliant on sight for navigation” 91
! IN W World of Animals has teamed up with Paradise Wildlife Park, Hertfordshire, to offer a chance to get up close with some of the planet’s most amazing animals This fantastic competition gives you the chance to win a twonight stay, including a meetand-greet with a host of exotic animals at Paradise Wildlife Park and some of the world’s most endangered big cats at Wildlife Heritage Foundation. Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire is proud to be Europe’s leading zoo for animal experiences. You will enjoy an overnight stay in one of their deluxe apartments with full access to the facilities, animals, shows and keeper talks throughout the day. Dinner will be at Whistling Duck in Hertford. Following dinner, it is back to Paradise for a relaxing night’s sleep before waking to the sound of the lions. After a continental breakfast you’ll be joined by one of the keepers for a behind the scenes walking tour to meet a number of animals including lorikeets, lemurs, meerkats and big cats. You’ll then drive to Kent to the private Big Cat Sanctuary, managed by leading conservation charity Wildlife Heritage
Foundation. The Big Cat Sanctuary is not open to the public but you can enjoy an exclusive visit to see Europe’s most important collection of felines, including some of the world’s most endangered big cats, including Amur leopards, Sumatran tigers, Amur tigers, snow leopards and North Chinese leopards. Champagne afternoon tea will be served on arrival at the Heritage Lodge welcome centre and you will be shown to your safari lodge. A WHF ranger will take you on a special two-hour-long tour. During the tour each guest will have the opportunity to handfeed big cats. A three-course dinner is served in the conservatory overlooking the lions. The following morning you will join the rangers to walk Yahzi the puma, meeting the servals or other cats. This will be followed by other activities which could include a scatter feed or feeding a jaguar or a cheetah. You will then return to Safari Lodge for a full English or continental brunch.
How to enter Visit www.animalanswers.co.uk and answer this question: In Asia, lions are now found in the wild in only one country. Where? - China - India - Borneo - Mongolia
92
Participants must be aged 18 or over. The Wildlife Weekend can be taken up to 30 September 2014 on two consecutive nights and is subject to availability.
HOW TO...
A few simple upgrades to a plastic container can make an excellent miniature home for a hedgehog 01 Get a box
Make a hedgehog feeder
Use a plastic storage box at least 30cm (12in) wide and 45cm (18in) long as the structure of your hedgehog feeder.
02 Weight it down You can turn the box either way up, but make sure you have a heavy object on top to keep it weighted down, and then cover the floor in newspaper.
03 Make an entrance Cut a hole slightly larger than a fist into the side and use thick tape to cover the edges so the hedgehog won’t get cut.
04 Home sweet home Place bowls with water and food, such as hedgehog food or non-fish meat, inside the feeder, away from the entrance.
05 Keep it safe Place the finished feeder about a hand’s length from a wall to prevent cats and foxes getting in, and with that you’ve made your own hedgehog feeder.
Made it? Send a picture to
[email protected] 93
NEXT ISSUE Explore animals even more in World of Animals issue 3
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Disclaimer The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited material lost or damaged in the post. All text and layout is the copyright of Imagine Publishing Ltd. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. All copyrights are recognised and used specifically for the purpose of criticism and review. Although the magazine has endeavoured to ensure all information is correct at time of print, prices and availability may change. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. If you submit material to Imagine Publishing via post, email, social network or any other means, you grant Imagine Publishing an irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free licence to use the images across its entire portfolio, in print, online and digital, and to deliver the images to existing and future clients, including but not limited to international licensees for reproduction in international, licensed editions of Imagine products. Any material you submit is sent at your risk and, although every care is taken, neither Imagine Publishing nor its employees, agents or subcontractors shall be liable for the loss or damage.
HUMANITY’S UNSUNG HERO
© Imagine Publishing Ltd 2013
MYSTERIES OF THE DEEP ALMOST HUMAN
The relationship between What life lurks way down 50 weird ways that man and chimp animals act like humans at 1,000 fathoms?
94
ISSN 2053-7727z
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“The trapdoor spider sets an organic ambush for its prey, using cunning and surprise to its advantage”
Trapdoor spider
98
Modus Operandi The bodies of trapdoor spiders can measure up to four centimetres (1.5 inches) in length and they are usually brown or black in appearance. They have eight thick legs, two arms and two sharp fangs to stab down upon their prey. Their bite is non-toxic to humans but deadly to smaller animals. They usually catch prey at night, which can range from beetles to frogs and baby birds. Although not too aggressive, they will rear up and present their fangs if harassed.
ISSUE 3 ON SALE FROM 23 JAN 2014
© Photoshot
The trapdoor spider is a cunning creature that uses a burrow, complete with a silk-hinged door and vibration-sensitive lines of silk, to catch its prey. The moment the unsuspecting prey triggers the natural silk alert system, the trapdoor spider quickly pounces out of its burrow and sinks its two sharp fangs into its prey to subdue it.
Call 01825 767688 or visit www.internationalanimalrescue.org
Victims of torture – their only crime was hunger Driven from their home in the forest, these orangutans entered a village in a desperate search for food. Instead they were viciously attacked by an angry mob. As the mother fought to protect her baby, she was held down in a pool of water until she was almost drowned. We saved the baby, but hours later the mother was dead. Please help us save other orangutans from such horrific cruelty as they fight for survival in the rainforests of Borneo.
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