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Welcome
Take a trip to the unbelievable islands of the Galápagos (page 12) to uncover some amazing species that inspired Darwin’s theories of evolution. Then why not dispel the mysteries of the great white? Head to page 26 to learn the truth about an epic underwater creature, and why its ferocious reputation is more than just a little unfair! Meanwhile, with the Save Rhinos Now campaign in full-swing, we’ve got some great facts about the beautiful creatures you wouldn’t believe (page 36). Don’t forget to head over to animalanswers.co.uk to keep up with the campaign and get the latest from the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
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Welcome to issue 8 WorldMags.net
06 Amazing animals
50 Indianapolis Zoo
12 Galápagos: the lost world
54 Lion evolution
Explore the unique species of these enchanted isles
24 Mole burrow
How the intrepid little diggers build their vast homes
26 All about great white sharks
All there is to know about the oceans’ perfect predator
36 Save Rhinos Now
18 facts about these strong yet vulnerable creatures
38 Tasmanian tiger
The wolf-like marsupial that fell victim to bounty killings
40 Peculiar pigs
Meet the big, small and hairy members of the Suidae family
42 Wildlife of the dry forest
The Anjajavy canopy is alive with hundreds of species
48 Mountain gorilla
How this endangered animal is slowly making a comeback
THE IUCN RED LIST
Throughout World of Animals you will see symbols like the ones you see here. 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 they mean:
An inner-city zoo on the front line of conservation efforts
68
The lengthy evolution behind the modern-day big cat
56 Gentoo penguin The Antarctic survivor’s fascinating life cycle
57 Sunda colugo
A gliding mammal with razor teeth and binocular vision
58 Subscribe today! Get a 50% discount when you subscribe
60 Hyenas: wildlife’s rebel
Uncover the misunderstood world of hyenas
68 The secrets of camouflage
Learn the stealthy tricks used to stay undercover in the wild
78 Bison and man
Discover how one creature helped shape America
98 Bulldog ant
The creature often described as the wasp without wings
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EXTINCT EXTINCT IN THE WILD CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
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ENDANGERED VULNERABLE NEAR THREATENED LEAST CONCERN
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A limited edition w vase wor ildlife th £1,100 p
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age 90
86 Reader Q&A
92 Your amazing
GREAT WHITE SHARKS
animal photos
THE HUNTING SECRETS, GROUP BEHAVIOUR AND NATURAL ENGINEERING OF THE PREDATORY FISH
94 Wildlife photography
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36
40 24
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WIN! A BIG CAT EXPERIENCE DAY FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR! 96
The amazing world of animals
© Rex Features
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The amazing world of animals
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Things get a bit heated in the complicated leopard mating ritual During an encounter on the African plains, the female had already seen off a love rival to win the affections of the male, a 90-kilogram (14-stone) leopard nicknamed Kashane by locals. Leopards’ courtship and mating cycles last around five days and feature bouts of fighting. At times, the female will aggressively try to swat at the male leopard.
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The amazing world of animals
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A bodybuilding frog appears to do pull-ups until climbing on the stem to rest
© Rex Features
Over a ten-minute period this white tree frog repeatedly pulled himself up on a stem and eased down again, until finally the small amphibian climbed up and enjoyed a rest. These frogs tend to grow up to ten centimetres (four inches) long and, because they can look rather portly, are also known as dumpy tree frogs. Their colour ranges from light blue to emerald green and many are capable of some colour change.
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The amazing world of animals
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The first cygnets of the year are spotted from beneath their parents’ feathers
© Paul Quagliana / Bournemouth News / Rex Features
The emergence of newly hatched cygnets is truly a wonderful sight, but one that’s a yearly occurrence at the Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset, UK. Roughly 500 of the baby swans are expected to hatch at the site, which houses the only colony of nesting mute swans in the world that’s open to the public.
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The amazing world of animals
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The amazing world of animals
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Japanese macaques head to hot springs to warm from the icy temperatures of their habitat
© Rex Features
Known as snow monkeys, Japanese macaques live farther north than any other monkey species in the world. Protected by a double layer of thick fur, they’re able to withstand temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius, but when the climate is at its coldest, hot springs are a warming solution. Unlike humans, monkeys don’t sweat and they dry quickly, which stops them freezing to death.
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The lost world
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Explore our planet’s living laboratory and the haven for scores of unique wildlife Words David Crookes In the Pacific Ocean there are enchanted lands that have seen evolution move at a staggering speed. Some of these islands have changed as rapidly as their animal occupants, emerging as violent volcanoes before being covered in lush swaths of vegetation. They are the Galápagos, a remote group of islands teeming with inimitable wildlife. Here birds fly over vivid, Sun-kissed greenery and reptiles scurry along brooding volcanic rock. When the weather takes a turn for the worse, the animals endure. Every seven years
or so El Niño, a periodic warming of Pacific Ocean currents, may disrupt food supplies and cause animal numbers to deplete, but they always bounce back. Over time, each of the islands experiences its own weather and serves up conditions that enable so many unique animals to survive and thrive. With all this variation, it’s no wonder the islands are known as living laboratories. As the home to so many amazing endemic animals, they are a small wonder for those who love all creatures great and small.
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Galápagos: The lost world
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THE ENCHANTED ISLES Made up of 13 major islands, each one with unique traits and conditions to suit its animal occupants, Galápagos is a living legacy of discovery and natural innovations
Darwin
Pinta Wolf
Marchena
ABOVE Galápagos hawk (Buteo galapagoensis) is seen oen above Isabela island
Santiago Fernandina Rábida Ecuador
O
Santa Cruz Pinzón
Isabela
Tortuga San Cristóbal
Hammerhead sharks are commonly seen in the waters around the Galápagos
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ABOVE Aerial of a volcanic crater off Isabela Island
How Galápagos inspired Darwin’s evolutionary theories As a young man Charles Darwin set foot on the Galápagos island of what became known as San Cristobal, while on a homeward-bound voyage aboard HMS Beagle. Initially the naturalist wasn’t too enamoured by the “black rocks heated by the rays of the vertical Sun like a stove”, and he saw the marine iguanas as “hideous-looking creatures”. However, he did notice what others would see as a living laboratory. The fact there are more unique species in Galápagos than anywhere else on Earth was not lost on Darwin. In the opening of his groundbreaking work, On the Origin of Species, he notes his observations on the islands – which gradually dawned on him – were vital to the development of his theories of evolution. He came to see how the animals, drawn from every continent, had adapted over the years to fit their new environment.
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Galápagos: The lost world
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THE MAGNIFICENT GALÁPAGOS GREEN TURTLE CAN STAY UNDER WATER FOR EIGHT HOURS As breathtaking as Galápagos is, it pales in comparison with the amazing feats of the various animals that make up this near-magical cluster of islands. For example, Galápagos green turtles can hold their breath under the water for anything up to eight hours. The incredible creatures will do this so they can dive and search for food. In fact, 95 per cent of their lives is spent doing exactly that. They’ll nip up for air surfacing only for a few short gasps before plunging down to the depths once more. Although female sea turtles will clumsily crawl on land a couple of times each year to bask under the warm Sun of the islands and lay eggs, the waters around Galápagos are mainly their home. They use the abundance of fish and other sea creatures closer to land to clean their skeleton shells and there’s also much algae to eat. This gives them their distinctive green colouring. Both male and females love to swim, powering through the waters using their strong front flippers to reach speeds of up to 56 kilometres (35 miles) per hour. As cold-blooded creatures, they have learned to cope well with the temperatures of the sea, which determines how long they can hold their breath for. Their metabolism drops faster when the temperature falls, so they can use up less oxygen. The colder the waters as they move away from the shore, the longer they can stay under.
Rounded heads Unlike other turtles, the Galápagos sea turtle has a rounded head and its beak is only very slightly hooked.
The long isthmus between Bartolome and Pinnacle Rock
Visiting the islands to nest Galápagos green turtles use the islands as their nesting area. The males remain under water for the majority of their lives, but the females go ashore to lay eggs. Using their flippers to burrow
3. To coastal waters The juvenile turtles move from the open ocean to coastal waters where they’ll spend the rest of their lives.
into the sand, they lay between 50 and 200 eggs, before covering them with sand. Sometimes they produce a fake nest too to confuse predators. Females lay eggs every two or three years.
4. Breeding migrations Every two to eight years, aged 20 to 50 years old, some embark on breeding migrations back to the area they were first hatched.
5. Mating turtles Females may mate with many males close to the beaches where they’ll later lay eggs, before returning to their feeding areas.
Chelonia agassizii Class Reptilia
2. Drifting in currents The hatchlings will swim out to the open ocean where they’ll spend their first five to ten years of life driing in the currents.
Territory Galápagos Diet Herbivore Lifespan 80 years Adult weight Up to 317kg / 700lbs Conservation status
1. Turtles hatch About seven weeks aer the eggs are laid, hatchlings emerge from the nest and run to the sea.
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GALÁPAGOS GREEN TURTLE
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Shell The turtle can’t pull its head into its shell like a tortoise and the shell is actually its skeleton.
ABOVE Green turtle hatchlings emerge on a beach on Santa Cruz
“As cold-blooded creatures, they have learned to cope well with the temperatures of the sea”
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Galápagos: The lost world
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THE GALÁPAGOS SEA LION’S BARK GREETS VISITORS TO THE ISLANDS The inland areas of some of the younger Galápagos islands may be barren and dry, but the large number of sea creatures swimming in the coastal waters show how attractive each of them are. Galápagos sea lions have adapted well to life in the archipelago, being equally accustomed to the sandy shores or rocky areas of all the various islands. As rather large creatures, they’re easily spotted, but you’re likely to hear their loud barking noise first, which can be quite loud when chanted in chorus.
GALÁPAGOS SEA LION Zalophus wollebaeki Class Mammalia
Territory Galápagos islands Diet Carnivore Lifespan 15-24 years Adult weight 50-400kg / 110-880lbs Conservation status
The sea lions are quite a sight, with the heaving bulks of a grown male overbearing and often scary. However, they often frolic with one another on the land, congregating in harems and diving into the sea to feed on sardines. The sea lions will rarely stray more than a few miles away from the shore, meaning their barks are heard very often by visitors. They can also be rather curious and trusting, so human divers are able to get very close to them.
“They often frolic with one another on the land, congregating in harems and diving into the sea”
ENDANGERED
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Diverse invertebrates Queen butterfly Able to slip away from predators by giving the appearance of a poisonous meal, queen butterflies are oen found on Isabela.
Yellow paper wasp The European yellow paper wasp arrived on the Galápagos in 1988 and is now very commonly seen throughout the islands.
Spotless ladybug Endemic to Galápagos, spotless ladybugs are an effective deterrent against rapidly growing aphid and scale bug populations.
Male frigatebirds attract mates by inflating their impressive throats Soaring at heights of up to 2,500 metres (8,202 feet), the magnificent frigatebird lives up to its name with the gracious, near-silent way it takes to the air above the coastal areas of the Galápagos islands out across the open ocean. It is quite a selfish creature, stealing food from other animals as it swoops down but then it needs as much as it can get to satisfy a body that grows to around 90cm (three feet) in length. With a wingspan of some two metres (seven feet), it seldom fails to cause gasps from watching visitors.
THE MARINE IGUANA IS THE ONLY SWIMMING LIZARD IN THE WORLD In the far west of the Galápagos, on the coast of Fernandina, plant life and food is scarce, while extensive lava fields make navigation almost impossible. Despite this, the marine iguanas that populate the coast and are very much at home here. Not confined to Fernandina, these creatures have spread to all the islands in the archipelago and are usually seen on land, warming themselves in the searing heat of the equatorial Sun. When the iguanas’ ancestors washed up from their natural habitat in the jungles of Central America, they initially struggled. Unable to feast on leaves, their primary food back home, they had to adapt to their
surroundings and tackle the ocean. For nourishment, they found an abundance of seaweed, as well as red and green algae in the cold waters. In order to get at this food, the iguanas learned to swim and even dive as low as ten metres (30 feet), managing to stay below water for ten minutes at a time. Their claws have become strong to enable them to cling to rocks under water and their snouts have flattened to let them to graze more efficiently using their razor-sharp teeth. Through this adapting, they have become the world's only sea lizards.
Galápagos flightless grasshopper Also endemic, this grasshopper doesn’t have wings, but its brown colouring makes it tough to spot in the wild.
MARINE IGUANA
Amblyrhynchus cristatus Class Reptilia
Galápagos centipede Centipedes on Galápagos can grow to 30 centimetres (one foot). Their fangs are poisonous and they will eat small birds and lizards.
Territory Galápagos Diet Herbivore Lifespan 5-12 years Adult weight 0.5-1.5kg / 1-3.3lbs Conservation status
VULNERABLE
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Galápagos: The lost world
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The sally lightfoot crab’s colouration has adapted well to the lava coast The sally lightfoot crab goes by the rather descriptive scientific name of Grapsus grapsus and it can be commonly seen tip-toeing side-by-side with marine iguanas on the Galápagos islands, feeding on abundant algae on the shore. The crabs have adapted well to the archipelago’s lava coasts, taking on a dark-brown or black appearance that enables them to blend in, protecting them from predators.
GALÁPAGOS GIANT TORTOISE Chelonoidis nigra Class Reptilia
Territory Galápagos Diet Herbivore Lifespan Over 100 years Adult weight 250kg / 550lbs Conservation status
VULNERABLE
GALÁPAGOS’ GIANT TORTOISES ARE THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD Galápagos tortoises reside on ten of the islands, but Isabela and the Santa Cruz highlands are the best places to see them. They’re the largest of all living tortoise species, growing as large as 1.5 metres (five feet) in length and weighing an impressive 250 kilograms (550 pounds) at their heaviest. When Darwin spotted them in 1835, there were 15 species, but today there are just ten. The tortoises are protected, but in the past have fallen prey to human hunters. Like the flightless cormorant, they have also been threatened by animals introduced by man and there are only around 15,000 left. It’s thought the tortoises’ ancestors first set foot in the region two or three million years ago, but as the centuries have passed they’ve moved from their initial stomping grounds of Española and San Cristóbal, to the islands surrounding them.
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A tortoise size comparison Common tortoise
14-30cm
Galápagos tortoise
150cm
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WorldMags.net 1 wing: 1 metre
The islands’ finches helped D arwin develop a theory
Waved albatrosses will dance for love Between April and December the islands see the breeding and nesting season for the waved albatross, the largest sea bird with a wingspan of 2.5 metres (8.2 feet). The birds have a peculiar method of courtship, engaging in a funny kind of dance that entails bowing, circling and touching beaks. Eggs are laid between April and June and once a waved albatross reaches adult size, it takes flight and returns six years later. As with other animals in Galápagos, the albatross has
learned to cope with the diverse environment, building nests where vegetation is more plentiful. The principal breeding grounds are on Española Island. These birds are at their most majestic when soaring through the air and are endearing when spotted taking runs on the sloping surfaces of the islands, using them as runways to launch into the air. They can remain airborne for hours, gliding into the wind, with their wings hardly flapping as they gracefully glide high in the air.
While visiting the islands naturalist Charles Darwin noted that, while at first glance all these little birds look the same, there are subtle differences depending on the island the finches inhabit and the area in which they live. Darwin saw that while some finches pecked at trees, others used tools and those with a plentiful supply of seeds had larger beaks. Others still were spotted burrowing into the flesh of dead sea birds and feeding on the nutrients in their blood. Because these different species of finch (up to 13 identifiable varieties) had one common ancestor, Darwin took this to be growing evidence of evolution. This observation, known as adaptive radiation, has excited experts ever since and a visit to Galápagos enables you to see this natural wonder for yourself.
THE PENGUINS THAT CAN THRIVE IN A TROPICAL CLIMATE With the Sun beating down, it’s strange to see Antarctic fauna mixed with the tropical heat in the guise of the Galápagos penguins. What's more, they stay here all year around, tending to head for water in the day to cool and going back to the land at night. Galápagos penguins form colonies around the Cromwell Current, which is a subsurface flow cutting across the equator in an easterly direction. Since the surface waters of the Galápagos at this point are nutrient-rich and cold – just as they are in the Antarctic – it makes them ideal for penguins. It’s this mix of temperatures that lends the area its diverse
marine life. Suffice to say, visitors are thrilled to spot Galápagos penguins bobbing about in the water, placing their heads under when they’re on the hunt for fish, before diving down and capturing their prey. As the only species found north of the equator, Galápagos penguins aren’t only the second smallest of all penguins, but rather distinctive too. Their bills are relatively large in proportion to their size and they have a white line in a square shape around the face. Visitors will see them basking in the heat, catching fish with great speed and enjoying the rocky shores of Isabela and Fernandina.
GALÁPAGOS PENGUIN Spheniscus mendiculus Class Aves
How fast do penguins swim?
22.4
Territory Galápagos Diet Carnivore Lifespan 15-20 years Adult weight 2.5kg / 5.5lbs Conservation status
ENDANGERED
MPH
“It’s strange to see Antarctic fauna mixed with the tropical heat”
4.4 MPH
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Galápagos: The lost world
WorldMags.net Blue-footed boobies have a colourful way of courting The blue feet of these birds – which get their colour from carotenoid pigments that are derived from a diet of fresh sardines – play a major role in courting. The birds show their feet to their partners, with the males displaying their feet spread, up and in front of their under parts as they come in to land. As part of an impressive and important courtship ritual, there’s usually much parading and showing off. The parade is a brilliant site for tourists and locals alike. The boobies can be seen gracelessly and clumsily pottering over land, before diving into the sea. Researchers have found that, unfortunately, the birds aren’t breeding in as large numbers as previously they were, so the population has dropped by 50 per cent. BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY Sardine numbers have Sula nebouxii also fallen, which has lead Class Aves the birds to start seeking alternatives, and researchers to believe that this could be the reason for the birds’ Territory Galápagos decline. Though the boobies Diet Carnivore Lifespan 17 years continue to thrive elsewhere, Adult weight 1.5kg / 3.25lbs the hope is that numbers Conservation status will start to rise again in the Galápagos islands, and scientists continue to look LEAST CONCERN for answers.
Why the blue feet? The colour comes from carotenoid pigments from a predominant diet of sardines. Since the colour’s linked to food, it indicates the health of the individual booby, dictating which of the males get picked up.
Distinctive for their beautiful colours, the female king angelfish are fiercely territorial Plunging beneath the seas around Galápagos to depths of up to 30 metres (98 feet), the brightly coloured, nonmigratory king angelfish, with its yellow tail and distinctive white stripe on a blue body, is the only angelfish found in the archipelago. Feeding on small plants and animals, with sponges being their perfect dish, they swim around the rocky tropical reefs but tourists should be wary: the territorial females can be aggressive. The males cover wider ground and both can grow to around 30cm (one foot) in length.
Visit the Galápagos Exodus www.exodus.co.uk Exodus is offering a 12-day luxury trip, including seven nights aboard a first-class schooner. The itinerary enables visitors to see the islands’ giant tortoises, walk among blue-footed boobies, swim with the Galápagos sea lions and much more across the islands.
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Tailor-made trips
Wildlife Worldwide www.wildlifeworldwide.com Wildlife Worldwide lets you tailor your adventure to suit your taste with a selection of trips that can combine the Amazon, Ecuador or you can simply concentrate on cruises. You can alter the number of nights you wish to stay to suit your preferences and budget.
© Alamy; Thinkstock; Corbis; FLPA; Getty; Rex Features
Luxury yacht cruise
© KLEIN & HUBERT / WWF
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ADOPT HIM TODAY. OR LOSE HIM FOREVER. Will you help the snow leopard claw its way back from the brink? Your present. Their future. For as little as £3 a month, you or your loved one will receive an adoption pack, an adorable cuddly toy and regular updates from people on the ground working tirelessly to help save the beautiful snow leopard.
Snow leopards have survived in the Himalayas for thousands of years. But right now, there are as few as 300 left in Nepal. The harsh reality is that they’re being slaughtered by poachers for their bones and precious fur – and they urgently need your help if they are to live on.
What’s more, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping us to train and equip courageous anti-poaching rangers. And you’ll discover what it takes – and how it feels – to help save a species.
By adopting a snow leopard today, you’ll help protect this endangered big cat for future generations.
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Animal architects WorldMags.net
Mole burrow EUROPEAN MOLE Talpa europaea Class Mammalia
Territory Europe and Asia Diet Earthworms, slugs, centipedes, mice and shrews Lifespan 2-3 years Adult weight 72-128g / 2.54.5oz Conservation status
Moles spend 99.9 per cent of their time under the ground in tunnels they dig themselves. From permanent tunnels acting as corridors, to separate compartments for storing food, sleeping and breeding, you can see why a mole’s burrow is its pride and joy!
Above the ground Moles almost never venture above ground, but will do so in order to search for a water source or to collect grass and leaves for nesting.
Surface tunnel Having a working tunnel so close to the surface and the grass makes life easier for the mole when it begins looking for food, as this is where most of the tasty insects are living.
LEAST CONCERN
RIGHT European moles only come up for air when on the hunt for water or nesting materials
Feeding tunnel When a new hunting ground is needed, the mole digs a new route to expand its burrow further. The feeding tunnel is closer to the surface than any of the other sections of a mole burrow, because this is where the mole’s food mainly lives.
How they build it…
Construction techniques of the intrepid burrower
Moving the soil When digging, the mole gradually pushes soil upwards out of the way – eventually causing mole hills on the surface. A single mole can dig up to 18 metres (59 feet) of tunnel in a day with its large clawed paws. The mole has been nicknamed the digging machine due to just how much soil it can shi for such a tiny creature.
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Perfect patting By pushing the soil away, the mole gives itself just enough space to pat it down into the surrounding walls. This makes the corridors of the burrow perfect for the mole to scurry from one side of its home to the next, without having to worry about running into a dead-end, or even a mountain of soil.
Always expanding The mole won’t stop digging until it’s content with the burrow, which can stretch out to 24 metres (79 feet). When a European mole digs, it’ll also be on the hunt for food to eat, or store. This means, so long as the mole is hungry, it won’t have to stop for one minute as it continues to expand its not-so-little burrow.
Food storage While digging, moles will come across food and will bite the heads off any earthworms they come into contact with. This keeps the worms fresh for up to several months.
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Moles
Mole hill To create tunnels, the mole forces its way through the soil with swimming motions, pushing the earth with alternating le and right paw strokes, compressing it against the tunnel walls. The soil is cleaned out from the depths and pushed to the surface through vertical tunnels, forming the surface mounds of earth known as mole hills.
Nest Lined with dry grass and leaves, the nest is also used for periods of rest. Moles are solitary most of the year, but during breeding season they travel in pairs. Born in the spring, the litter consists of two to seven young.
Five facts about moles The paws of a mole are said to hold close similarities to human hands, despite the obvious difference in size. Permanent tunnels Used as corridors to get from A to B, these must be kept clear to stop any delays for the mole. These will constantly need restoring if any damage is made while the mole is digging.
Moles have an acute sense of smell and mark their burrows with urine containing odorous substances. This tells other moles they aren’t welcome, sparking a sense of danger.
Burrow systems can be extensive, spanning up to half a kilometre (a third of a mile), if the mole gets carried away with its digging!
Latrine The toilet and drainage compartment provides a space for waste to go. Note that the toilet is at the deepest point of the burrow, helping to keep the rest of the system clean and dry.
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Permanent tunnel systems, particularly in clay soils, can be used by multiple generations of moles. Once a mole is taken out of its habitat, dies or disappears, another will quickly come and its place, whether it’s related to the owner or not.
© FLPA, Thinkstock, The Art Agency; Dan Cole, Getty
The European mole sometimes constructs a huge mound with up to 750 kilograms (118 stone) of soil, complete with storage and nesting chambers.
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All About
Gr at white sharks A misunderstood giant of the deep, or a calculated ice-cold killer? Discover more about the great white’s advanced adaptations and learn about the life of this leviathan of the oceans Words Ella Carter-Sutton
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All about great white sharks
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Inside a great white Get under the skin of these fearsome predators to see how their bodies have evolved cunning adaptations for both speed and stealth, placing them as voracious hunters at the very top of the ocean’s food chain
Eyes
The great white’s eyes function rather like a human’s and are highly sensitive to changing light and colour. When the shark attacks, it rolls its eyes back to keep them protected.
Brain
Nostrils
GREAT WHITE SHARK Carcharodon carcharias Class Chondrichthyes
Territory Throughout most temperate seas and oceans Diet Carnivore Lifespan Up to 70 years Adult weight 2,300kg / 5,070lbs Conservation status
VULNERABLE
Body temperature
This cold-blooded shark is able to warm its body above the heat of the water temperature, for more-efficient hunting.
Power bite
The great white’s bite is strengthened and braced from behind by a cartilaginous structure called the hyoid arch, so that the shark can deliver a bite of 1.8 tons.
Heart
Pointed teeth
The great white’s preference for seals means the dentition of the upper jaw is more pointed in shape, enabling it to impale and immobilise its catch.
Strong jaw
The upper jaw isn’t fused to the skull, meaning the shark can thrust it forwards to trap prey.
JUVENILE
INFANCY Survival of the fittest 0 months Even before birth, great white pups are already voracious predators and have been know to eat one another while still in the womb.
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In the shallows 10 minutes Female great whites give birth to between five and ten pups at once, usually in the safer shallow waters of coastal seas.
Small white sharks 0-4 years Great white shark pups are born as miniature replicas of their parents. Giving no parental care aer birth, the mother abandons the pups almost instantly.
Liver
With no swim bladder like other fish, the great whites stay buoyant in the water thanks to a large oil-filled liver.
MATURITY Mini killers 4-7 years Despite their relatively small size, juvenile great whites are already acute hunters, feeding on fish, invertebrates and other smaller marine creatures.
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Male sexual maturity 8-9 years Aer around nine years, when they measure roughly 3.3 to 4 metres (11.5 to 13 feet) long, male white sharks reach sexual maturity.
WorldMags.net Collagen
The skin has a layer of collagen that anchors the swimming muscles and acts as a kind of external skeleton.
Skin The skin is formed of tiny tooth-like dermal denticles, providing a tough armour.
Gills
Five gill slits provide a huge surface area for absorbing oxygen from the water.
Fins The dorsal fin along the back provides stability, the pectoral fins give lift and the caudal fin at the end is used for thrust.
Muscle types
Red muscle is used for cruising and runs just underneath the skin, carrying oxygen from the gills. White muscle contains no oxygen and is used for short bursts of energy. Neural tube
Skeleton
The skeleton is made of a strong fibrous substance called cartilage. This is much lighter and flexible than bone, enabling the shark to be supple and save vital swimming energy. Intestines
Closest family
Crown tip
Retractable teeth
The dentition of great whites is retractable and teeth rotate into place when the shark opens its jaw. They are attached to pressuresensitive nerve cells for tactile responses.
Cousins of the great white include… Cusplet
Reproduction 9+ years Not much is known about the great white mating season. Females will give birth every two years, having a year off to recuperate.
Enamel Crown
Root
Solitary predators 9+ years Aer mating is concluded, the great whites will separate to roam the ocean and hunt alone. They will only congregate again to copulate and produce the next generation.
Female maturity 14-16 years Females take longer to mature than males, but actually grow much larger – up to 4.2 to 4.8 metres (14 to 16 feet).
Mako shark A fellow member of the Lamnidae family, the mako shark shares many features with the great white. At around three metres (ten feet) in length, they feed on cephalopods and bony fish, with similar hunting tactics to their great white relatives.
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Dogfish This creature belongs to the same subclass as the great white sharks, Elasmobranchii. They are much smaller than most shark species, but still share some traits, such as a cartilaginous skeleton and rough, almost sandpaper-like skin.
Stingray Another fellow elasmobranch is the stingray. Along with skates, these fish belong to the superorder Batoidea. They share classic elasmobranch traits with great white sharks and dogfish, but are flattened with enlarged fins.
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All about great white sharks
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Impeccable hunting
The anatomy of this killer fish is honed in perfect harmony with its highly effective hunting methods, leaving almost nothing safe in the ocean
Diet and feeding
Occasionally they will supplement their diet with fish, cetaceans and turtles.
The menu for great whites is varied and wide-ranging…
An average male great white shark eats 30kg
/ 66lbs
of food every ten days.
70% of their diet consists of marine mammals, such as seals and sea lions.
That’s 1.2% of its total body weight.
01 Inverted
Although rarely used, some great whites have even been observed swimming upside-down towards their prey to cause confusion.
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02 Scope prey
Using its amazing array of senses, a great white shark will stalk its prey and wait for the opportune moment to strike.
03 Approach
The shark swims below its quarry, then shoots upwards with a powerful burst to incapacitate the prey in its jaws.
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04 Surface charge
If the prey escapes this first attack, the shark follows up with a rapid rush towards the creature to confuse and disorientate it.
Great white sharks
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The importance of hierarchy Not just colossal hunting machines, great whites have intricate social lives and family bonds Marine biologists are only scratching the surface when it comes to understanding how great whites tick. As solitary fish, there’s some social hierarchy when individuals meet. In areas with regular populations, large groups gather at certain times of year. These gatherings aren’t fully understood, but coincide with the boom of seal populations. Around this time, young great white sharks will hang back from large kills to let the larger and older sharks take the lion’s share. Physical gestures have shown that body language is also used to communicate. Most social interaction between great whites seems to be in order to establish rank,
which in turn helps to avoid conflict. Despite having a reputation for being stone-cold killers, they aren’t keen to fight one another. In terms of hierarchy, the larger the shark, the higher its rank; similarly, residents come before newcomers and females before males. When many sharks gather, competition for prey can be fierce, so the sharks in some areas appear to reduce conflict by respecting boundaries. When it comes to hunting, ambush is the method of choice. Hunting behaviour relies on a potent mix of precision and efficiency and the sharks use their developed brains and keen senses to hone in on their prey. Using the scent
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organs in its snout, a great white can sense tiny amounts of blood in the water up to five kilometres (three miles) away. They have also been witnessed raising their heads several feet out of the water, and some think that this is to get a sniff of scents in the air. The sharks must keep swimming to stay alive, moving a flow of water over their gills to keep oxygen pumping. It’s not known how they sleep, but some have been seen moving slowly, or even being stationary in gullies. By facing their heads into the current, they’re able to catch a breather between mouthfuls as the water passes into their gills.
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All about great white sharks
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Epic migrations
Atlantic journey
This shark, nicknamed Lydia, has shown the true ability of great whites to swim vast distances. She headed out into the open Atlantic and swam over halfway to Europe.
Satellite tagging has shown these fish can travel through miles of open sea
The urge to migrate Great whites are thought to migrate to feed, coinciding with the availability and quality of food in particular regions. This could also be to do with mating or pupping, with the sharks heading off to find the most suitable mate, or the ideal place to give birth. Evidence suggests that all sharks appear to migrate, but scientists are still trying to figure out when and why.
Regular routes
Great whites tagged between 2000 and 2008 off the coast of California showed regular migrations all the way to Hawaii, back to California and in between.
Physiological demands Although journeys may be erratic, many sharks are known to migrate from their home ranges to other areas rich in food. On the journey it’s the shark’s fatty liver that enables it to swim marathon distances, but it can quickly replenish its reserves once it arrives.
Trans-oceanic voyage
A female great white named Nicole broke great white records when she swam 11,100 kilometres (6,900 miles) in 99 days from South Africa to Australia.
Born survivors
Solitary life The baby great whites are much like their parents in that they swim the oceans alone.
How pups are born with survival instincts
Great white offspring are almost miniature versions of their parents. Unlike other creatures, there are no life cycle stages to undergo for young great whites. This means that simply eating plenty to grow fast and reach the gargantuan size of their fearsome shark elders is all the little sharks need to do. With no parental care whatsoever, shark young come built with all the instinctual survival knowledge they need straight out of the womb. Initially they will feed on small fish and bottomfeeders – these are tasty and nutritious bite-sized morsels for the mini sharks. At around 1.5 metres (five feet) long, the offspring are by no means tiny, but this small size can make them vulnerable to larger predators. Though they’re thrown in at the deep end, learning to survive in this way helps the young sharks grow into hardened adults.
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Prepped and ready Baby sharks develop their killer senses in the womb, so when they are born, they’re ready to hunt.
Sticking to the shallows In their first few weeks, hungry little great whites mainly stick to shallow water where meals are plentiful.
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Great white sharks
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Mating rituals include biting These slow-growing ocean leviathans keep their mating secrets closely guarded Great white sharks reach maturity at around nine years old for males and 14 years old for females. When the time comes to find a mate, it’s thought great whites may make long journeys to hang out in areas where other sharks are looking for suitable partners. These congregations of great whites looking for love seem to occur in the same places each year. Hormones are believed to play a big part in shark mating rituals, with each male and female producing a certain chemical and releasing it into the water to let members of the opposite gender know that they’re ready to mate. Some great whites have even been observed making constant vertical dives in order to spread this chemical scent throughout the water column. Courting behaviour isn’t well documented in great white sharks. They may use their supreme swimming strength to zoom upwards out of the water and crash back down onto the sea surface with a huge splash, known as a pattern breach, as a mating display. A breeding couple may also swim in circles around each other a little to establish themselves before the male bites the female. This bite may be to signal to her that he is ready, or it may have a more practical use, in
that a bite will keep the pair together. As great white sharks have to keep swimming constantly to maintain the oxygen flow over their gills, a bite may be the helping hand the male needs in order to fertilise the female. Fertilisation is internal for great whites and the male has special appendages known as claspers on his underbelly, modifications of his pelvic fins that he uses to inject his sperm and fertilise the female’s eggs. Once fertilised, the female swims off and the male has no further part to play. Great whites, like many shark species, are ovoviviparous, which means they give birth to live young. The female’s fertilised eggs hatch out within the womb and the young baby great whites will eat any unfertilised eggs, providing them with a source of much-needed nutrients. This can also go a step further and unborn great white young have been known to eat their own brothers and sisters while still in the womb. Although it’s not fully documented, marine biologists generally think that gestation for great whites is around a year. The mother will give birth in shallow water, but then immediately swim away and leave her pups to fend for themselves as soon as they are born.
“After swimming circles around each other, the male bites the female as a signal to her that he is ready ”
Shark signals
Body language is used to establish social boundaries
Parallel swim
Two great whites swim slowly side by side to size each other up and establish rank, or settle ownership of a kill. Smaller sharks will submit and swim away.
Swim by
This behaviour consists of a slow swim past each other, a few feet apart. It may be used to identify each other, or to establish which shark ranks highest.
Hunch display
This posture is assumed when faced with a dominant shark and usually comes before either fleeing or attacking.
Splashing
A splash fight is quite rare to see between two sharks, but usually determines ownership of a kill. The rules are simple – the biggest splash wins.
Circling
Great whites swim around each other in a circle to identify rank.
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All about great white sharks
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King of the oceans These majestic sharks live in oceans across the world, usually gathering in the shallower waters of the continental slopes. Their principal habitat is the Pelagic zone – the upper part of the water column where light is still in plentiful supply. The sharks will usually stay wherever food can be found, so make their homes near coastal areas populated by plenty of seals and sea lions. Areas where deep water is close to the shore are favourite haunts, as are offshore reefs, banks, shoals and rocky headlands. These sharks also like to cruise around seamounts and island archipelagos, looking for food or mates depending on the location and time of year. Many will make long migrations each year to visit feeding or breeding grounds.
Great whites spend most of their time near the surface, but have been known to dive to around 1,875 metres (6,151 feet) in open oceans. Because of their preference to be close to the shore, they have often clashed with humans, earning themselves a reputation as murderous thugs. This is unfair on the sharks, however, as most attacks are mere cases of mistaken identity. There are hot spots of shark activity across the world, with greater concentrations of great whites off the coasts of South Africa, Australia and California. They’re also found along the coast of Hawaii, most of South America, the Gulf coast, New Zealand and the Mediterranean Sea. Great whites rarely venture into icy waters but some are spotted on the Alaskan and Canadian coasts.
Environmental factors © Alamy, Corbis, Getty, NPL, Thinkstock, Michael HJC, Jim E Margos, G W Sharks
Life in the sea has issues even for these mighty ocean rulers
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Commercial fisheries Great whites can fall victim to bycatch from the fishing industry. The creatures are oen trapped and killed in nets intended to catch other fish for humans to eat.
Poachers Despite their protection, great white sharks are targeted to make shark-fin soup, a supposed oriental delicacy. Poachers cut off the fins and throw the animals back.
Shark nets Designed to cordon off coastal areas and make them safe for humans to swim in, these colossal nets can entangle and kill sharks, as well as other marine life.
Changing climates It’s not easy to predict the affect climate change may have, but alterations in climate may influence prey distribution, which in turn could affect the great whites.
“Their fearsome features have helped paint an undeservingly negative picture of a misunderstood fish”
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Great white sharks
WorldMags.net Why sharks should be left alone
Great whites and humans have shared a chequered past. Their fearsome features, gigantic size and fierce array of teeth, alongside fictional films such as Jaws, have painted a rather poor picture of these misunderstood fish. Although shark bites do happen, they are very rare. In 2013 there were 53 unprovoked shark attacks in the USA, two of which were fatal. Compared with the amount of people in America who swam in the sea throughout the year, that number is very small. The truth is that sharks don’t want to eat us. We aren’t fatty enough for their nutritional needs and we have too many bones to digest. Shark attacks on humans don’t usually conform to the usual hunting strategy of the great white – ambushing and rushing the prey from beneath. If they really did believe we were their food, shark attacks would probably be much more common. Despite this, shark culls to protect public safety are in effect in some areas of the world. For example, in Western Australia shark culls began in January 2014 and more are expected to happen after the region was given an exemption from the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to kill great white sharks. As this species are so slow to reproduce and grow, culling could have catastrophic impact on breeding populations of these majestic animals.
Nearest neighbours The great white shares its ocean home with countless other amazing marine species
Coral Forming massive offshore reefs, the great white is a frequent visitor to these ecosystems. Coral is made up of tiny invertebrate animals that live in colonies and secrete a hard, calcium-carbonate skeleton.
Squid A Pelagic dweller alongside the great white, squid species live in the top layers of the ocean right down to the depths. They move by jet-propulsion from their siphon, reaching up to 40 kilometres (25 miles) per hour.
Seals The favourite meal of the great white, seals, alongside sea lions and walruses, live on shorelines across the world and are full of fatty, blubbery goodness – just how the sharks like it.
In our culture Sharks have captured many imaginations, cropping up in blockbuster films and even sports Jaws Responsible for many people’s shark fears, Steven Spielberg’s 1975 thriller follows the story of a killer shark on the loose around the beach resort of Amity Island.
Bruce in Disney Pixar’s Finding Nemo Finding Nemo went some way to portray great whites in a better light, with Bruce’s mantra being “fish are friends, not food”.
The Devil’s Teeth by Susan Casey This aims to tell the truth about the great whites of California’s Farallon Islands, as well as the scientists studying them.
Symbol of strength The shark tooth has long been used as a symbol of male strength and masculinity shark tooth necklaces came to prominence during the 1970s.
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Bony fish The great whites share their watery realm with thousands of species of bony fish – from ocean-going giants, shoals of tiddlers along the shore and brightly coloured exotic species teeming in the reefs.
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18 Amazing facts Rhinos
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The big, beautiful, endangered, talking, unpredictable, horned tank of Africa and Asia
Rhinos can talk
Though not exactly a developed language like human speech, the grunts and squawks you might hear rhinos emitting aren’t completely random. They use a number of sounds to communicate with one another, and Sumatran rhinos even use an infrasonic sound inaudible to human ears – a whistle followed by a sharp bang that carries over vast distances.
The white rhino’s name is thought to be a mistranslation of the Dutch word ‘wijd’, which means ‘wide’ in English, referring to their broad mouths.
Horses were their ancestors Even though the word ‘hippopotamus’ means ‘water horse’ in Latin, rhinos are more closely related to actual horses than their hippo cousins, even though they do look quite similar.
Ancient rhinos weighed up to 20 tons.
A rhino’s gestation period is nearly twice that of human’s and the second longest next to elephant’s, which lasts up to two years. An extinct species of rhino, Paraceratherium, stood over 8.5 metres (28 feet) tall on its hind legs and is the largest known land mammal ever.
Rhino pregnancy lasts 16 months. 36
Rhino fossil records can be traced back millions of years. The Sumatran rhino first appeared in the Miocene period, around 20 million years ago!
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They use their lips as limbs
The prehensile upper lip of the black rhino is extremely articulate – capable of picking small leaves from twigs, as well as holding food in its mouth. In some reported cases it has allowed the rhino to open gates and even car doors.
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Rhinos
Rhino sight is poor but they make up for it with acute hearing and an incredibly keen sense of smell.
In this major new campaign, 10% of World of Animals’ profits will now help fight poaching Follow the campaign and help save rhinos now at animalanswers.co.uk World of Animals is working with Ol Pejeta, east Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary, to help bring awareness to a massive problem that should be stopped. The conservancy is dedicated to securing habitats for the purpose of wildlife conservation and the not-for-profit organisation looks aer over 100 rhinos today. You can follow this vital campaign at www.animalanswers.co.uk. Here you’ll also find a Donate page to directly fund the fight against poaching before it’s too late and these animals are lost forever.
Rhino skin is vulnerable to the intense ultraviolet radiation of the Sun, so to protect themselves they find a watering hole and roll in the mud. This coats their skin with a layer that not only prevents burning, but acts as a kind of insect-repellent too.
They can smell a human from a mile away.
Rhino horn is worth more than gold
The price of rhino horn has skyrocketed in recent years, as the worldwide rhino population has plummeted and the coveted horn has become scarce. In the early 1970s a kilo (2.2 pounds) of horn would set you back $35, while today that amount of horn will cost you up to $100,000. The same amount of gold costs just over $45,000 at today’s prices. There are five species of rhino, including the black and white African, India’s greater one-horned, as well as the rare Sumatran and Javan rhinos. Rhino horn is actually made of the same material as your hair and fingernails. Like many of today’s other endangered species, there are far fewer rhinos now than there were just a century ago.
They can’t see you if you stand still
With a great sense of smell and hearing, rhino vision is very poor compared with a human’s. It’s based on motion, so it has difficulty seeing things that are standing still. Their reputation for unprovoked charges is based on the fact that they panic when they sense unfamiliar sounds or smells, but are unable to see them.
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© Corbis, FLPA, Thinkstock
They use Sun-block
Rhino brains are tiny For such imposing animals, rhinos have proportionally tiny brains that weigh anything from 400 to 600 grams (0.9 to 1.3 pounds). Surprisingly this is less than half the weight of the average human brain.
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WorldMags.net
ian tiger
This striped wolf-like marsupial – no match for the dingo – found peace on the island of Tasmania, but fell victim to bounty killings
“It had a stiff tail and, much like the kangaroo, an abdominal pouch”
New Guinea
stralia
The size of a dog Its scientific name (Thylacinus cynocephalus) actually means pouched dog with a wolf’s head. An adult measured 180 centimetres (six feet) from nose to tail tip and stood about 60 centimetres (two feet) high.
Tasmania
Tiger stripes It had short, so, brown fur except for around 14 to 24 brown-black stripes from the shoulder area to the tail.
Abdominal pouch Like all marsupials, Thylacine had an abdominal pouch to carry young (up to four at a time).
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depleting from the mainland. The tigers roamed free on Tasmania, though – a dingo-free zone – until Europeans arrived, that is. The destruction of habitat for sheep farming meant the loss of their natural prey and so the tigers began hunting domestic sheep for food. Farmers launched campaigns to destroy the tigers and landowners paid a bounty for each kill made, until in 1888 the government introduced an even larger bounty. Any remaining population was depleted by an unknown disease in 1910 and by 1933 it’s believed the species had finally become extinct in the wild.
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Last seen… Date: 7 September 1936 Location: Tasmania Throughout the mid-20th century several sightings of the Thylacine were reported, but none proven. Even though expeditions in the 1930s, 40s and 60s found no Tasmanian tigers, further possible evidence for the species’ continued existence surfaced. In 1961, a young male tiger was accidentally killed on the west coast of Tasmania. The incident led to questions about its existence – had it been surviving somewhere out of sight?
© Alan Batley Illustration; freevectormaps.com
With a wolf-like appearance and tiger-style stripes, this carnivorous marsupial was actually moreclosely related to kangaroos. Native to continental Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea, it’s believed that the Tasmanian tiger (Thylacine) only became extinct in the 20th century. A relatively shy creature, about the size of a medium-to-large dog, it had a stiff tail and, much like the kangaroo, an abdominal pouch. A series of transverse stripes over its back gave it its common name, the Tasmanian tiger. After the introduction of wild dogs (dingoes), competition for food became rife and tiger numbers began
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An animal in crisis
In eastern Africa, poachers use automatic weapons to slaughter endangered rhinos. The animals are shot and the horns are hacked away, tearing deep into the rhinos’ flesh with the rhino left to die.
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Meet the family WorldMags.net
Pigs
BUSHPIG
Potamochoerus larvatus Class Mammalia
With 16 different species, the Suidae family is brimming with diverse and interesting animals
Desert warthog
Territory Eastern Africa and Madagascar Diet Grasses, water plants, roots, bulbs, fruit, carrion and small animals Lifespan 20 years Adult weight 54-115kg / 119253lbs Conservation status
LEAST CONCERN
What’s life like for a desert pig?
As its name suggests, the desert warthog lives in open, arid regions, preferring sandy soils over hilly terrain. It has a low tolerance to the cold, which means it grazes at low elevations, usually on grass, plants, flowers and fruits. Due to its environment, it can’t be too fussy when it comes to food. The desert warthog is a large and stocky pig, and has a rather flattened head. Brown in colour, it has short, sparse hairs covering most of its body and a crest of much longer hair that runs down the back of its neck. Living in the desert, the desert warthog depends on water and shade for its survival.
Bushpig
The sociable Suidae
This shaggy-coated pig can be found in forests and woodland in eastern Africa and Madagascar – as long as there’s dense vegetation available, a bit of shelter and enough water, they’re usually happy. Bush pigs are generally social creatures, found in sounders with up to ten members, but can be on the aggressive side. They’re nocturnal, so aren’t often seen roaming around in daylight hours, but the species is widespread and common, with little threat to its existence. Bush pigs have paler heads compared with the rest of their bodies, as well as muscular snouts, which can also feature warts in the male of the species. Light mane The bush pig has a shaggy coat, usually reddishbrown in colour but sometimes a much darker brown.
Crest of hair A long crest of hair runs down the back and along the neck of the warthog.
Pygmy hog Very small and rare
DESERT WARTHOG © Alamy; Thinkstock; Frank Lane Picture Agency; Dreamstime
Phacochoerus aethiopicus
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Class Mammalia
Territory Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia Diet Grass, leafy plants, flowers and fruit Lifespan 7-18 years Adult weight 130kg / 286lbs Conservation status
LEAST CONCERN
Difficult to spot, in more ways than one, the pygmy hog is the smallest and rarest wild pig in the world. Everything about it is small, with a dark, grey-brown colouring. Both males and females have sparse hair, little legs and short tails, but males are slightly larger and have sharp tusks and hairy PYGMY HOG Porcula salvania moustaches. Speedy on land and in Class Mammalia water, the hog lives in wet, tall-grass habitats and used to reside among the Himalayan foothills. This species is now on the verge of extinction, with fewer than 200 Territory Assam, India adults believed to exist in and around the Diet Roots, leaves, grasses, Manas National Park in Assam, India. fruits, seeds, eggs and carrion Work is currently being carried Lifespan 7-14 years Adult weight 8-10kg / 17-22lbs out in an attempt to save Conservation status the little pigs.
Short Legs The pygmy hog has rather short legs in proportion to the rest of its body, which means it can move very quickly through its habitat of tall, dense grass.
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CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
Pigs
WorldMags.net Celebes warty pig The patriarch of the family
CELEBES WARTY PIG Sus celebensis
Class Mammalia
Territory Indonesia Diet Foliage, fallen fruits, roots, fish, crustaceans, worms, insects and carrion Lifespan 10 years Adult weight 40-70kg / 88-154lbs Conservation status
Black Bristles The Celebes warty pig has thick, black bristles on the top of its head, that looks a bit like a Mohican or bushy fringe
NEAR THREATENED
The Celebes warty pig is grey-black, often with red or yellow markings on its sides. It has a rather impressive Mohican-style crest of bristles on the crown of the head, which sometimes runs down the neck. Both males and females have three pairs of warts on their faces – these are more prominent on males and older pigs. Also known as the Sulawesi warty pig due to its Indonesian habitat, can be found in a range of environments from rainforests and swamps to open grasslands and agricultural areas. It can even survive in altitudes of around 2,500 metres (8,200 feet). When on the move, these pigs are usually led by a male and midday wallowing tends to break up their active days.
Large white Pig
The most common
The most populous pig of the bunch is the large white, pictured here as a piglet. Also known as the English large white, this domestic pig originated in Yorkshire, UK, and was first recognised in 1868. A rugged and hardy breed, the large white can withstand ever-changing climates, from the coldness of European winters, to the often blazing summers. Their ability to cross and improve other breeds gives them the leading role in commercial pig production worldwide. EURASIAN WILD PIG Sus scrofa
Class Mammalia
Territory Southern Europe, Asia and North Africa Diet Seeds, roots, tubers, fruit, nuts, carrion, eggs, insects Lifespan 21 years Adult weight 66-272kg / 145-600lbs Conservation status
LEAST CONCERN
Newborn Newborns have light stripes along their torso, which fade throughout their first year until the pig turns to its brown, adult shade.
Large whites start small and pink This domestic pig has less of a rugged look, with shorter pale hairs and long legs.
WHITE PIG
Class Mammalia
Territory Domesticated Diet Vegetation Lifespan 10-15 years Adult weight 100-160kg / 220-350lbs Conservation status
NOT EVALUATED
Eurasian wild pig
Not a pig Guinea pig Cavia porcellus This pet is a species of rodent from the Caviidae family and is unrelated to the pig family. Guinea pigs don’t even exist naturally in the wild, but are domestic descendants of a closely related species of cavy. Though it has no connection to the Suidae family, the Latin name of the guinea pig means little pig.
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1. Biggest Forest hog As the largest wild pig, the male forest hog is even larger than the female at around two metres (6.5 feet) in length and a metre (three feet) tall.
3. Most wellknown Domestic pig This pig is a subspecies of the wild boar, farmed for its meat or kept as a pet. Either way, it’s very accustomed to humans.
2. Smallest Pygmy hog
4. Fastest Warthog
Rare and almost extinct, this hog is the smallest wild pig in the world, standing at just 20 to 31 centimetres (8 to 12 inches) tall on its little legs.
The warthog has been known to run at speeds of up to 48 kilometres (30 miles) per hour, usually when startled or in imminent danger.
Meet the ancestor of the domestic pig
Also known as the wild boar, the Eurasian wild pig has found a good balance between rest and play, spending much of its time foraging and swimming, sometimes for several miles, but also wallowing and even taking afternoon siestas. It’s also able to adapt to a variety of environments, from deserts and tropical rainforests to woodlands and jungles. With one of the widest geographic distributions of all terrestrial mammals, it’s the ancestor of most ancient and modern domestic pig breeds. In a similar way to how the aging process turns human hair a lovely shade of silver, the Eurasian wild pig’s bristly, coarse coat turns from brown to grey as it grows old.
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Wildlife of the dry forest
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Wildlife of the dry forest A showcase of rare and beautiful animals, and an example of how wildlife can flourish when left undisturbed, the Anjajavy forest is home to teems of unusual species endemic to Madagascar
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Wildlife of the dry forest
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BELOW Abundant trees and lush vegetation are home to the wildlife of the Anjajavy forest
Amazingly the Anjajavy forest covers an area of only around 50 square kilometres, but within it there is a whole world of wildlife rejoicing in its unique, dry, arboreal environment. The forest isn’t remarkable in itself, but its location on a peninsular with the beautiful Majajamba Bay at its south, and the equally beautiful Narinda Bay on its northern side, makes it rather special. More than just the secrets of its flora and fauna, the forest is also home to a system of small tidal estuaries that create mangrove swamps within the apparently dry surroundings. This provides a contrasting array of species, making the Anjajavy not only fascinating, but unusually diverse for such a small area of forest. Lemurs are a noted species in the Anjajavy forest, since they have a great playground to use as their habitat. Abundant trees and forest floor enable them a varied diet and in the wet season they feed on flowers, fruit, bark and dead wood. In the dry season they enjoy mature leaves and buds. The tsingy caves provide a special habitat for the bats of this region, offering cool shelter. Probably the most common member of the Chiroptera family locally is the Commerson’s leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros commersoni). The cave explorer will sight many bats in flight and some hanging from the ceiling on stalactite formations of the limestone cave interiors. Also thought to be present in the Anjajavy forest area is the endangered fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), the largest mammalian carnivore on the island of Madagascar, as well as the nocturnal greater
hedgehog tenrec (Setifer setosus) which is endemic to the forest and can be seen sifting along the floor. The fossa is one of the rarest carnivores in the world. Although it’s not much larger than a domestic Tom cat, it’s often described as a miniature puma – a veritable giant in the relatively small fauna of Madagascar. It’s one of a number of unusual creatures, but not so strange as the greater hedgehog tenrec, which is nocturnal and resembles a startled hedgehog, as its name suggests. Despite being an insectivore, it has a totally unexpected family tree that puts it in the same category as elephants! The name Anjajavy comes from the jajavy tree, which is unique to this small area and found solely within a radius of five kilometres (three miles) of Anjajavy village. However, even this settlement has little or no road contact with the rest of Madagascar and is best encountered by sea or air. This region of Madagascar is tropical, which means it’s hot, with a leaning towards temperate. The seasons aren’t as clearly defined as most, but the winter generally runs from January to March. It’s during this time that the canopy of the forest drips constantly under the weight of the rainy period, with an occasional cyclone ensuring there’s no cosy complacency for any forest resident. Winter melts into a brief spring and a prolonged summer throughout the rest of the year. April to June sees the Sun bursting through, but there are still some heavy rains during these three months. The growth spurts of the plants, trees and vegetation are mainly during the remainder of the year when the nourishment of the rain is fully absorbed and, of course, as plant life flourishes so do the many species of wildlife. A walk through the Anjajavy during the summer months can be one of the most rewarding trips in the world. Not only are the many breathtaking wild flowers in full radiant bloom, but the native wildlife presents itself to be seen and observed with little effort. Offspring abound and treat the forest floor as their playground under the watchful eyes of Diverse as they are beautiful, flamingoes are a common sight in the Anjajavy forest
“Offspring abound and treat the forest floor as their playground” 44
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Changing climates The Anjajavy isn’t exempt from environmental concerns by any means Deforestation combined with global warming has already scarred many areas of Madagascar, including the dry forest. Rising sea levels, more rain activity and increased cyclonic threat could actually cause the coastal forest areas to shi inland. This would leave the local communities at greater risk and could unbalance the entire region. There are concerns about an increase in both marine and land gas and oil exploration. As agriculture demands rise, deforestation, which has already taken its toll on some areas of the country, could also further threaten the Anjajavy region. All is not lost though, since both local and international agencies have already identified the vulnerabilities and are taking action to protect the Anjajavy for future generations.
Wildlife of the dry forest
WorldMags.net Endemic to Madagascar, the carpet chameleon starts the day a darker colour to help warm up in the sunlight
Five amazing birds of Madagascar Madagascar fish eagle A majestic but deadly hunter, the Madagascan fish eagle is the largest of Anjajavy’s birds of prey. There are thought to be four breeding pairs le in the forest.
Madagascar crested wood ibis Colourful but camouflaged, the Madagascan crested wood ibis feeds on almost anything small that moves, from insects to frogs.
Grey-headed lovebird A fast flier, the grey-headed lovebird chews leaves and twigs for its nest, but it’s only the male that is actually grey-headed – the female is a regular green.
dedicated parents. Lemurs are the most iconic creatures found here, as well as a wide range of reptiles – some of them quite weird to behold – including colourful geckos that adorn trees like living jewellery. There are of course also countless birds, brilliant, colourful and often noisy. These birds are as diverse as they are plentiful, with greater flamingoes a common sight on the edge of the forest, as well as a surprising number of other waders, but many other species chatter and sing high in the canopy. Among the rarer breeds to be seen is the Madagascan fish eagle, only a few pairs of which have been recorded in recent times, but the environment suits them perfectly. Two other birds of prey unique to this area are the Madagascan harrier hawk and the Madagascan cuckoo falcon. All three of these birds survive because of an abundance of prey on the menu. Far below, on the shady forest floor, the Anjajavy is mostly limestone and, as the land meets the coast, there are a number of striking caves. These are picturesque not only because of their large, ornate stalactites, but also because of the apparently moving surface of the cave roof. Look a little closer and you’ll soon realise this living ceiling is in fact a healthy bat population crowded in the darkness. Today there are arranged trips into the Anjajavy with small groups of wildlife enthusiasts taken on guided field trips that have been described as once-in-a-lifetime journeys. It’s a living forest with a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds and aromas, cautiously welcoming visitors. Essentially, though, the Anjajavy dry forest remains as it has always been – in a world of its own.
African pygmy kingfisher The African pygmy kingfisher loves the coast, but feeds on the abundance of small insects, rather than fish.
Rufous vanga Another colourful inhabitant of the forest, rufous vanga is also keen on larger insects and small lizards. It’s one of the least-rare birds of the region.
See it for yourself WWW.RAINBOWTOURS.CO.UK
Rainbow Tours have been organising trips to the Anjajavy for years, combining the best accommodation with expert guidance. Of course, there’s also the exotic holiday of a lifetime on the north-west beaches. Rainbow Tours has a good track record in making the Anjajavy very special.
The fossa is Madagascar’s largest carnivore and cat king of the Anjajavy forest
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Wildlife of the dry forest
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Life in the Anjajavy forest Sunlight threads through the thick canopy, spotlighting the dry forest floor to highlight colourful geckos and many other creatures. The plants that make up the flora and fauna of the Anjajavy bordering on the Indian Ocean and draw nutrition from its exploratory rivulets
Lowland forest The Anjajavy is a dry, lowland, deciduous forest, offering a very different environment from the tropical rainforests of other areas. Madagascar fish eagle
World within an island Madagascar was once a part of the African land mass, but tectonic shifts millions of years ago, probably during the Jurassic period, detached today’s island. The flora and fauna heavily indicate its links with the mainland, yet it has many endemic species. The Anjajavy has its own unique features and is almost a world of its own. Thick shrubs The shrub life of the forest is thick – a sure sign of a lack of browsing mammals and a protective bonus for the many small creatures living on the forest floor. Wet and dry The area has a great variety of wildlife at least in part because of its varied terrain of both dry forest and wetland, all within a fairly small area.
Ring-tailed lemur
Perhaps the star of the Madagascan show, the ring-tailed lemur is among the most famous animals unique to the island. Very sociable, they’re often seen in large groups, hunting for food or simply sunning themselves. At home on the ground and high in the trees, these lemurs have done a lot to put the area on the map.
Tsingy city A tsingy is like an outdoor limestone stalagmite, reaching up on both land and in the sea. Not all are spear-shaped, but some can be seen in the ocean near to the coast and have been rounded by sea motion so that they look like small islands.
Oustalet’s chameleon
Carpet chameleon
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Forest roof The patches of darkness within the forest are provided by the tall baobab, which oen link to create umbrellas over the ground below.
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Wildlife of the dry forest
WorldMags.net Forest trails In places the forest is impenetrable except by following the rather make-shi trails.
Brown lemur
Carpet chameleon
This large chameleon can grow over 20 centimetres (eight inches) and is typical of its kind in that it’s slow-moving but lightning fast when it finds a tasty insect. Like most chameleons it changes colour – often starting the day as a dull green when it’s cool but becoming bright green as it gets warmer.
Ancient trees
Baobab
Some of the island’s famous baobab trees are known to have lived for more than 1,000 years and during this time have been the favourite of the many kinds of lemur. The Anjajavy boasts some of the finest of this smooth-barked national emblem, which comes in all shapes and sizes.
Lemur support system While lemurs are quite at home on the ground, there’s no doubt that they fully enjoy the liana vines that are abundant in the forest.
Natural cisterns The forest features a number of natural limestone caverns that have been used by local tribes in the past, but now help to keep some moisture in this dry forest.
Fossa
Predators The best known of the region’s predators is the fossa, Madagascar's largest carnivore. Other hunters include the tenrec and of course the birds of prey. The Anjajavy is home to a wide range of predatory wildlife feeding on everything from small mammals and birds, to bugs, but the balance of the food chain has always been perfectly maintained. Hot and dry There is no question that the Anjajavy gets hot, over 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). There’s a low overall rainfall, even though it is heavy at times.
Madagascar ground boa Global 200 Ecoregion Because of its endemic animal and plant life, the Anjajavy has been included in the Global 200 Ecoregion protection list.
Commerson’s leaf-nosed bat
Sea life Bordering as it does on the sea, the forest is within close sight of a number of ocean-going creatures such as whales and dolphins, which can swim peacefully by as it’s considered bad form in Madagascar to kill such creatures.
Madagascan giant hognose snake
The limestone caves of the Anjajavy are home to a huge bat population who have the best of both worlds. During the day they are content to sleep in their customary position but at dusk they emerge to feast on the thousands of insects filling the air. What a great life!
Western girdled lizard Chameleon collection Madagascar is famed for an immense array of chameleons, many of which live in the Anjajavy. These can grow as long as a metre (three feet) from nose to tail. Snake patrol There are a number of snakes living in the forest, but none of them are especially dangerous and can be avoided by following the correct paths.
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© Corbis, Thinkstock, NPL, Sol90, Ardea
Bat haven
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Endangered WorldMags.net
Mountain gorilla MOUNTAIN GORILLA Gorilla beringei beringei Class Mammalia
Territory Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Diet Leaves, fruit, roots, bark, some insects Lifespan 35 years Adult weight Up to 220kg / 485lbs Conservation status
ENDANGERED
Discovered in 1902, there are thought to be fewer than 900 of these noble apes left in the wild – around a tenth the estimated population of their eastern lowland cousins. With longer and thicker hair than other gorilla species, they’re perfectly adapted to the mountain climate, living at altitudes of up to 4,400 metres (14,000 feet). However, their survival skills are constantly being pushed to the limits as a result of human encroachment on their territory
Why it’s endangered Disease
Gorillas are one of our closest relatives, which is arguably one of the things that makes them so popular to conservationists and eco-tourists alike. Ironically our efforts to help have often had the opposite effect, as our contagious diseases infect entire troops. Because their immunity isn’t as developed as ours, even illnesses like a common cold can be lethal.
Habitat loss
Forests in central Africa are constantly the victim of human industry, pushing gorillas higher into the mountains and ever-more confined areas. Most often the land is repurposed for agriculture and to create pasture for livestock, but other threats to the habitat include charcoal production, oil prospecting and illegal mining of minerals.
War
Although the war in Rwanda ended in the 1990s, its ramifications – along with those of continuing civil unrest in DRC – are still impacting mountain gorillas. Thousands of fleeing refugees and hiding rebels have now made the forest their home, resulting in a growing trade in poaching and the fragmentation of gorilla territory.
What you can do WWW.GORILLAFUND.ORG
Gorilla Fund International was set up by Dian Fossey (of Gorillas In The Mist fame) in 1978. As well as helping to protect these great apes on the ground, it also conducts research into gorilla rehabilitation and educational programmes to show humans and gorillas can peacefully coexist.
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Mountain gorilla
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Tara Stoinski, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
Dr Tara Stoinski is the vice-president and chief scientific officer of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. She is also a member of the IUCN’s Primate Specialist Group’s Section for Great Apes.
Territory in 2014
The decreasing habitat Today’s mountain gorillas are found in only two regions in central Africa. The slightly larger of the subpopulations lives across three national parks in the Virunga Massif volcanic mountains that straddle the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. The second group resides in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda. Some scientists have argued the latter should be considered its own subspecies, but for now the two subpopulations are both classed as Gorilla beringei beringei.
“Mountain gorilla conservation has been remarkably successful in that the mountain gorilla is the only monitored population of great ape known to be increasing. However, with still under 900 in the wild, their future depends on the continuation of extreme conservation efforts. “The threats faced by mountain gorillas today come in many forms, including habitat loss, disease and poaching. This poaching is [generally] for other animals, but gorillas get caught in snares and the injuries can be lethal. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund works with the Rwandan park authorities to address these threats by tracking about 120 gorillas across ten family groups and removing snares from the forest. These direct measures – daily physical monitoring alongside anti-poaching patrols that we call ‘extreme conservation’ – are combined with community education programmes to teach people about the importance of preserving the park and the gorillas. “The mountain gorilla population in Rwanda is increasing and we know why: the extreme conservation of daily monitoring, protection and veterinary treatment. However, this type of protection requires enormous investment. [For instance], the habitat where the mountain gorillas live has more than 50 guards per 100 square kilometres [39 square miles] – 20 times the world average. “The Fossey Fund has been working in Rwanda for 46 years and the Karisoke Research Center is one of the longestrunning primate field research stations of its kind. As one might imagine, this has led to a huge database of information about mountain gorillas, other biodiversity and even patterns of illegal activity. One of our major focuses right now is on developing systems that improve our data collection and management, so we can continue to produce analyses to inform conservation efforts.”
“Direct measures – daily physical monitoring alongside anti-poaching patrols that we call ‘extreme conservation’ – are combined with community education programmes” WorldMags.net
© Suzi Eszterhas/Minden Pictures/FLPA
Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Zoos of WorldMags.net the world
Indianapolis Zoo Learn more about the zoo that’s taking human-animal interaction to rainforest heights See it for yourself WWW.INDYZOO.COM Location
Indianapolis, USA
Admission
Under 2: Free Child (2-12): $14 Adult: $18 Senior (62+): $16
How to get there
Indianapolis Zoo
USA
The Indianapolis Zoo is located at 1200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222 along the banks of the White River and located less than a mile west of the downtown area in White River State Park. BELOW The Indianapolis Zoo opened the gates at its current location in White River State Park on 11 June 1988
Race a Cheetah The Cheetah: Race for Survival exhibit offers spectacular views of these stunning big cats, plus a unique interactive activity that benefits cheetah conservation throughout Africa.
Plains Here a variety of African animals graze. Giraffes pluck leaves from trees, rhinos gather near a visitor platform and elephants interact quietly by the watering hole.
Indianapolis, the state capital of Indiana, USA, is a bustling, built-up city home to the world-famous Indy 500 racecourse, a booming manufacturing industry and 820,000 people. Deep in the concrete jungle of skyscrapers and factories, a jungle of an entirely different kind has been re-created right in the middle of it all – that of the south-east-Asian rainforests, the swinging ground of the much-loved and critically endangered orangutan. The International Orangutan Center, which opened its doors for the first time in May 2014, is the latest in a long line of development programmes being carried out by the Indianapolis Zoo. It’s one of the last in the US to be built from the ground-up within walking distance of a major city’s downtown district. The zoo began as the vision of Lowell Nussbaum, who voiced his dream to establish a wildlife park in Indianapolis in the early 1940s. “He and other founders were discussing potential sites for the facility by 1944, with the ideal that the zoo would be supported by admission, in-park sales, contributions and memberships,” says Mark Crowther, zoo president and CEO. “That still holds true, as the Indianapolis Zoo is one of the few major accredited zoos in the United States to receive no tax-based revenue.” Fast-forward 50 years and the park has grown from being a small children’s zoo to a world-class facility
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Indianapolis Zoo
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“The park has grown from being a small children’s zoo to a world-class facility” Deserts The Deserts Dome is home to some furry mammals in addition to its collection of reptiles and birds. It has directed pathways, photo murals and dynamic interpretative signage.
The Dolphin Pavilion Highlights of the Dolphin Pavilion include an underwater viewing dome in the centre of the main pool – the first of its kind in the country.
Oceans See walruses, penguins and plenty of fish in the Oceans Biome and dare to dip your fingers into the Shark Touch Pool!
Encounters Flights of Fancy: A Brilliance of Birds features three walk-through aviaries with bird-feeding opportunities, a playground for toddlers, a 4D theatre and a backyard bird habitat.
Forests Temperate and tropical forests of the world are represented in the Forests Biome, which is also the home of the Amur tigers. Here you can find the new and exciting International Orangutan Center.
White River Gardens This is a three-acre botanical attraction where visitors can enjoy and learn about the natural world from hundreds of plant varieties.
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Zoos of the world Stars of the Indianapolis Zoo Azy
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The lights of the Nina Mason Pulliam Beacon of Hope will eventually be controlled by the orangutans of the International Orangutan Center
Of all the orangutans at Indianapolis Zoo, Azy is the oldest and largest male. He is eager to learn new tasks, especially those that provide a mental challenge. He is also great at using computers and already has many years of experience with them.
Kubwa The first African elephant to ever become pregnant and give birth from artificial insemination, Kubwa’s first calf was a female named Amali born in 1998. Since then, she has given birth to two more elephant calves through artificial insemination.
“The 64-acre site is now home to more than 2,000 animals, with residents including polar bears, dolphins and Amur tigers”
Pakak Found stranded off the coast of Alaska when he was just an infant, Pakak’s name means ‘one who gets into everything’, which is very fitting! He’s very curious about his surroundings and is a fast learner. Still developing, he will reach up to 1,360 kilograms (3,000 pounds).
Tundra has called the Indianapolis Zoo her home for almost 25 years
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welcoming more than a million visitors each year. From a collection of less than 200 creatures, the 64-acre site is now home to more than 2,000 animals, with residents including polar bears, dolphins and Amur tigers. Despite its impressive growth, for Crowther it’s all about quality rather than quantity: “The Indianapolis Zoo has focused on the quality of its exhibits and the creation of impressive guest experiences, rather than simply presenting large numbers of exhibits, species and specimens,” he tells us. This experience is based around three core values: engagement, enlightenment and empowerment. “By our presentation of wondrous animals in compelling environments, guests find themselves falling in love with them. After guests are engaged, we then seek to enlighten them – to teach them important information about a species, as well as the challenges they may be facing in the wild. Then finally we seek to empower people and show them what they can do to advance animal conservation, whether that’s through donations, advocacy or making changes in their own lives and behaviours,” Crowther says. One of the ways the zoo is aiding empowerment is through the involvement and monetary assistance it provides to many different organisations, researchers and scientists around the world. Crowther explains further: “We are not a zoo that conducts conservation activities on the side, we are first and foremost a global conservation organisation that operates a zoo as part of its mission.” This includes supporting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, which works to protect the highly endangered mountain gorilla in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The zoo also supports the International Rhino Foundation, which aims to conserve both black and white rhino populations. Perhaps the most significant of the zoo’s efforts to protect animals and their habitats is the Indianapolis Prize. This award is given out every other year to an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to conservation programmes involving an animal species or multiple species. Hand-picked by a panel of internationally recognised conservationists, the winner is announced at an exuberant celebration in Indianapolis. Five finalists receive $10,000 each, while the overall winner is awarded
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Indianapolis Zoo
WorldMags.net During the summer, the Splash Park presented by Kroger is the place to beat the heat!
ABOVE The zoo has entertainment for all ages, including an endangered animal carousel RIGHT The zoo has a collection of feathered friends including the rockhopper penguin
Roo on the run “One favourite story is when the new zoo first opened in our downtown location just over 25 years ago. We had a very unusual animal escape. A kangaroo found its way out of the Zoo and into downtown Indianapolis with a group of keepers in hot pursuit. It le dents in the hoods of a few cars and we imagine that more than one bar patron had a tall tale to tell at the end of the day!”
as the orangutans will eventually have control over the lights of the 45-metre- (150-foot-) high Nina Mason Pulliam Beacon of Hope, which will act as a constant reminder of the need to protect these beautiful animals. As for the future, the Indianapolis Zoo has big plans. “Everything springs from our goal of empowering others to advance animal conservation, so I believe that we will see more involving and powerful interfaces at our exhibits and habitats between animals and humans, creating greater interest and forming the basis for a more-powerful commitment,” Crowther says. “I also think that we’ll build more-effective connections between our physical campus and the field projects we work with, enabling the zoo to work as a sort of portal through which people can pass to reach the wild world. We’ll also work to find ways to engage people more effectively off-site. More than anything else, we’ll be working to create deeper, moremeaningful involvement opportunities for humans while providing increasingly enriched lives for animals.”
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© Indianapolis Zoo; Getty, Thinkstock
a whopping $250,000 – the largest individual monetary award for animal species conservation in the world. With such a hefty wad of money involved, the Indianapolis Prize is unlike the usual low-key prize-giving ceremonies that take place in the conservation world. The celebration, which this year will be held at the five-star JW Marriott Hotel in Indianapolis, draws attention and media coverage from across the globe. “It’s not designed to be a quiet, academic, scientist-focused event, but instead an energetic and spectacular celebration of conservation victories,” says Crowther. “The goal is to inspire the general public to start caring about conservation, and to place conservation heroes on the pedestal that we usually reserve for sports and entertainment stars.” Now the zoo’s contribution to global conservation is about to get even bigger with the opening of the International Orangutan Center, currently home to eight orangutans, with the potential to accommodate more, making it one of the largest groups in any American zoo. It has been designed specifically to meet the physical, social and intellectual needs of orangutans and will serve as a vital education, research and conservation base. “The new center is a game-changing exhibit for zoos in that I think it sets a new standard for design from the animals’ point of view,” says Crowther. “It will bring new hope to a species that’s on the verge of extinction.” Vice president of conservation and life sciences, Dr. Rob Shumaker, has overseen this cutting-edge design through from conception to completion: “The vertical and complex nature of the International Orangutan Center frees the orangutans to move their bodies in a full range of natural, athletic and graceful ways,” he tells us. “Of course, orangutans have sophisticated mental abilities. At the International Orangutan Center, the apes will have the opportunity to engage in computer-based tasks on a daily basis, enabling them to learn, solve problems and exercise their minds.” This will include learning new language skills through specially designed computers, as well as giving them the chance to use the world’s first orangutan vending machine. But the interactive experience created by the Center isn’t for the apes alone. Visitors will be able to create digital finger paintings alongside the orangutans, which can then be sent to friends and family as a digital postcard. They will also be able to get a glimpse of the apes’ perspective by taking a ride on the new Skyline cable ride, giving incredible views over the park and a unique opportunity to see the orangutans from their vantage point. Even those outside of the zoo will be able to join in the experience,
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Evolution of the WorldMags.net
Night vision Mostly nocturnal, lions have round pupils and an eye coating that reflects moonlight and provides excellent night vision.
Lion
One of the world’s most powerful felines, the lion evolved from an ancestor similar in size to a domestic cat. Once widespread across most continents, there are now less than 50,000 lions in the wild
Evolutionary pressure
Roar Travelling up to nine kilometres (six miles), a lion’s roar warns off rivals and helps relatives find one another. Jaws The powerful hinged jaw contains 30 teeth, including four carnassial teeth for slicing through the tough flesh of a kill.
Legs When Panthera leo le the tree canopies, it first adapted to run and eventually jump over ten metres (32 feet).
Mane A distinctive mane makes male lions appear larger – perfect for intimidating rival lions and hyenas.
Appearance The lion evolved without spots for better camouflage, so now only vestigial faint markings remain, more visible on cubs.
Predators Lions have increased in size and strength to become the most dominant hunters in their natural habitat.
Lionesses As male lions increased in size, smaller and quicker lionesses became the main hunters of the pride.
25 MILLION Proailurus 25 million years ago Considered the first true cat, this prehistoric carnivore was not much larger than a domestic cat. It had a long tail, large eyes, sharp retractable claws and vicious carnassial teeth.
2ft
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20 MILLION
5 MILLION
250 THOUSAND
Pseudaelurus 20 million years ago This species crossed land bridges from Eurasia into Africa and North America to become widespread. Its size varied, but all types had elongated backs and short legs suitable for climbing trees.
Panthera leo 5 million years ago From 130,000 to 10,000 years ago, Panthera leo was the most widespread large land mammal aer humans.
Panthera leo persica 250,000 years ago The Asiatic lion once roamed from the Mediterranean to India, but today less than 500 of this endangered subspecies remain.
8-10ft
6.5-9ft
5ft
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Lion
WorldMags.net Golden fur The short golden coat and faint markings help camouflage lions in the tall grass when hunting prey.
LION
Panthera Leo Class Mammalia
Territory Sub-Saharan Africa and western India Diet Carnivore Lifespan 10-14 years Adult weight 120-190kg / 265-420lbs Conservation status
VULNERABLE
Tail A tail with a hairy tu at the end sometimes conceals a fivemillimetre- (0.2-inch-) thick spine, though it has no known use.
What is the evidence? A host of historic subspecies and feline forbears have led to the modern-day big cat There were several prehistoric subspecies of Panthera leo, now all extinct. The first subspecies of lion known, Panthera leo fossilis, was slightly larger than its modern-day descendants. The oldest fossil of this subspecies in Europe dates back 700,000 years and fossils found in Tanzania place it in east Africa 5 to 2 million years ago.
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The subspecies gave way to the more common and smaller Panthera leo spelaea, also known as the European cave lion, which lived 600,000 years ago. Today only Panthera leo (the African lion) and the subspecies Panthera leo persica (Asiatic lion) survive. There are disputed studies that suggest a further five subspecies of lion are living in Africa.
© Frans Lanting/FLPA
“The first subspecies of lion known, Panthera leo fossilis, was slightly larger than its modernday descendants”
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Life cycle of… WorldMags.net
Gentoo penguins GENTOO PENGUIN Pygoscelis papua Class Aves
Territory Antarctica Diet Carnivore Lifespan 15-20 years Adult weight 5.5kg / 12lbs Conservation status
NEAR THREATENED
Crèche phase When the chicks are large enough, they leave the nest and venture short distances away to join other chicks in groups. They shed their insulating down and replace it with adult feathers.
Gentoo penguins are loyal companions and often mate with the same partner annually. They will build a nest of pebbles high up on the flat coastal plains, away from the risk of melt water, and take it in turns to care for their chicks during the Antarctic spring Hatchling 0-28 days
Egg -4 weeks
For the first month the parents share childcare duties – while one remains at the nest to guard the chicks, the other hunts in the coastal waters.
Gentoo penguins lay their eggs in pairs. The parents incubate their clutch at a warm temperature of 30 to 36 degrees Celsius (86 to 96 Fahrenheit).
Gentoos will reach sexual maturity at the age of three. The breeding season begins in the spring, when the birds will gather in small colonies to make their rocky nests.
Fledgeling 70-80 days
© The Art Agency; Sandra Doyle, Thinkstock
Competition for prime nesting sites is fierce and the best locations are guarded. The male and females work together to build a circular nest with stones, foliage, sticks and fallen feathers.
Breeding 3 years
Annual moult During the breeding season the adult penguins become thin and their feathers damaged. Aer their chicks fledge they spend weeks fattening themselves up, before moulting to replace their waterproof coat.
At around 70 days old, gentoo chicks begin making trips to the sea. Unlike other penguins, they don’t leave the colony straight away and their parents will continue to feed them for a week while they learn how to swim.
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Nesting -6 weeks
Juvenile 1-2 years Unlike Adele and chinstrap penguins, gentoos tend to remain close to their breeding grounds all year round, although some have ventured as far as Australia and New Zealand.
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Bizarre! WorldMags.net SUNDA COLUGO
Galeopterus variegatus Class Mammalia
Territory Eastern Asia Diet Leaves, buds, fruit Lifespan 15 years in captivity Adult weight 1.5kg / 3.3lbs Conservation status
LEAST CONCERN
The treetop-cruising miniature mammal that pretends to be part-bird and part-kangaroo The sunda colugo is commonly known as a flying lemur, but it’s not really a lemur and cannot actually fly! These curious critters have modified flaps of skin that extend from their arms to their tails to help them glide from tree to tree.
They have webbed They have hands and feet binocular vision In order to maximise their gliding ability, colugos also have membranes that extend between their fingers and toes, effectively webbing their extremities. This enables them to be as aerodynamic as possible. Gliding usually occurs in open areas of forest – an adaptation that enables them to access a wide range of food resources. Colugos can manoeuvre themselves easily in-flight and land neatly with their heads up.
This small mammal has huge front-facing eyes that occupy much of its small head, complemented by a small snout and nose. A colugo’s vision is binocular and highly sensitive, enabling it to make calculated decisions when gliding from place to place and ensuring that clumsy and damaging landings are avoided. These animals are also nocturnal, so their vision enables them to forage for food at nighttime with ease.
Their teeth are shaped like combs
A colugo’s mouth has some curious and unique dentition. Their lower front teeth (known as incisors) have tiny comb-like structures on them, for which their function isn’t really known. These unusual teeth could potentially be used as scrapers – to strain food or strip tasty leaves from branches, or they could even be used to comb the fur as the colugo grooms itself.
Graceful gliders they may be, but colugos are slightly less blessed when it comes to climbing. They possess needle-sharp claws that let them grip bark easily, but when climbing vertically those large winglike membranes can become a bit of a hindrance. Cologos can easily grapple branches upside down, however, which is a method they oen use for travelling along branches, eating and resting.
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© National Geographic
They are clumsy climbers
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Hyenas
Wildlife’s
L E B RE The unlikely intelligence, steely determination and steadfast loyalty of spotted hyenas Words Laura Mears Lions might be Africa’s largest predator, but hyenas are more sociable, intelligent and are built to survive. It’s a battle of strength versus numbers, ambush versus endurance and brawn versus brains. Spotted hyenas have a reputation as callous, laughing scavengers, but they are far from being the “slobbering, mangy, stupid poachers” described in the Lion King. These formidable hunters live in large social groups, displaying aspects of intelligence equivalent to some primates. They are among Africa’s most successful predators and if it weren’t for lions, they truly would rule the savannah. Hyenas owe their success to a complex social structure. Like wolves, they live in large hierarchical societies, known as clans, ranging in size from just three members in desert regions, to up to 90 in the rich savannahs. Each clan works together to hunt, defend territory and raise young. There’s safety in numbers and as Africa’s second-largest
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Wildlife’s rebel
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predator, a group of spotted SPOTTED HYENA hyenas is a fearsome sight. Crocuta crocuta The clan is dominated Class Mammalia by females and has a strict pecking order. Dominant animals get preferential access to food, attacking Territory Sub-Saharan Africa those less important than Diet Omnivore themselves in order to obtain Lifespan Up to 25 years Adult weight 50-86kg / the best parts of a carcass. 110-190lbs When new cubs are born, Conservation status they automatically inherit their mother’s rank and one of their first tasks is to learn LEAST CONCERN their place in the group. As an adult, initiating attacks on a more-dominant member of the clan could still be lifethreatening, however. Spotted hyenas live in a fission-fusion society, with the clan regularly splitting up into smaller units to hunt and forage. Despite their less than complimentary reputation as mangy scavengers, hyenas eat more than just carrion and in some parts of Africa kill up to 95 per cent of their own food. Many choose to hunt alone and are easily capable of tackling a medium-sized antelope, but each additional member of the hunting party increases the chance of making a kill by 20 per cent. In even larger groups, hyenas
are able take down much larger prey such as wildebeest and even buffalo. Unlike lions, who have a maximum chase distance of around 300 metres (984 feet), hyenas are adapted for endurance and can maintain pursuit for over 20 kilometres (12 miles). These persistent hunters don’t use stealth or ambush, preferring to tackle their prey head-on, running directly into the target herd at speeds of around seven kilometres (six miles) per hour. As the animals begin to move, the hyenas watch for signs of weakness or injury. They continue their pursuit, moving through the herd in order to select a target, and when they are close enough they take to the chase, reaching speeds of up to 60 kilometres (37 miles) per hour. The threat of attack after a hunt is high, so hyenas must deal with their prize quickly; other hyenas, wild dogs, or lions could approach at any time. Unlike cats, hyenas don’t directly kill their prey, but instead behave much more like
ABOVE The female restores hierarchical order amongst fighting cubs, establishing the importance of rank and respect early on
“If a hyena spots an approaching lion, it alerts the team and prepares for defence”
Vital communication signals Imperative to a working team, communication signals are key to the success of the hyena clan
Threat display
Hyenas preparing to attack stiffen their posture, raising their tails and ears while bristling their hair. Sometimes two or more individuals will walk together, shoulder to shoulder, to increase the impact of the threat.
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Signalling excitement
When excited, the hair on a hyena’s neck stands on end and its tail points up and forwards. This could be in reaction to a recent kill, the presence of a potential mate, or some boisterous play between siblings.
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Defence posture
If a hyena is attacked, it flattens its ears, lowers its hindquarters and tucks its tail under, shielding itself from further damage. If it’s able to flee, the hyena will keep its ears back, its tail clamped and its hair flattened.
Spotted hyena
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Powerful neck and jaw muscles For its body size, the hyena has one of the strongest bite forces in the animal kingdom. Its jaw can crunch through the thick leg bones of a giraffe.
Built to survive Being so small compared with its rivals, how is the hyena so successful? Sharp eyesight Hyenas rely on sight, sound and smell to locate their prey and have good low-light vision.
Big heart The hyena is built for endurance and, with a heart twice the size of a lion’s, it can run for long periods of time as it closes in on its prey.
Specialist teeth A combination of flesh-ripping carnassials and bone-crushing premolars enable the hyena to consume its prey entirely.
Scent glands Using glands located under their tails and between their toes, hyenas are able to mark and defend their territory.
Low hindquarters The back legs are shorter than the front and the hindquarters are rounded, preventing attackers from gripping a hyena from behind.
Strong hunters in their own right, these social mammals can also out-wit lions for food, by working closely as a team
dogs, running their target to exhaustion before tackling it to the ground. They kill by disembowelling and while this strategy might seem brutal, it’s much faster than suffocation, buying the team precious time before the arrival of the competition. At three to four times the size of a spotted hyena, and with canine teeth around six centimetres (2.4 inches) long, the African lion is a formidable threat to the hyena and in some areas of Africa around 50 per cent of a lion’s diet is made up of stolen kills. If a hyena spots an approaching lion, it emits an alert rumble, prompting all feeding hyenas at the carcass to scatter and prepare for an imminent attack. If the aggressor is a male, the group rarely puts up a fight, acknowledging that the power difference is just too great, but when approached by lionesses spotted hyenas stand a much greater chance. In equal numbers, the strength of the lionesses far outweighs that of the hyenas and they are easily chased away from their prize, but when they outnumber lionesses four to one, the tables turn. Using a rallying call known as a whoop, which travels for several kilometres, the hyenas can signal to other members of the clan; the whoops are sent in bursts and the quicker they are, the more urgent the call. Using this long-distance communication, splinter groups can quickly reassemble, mounting a rapid defence of the meal.
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Wildli ’s rebel
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Life in the pack Every member of the hyena clan has a role to play, and each is as vital as the next
On the lookout Essential team members guard the den, watching out for threats and trespassers. Watchers will alert the pack should threats approach and fight if and when necessary.
Teamwork to survive Hyenas kill by disembowelling, a seemingly brutal but actually necessary tactic faster than suffocation. This buys the team precious time before the arrival of the main competition, lions, and allows a feed for each member back at the den.
The importance of the den Hyena cubs’ survival rate doubles that of lions, largely because of well-built dens in which cubs and parents are more secure. They use the abandoned dens of other smaller species, then fiercely guard it as their territory base.
Sharing the kill Hyenas share the kill respective of each member’s hierarchal ranking. If a dominant hyena is sick or injured, it’s still entitled to its share of the carcass and allies will fight and ensure it has it.
“Hyenas have strong family ties; after a fight, they’ll attack the relatives of their opponent in a form of retaliation” This strategy isn’t always effective, however, so hyenas are frequently deprived of their meal following a hunt. Undeterred, these resourceful animals have several other strategies for obtaining food. Their reputation as scavengers isn’t entirely unfounded and the creatures will eat carrion when they can. In one-on-one confrontations, a spotted hyena can outmatch a jackal, a cheetah, or even a leopard and in large groups they are even capable of mounting an attack on a group of lionesses. When preparing to attack, the hyenas adopt an aggressive stance – tails and ears held high, hair on end. They walk shoulder-to-shoulder, using a combination of vocalisations and postures to frighten their enemy. Once a carcass has been secured, whether by hunting or scavenging, hyenas are quick to devour it. Their powerful jaws are capable of snapping through bone and they eat every last scrap. The carcass is divided among each member according to rank and in order to gain access to the best parts of the animal, dominant hyenas will attack their subordinates, pulling them away. During
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feeding, hyenas at a carcass are covered in blood and are difficult to identify, but using a combination of visual, vocal and scent cues, they rarely make the mistake of attacking a higher-ranked individual. Dominance in hyena society isn’t based on physical prowess, but on social politics and allies. Hyenas form strong bonds with other members of the group, most often direct family, but also with unrelated individuals. These relationships are based on power and subordinate hyenas benefit from making allegiances with moredominant animals – it offers them some protection against aggression within the group and allows them better access to food and other resources. In return, they provide support to the dominant hyenas, helping on hunts, in defence of a carcass, or during a fight. If a dominant hyena is sick or injured, it’s still entitled to its share of the carcass and although it might not be able to win a fight on its own
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Spotted hyena
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Four myths about hyenas These intelligent rogues are some of Africa’s most misunderstood animals
Hyenas are closely related to dogs Hyenas might look and behave a bit like dogs, but they are actually feliforms – cat-like carnivores – and their closest living relatives are mongooses, civets and cats. Feliforms generally have fewer teeth and shorter snouts than doglike carnivores and their hunting tactics also differ.
Hyenas are purely scavengers Spotted hyenas are competent endurance hunters and kill up to 95 per cent of the food they eat. A single animal can tackle an antelope three times its body weight and a group can take down an African Cape buffalo.
BELOW Not one to miss an opportunity, hyenas will use their speed and agility to catch fl amingos
during a confrontation, allies will join in to ensure that the outcome respects the hierarchy of the clan. Spotted hyenas also understand family relationships and, after a fight, they are much more likely to attack the relatives of their opponent in a form of retaliation. This ability to keep track of their own relationships, as well as between other hyenas, is a trait thought to be unique to primates. However, this hierarchy isn’t always observed and subordinate animals have been seen using what looks like deception to gain access to food. In the wild some subordinate hyenas have been seen using their alarm rumble, usually signalling the presence of lions, to frighten higher-ranking members of the clan away from the carcass – they will simply sound the alarm and then run straight in to feed on the catch. The preferred prey of spotted hyenas are migratory herbivores, such as antelope and buffalo, which move with the seasons as they follow food and water. The range of hyena clans can measure anything from 40 to 1,000 square kilometres, and they are known to travel for distances of up to 80 kilometres (50 miles) in search of food. In areas where food is scarce, hyenas make regular trips away to hunt, visiting the migratory herds for periods of ten days at a time before returning home.
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Hyenas laugh because they’re happy The giggle emitted by a spotted hyena is far from an expression of joy. In fact, it means ‘go away’ and is oen used by subordinate animals as they try to keep hold of their share of the food.
Spotted hyenas are hermaphrodites Though the female’s genitals do closely resemble the male’s, they aren’t identical. Behaviour also distinguishes the sexes; males tend to act nervous when interacting with potential mates, pawing the ground near a sleepy female, bowing before her.
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“These social mammals can outnumber and out-wit lions for food in many parts” The boundaries of the territory are defended using a combination of scent-marking, vocalisations and patrols. Lions aren’t the only threat to these territories, and neighbouring hyena clans compete ferociously for food. They have scent glands under their tails and mark the stems of long grasses to signal their presence. They also claw along the ground, distributing chemical signals from glands between their toes. Scattered throughout the territory are also communal latrines, which not only provide concentrated areas of scent-marking, but due to the high bone content of their diet, the white droppings also help to provide a visual mark of territory boundaries. Hyena cubs have a remarkable survival rate and 60 per cent reach the age of two, compared with around 30 per cent of lion cubs. The secret to this success is the den. Hyena territories revolve around the defence and maintenance of a communal space. Instead of digging this themselves, the creatures use the abandoned dens of other smaller species, such as warthogs, aardvarks and bat-eared foxes. Adult hyenas can’t fit inside the den, but neither can other large predators, helping to shield the cubs from harm, even when their mother is away hunting. Females often give birth to two cubs at a time, but can’t produce enough milk for both to survive their first year. Also, unlike many other carnivores, hyenas don’t bring carrion back to the den for their cubs to eat and neither do they regurgitate any meat, so cubs rely entirely on milk for sustenance. When the female returns to the den, she calls for her cubs at the entrance, waiting for them to emerge to feed. In order to obtain enough food to supply her cubs with milk, a lactating mother travels to and from the migratory herds to hunt. Her trips are shorter than those of the other adult members of the clan and last for around three days, but she makes the journey around 50 times a year, travelling an estimated 2,880 to 3,690 kilometres (1,789 to 2,292 miles) – that’s over three times the distance travelled by the migratory herds themselves. For the first few months the uninitiated cubs will fight among themselves, regardless of rank, but the female hyena ensures that her offspring learn only to attack individuals of a lower social status. After around 18 months they are fully integrated into hyena society. Female hyenas
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remain with their family clan, but when male cubs reach maturity they voluntarily leave the group to join a new clan at the very bottom of the social structure. Males don’t generally fight to rise through the ranks, so instead form an orderly queue. In areas where medium-sized herbivores are scarce, hyenas supplement their diet with other prey. They aren’t fussy eaters and have been recorded eating almost all mammals, birds and reptiles within their range. Hunting tactics vary depending on the type of target, but spotted hyenas will chase flamingos through shallow lakes, as well as ambush larger animals, such as wildebeest, as they rest. They have also been known to break into farms to hunt livestock such as chickens, cows, cats and camels. In extreme circumstances, hyenas will resort to eating rubbish, dung, and bare skeletons. Hyenas might have a reputation for being dirty scavengers, but in reality they are resourceful survivors. Strong hunters in their own right, these social mammals can outnumber and out-wit lions for food in many parts of Africa. The ongoing tense relationship between the two species represents a battle that has been raging for thousands of years.
How strong is the bite? Despite hyenas being smaller than other predators, their bite is far more powerful
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The secrets of camouflage
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In the wild, nothing is quite as it seems… Words Laura Mears
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The secrets of camouflage
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Deep in the Indonesian rainforest one of the rarest cats in the world lurks in the dappled shade of the undergrowth. Using the dense understory of the forest for cover, a Sumatran tiger pads quietly through the leaf litter. As she moves, the thin black stripes on her flanks disrupt her outline, interfering with the natural shadows that would otherwise betray her position. Her tawny orange fur catches the light of the Sun, blending with the browns and yellows of the forest floor, while her bright-white underside masks the shadow cast by her slender body. She hunts mainly at night, but under the cover of darkness even the largest and most conspicuous of prey is difficult to find. In the spring, young Malayan tapir are an easy meal, if she can spot them, but for the first few weeks their reddish-brown fur is speckled with white and yellow, disguising their shape among the shadows. Their parents should be much easier to see, with their bold blackand-white markings, but much like the tiger the blocky, disruptive patterning on their bodies makes their outline harder to distinguish. Distinct patches of light and dark colour might not match the background exactly, but they confuse the eye, giving the illusion of shadow. In the treetops above, Sumatran leafbirds forage for insects, their bright green-yellow plumage blending almost seamlessly with the sunlit canopy. Unlike the tigers below, the birds don’t need to hide in a variety of changeable environments; the leaves of the canopy provide a uniform green backdrop, so the small birds blend easily with their surroundings simply by matching the colours. The strategies of the tiger, tapir and leafbirds are some of the simplest and most effective forms of camouflage employed across the animal kingdom. Animals evolve in response to environmental pressures and the constant
struggle between predator and prey plays a pivotal role. Colour vision is common among the top predators, so blending in with the surroundings using colour-matching and patterning has evolved over and over again as a simple solution to minimise the chance of detection. As the leafbirds look on from above, male Malayan leafwing butterflies flit between the trees, with flashes of iridescent blue and vivid orange betraying their position. However, before the birds even have a chance to take to the chase, the butterflies quickly land and instantly disappear from view, almost without a trace. Also known as dead-leaf butterflies, Malayan leafwings are some of nature’s most impressive mimics. The undersides of their wings are almost perfect replicas of dead autumn leaves, but with their wings closed, suspended delicately from the underside of a twig, the butterflies are practically invisible. Predators, particularly birds, have keen vision, so in order to avoid becoming the next meal blending in with the environment is vital. The top ends of the butterflies’
“Animals evolve in response to environmental pressures and the constant struggle between predator and prey” Hiding in plain sight Each Indian leafwing butterfly is different. Their fore and hind wings resemble the shape of a leaf, tapered at the front and with a stem-like point at the back. A combination of actual veins and markings mimic the ridged vasculature of a true leaf. Brown, red, green and yellow pigments replicate the spots and blotches of decay.
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ABOVE The dull-brown fur of whitetailed deer is ideal for blending in with the thick forests of the Americas
The secrets of camouflage
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Under the skin
The natural science behind these creatures’ stealthy abilities can be found at the microscopic level Chromatophore Each chromatophore contains an elastic sac filled with pigment. To display the colour contained within, muscles around the edges of the cell contract, pulling it into a flat disk shape. Pigment granules Pigments produce their colour by absorbing certain wavelengths of the visible light spectrum. Pteridine pigments produce yellow colours, while reds and oranges are made by carotenoids. Some rare blue pigments also exist in nature.
Iridophore These reflective cells contain stacks of guanine crystals – transparent plates that diffract and reflect light. By changing the orientation of the plates, the wavelength of light reflected can be altered, producing a rainbow of iridescent colours.
Structural colours Most natural blues aren’t created by pigments, but instead are the result of diffraction and reflection of light. Repetitive crystal structures interfere with visible light, altering the behaviour of the waves and creating iridescent colour.
wings are tapered and at the bottom they finish in a thick, stem-like point. The colours are a mixture of autumnal shades, from brown, to yellow, to green and purple, and combinations of real veins. Ridge-like patterning almost perfectly re-create the midrib and veins of the underside of a leaf. The insect also features notches and grooves around the edges, while dark spots and blotches of pigment can even mimic fungal growth and the effects of decay to complete the crafty disguise. This impressive camouflage strategy might seem elaborate, but animals use all available resources to gain a competitive edge. Larger species, such as tigers and tapirs, are limited in their ability to disguise their sizeable outlines, but insects, with their tough exoskeletons, can adopt a bewildering array of forms. Invertebrates aren’t the only animals capable of becoming a part of the scenery, as deep within the rainforests of Madagascar some of the most sophisticated reptilian mimics are hidden within the trees. A close look at the lichen-covered bark reveals the faint outlines of leaf-tailed geckos. Unique to this isolated region of the world, these unusual reptiles use a combination of colour and shape to blend seamlessly with their environment. The larger species specialise in imitating tree bark and with their knobbed bodies pressed against a branch, they become almost invisible – a specialist flap of skin blurring the line between gecko and tree. Predator-prey relationships play a huge role in dictating the evolution of this natural camouflage, but the type of disguise adapted is ultimately a result of the environment. In the rainforest, blending with the abundant vegetation is the safest strategy, but in the vast white wastelands of the Arctic tundra, camouflage tactics are very different. As spring edges across Canada, an Arctic fox stalks his prey through the melting snow. Without cover, his best survival strategy is to remain low and to blend in with the floor. During the winter he was hidden from view by a deep layer of white fur, but as temperatures begin to rise
Leucophore The reflective guanine crystals in leucophores are more organised than those found in iridophores. Instead of diffracting the light they reflect most of it back to produce a reflective surface.
A tiger’s stripes are ideal for breaking up the big cat’s shape in the wild
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The secrets of camouflage
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Methods of hiding
From baffling patterns to deceptive anatomies, there are endless ways creatures can elude predatory eyes
Warning colouration
Almost the opposite of camouflage, some colouration is used as a threat. Several poisonous or foul-tasting species have evolved bright colours as a defence mechanism. Predators learn to associate the distinctive patterns with danger and avoid eating the same prey in the future.
Counter-shading
Counter-shading is a common method of camouflage, particularly in the sea. Many marine animals are white on the underside and darker on the top. From beneath, their light abdomens are hard to see against the sunlit surface, while from above their dark outlines disappear against the murky gloom.
Disruptive colouration
Instead of matching the background exactly, many animals use patterns to break up their actual body shape. These patches of light and dark colours disguise the true shadows and contours of an animal’s outline, enabling it to hide against a variety of natural backgrounds. Though it’s strange that a zebra’s black-and-white pattern is at odds with the golden environment of the savannah, it’s actually using this disruptive effect to confuse predators.
the colour of the landscape is changing. Nearby a willow ptarmigan stands motionless on the ground. Like the fox, during the winter its white feathers concealed its position, but as the scenery melts its bright plumage stands out. As temperatures rise and the ground changes colour from white to brown, so too do the Arctic animals. Hormonal cues trigger a seasonal moult and each year animals race to change colour, from white to brown and back to white again. Both predator and prey have to rely on their natural engineering to remain hidden from one another as the Arctic environment changes. Along the coastline, the harp seal pups born earlier in the year have also lost their fluffy white fur and the adults are preparing to return to the sea. Their large bodies are conspicuous on the ice and snow, but as they drop quietly into the water, their mottled grey-brown skin enables the lumbering predators to disappear beneath the waves. Much like the Sumatran tiger, harp seals are darker on the top and lighter underneath, creating an optical illusion
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Transparency
A popular camouflage technique among some aquatic animals is transparency. With bodies composed mostly of water, jellyfish refract light in almost the same way as their surroundings, making them nearly invisible to the naked eye.
A Haig’s porcelain crab blends in with the surrounding coral of its habitat
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Silvering
The skin of silvery fish contains two types of reflective guanine crystal. These are arranged in layers and reflect light at 90 degrees from one another, so that no matter what angle the light comes from it will always be reflected back, masking their outline.
The secrets of camouflage
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A young tree frog sits concealed against lush green moss in Madagascar
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The secrets of camouflage
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Five natural disguises
Crafty creatures that are experts in deception and concealment
The satanic leaf-tailed gecko
These flexible reptiles contort their bodies to mimic the curled shape of a dry, decaying leaf. Their unusual tails are notched and veined, while their bodies are a combination of autumnal colours, including purples, yellows, oranges and browns.
The orchid mantis
These stunning pink-and-white insects so closely resemble the colour and shape of orchid flowers that unsuspecting insects walk straight into their waiting jaws. They are one of many species of flower mantis, each of which mimics a different type of plant.
The mimic octopus
The mimic octopus doesn’t just blend in with the background – it’s able to re-create the shape of over ten other marine animals. By flattening its body and tentacles, it can imitate the shape and movement of a poisonous sole fish, deceiving onlookers.
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Keel-billed toucan
camouflage. In the vivid green canopy of the world’s rainforests, bright colours are much less conspicuous than dull browns and greys.
The flounder
Not only can they rapidly change the colour and pattern of their skin, but they also flutter their fins to cover themselves in sand and pebbles, using the sea bed as a disguise.
It might seem unlikely, but the bright colours of tropical birds like toucans are actually surprisingly effective
Flounders spend their lives lying sideways on the sea floor and use a combination of camouflage tactics to remain hidden from predators.
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The secrets of camouflage
WorldMags.net that counteracts their natural shadow. From above, their dark silhouette melts into the blackness of the open sea, and from below their light bellies match the hazy glow of the Sun as it breaks through the water at the surface. As on land, camouflage in the ocean is driven by the need to remain undetected for as long as possible. Although the light level here is lower, in the open water there is no cover to break up a big silhouette. Instead, large marine animals, such as seals, sharks and whales, use a combination of disruptive patterning, blue-grey colouring and counter-shading to confuse the light and mask their true shape. Smaller sea creatures employ more-sophisticated tactics to remain hidden from view. Harp seals have good eyesight, but in the dark waters of the Atlantic Ocean fish can be difficult to see. As the light breaks through the surface water, schools of Atlantic herring become fleetingly visible. From the front, their flattened bodies are difficult to discern and as they twist their reflective scales scatter the sunlight. Layers of crystals embedded in their skin act like the polarising filter on a camera, reflecting the light back in every direction and hiding their outline. At the sea floor, where sand, stones and debris provide cover, familiar background-matching techniques come into play. Flatfish, like sole and flounder, position themselves sideways on the seabed, using their mottled colouring to blend with their surroundings. In coral reefs, fish, crustaceans and seahorses take on the colours and shapes of their habitat. Just like on land, blending with the inanimate background is key. Cuttlefish are without doubt the ocean’s masters of disguise and while these clever molluscs can’t see in colour, they’re still capable of exactly matching the tone, texture and pattern of their surroundings, even in total darkness. Using tiny muscles beneath their skin, they reveal red, yellow and brown pigments and contort the surface of their skin into spikes and lumps. Crystal structures add iridescent blues and greens to their repertoire, enabling the fish to instantly match nearly any backdrop, vanishing almost completely from view.
Though white is the perfect tone to blend with the winter snow, by the spring the Arctic fox will need to grow a new coat entirely
Becoming a part of the sea floor Stonefish are some of the most venomous creatures in the ocean. Their bumpy skin and mottled colouring enable them to blend perfectly with rocks and coral reefs, where they wait in ambush for passing prey. They have 13 defensive spines on their dorsal fin, which deliver potentially deadly venom when triggered.
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The secrets of camouflage
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© Alamy, Thinkstock, Corbis, FLPA, John Storr, Katrina Curato
“From stripes and spots, to colour-changing skin and elaborate mimicry, camouflage is all about deceiving the senses”
As the water gets deeper, and the light fades, colours and reflections act as beacons that stand out against the blackness. Many marine organisms at this depth are transparent, so as the light level drops their watery bodies melt into the gloom. Red wavelengths can’t penetrate deep into the water and at depths of below 200 metres, (656 feet) the oceans are bathed in a dim, blue haze known as the twilight zone. In such low light, dark outlines become conspicuous and some organisms, like the marine hatchetfish, emit a faint-blue bioluminescent glow, matching the ambient light in order to avoid detection. At depths of below 1,000 metres (3,280 feet), no light reaches the water at all, but even in this invisible world certain animals can use their natural camouflage for survival. Bioluminescent lures flash in the water, drawing predators out of the darkness and bursts of colour mark the outline of threatened prey as they attempt to confuse their pursuers chasing through the dark. Across the natural world, the evolution of camouflage has been driven by two major factors: what an animal is hiding from and the environment it’s hiding in. From the lush rainforests to the deep oceans, the basic strategy of concealment remains the same: blend in with the background and disrupt your natural outline. The ways in which creatures in all different habitats have achieved this are astonishing. From stripes and spots, to colourchanging skin and elaborate mimicry, camouflage is all about deceiving the senses, playing tricks with the light and buying just a little more time to gain an advantage.
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Blending in with the bark Uroplatus fimbriatus is a gecko native to Madagascar. Its tail is flattened and a special flap of skin running along its body enables it to blend seamlessly with the tree bark, becoming almost invisible against the trunk.
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Bison and man
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BISON AND MAN The largest land mammal in North America has overcome an ice age and near extinction to become a truly symbolic animal Words David Crookes To say the recent winter in Yellowstone National Park was unkind would be an understatement. As is typical for this time of year, cold, harsh weather brought deep snow to the northern tip of Wyoming, causing its lakes and rivers to freeze, its mountain ranges to turn white and its canyons to grow perilous. Yet, for the 4,000 free-ranging bison that roam this part of the United States, it was business as usual. Many years of varying temperatures across North America have made them immensely adaptable creatures, with a history of surviving against the odds. These are animals that have lived through and survived an ice age, and under those circumstances sub-zero temperatures would understandably pose a few problems. With an absence of lush, green vegetation, the bison make do, burrowing their heads deep in the snow. Their impressive neck muscles enable them to shake from side to side against the impacted snow, digging deep until the freezing mass of grasses beneath are located. This is enough to satisfy their immediate hunger and they will continue to roam and graze in this way to see them through the chilly months. The bison are also helped during cold spells by the thick fur of their winter coats that are warm enough to enable them to slow
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Bison and man
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The history of the bison
Having crossed to North America thousands of years ago, bison soon made the prairie their home
MIGRATION TO NORTH AMERICA 200,000 years ago When there was a land bridge between the continents of Asia and America, bison made their way to the grassy plains of North America in search of a rich supply of food.
FIRST CONTACT WITH MAN 10,000 years ago Humans also made the crossing along with continuing numbers of steppe bison. They found the animals to be a great resource for eating, shelter, fuel and even tools.
their metabolism, using their energy to find food instead. It’s such an effective insulator that even when snow falls on their warm bodies, the flakes don’t melt, instead forming a layer on the bison’s back, away from the actual skin. This is just one of the remarkable features of the bison – perhaps the most hardy and symbolic of all of the animals that make North America their home. Even so, the cold winters aren’t ideal. The food beneath the snow will have seen better days, its nutritional value all but gone. As the poor weather drags on, food becomes ever more scare, particularly on higher ground. Bison are fully aware of this, however, and as the weeks turn into months, they begin to move away. They’re experts at searching around for plentiful supplies of food so, when the temperature drops and remains low, they eventually cast their net wider, moving to lower elevations where food is easier to acquire. In Yellowstone this often means venturing outside the park, where they find enough grasses, herbs, twigs and shrubs to sustain them until the snow thaws. When the greenery returns to the park, the creatures go back to their original habitat. Life is generally good for the bison – much of their time is spent eating and as they graze they move around to cover great distances. Their front teeth shear off the grass and their molars grind at the food, with ridges helping to break through the cellulose in the plants. To better enable
A lone buffalo walks down the centre of a road in Yellowstone National Park
“When snow falls on their warm bodies, the flakes don’t melt, instead forming a layer on the bison’s back” them to chew and grind their food, their jaw moves from side to side. The bison need to eat plenty to fill their large stomachs, which are full of micro-organisms to dissolve the cellulose. The half-digested food is then brought up back into the mouth, chewed on and swallowed. This process is called chewing the cud, which is common among herbivores, including cows. If bison have it easier today, going back a few hundred years tells its own story. Even though there were between 30 and 60 million of the animal in the 16th century, settlers in the 18th century had a major impact on their habitat and eventually sent numbers cascading down into their
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FLOURISHING NUMBERS From 1500s to 1700s Native Americans came to see bison as a gi from the Great Spirit and over the years their numbers grew. There were as many as 60 million bison roaming North America in the 1500s.
WorldMags.net EARLY DESTRUCTION From 1700s to 1800s When Europeans settlers introduced horses, some fled into the wild and disrupted bison populations. Human expansion, including the advent of railways, caused herds to be culled.
RECOGNITION OF IMPORTANCE From 1905 to 1930 The American Bison Society was formed to establish wildlife preserves for bison and by 1929 numbers reached 3,385. Efforts continued to re-establish the animal’s former population.
thousands. As humans ploughed the land and planted crops, the bison were gradually pushed back, their lands becoming increasingly smaller until, in 1802, some states such as Ohio saw entire populations wiped out. Pressure continued to mount and herds disappeared from the west of the Rocky Mountains. Their hides were highly prized by Native Americans and so became lucrative for trading. Railway tracks carrying steam trains also spread through swaths of bison territory, so the creature’s meat was used to feed those who worked on them. By the 1870s tens of thousands of bison were being slaughtered daily to satiate demand for hides and bones. It didn’t matter if they were northern or southern, both were being killed in equal measure and by the middle of 1883 it was estimated that just 324 wild bison remained in the United States, with a paltry 25 in Yellowstone. Sensing imminent extinction for the bison, laws were passed by Congress and enforced by the American Army in order to protect the stricken creatures. Numbers fluctuated at the low levels until 1905 when the American Bison Society, which counted Theodore Roosevelt as its honorary president, began to push on policies to replenish the populations. Gradually they began to rise once again and today there are around 500,000 bison across the continent. Certainly the bison are nowhere near as widespread as they once were and of the four extinct species across the world, three of them – Bison antiquus, B. latifrons and B. occidentalis – once also covered the great plains of North America. There are two surviving species, however: Bison bonasus live in Europe and the Caucasus, while Bison bison are found in North America. Bison bison are, in turn, divided into two subspecies: the wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) and the plains bison (or Bison bison bison), with the latter seen in reasonable numbers within Yellowstone and the National Bison Range in Montana. Wood bison – numbering around 7,000 – are far more common in Canada and Alaska, especially in the freeroaming Wood Buffalo National Park in the Northwest Territory. Other buffalo varieties can be seen in wildlife refuges in northern Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Iowa. Very often these populations are considered to be at least semi-domesticated, as they live behind fences. The low numbers of bison alive in the wild today – somewhere in the region of 20,000 – means they are classed as being ecologically extinct, but the fact they
Bison
CONSERVATION SUCCESS From 1930 to present day Now there are more than 500,000 bison in North America although 90 per cent are in private ownership. Farmers and ranchers take care of the animals and ensure they are kept safe.
Most of the bison population in North America are privately owned
ABOVE Though they have poor eyesight, bison have a keen sense of smell and have sharp hearing
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Bison and man Why the bison is symbolic Early North American populations used them to survive thousands of years ago Bison were a source of food and other vital materials for the indigenous populations of America. Their rawhides were used for shields and saddles, while their hair was great for making rope, so they became associated with survival, strength and power. In China they are viewed as having similar essential properties.
WorldMags.net AMERICAN BISON Bison bison (US) Class Mammalia
Territory North America Diet Herbivore Lifespan 12 to 20 years Adult weight 990kg / 156st Conservation status
NEAR THREATENED
Even the mightiest can fall yet bounce back again The fact that these magnificent land mammals were once driven to the edge of extinction and yet nurtured back to significant numbers by conservationists shows a sense of rebirth through determination. It also highlights the strength of the human spirit – strength that has enabled the creatures to flourish in their natural habitat once again.
As born survivors, they have existed for thousands of years Having lived through and thrived during an ice age, they are prime examples of surviving against adversity. The bison have altered the structure of the grasses and vegetation across much of North America through their grazing patterns, which has ensured that other animals can live in harmony alongside them.
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aren’t extinct entirely is nothing short of a miracle and it’s something we should be grateful for. As the largest land mammals in North America, standing up to two metres in height (6.5 feet), the bison have shown great strength and resilience over the years. Were it not for humans, they would have thrived in great numbers for many more years, given that very few animals bother them. Their sheer 990-kilogram bulk (over a jawdropping ton) is enough to make many potential predators think twice about plunging their teeth into a bison’s flesh, while the sharp horns that protrude from their furry heads can, at their maximum size of around 61 centimetres (two feet), cause considerable harm. However, for all of their might, bison are rather docile animals and humans are able to get reasonably close to them without fearing danger (although, if provoked, they will attack). The fact they have large, broad heads, short necks, high, humped shoulders and a mass of short, thick, brown fur makes them quite a daunting sight nonetheless. Wolves are in fact their only animal foe and are a constant menace to weaker and older individuals. Wolves act like the shadow of the bison, following herds in close pursuit, waiting for a sign of weakness. They will try to isolate loners from the rest of their herd so that four or five wolves can seize an opportunity to get their claws and teeth into their victim. Wolves particularly enjoy chasing after calves, who are usually only saved by the fast action and rapid thinking of their protective mothers. The sight of wolves chasing after a herd of bison is breathtaking. The bison gallop at top speed, keeping together as best they can – their heads bob up and down, their bodies rock as their legs become a blur in a 64-kilometre- (40-mile-) per-hour chase. In the days when bison were plentiful, onlookers likened them to a huge, black, pulsating robe of fur, but in smaller numbers they
A bison calf sticks close to its mother on the plains of western Montana
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The American bison story
Bison used to be referred to as a black, moving carpet – here’s why
Wood Buffalo National Park The largest population of freeroaming wood bison live in Wood Buffalo National Park in the Canadian province of Alberta. Canada 16th-century range Huge numbers of bison would roam most of North America and Canada in the 1500s, in a region as far north as the province of Alberta and as far south as Texas. Only a handful of eastern US states and western Canada were excluded.
y ck Ro ns ai nt ou m USA
Western United States Here bison are confined to smaller areas than previous – mainly Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico.
Mexico
19th-century range By the 1870s, bison were largely confined to Alberta in Canada and to Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas in the US.
Modern-day range Today the range of bison is reduced, but there are still areas in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan with large numbers.
Bison in numbers
64 500 Km/ph metres Bison are able to cross rivers that are more than 500 metres (0.5 miles) wide.
Circa 1500
With a top speed of 64km (40mi) per hour, bison can cover huge distances quickly for their size.
10 KG
Bison love the great plains of North America, eating 10kg (24lbs) of food each day.
Circa 1870
“When bison were plentiful, onlookers likened them to a huge, black, pulsating robe of fur” can appear vulnerable, with the wolves bearing down on them with immense energy. It’s hard for the bison to outrun the hungry wolves, so they try to seek protection from one another, or enter lakes or rivers. Each clattered stamp on the ground during a stampede kicks up dust, sounding like the roll of thunder. A pack of wolves will cut in between the herd, slow a bison down and hope to bring it to a halt as it tries to find a way out. Every now and then the bison will slow, its hearing and sense of smell on heightened alert to compensate for its poor eyesight. It knows the calf alongside could become the wolves’ next meal, so gives it a nudge, catches its breath, forces it to run and the chase is on again. Each time the wolves get close, the mother crosses sides and places a shield between itself and the vulnerable young. The calf may have learned to walk and run within hours of being born but it still needs to learn and will remain an easy picking for many more years. Eventually the mother and calf catch up with the herd and gain their protection. The wolves realise they are beaten. They go off instead to look for easier meat – a
fallen bison elsewhere perhaps. But even in death, the bison are protective of one another. Wolves who try to chew on a recently deceased bison will be fought back. Bison, like so many other mammals, appear to mourn their dead, keeping guard as if they are paying their last respects, while ensuring they themselves are safe. Sometimes the bison will turn on one another. In general, cows lead family groups of between 12 and 24 individuals and the bulls will stay in small groups or even alone. When mating season arrives from July to September, the bulls – which are ready to mate at around the age of six – rejoin the cows and
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Bison and man
WorldMags.net “Without bison, North America and the world would be genuinely poorer”
Three survival traits of the American bison Bison and other animals can adapt well to different climates and are built to last
Warmth The temperature in America can vary wildly, from searing heat and drought, to harsh winters and snow. Bison can withstand the Sun’s blazing rays just as well as sub-zero temperatures, digging through snow so that they can get at the vegetation below.
Migration Bison will migrate if food supplies drop, such as in Yellowstone National Park where videos show them apparently fleeing to get away from the park’s volatile volcano – they were actually seeking more plentiful food supplies following a harsh winter.
Improvising The roaming patterns of bison ensure they don’t overgraze one area and then become stuck for food. They constantly move, with each bison needing around 30 acres of prairie grasses to satisfy its appetite. This has a hugely positive impact on the environment.
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Bison survive the harshest of winters with a coat that protects their skin from the layers of snow
Bison
there is much at stake. Bull bison take looking for a mate seriously and it can turn nasty if they fear rivals will muscle in on their patch. Noise levels heighten and there is much tension among the competitors. They then go through a familiar ritual as they hope to catch the attention of a chosen cow, each one of which is ready to mate from the age of two or three. The bulls will smell the air, trying to detect the scent of a cow on heat, kicking at the ground, urinating and rolling in their own waste to give themselves a distinctive smell, sending dust clouds into the air and showing their superior strength. Once they have selected a cow, they tend to her and test her interest. If a rival tries to compete, the contest becomes dangerous. The bulls will clash heads with their faces down to the ground, galloping towards each other at speed and attempting to pierce each other with their horns. The neck muscles come into their own as they land fierce blows, with the sound of clashing and their hooves smashing into the ground piercing any tranquillity. When the battle is won, the victor will have a clear path towards a potential mate. It’s as much about pride as anything else and it’s a behaviour the animal will repeat to protect a number of cows in its harem of mates. The cows give birth after nine months and the calves will stay with them for two years. Male calves will then either go it alone or join a bachelor herd and their fathers will play no part in their upbringing. This breeding has enabled bison numbers to flourish once more. To see them horning – rubbing their horns against trees to catch aromas that are repulsive to insects – and to see them wallowing in depressions in the prairie, giving themselves an almost playful dust bath, is a joy to behold. They aren’t particularly high-altitude animals, but have been known to roam at elevations of up to 2,438 metres (8,000 feet) or so. Without bison, North America and the world would be genuinely poorer. These huge creatures have a dramatic affect on grassland landscapes, to the extent that they are now seen to be a keystone herbivore along with prairie dogs. This means they are important to the way the ecosystem of North America functions. Much of this is because the animals keep the grasslands short, enabling topsoil displacement and compaction, paving the way for greater diversity of species. It also widens the choice of food for other animals and, of course, the bison themselves are a valuable food resource for wolves that would go hungry without their supply. Good weather or not, these formidable creatures should be around for a long time to come.
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Animal answers
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Send your animal questions to us at:
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It’s not surprising that the largest animal in the world is also the loudest
Which creature makes the loudest sound in the world?
How do elephants find their sources of water? Kristi Price An elephant’s trunk can smell water from up to 12 miles away. They wave their trunks in the air, gathering scent particles that tell them which direction and just how far away the water is. The trunks can also sense danger – if they can smell more than one water source, they can decide which one is safer. So how does the trunk actually pick up these smells? To be able to smell water sources from so far away, an elephant’s three nostrils breathe in the scent particles, which then pass through seven olfactory turbinals filled with millions of receptor cells. This is where the elephants sense water or potential dangers. These sensitive cells differentiate between the scents they pick up. As well as acting as a nose, a trunk can bring food to the elephant’s mouth and also wash them when they become too dry – talk about multi-tasking!
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Roberto Sandoval The blue whale is the loudest and largest creature to ever live on Earth – even bigger than most dinosaurs! This endangered mammal emits very loud, highly structured, repetitive, low-frequency rumbling sounds that can travel for many miles underwater. These songs may be used for communicating with other blue whales, in order to find and attract mates over large distances. Unlike humans, whales have no vocal cords in their larynx, so they have to produce sound by moving air through a tubed extension of the larynx to the nasal plugs. These plugs are located near the nasal sacs next to the creature’s blowhole. Blowhole Outgoing sounds
Auditory bullae
Incoming sounds
The loud songs of the blue whale are used to communicate across distance
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Animals answers
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Do goldfish lose their colour if they’re kept away from the Sun? Orla Hitchins-Jones It is true that if you leave your goldfish out of the Sun for a long period of time, yes they will begin to lose that lovely orangey-red colour. The creatures will most likely take on more of a paler tone. In fact, if your goldfish is kept in the dark over night, you may notice it appears a little paler when you turn the lights on in the morning. Goldfish kept indoors without full-spectrum lighting are also less brightly coloured than fish that are exposed to any natural lighting outside. If you keep your fish in the dark all the time, the chromatophores won’t produce more pigment, so the fish’s colour will start to fade as the chromatophores that already have colour naturally die. The new ones won’t be stimulated to produce any more of the golden pigment, so the fish will lose its vibrant gloss quickly. Your goldfish won’t become white if you keep them in the dark, because they also get some of their colouration from the food they eat.
Why can’t dogs see full colour? George Moody A dog’s colour vision is much less rich than our own – our canine companions have only two different kinds of cone cells in their retinas, compared with our three. They also have far fewer of them. Where we see the rainbow as red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet, dogs will only see a brownish-yellow that shades through yellow, grey, into lightblue and blue.
So, why don’t dogs see in full colour? Our colour vision evolved to enable us to tell when fruit was ripe and to help identify poisonous berries. For a carnivore, that’s less important, while the space for extra rod cells enables for far more-accurate spatial perception. Most mammals see only two primary colours and are generally red-green colour-blind. However, there are some birds that can see four primary colours.
How do centipedes hunt prey? Maryann Grant Centipedes are actively aggressive hunters that move quickly throughout the night, using poison to kill prey. With deadly fangs located on its head, a centipede will mainly hunt worms, insects and molluscs. Its fangs are backed up with a gland filled with poison, ready to attack the next meal. Although centipedes have poor eyesight, they detect prey through vibrations and movement. Individuals in captivity normally don’t accept food that’s already dead, so use their poisonous fangs to overpower their victims before sinking their teeth in. These fangs are also used for fighting away rivals.
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What is the slowest fish?
How do oysters mate? Cecelia Ortega Oysters mate by releasing millions of sperm in an attempt to fertilise the 100 million eggs females produce each year. All oysters are born male and only later become female. They have organs containing two sexes that can release both sperm and eggs in order to reproduce, which technically means they can fertilise their own eggs. Oysters actually produce several thousand different varieties of egg and
sperm. Once fertilised, millions of eggs are released into the water. They have a huge number of different proteins that coat the surface of their sperm and eggs. A sperm with a specific type of protein can only fertilise an egg that has a corresponding protein that accepts the same type of sperm. If an egg is fertilised by more than one sperm, the embryo will likely die. These various proteins make it less likely the egg will be fertilised by multiple sperm, so the offspring is more likely to survive.
Ellen McGee The slowest-moving fish are seahorses, moving at 0.0016 kilometres (0.0011 miles) per hour. Seahorses propel themselves by using a small fin on their backs that flutters up to 35 times per second. Even smaller pectoral fins located near the backs of the heads are used for steering. Seahorses are normally seen swimming in pairs with their tails linked together to keep them in line with each other as they swim so slowly. In comparison with the seahorse, the fastest fish in the sea is the sailfish at 110 kilometres (68 miles) per hour. Other faster fish in the sea include marlin, bluefish tuna, great blue shark and the swordfish.
How do kangaroos use their tails? Becky Rose A kangaroo’s tail helps to balance out its body and to aid its bouncing about. Without this appendage, a kangaroo wouldn’t be able to hop, because the tail acts as its balance and functions as a rudder. While walking, the kangaroo uses its tail like an extra limb, pushing off the
A kangaroo’s tail is actually an essential part of how it moves and keeps balance
ground to move forward, just like how most mammals use their back legs to support them. When the kangaroo is bending over to eat, its tail sits on the ground for stability. The length and thickness of the tail all depends on the species of the kangaroo, and of course the size of the creature.
“While walking, the kangaroo uses its tail like an extra limb”
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How do some earless frogs hear? Heather Nelson A Panamanian golden frog doesn’t actually have any ears, so instead this creature uses its lungs to hear vibrations and sense movement. This frog lacks both a middle and external ear, but it does possess a typical amphibian inner ear.
The lungs of this species lie very close to the surface of the frog’s skin, so when sound waves hit the frog’s chest, the lungs vibrate, resulting in the frog sensing the sounds. In a way, the lungs act as eardrums, letting the frogs communicate with mates. When two males come face to face, they call out to
one another and wave. If one of the males doesn’t back down, they carry out a waving match in order to claim dominance. Without physical ears in the usual sense, these little frogs have adapted strong ways of communicating with one another, a bit like sign language but in a waving form.
How can you tell the gender of a turtle? Jay Hogan You can tell the difference between a male and female turtle by their features and the sound they make. If you turn over a turtle, you can also tell from the size and shape of the belly, as females tend to have bigger, rounder bellies than males. Males’ tails are also further away from the body and are fatter and longer than the females’, which tuck
Is it true fleas can jump 100 times their length? Rufus Sanders There or there abouts, yes. Impressively, a flea can actually jump as high as 0.18 metres (half a foot) off the ground. Considering fleas are fairly tiny (not more than 1.5mm in length), that’s quite a jump! Fleas have extremely powerful limbs – an attribute that separates them from other invertebrates. They have stronger legs for jumping than most creatures in the animal kingdom, because their hind legs contain an elastic protein called resilin. Cleverly, this stores energy when the flea bends its legs, so when it jumps, the energy that’s been stored is released and it catapults the insect upwards. There are over 2,400 species of flea worldwide, so the height a single flea can jump differs across the spectrum of different types. The outcome of a flea jump is down to a few fundamental tributes of the, including how much blood they can consume and where they originate.
almost under the overlap of the shell. The sounds a male makes during mating or aggression also help tell the gender – he will emit noises like heavy breathing or even hissing, while females tend to grunt more.
. How many species of snake are there?
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WIN
a limited-edition wildlife vase worth £1,100 Complete our readers’ survey to be in with a chance of winning a stunning vase, or two incredible runners-up prizes
To celebrate the anniversary of the RSPB, this limited edition vase is one of only 125 ever made. From the A Homage to British Wildlife collection, the vase was designed by Kerry Goodwin, and features an egret often found on the estuaries of Devon and Cornwall, and the harbours of Dorest and Chichester.
Also up for grabs… Two runners up will receive one of these fantastic days out at Woburn Safari Park or Colchester Zoo!
Shadow a keeper at Colchester Zoo
rth Wo85 £1
© Scott Davey
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A fantastic experience for any animal-lover, you and a friend will enjoy a one-on-one with a keeper and an amazing animal. After
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Family pass to Woburn Safari park
enjoying the rest of the zoo, you can pick up a souvenir pack and certificate. For more details visit www.colchester-zoo.com.
Another lucky runner up will get a Close Encounter pass for a family of four worth £185! You’ll get a 30-minute tour to meet an animal faceto-face, lead by a ranger who will take you off road or on foot behind the scenes. You’ll also learn more about some of the world’s most endangered species in this up-close encounter. To finish off the day you’ll take a grand tour around the safari park with a guidebook and your very own VIP Experience certificate. For more details about the Close Encounter experience days available at Woburn Safari Park, just visit www.woburnsafari.co.uk.
Go online and complete the survey for your chance to win!
www.animalanswers.co.uk/survey
Visit the website for full terms and conditions
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Interview
King of the wild When it comes to working with animal kind both home and away, few are more passionate and knowledgeable than TV naturalist Simon King As one of the original presenters of programs such as Springwatch, Simon King is a household name when it comes to wildlife. He has travelled the world to bring us natural history programs aplenty, inspiring us to take a good look at our own parks, gardens, woodlands and wetlands. King is now taking his inspirational quest further with a set of live wildlife cams that enable us to watch these creatures 24-7. We took a moment to chat to him about this and his career so far. Where did you get your love of animals? I think everybody has a passion and interest in life around them. You get a five-yearold kid looking at a ladybird, they’re into it – doesn’t matter about their background or environment. What I question is why do people let go of that? Where do they lose it? I’ve always been able to maintain a sense of wonder when it comes to looking at life around me and in fact everything around me! Have you had any animal encounters that have surprised you? Nothing is predictable. You can plan as much as you like but then you’ll be thrown a curve ball, but there’s always something to captivate you. Even with things like the subtleties of behaviour; if you watch a pride of lions for long enough you’re going to see surprises on a regular basis. They’re going to be doing things that have either never been documented or that you certainly didn’t expect to happen – whether it’s tackling certain prey, or what I find most fascinating is the depth of social structure. For most creatures there’s a story to be told about their lives and their relationships with one another, because so much of it is very complex… What is your typical day like? My website and YouTube channel take up a great deal of my time at the moment. We have live cameras streaming the whole time… We use software called SpyCapture, which was developed as a CCTV security software, so it’s extremely sophisticated and records any movement and motion.
In the morning we open up the timelines on the cameras and reflect on what’s happened over the past 24 hours. There are so many things that I’m sure have never been recorded let alone witnessed before. We’ve got a little film on the YouTube channel of a rat pinching some fish that we put out hoping to attract otters one evening, and the otter came belting in and grabbed the rat. This isn’t something you see on a daily basis! No human being can be in that place for that much time, so the fact that the technology facilitates it is marvellous. It means that we’ve got 24-7 surveillance on certain key features and will continue to have and it’s only going to get better and more sophisticated, so it’s exciting! We intend to do it not just in the UK but also around the world.
Lions have surprisingly unpredictable behaviour when in prides
What do wildlife programs bring to animal-lovers? I think it makes the world that may feel remote to some more accessible. It breaks the barriers down. I think a lot of people don’t lose interest in the natural world but lose momentum. Either they don’t have knowledge or they haven’t got a mentor to help open up that world – there’s no one there to tell them ‘that’s a robin singing instead of a blackbird or a chaffinch’. So [wildlife cams] are effectively virtual mentors I hope, helping to engage people. It’s for every age and for anyone… for those people who aren’t lucky enough to have easy access to the wild world. I was one of the original presenters on Springwatch and its previous incarnations, so I think it has helped people, particularly in the UK, to feel a sense of not just familiarity, but that they are guardians of something special and something worthwhile.
CCTV technology opens up a wealth of opportunities for filming wildlife
Is there anything that you hoped to witness but haven’t yet? I’ve watched tigers hunting, but I haven’t seen a tiger landing on the back of a large sambar [deer], that would be nice! Every time I go back and spend time with leopards and lions and cheetahs there’s always a surprise and always something special to see. What I’d love is not to go with a sense of what I need or want to see but be open to what might happen. Then you’re not disappointed with anything, because life is rich that way!
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d your photos
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@animalanswers.co.uk
Eagle
Becky Brown “I couldn’t help but notice how proud he looked, stood on the arm of his keeper. I photographed this magnificent creature at a Birds of Prey Center in York.”
WINNER! Butterfly
Grey seal pup basking in the winter Sun
Becky Brown
“I spent hours in the butterfly house… with many species. I was very lucky to capture this solitary glass-wing.”
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Send us your best photo and you could win a FREE 12-month subscription to World of Animals magazine
Mark Rookes
“Taken at Horsey on England’s Norfolk coast a week or so aer last winter’s storms… Over 100 grey seals were lost but these pups were among the lucky ones who survived by reaching the safety of the dunes beyond the coastal water surge.”
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Your animals
An inquisitive macaw Adam Wood
“This image shows the inquisitive nature of an animal and brings up the question of who’s really on display in this scenario.”
The Raccoon Barry Jones
“The Raccoon was my final photograph from Jungle Park in Las Aguilas, Tenerife. The raccoon was photographed relaxing in the sunshine…”
The Black Beauty
Pedro Vaz de Carvalho “A walk through the natural park of Furnas on the island of São Miguel, I found this beautiful specimen of a black swan… I was enchanted by the gentle beauty that filled the lake…”
WIN
A YEA SUBSCRIPR’S TION Send us yo photos no ur w!
Digiscoping The Baader Microstage 2 Universal Digiscoping Adapter (camera not included)
made ea The fully adjustable Microstage 2 Universal Digiscoping Adapter fits most compact cameras (up to 1kg) to any spotting scope with an eyepiece diameter between 29mm-62mm such as the Celestron Ultima Series (left) and Regal M2 Series (right) allowing you to produce stunning close-up wildlife photographs.
Spotting scope from Celestron
WorldMags.netand www.celestron.uk.com Find out more at www.baader-planetarium.uk.com
How to WorldMags.net shoot
Wildlife photography Get closer to nature and learn the useful tricks and techniques for taking stunning shots of the animals that live all around you Animals make fascinating subjects for photographs, but their shy and elusive nature can make them extremely difficult to capture. Photographing animals, particularly in the wild,
can be a severely frustrating experience, but it can be very rewarding when you capture fantastic moments. This guide will enable you to take amazing shots to be proud of.
“You need patience to photograph wild animals, but the reward is very satisfying”
Send your photos to us at…
[email protected] 94
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Your world of animals
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The right kit for success
The optimal gear will help you capture that perfect shot
01 Find the ideal location
Nature reserves are a fantastic place to capture animals in their natural surroundings. You’ll need to be quiet, but it’s surprising what you’ll discover. If you don’t live in an exotic region, zoos and wildlife parks are other good alternatives for shots of interesting creatures.
02 Use a tripod
You’ll often want to stay in a single spot to get that perfect shot. Tripods not only prevent your arms from getting tired, but will also enable you to have all your settings ready. A tripod will also minimise blurring in your image, which could ruin your results.
Telephoto lens
Get nice and close This 500mm lens from Sigma (APO 150-500mm F5-6.3), along with an Optical Stabilizer enabled great results. The lens is available for £999 from www.sigmaphoto.com.
Hide in a hide
Stay out of sight Many nature reserves have hides, normally placed at strategic points on the reserve, allowing animals to come to you, while you keep a safe and comfortable distance.
03 Set the shutter speed
Animals are fast and won’t wait around while striking the perfect pose. Switching to Shutter Priority mode will enable you to set the shutter speed – something fast like 1/250sec is perfect for most animals, but birds in flight ideally require speeds of 1/2,000sec.
04 Prepare the ISO
You want as much light as possible entering your camera to ensure images remain nice and sharp. Setting the ISO to 800 is a great start, although you may want to boost it higher or even use a flash when shooting in particularly shady woodland, for example.
Waterproof mat Keep dry
Sometimes you’ll want to sneak up on a subject while ensuring you stay dry, so a waterproof mat is essential for this.
HERO3
Take underwater shots
05 Autofocus is your friend
While many prefer manual focusing, it’s not ideal for fast-moving subjects, especially birds in flight. Set the Focus button on the side of the lens to Autofocus. Many cameras activate Autofocus once the shutter is pressed halfway, so just press all the way down once it’s activated.
06 Continuous shooting
Many cameras feature a high-speed shooting option that makes them perfect for taking a large number of shots in rapid succession. By activating Continuous Shooting you have a far better chance of getting that perfect capture – handy when you get a fleeting glimpse of your subject.
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For some experimental shots, why not try this underwater camcorder from GoPro? It has a resolution of 5MP, is waterproof up to 40 metres (131 feet) and takes three shots per second. You’ll find it available online at www.camerajungle.co.uk from around £236.
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! IN W
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The Big Cat Experience at the Wildlife Heritage Foundation You and three guests could win a tour of the WHF Big Cat sanctuary lasting 2 hours, with the opportunity to personally feed a big cat by hand!
Open to the public only four days a year, you can feel like a VIP as you get up-close and personal with the big cats on this guided tour worth £375. Two lucky guests will even get the opportunity to hand-feed one of the big cats, too (age restrictions apply). You’ll learn more about a diverse cross section of the cat family, many of them endangered species, as you visit the 38-acre sanctuary. The Wildlife Heritage Foundation, Big Cat Sanctuary is a UK-based charity working hard to ensure that the bigcat species of the world are protected from extinction. Set in the English countryside, in the heart of Kent, the WHF has over 50 cats, from the smallest in the world – the rusty-spotted cat – to the endangered Amur tiger. WHF isn’t open to the public, but you can book an exclusive Big Cat Experience and help support important conservation work on projects around the globe. The WHF offers a range of Big Cat Experience programs, including photographic workshops, big-cat encounters and opportunities to become a weekday ranger, adopt a big cat or take an overnight big-cat safari! The sanctuary also holds four family days in 2014 from 17-20 July. For more information on these, visit www.whf.org.uk.
The WHF is home to scores of rare and wonderful big cats
How to enter Visit www.animalanswers.co.uk and answer this question Which is the biggest cat? - Puma - Tiger - Cheetah The prize includes a 2-hour tour for up to four guests at
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the WHF Big Cat sanctuary. You’ll get up-close and personal with the cat collection and learn about all the rare, wonderful and endangered cats of the world.
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NEXT ISSUE
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Explore even more amazing animals in World of Animals issue 9
Imagine Publishing Ltd Richmond House, 33 Richmond Hill Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6EZ +44 (0) 1202 586200 Web: www.imagine-publishing.co.uk www.greatdigitalmags.com www.animalanswers.co.uk
Magazine team Editor Charis Webster
[email protected] 01202 586220
Editor in Chief Dave Harfield Designer Megan Davis Senior Art Editor Helen Harris Production Editor Tim Williamson Photographer James Sheppard Publishing Director Aaron Asadi Head of Design Ross Andrews Contributors Ben Biggs, David Crookes, Alicea Francis, Darran Jones, Sarah Harrison, Hannah Kelly, Laura Mears, Adam Millward, Emily Reason, David Roos, Ella Carter Sutton
Cover image Apex Predators, Dreamstime, Rex Features, Thinkstock
Images Alamy, Ardea, The Art Agency, Alan Batley, Corbis, DK Images, Sandra Doyle, Dreamstime, Frank Lane Picture Agency, Getty, Ian Jackson, National Geographic, Nature Picture Library, Photoshot, REX Features, Thinkstock, Dan Cole, Sol 90 Images
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ON SALE
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EAGLES ALL ABOUT
Hunting tactics Territory wars Mating for life Amazing migrations
International World of Animals is available for licensing. Contact the International department to discuss partnership opportunities. Head of International Licensing Cathy Blackman +44 (0) 1202 586401
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Subscriptions Head of Subscriptions Gill Lambert 0844 848 8410 Overseas +44 (0)1795 414 611 Email:
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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.
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THE TRUTH ABOUT DRAGONS
WHY HUMANS NEED BEES
A JOURNEY WITH GIRAFFES
© Imagine Publishing Ltd 2014
ISSN 2053-7727
The heart-warming story The shocking truth How the Komodo uses stealth and wit to survive about why we need bees of Earth’s tallest creature
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WorldMags.net “The bulldog ant has all the aggression and belligerence of a top predator”
Piercing sting of the bulldog ant
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Modus operandi Combining both bites and stings, a bulldog ant has mandibles with an average of 12 to 13 teeth to damage its prey, while the queen’s teeth grow to an average 19 millimetres (0.7 inches). With a stinger located in the abdomen, the aggressive bulldog ant can sting repeatedly, each time with a deadly dose of venom entering the prey. Their vision is also superb, enabling them to track and hunt prey from up to a metre (three feet) away.
ISSUE 9 ON SALE FROM 10 JULY 2014 WorldMags.net
© Mark Moffett/Minden Pictures/FLPA
Described as a wasp without wings, the bulldog ant has all the aggression and belligerence of a top predator. Preying on carpenter ants is a dangerous task, as they can recruit aid by sending chemical signals to nest mates. As the bulldog ant darts around, it can leap onto its prey’s back and thrust out its stinger before the carpenter alerts its team.
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FREE 8x21 Monocular with all Wetland models until 31/8/14
Clearview Binoculars: Four Square Chapel, Mapplewell. S75 6GG. Tel 01226 383736.
www.clearviewbinoculars.co.uk Callers very welcome, please check website for opening times. Binocular Outlet: 01162 430 967, Check our website and visit us on shows and events throughout the UK:
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The Far-Sighted binocular company is a group of independent specialist optical goods suppliers. For more information please visit www.far-sighted.co.uk. 2IIHUVDUHVXEMHFWWRDYDLODELOLW\DQGDWSDUWLFLSDWLQJRXWOHWVRQO\3ULFHVDQGVSHFL¿FDWLRQVDUHVXEMHFWWRFKDQJHZLWKRXWQRWLFH
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