How It Works. World of Animals - Issue 41 2016

WIN A CHANCE TO DINE WITH THE SHARKS! From the makers of

TM

MASTERS OF THE OCEAN

SEALS

HOW THESE INCREDIBLE MAMMALS SURVIVE HOLDING THEIR BREATH FOR UP TO 2 HOURS DETECTING PREY WITH THEIR WHISKERS ENDURING FREEZING TEMPERATURES

WHY DO HUMPBACK

WHALES SING?

PLUS

GIRAFFES WOLVES SEAHORSES GORILLAS MEERKATS GANNETS

DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THESE GENTLE GIANTS

5 EXTREME ALIENS SURVIVORS 10 OF THE TOUGHEST ANIMALS ON EARTH

LIVING ON THE OCEAN FLOOR

GETTING CLOSE TO

INCREDIBLE IGUANAS

Fascinating facts about this vegan lizard

MEET THE CAPYBARA

Get to know the world’s largest rodent

BIRDS ON THE BRINK

Saving the Javan green magpie

SEEING SOUTH AFRICA

Explore the savannah’s wildlife

BIG CATS ISSUE 041

Digital Edition GreatDigitalMags.com

Her home is being destroyed…

Help us rescue it Meet Tantely. She is a gentle lemur but there is nothing gentle about what is happening to her home in the reedbeds of Lac Alaotra in Madagascar. The lake is hugely important for over half a million people who share it with Tantely, yet the reedbed is disappearing. Fast. Help fund our vital species saviours and enable them to protect the Critically Endangered Alaotran gentle lemur’s last remaining habitat.

DISCOVER TANTELY’S STORY

saving species from extinction www.durrell.org/tantely

Welcome One of the things I love the most about animals is how tough they are. From braving the worst weather conditions, to surviving the huge threats they face out in the wild, they never cease to amaze me! In this issue, we discover ten of the toughest animals on Earth (page 36), from the polar bear adapted to survive in its Arctic home, to the invincible tardigrade that can withstand the most extreme conditions. Learn all about the Arctic wolf (page 48) and how it is built to endure cold climates, and find out why seals are masters of the ocean, braving hardships on land and ice (see page 12). It may be hard for animals to make it through the harsh winters, but seeing wildlife in the winter is a sight to behold. Check out our tips on how to take the best animal photos in the snow on page 86. We’d love to see your winter wildlife photos. Why not send us your best shot for the chance to win a copy of the next issue!

Zara Gaspar Editor

Editor’s picks Is it a mop or a dog? A­er visiting the Discover Dogs show at the Excel Centre in London, I had to get the komondor dog into this issue. The curious breed must be one of the strangest dogs I’ve ever seen. Find out all about this unique canine on page 96. Seahorses in numbers I love to dive and one of my favourite underwater creatures is the seahorse, but these vertical swimmers are incredibly hard to study. What we do know about them, however, is fascinating. Have a read on page 44.

10 per cent of our profits help fight poaching. Learn more and donate at www.animalanswers.co.uk

© Thinkstock

Meet the team…

Designer Lauren Debono-Elliot

Production Editor Charlie Ginger

Picture Editor Tim Hunt

Assistant Designer Laurie Newman

Meeting our top ten extreme animal survivors on page 36 has made me really appreciate the ease of my existence!

Head over to page 26 to find out about the great conservation work being done to save the endangered Grauer’s gorilla.

With each one being unique, animal tracks are a great way to identify if a particular species has been in the vicinity. See page 34.

Those cute baby turtles are making me want to hop on a plane straight for South Africa. Take a look yourself on page 54.

Follow us at…

@WorldAnimalsMag

worldofanimalsmag

Turn over to page 28 to see our gallery of superb sea slugs Visit www.animalanswers.co.uk for Exclusive competitions Hilarious GIFs Upload your photos and win prizes!

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Welcome to Issue 41 06 Amazing Animals

12 Masters of the ocean Discover the seals of the world

20 Capybaras

The largest rodent on Earth

26 Endangered!

Find out why the Grauer’s gorilla is under threat

28 Aliens of the ocean Take a look at some of the strangest looking marine sea slugs

34 Animal tracks Eight of the coolest animal footprints

Meet the top ten toughest animals on the planet

44 Seahorses in numbers

What makes these vertical swimmers so interesting?

48 Built to survive

How the Arctic wolf has adapted to survive the cold

54 Explore the Earth: South Africa

Journey to the African savannah to meet its wildlife inhabitants

THE IUCN RED LIST

Throughout World of Animals you will see symbols like the ones listed below. These are from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of animal species in the world. Here’s what they mean:

EXTINCT CRITICALLY ENDANGERED ENDANGERED VULNERABLE NEAR THREATENED LEAST CONCERN

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Everything you ever wanted to know about this three-eyed lizard

36

64 All about the humpback whale Discover the secrets of this gentle ocean giant

72 Birds on the brink Find out what is being done to protect the Javan green magpie

78 Wildlife of the Asian Steppes Explore this incredible wildlife habitat

36 Extreme survivors

EXTINCT IN THE WILD

62 21 facts about iguanas

64

82 Zoos of the world

We speak to big cat specialist, Giles Clark, about the future of The Big Cat Sanctuary

96 Bizarre! Komondor Meet the strange Hungarian dog that looks like a mop

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Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

86 Photographing winter wildlife

How to capture the best animal shots in the snow

12

SEALS

MASTERS OF THE OCEAN

28

90 Keeping in touch

34

94 Readers’ Q&A

Enjoyed the issue?

Subscribe now and save 25% 78

62

Page 92

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The amazing world of animals

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The amazing world of animals

Most of us are used to seeing spiders trapping insects in their webs, not chasing aer fish! This photo, taken in French Guiana, shows a fishing spider holding on to its prey. 18 species of fish-eating spiders have been observed hunting for small fish. These arachnids live near freshwater, and will sit on the water’s surface to feel for vibrations before pouncing.

© NaturePL/Ingo Arndt

A fishing spider clutches on tightly to its next meal – a small fish almost twice the side of the spider’s own head!

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The amazing world of animals

A young polar bear, having noticed the photographer, appears to be waving while his mother keeps a close eye © Getty/ Sylvain Cordier

Polar bears are predominantly solitary creatures, but will meet to mate between April and June. Polar bear cubs will wean off their mother for about 20 months, and stay with her for up to three years. During this time, they learn vital survival skills such as hunting, until they’re ready to face the treacherous world of the polar cap on their own.

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The amazing world of animals

While it might look this marine iguana is carrying a mini-me, this lizard is not its offspring, but a tropidurid lizard. Six of the tropidurid lizard species can only be found on the Galápagos Islands. The Galápagos marine iguana hunts in the cold waters of the sea, so they need to sit in the sunshine and remain inactive to heat up their cold-blooded bodies.

© Getty/Andy Rouse

This Galápagos marine iguana has attracted a hitchhiker in the form of a lava lizard, who is hoping to share some of the sunshine

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The amazing world of animals

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The amazing world of animals

Flamingos live in big groups, called flocks or colonies, which make a point of staying close together, as this gives them a level of protection from predators. As they get their pink hue from the beta-carotene in their food, a bright and vibrantly coloured flamingo is oen a well-fed and healthy one, and is more likely to attract a mate.

© Getty/Tim Davis/Corbis/VCG

In the Ngorongoro National Park in Tanzania, an individual flamingo breaks away from its group in what appears to be a game of ‘follow the leader’

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SEALS

MASTERS OF THE OCEANS Sluggish on land but sleek in the water, these hefty mammals make use of their marine habitats to feed, migrate and shelter Words Katy Sheen We may think of seals as hefty, lumbering animals on land or ice, but we rarely see them in their element. Once they take to the water, seals are incredibly elegant and efficient swimmers, diving to great depths and for prolonged periods in order to catch prey or shelter from predators. In fact, many species spend most of their lives alone out at sea, often covering great distances, and only gathering on land once a year to breed.

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Like sea lions, fur seals and walruses, ‘true’ seals are pinnipeds, which means ‘flipper-footed’. True seals are the only members of this group to have ear holes rather than external ear flaps, and have short front flippers that make them flop along quite slowly on land, rather than walk. Out at sea, though, the true seals’ rear flippers act like a fish’s tail, moving back and forth to propel them gracefully through the water.

Seals: masters of the oceans

Seals vs sea lions

Discover how these pinnipeds differ in both appearance and behaviour Rotatable flippers allow the sea lion to walk on land.

Front flippers are much longer and covered in skin.

Streamlined body adapted for life in the water. Usually solitary and quiet, only making so­ grunts.

Small holes on the head instead of external ears.

Gathers in large, noisy groups.

Short, webbed flippers with a claw on each toe.

© Getty; Thinkstock

Visible ear flaps on the head.

Both have powerful whiskers to detect prey and a layer of blubber to endure freezing temperatures.

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Seals: masters of the oceans

WEDDELL SEAL

Leptonychotes weddellii Class Mammalia

Territory Southern Oceans Diet Fish, crustaceans and octopus Lifespan 30 years Adult weight 450kg (990lb) Conservation status

LEAST CONCERN

Weddell seal These daring divers make a racket as they hunt under the ice These Antarctic seals spend most of their time under the ice, hunting for prey such as cod and silverfish. They will often swim beneath the fish so that they become backlit by the ice above and easy to spot. This tactic can take them to depths of over 600 metres (1,970 feet), and they can remain submerged for periods of 45 minutes or more. However, like all marine mammals, they eventually surface to breathe. Above the surface, weddell seals tend to haul themselves onto fast ice (ice that is attached to the coast), rather than floating pack ice. This keeps them relatively safe from their main

Ribbon seal This striped seal has its very own method of moving Ribbon seals are most commonly found in the Okhotsk and Bering Seas, both off the eastern coast of Russia. They spend most of their lives on pack ice or out in open water, where they feed on fish and shrimp. The seals breed in the spring, giving birth to pups that are completely white. The pups will become silvery-grey after a few weeks and will not gain the stripes that give them their name until the age of four. All ribbon seals have an internal air sac to the right of their ribs, but it is not known what this is for. Most Arctic seals pull themselves forward with both flippers at once, but ribbon seals have their own style, putting one flipper forward at a time. Over short distances, they can travel faster than the average person can run!

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predators, orcas and leopard seals, although young seals are more vulnerable. Females give birth on the fast ice between September and November, and will stay with their pups for the first two months. The young grow quickly, gaining almost two kilograms (4.4 pounds) of weight each day. Weddell seals are highly vocal, with an extensive repertoire of underwater calls. Their whistles and chirps are so loud that they are audible from above the ice. They are thought to use these vocalisations to display that they are strong and healthy, in order to attract a mate.

Weddell seals rarely migrate, and they can o en be found within just a few kilometres of their birthplace

RIBBON SEAL

Histriophoca fasciata Class Mammalia

Territory North Pacific Ocean Diet Fish and invertebrates Lifespan 20 years Adult weight 70-90kg (150-200lb) Conservation status

LEAST CONCERN

Harbour seal HARBOUR SEAL Phoca vitulina

Class Mammalia

Territory Coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere Diet Fish, crustaceans and cephalopods Lifespan 30-35 years Adult weight 70-150kg (150-330lb) Conservation status

LEAST CONCERN

Seal extremes

The most widely distributed pinniped travels far and wide for food, then swallows it whole Harbour seals vary in appearance from dark grey to sandy brown, but they can be picked out by their characteristic posture on land, with both their head and tail in the air. Their territory includes coastlines of both the north Atlantic and north Pacific Oceans, where the seals will travel up to 50 kilometres (30 miles) away from the coast in search of a meal, often staying out at sea for days. Once they have caught prey, such as fish or squid, they will swallow it in a single gulp or tear it into chunks, not bothering to chew.

Largest: Southern elephant seal Named aer their trunk-like inflatable snouts, males can weigh 3,700 kilograms (8,160 pounds) and reach lengths of six metres (20 feet). Dominant males will collect ‘harems’ of 40 to 50 females and fight off any rivals in noisy, violent battles.

Harp seal These strong swimmers make epic annual migrations to breed that gradually increase in size until they form the harp-shaped pattern they are named after. Once they have left the ice they were born on, harp seals will migrate north to Arctic feeding grounds. For some, this can be a journey of 4,000 kilometres (2,500 miles), but they will make a return trip each winter to breed.

Harp seals spend most of their time at sea, hunting for fish and crustaceans. They are powerful swimmers, using their flippers to propel themselves forward. Their eyes are constantly lubricated due to the absence of tear ducts, and they are able to spend long periods submerged by lowering their heart rate by 90 per cent.

Smallest: Ringed seal Ringed seals are named aer the grey spots encircled by silver rings on their backs. However, these markings can be so dense that they merge into a mottled pattern. They reach lengths of up to 1.6 metres (five feet) and weigh around 70 kilograms (150 pounds).

Most common: Crabeater seal Around 15 million crabeater seals inhabit the Antarctic region, from the coasts of Antarctica to as far north as Australia, South Africa and South America. This makes them by far the most common pinniped in the world, and possibly the most numerous large mammal too.

Fastest: Leopard seal Just like their feline namesakes, leopard seals are ruthless predators. They reach speeds of 37 kilometres (23 miles) per hour, easily quick enough to take a penguin by surprise. They can also use their lightning speed to launch themselves into the air, grabbing unsuspecting seabirds in their jaws.

© NaturePL; FLPA; Alamy

Harp seal pups are born with a fluffy yellow coat, which is soon bleached to a pristine white. This is moulted 18 days later, when the young seals are known as ‘beaters’, due to the way they wave their flippers up and down while learning how to swim. They will continue to moult once a year, developing black patches

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Ribbon seal Harbour seal Ringed seal

Spotted seal This species is born ready to swim for its supper Spotted seal pups are born between January and April on the pack ice of the North Pacific and Arctic Oceans. Their mothers will usually stay with them until they are four to six weeks old, but if they need to, the pups can swim within hours of being born.

Hooded seal Female hooded seals look for mates with red inflated faces Male hooded seals have a fleshy muzzle that they can inflate to show off their strength. They do this to intimidate other males and attract a female to mate with. However, this bond doesn’t last, as the breeding season is only two to three weeks long.

Northern elephant seal

Hawaiian monk seal One of the world’s few tropical seal species The coral reefs surrounding the remote northwestern Hawaiian islands are the ideal foraging ground for these warm-water seals. They spend most of their time at sea but will come ashore to rest or shelter from storms. Female monk seals are dedicated mothers, staying with their pups for up to six weeks aer birth.

Resting seals slow their breathing rate down in order to conserve energy

Southern elephant seal

Ross seal Sluggish seals that appear to love singing These Antarctic seals are slow-moving on land, dragging themselves along on their bellies by gripping the ice with their claws. They are unable to raise their upper body into an upright position; instead, they are oen seen with their heads raised and their mouths open, earning them the nickname of ‘singing seals’.

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Leopard seal

Seals are curious creatures, and they have been known to approach boats

Harp seal

Grey seal These seals leave their birthplaces far behind Grey seals gather to breed in ‘rookeries’, which can form on rocky islands, sandy beaches or caves. Females nurse their pups for two to three weeks, and then leave them to fend for themselves. Once they have fully moulted, the pups will disperse, travelling up to 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) from the rookery where they were born.

Bearded seal This seal uses all its senses to avoid a polar bear attack Bearded seals are solitary animals, only found together during the breeding season. When hauled out on the ice, they avoid polar bears by facing downwind and towards the water. This position allows them to hear and smell what is behind them and see what is in front, and quickly slip into the water to escape an attack.

Mediterranean monk seal

Caspian seal

Baikal seal The only seal that lives solely in fresh water Baikal seals are found almost exclusively in Lake Baikal in Russia, the deepest lake in the world. The water freezes over in the winter, and the seals have to use their strong foreclaws to carve holes in the ice. In the summer, the seals haul themselves onto the shore between feeding trips.

Seals of the world These determined pinnipeds are found in oceans and lakes across the globe

Crabeater seal

Far from the popular image of cute, lazy mammals, seals are actually some of the most energetic critters ever to grace the seas. From the waters off Hawaii to the ice-cold depths of the Antarctic, these animals have found a home in every ocean on the planet. © Abi Daker

Weddell seal

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Seals: masters of the oceans

Northern elephant seal These large elephants of the sea are highly competitive suitors The northern elephant seal is the second biggest seal in the world after the southern elephant seal. Males grow up to four metres (13 feet) in length and can weigh up to 2,000 kilograms (4,409 pounds). Females are much smaller in size, measuring up to three metres (10 feet) long and weighing 600 kilograms (1,323 pounds).

Males begin to develop their trunk-like nose between the ages of three and five as they become sexually mature. During the breeding season they clamber on to the beaches of California and Baja California to mate. At this time, males deploy their unique appendage in a fight for dominance, inflating their noses and roaring at one another.

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL Mirounga angustirostris Class Mammalia

Territory Pacific Ocean Diet Shark, flatfish, ratfish, crab, squid, and octopus Lifespan 17-22 years Adult weight 2,000kg (4,500lb) Conservation status

LEAST CONCERN

Choosing a mate

© FLPA; Thinkstock

Northern elephant seals are not the most romantic species when it comes to mating

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During breeding season, pregnant female northern elephant seals will arrive on shore a er the males, and will give birth to their pups around two to seven days later. They will then nurse their pups for about 28 days before beginning to mate again. But unlike some animals, elephant seals do not have courting rituals. In fact, breeding season can be quite violent, as the much bigger males mount the females without warning, leaving them to defend themselves aggressively by attempting to bite the male’s neck and wriggle away. A er mating, females will return to the water, leaving the pups to fend for themselves for the next one or two months until they are able to learn to hunt for their own food.

Males are also stronger swimmers than females and are able to stay submerged for as long as two hours

Seals: masters of the oceans Safeguarding a future for seals

The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered species, with just 1,200 individuals le in the wild

Andy Ottoway is the director of the Seal Protection Action Group, a UK charity working to protect seals and their environment worldwide What are the biggest threats to seal species worldwide? Around the world, hundreds of thousands of seals are culled every year. They are blamed for a collapse in commercial fisheries that has really been caused by human overfishing. Seals are also threatened by commercial hunting for their meat, fur and other body parts. Many are shot or trapped by fish-farmers and sports angling interests, while huge numbers drown in fishing gear. As top predators and mammals, high levels of toxic industrial pollutants concentrate in their bodies through the food chain, which attack their reproductive and immune systems. A major threat to seals also comes from climate change and global warming. Increasing sea temperatures are changing ocean currents and with it the availability of the seal’s prey species. Global warming is also reducing sea-ice, which is destroying breeding sites.

What steps are being taken to protect the species in danger? Sadly not enough! While an EU ban on the import of seal products from commercial hunts has greatly reduced commercial killing, it does not go far enough. Here in the UK, even though seals are protected from deliberate killing or disturbance, they are still killed in large numbers to protect fish stocks, fisheries or equipment. Some governments are creating Marine Protected Areas that may include some important seal habitats, but much more is needed. Is there anything World of Animals readers can do to help? They can help by supporting organisations like the Seal Protection Action Group. And recycle all the plastic you can, as it o‡en ends up in the ocean where it can kill wildlife. Also, watch seals from a safe distance, and avoid any seafood products that aren’t certified as sustainable and non-harmful to wildlife.

“Here in the UK, even though seals are protected, they are still killed”

SEALS IN DANGER!

Seals are in serious decline in the UK and around the world hundreds of thousands of seals are under threat from cruel mass culling, toxic pollution, entanglement or drowning in fishing nets, over-fishing and climate change.

You can help us protect them! rotectio al P n e S

Be one of our Seal Savers for just £20 per year, or £3 a month by Standing Order. You will receive a special Seal Saver’s certificate, enamel badge and campaign updates. Please click donate at:

www.sealaction.org Alternatively make a cheque payable to the Seal Protection Action Group and send it to: PO Box 179, Newhaven, East Sussex BN9 1BJ

Ac

t i o n G r ou p

Reg. Charity No. SCO17447 | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 01273 515416

THE WORLD’S

LARGEST RODENT Weighing as much as a human adult and 220 times the mass of a rat, this semi-aquatic singer is a rodent like you've never seen before Words David Crookes

CAPYBARA

Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris Class Mammalia

Territory South America Diet Grasses, aquatic plants and fruit Lifespan 8-10 years Adult weight 66kg (146lb) Conservation status

LEAST CONCERN

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The world’s largest rodent

Native to South America's marshlands, capybaras are ponderous, laid-back animals that are as large as sheep, behave similarly to the hippopotamus, and are often mistaken for wild boars. These magnificent creatures are actually the world's largest living rodents, weighing up to 66.2 kilograms (146 pounds). They live in small groups and can typically be found wallowing in mud or submerged deep in water. Capybaras are sometimes referred to as nature's chairs, as they allow other animals to sit on them without flinching. By nature they are docile creatures that shy away from conflict. Instead of force, they use strength in numbers for protection and to mark their territory.

They can control as much as 20 hectares (50 acres) of land, using it for food, water and shelter. Capybaras are picky eaters as they are selective about the plants they consume. They are also creatures of habit, dozing in specific resting areas. Increasingly (and controversially), capybaras are being used as pets; owners love their cute barrel-shaped body, short head and reddish-brown to yellowish-brown fur. This has resulted in them being introduced to areas far from their natural habitats in the floodplains of the subtropics and tropics, with some now spotted roaming as far away as Florida. In such areas, they are considered pests, but as we'll see, they are much more than that.

BELOW These sociable animals live in groups, but their numbers have declined recently due to hunting

“They can control as much as 20 hectares (50 acres) of land, using it for food, water and shelter”

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Capybara

Master of the grasses The capybaras’ body and teeth are adapted for vegetation Capybara may sound like an unusual name, but it means “master of the grasses”, and is derived from the word kapiÿva in Guarani, which is the language of indigenous populations in South America. The name refers to the animal's penchant for munching on grassy patches and bushy scrubs, so it’s a very appropriate moniker for these superefficient grazers.

Did you know? Like rabbits, capybaras eat their own faeces. Although bacteria in their intestines breaks down cellulose, it takes place next to the colon, so most of the created sugar passes out. By eating their droppings, capybaras have a second go at digesting it.

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By selectively feeding on grass and other waterside vegetation, capybara are able to pick out the most nutritious food preserved by the water. But, unlike competing cattle, they will head for very short and dry grasses at the end of the dry season too. This ensures more supplies for the capybaras, and it's a reason why they not only survive in their seasonal habitat, but thrive within it.

Indeed, these huge rodents are well adapted to their diet. They have two long, sharp incisors, which constantly grow to counter the effects of eating teethwearing grasses (they have to be kept at the right size by gnawing on bark). Capybaras also have large molars, which are used to grind tough plant stems, and as their jaw hinge is non-perpendicular, they incessantly chew back and forth.

Capybaras prefer to spend the hottest part of the day in water or wallowing in the shade

The world’s largest rodent Young capybaras will use noise to indicate to their mother that they are around

They bark when alarmed

Capybaras have a diverse vocal repertoire As social animals, capybaras live in family groups of between ten to 20 individuals, with each unit made up of twice as many adult males as adult females. The rest will be young animals, and although there is always a dominant male, the group will communicate with one another using a variety of methods. One of the main ways in which they do this is a short, sharp bark, which is used to warn of danger or to indicate that the capybara is unhappy. Observers have seen capybaras barking at each other as a sign of displeasure, and to warn intruding males to move away from their territory. In other circumstances, though, a soer sound is engaged. Infant capybara will make a constant guttural purring sound, for instance, and it is believed that this allows them to keep in contact with their mothers. In fact, the purr appears to be a subordinate cry, since it’s also used when a capybara is losing a fight (it is usually accompanied by a chattering of teeth from the aggressor). When content, a capybara will make a low-pitched clicking sound, while females in estrous will whistle: females interested in a male will oen join together to sing as part of a beautiful long-lasting chorus.

Powerful paddlers

The key features for survival in the wetlands They have long whiskers Typical of rodents, capybaras have whiskers. These are used to help the animals feel their way through muddy and silted water – handy given they spend a lot of their time either on muddied banks or in water. They have excellent hearing Capybaras can hear ultrasonic and infrasonic sound ranges that are inaudible to human ears. They also have a great sense of smell. These senses compensate for poorer eyesight and a lack of night vision. They have fast little legs Capybaras are able to run on land at speeds of up to 35kph (22mph). They will run if they sense danger, although two fighting capybaras will rear up on their hind legs before charging at one another.

“Their webbed feet help to make them great swimmers” 23

Capybara

Young capybaras are not confident swimmers, so they are heavily reliant on their mothers

They are able to sleep underwater

© Shutterstock; Thinkstock; NaturePL

Capybaras are adapted to their semi-aquatic life Capybaras spend a lot of time in and around ponds, lakes and rivers, rarely venturing more than 500 metres (547 yards) away. Their webbed feet help to make them great swimmers, while their claws allow them to clamber up slippery riverbanks. They are also able to dive with the utmost of ease, and submerge themselves underwater for as long as five minutes, their ears fixed against their heads to keep the water out. This enables them to hide from view if there are predators around or if they feel threatened in any way. The position of their facial features make them very effective while they are in the water. Since their eyes, ears and nostrils are positioned close to the top of their head, they can remain close to the surface and see, hear and breathe without any problems. They tend to sleep underwater because it offers a sense of protection, while also ensuring they can keep cool in the heat. Capybaras also mate in the water, and when it’s time to leave, their short, thin fur ensures they are able to dry off very quickly.

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“They are able to dive with ease, and submerge themselves underwater for as long as five minutes” Rodent ancestors

Capybaras are not the largest rodents to ever walk the Earth. Josephoartigasia monesi was discovered in 1987 and scientifically described 21 years later. It is said to have lived from about two to four million years ago, and could grow to a height of 1.5 metres (five feet). Capybaras are smaller, but still far larger than rats and guinea pigs.

Josephoartigasia monesi

Large capybara

With only 3,800 Grauer’s gorillas left, your support could make a vital difference. Respond now, and we could double your donation. Photo: Stuart Nixon/FFI

One of the world’s rarest apes faces extinction Population plummets by 77% from 17,000 to around 3,800

Without action now the Grauer’s gorilla could be gone forever – cut the coupon or go to www.supportgorillas.org to help protect the remaining 3,800 gorillas.

Photo: Alison Mollon

Your donation has twice the impact Thanks to the generosity of Size of Wales, a unique Welsh rainforest protection initiative, we are able to double all donations received up to £9,000. Please act now to help us make the most of this unique opportunity.

FFI wants to protect existing gorilla families in a vulnerable – currently unprotected – area between the Maiko and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks. These families are vital to saving the remaining Grauer’s gorillas from extinction. This gorilla protection has only become possible in recent years. Since the elections in the DRC in 2006, and the increased stability that came with them, conservation teams are starting to consolidate a series of community reserves to ensure the gorillas are fully protected.

Fauna & Flora International (FFI) have launched an emergency appeal to raise £130,489.56 from World of Animals readers that will enable them to push ahead with the protection of new Community Reserves in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is crucial to the battle to save the Critically Endangered Grauer’s gorilla from extinction. Please respond by 2 January to help us double your donation with Size of Wales. Donate now by visiting www.supportgorillas.org or calling 01223 749019.

How you can help save the Grauer’s gorilla £130,489.56 is sought from readers of World of Animals by 2 January to urgently protect a series of community nature reserves that will safeguard the gorillas in unprotected areas - where they are at risk of losing their habitat and being killed by hunters. These are a few of the items needed: Photo: Gill Shaw/FFI

Consumed by conflict and caught in the grip of a severe conservation crisis, the Grauer’s gorilla – the world’s largest gorilla – is fighting for survival. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) has put out an urgent call to the global community to save the remaining 3,800 or so Grauer’s gorillas. Funds are sought immediately to help protect new community nature reserves that are essential to the survival of the remaining gorillas between the Maiko and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is a crucial step towards protecting these elusive and Critically Endangered apes from complete extinction. The Grauer’s gorilla faces multiple threats to its survival – all of them due to human activity. A major expansion of agriculture and pastures in the DRC in recent years has put enormous strain on the gorilla’s shrinking habitat. Industry, too, has taken its toll, with natural habitats squeezed by extensive mining for gold and coltan – a mineral used in making mobile phones. Hunting and the continuing consumption of illegal ‘bush meat’ have also caused many apes to be killed. What’s more, continuous conflict has made it incredibly challenging to enforce wildlife protection. As a result, numbers of Grauer’s gorillas have plummeted. Just 15 years ago there were around 17,000 Grauer’s gorillas in the wild. Today, scientists believe that at most 3,800 may still remain alive. Following recent survey results, conservationists have now reclassified the species as Critically Endangered. We must act as quickly as possible to save the remaining gorillas - and FFI needs your urgent help to do it.

“The Maiko and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks in the DRC are home to some of the most endangered species in Africa, including the Grauer’s gorilla. However, as human populations in the region expand so too does the risk from habitat loss. A participatory form of conservation is giving these communities a means to exist and is helping the Grauer’s gorilla and other wildlife. Time is short and I urge supporters of FFI to quickly back this vital work that is crucial to the survival of the Grauer’s gorilla.” Sir David Attenborough Fauna & Flora International vice-president For the species to remain genetically viable, it is crucial that the gorilla families can interbreed and are not separated by deforestation and agriculture expansion in an unprotected area. FFI knows community managed land is a sustainable way to achieve this. These community reserves are absolutely vital to the future of the remaining Grauer’s gorillas – because they will prevent the gorilla population becoming fragmented. To do all this FFI needs to raise £130,489.56 to protect 10,847.67 km2 of forest, where the gorillas are at risk. The £130,489.56 must be raised as soon as possible so that the team at FFI have time to plan ahead. Meanwhile unprotected gorillas are dying from the threats they face every day. The Grauer’s gorilla is on the very edge of survival. Together we can save it. Please send your gift by 2 January at the latest.

£19,180 could fund the entire DRC conservation team for 6 months. £679.15 could pay for a satellite phone, to help the teams report and respond to emergencies £258.72 could pay for a GPS unit and batteries, to help the teams locate gorilla families in the dense rainforest £129.36 could pay for fuel to run the team’s off-road vehicle for a month £40.10 could pay for rations for a gorilla survey team Any donations, large or small, will be received with thanks and will go a long way to helping us to save the Grauer’s gorilla.

Cut the coupon below and return it with your gift to FFI, to double your impact and help save the remaining 3,800 Critically Endangered Grauer’s gorillas. Alternatively, go to www.supportgorillas.org or call 01223 749019. Thank you. I want to help save the remaining 3,800 Grauer’s gorillas with a donation of £________ Title

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Please return to: Freepost FAUNA & FLORA INTERNATIONAL, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ, UK or go to www.savegorillas.org.uk to donate online now. Please note: If Fauna & Flora International succeeds in raising more than £130,489.56 from this appeal, funds will be used wherever they are most needed. Registered Charity No.1011102. Registered Company No. 2677068.

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Xxxxxxxxxxxxx Endangered

Grauer’s gorilla Formerly known as the eastern lowland gorilla, the Grauer’s gorilla has hit the Class Mammalia headlines recently with news of its rapid decline spreading across the Territory Democratic Republic globe. The world’s largest gorilla lost of Congo Diet Herbs, leaves, bark, 77 per cent of its entire population in flowers and vines Lifespan 35-40 years just one generation, and it’s predicted Adult weight 204-250kg (450-551lb) that if the rate of decline continues, Conservation Status they will be wiped out within two to five years. Scientists have only just CRITICALLY ENDANGERED been able to confirm the numbers of gorillas left - and the scale of the problem is now clear. In September 2016, the IUCN upgraded their listing to ‘Critically Endangered’, meaning it won’t be easy to bring this charismatic species back from the brink of extinction. GRAUER’S GORILLA Gorilla beringei graueri

The causes of endangerment Habitat loss

Land is being converted at an alarming rate. Large expanses of forest are being felled for agricultural use, with the undergrowth slashed and burned to raise cattle. There is also a booming mining trade. As a result, the gorillas are increasingly left with little space to live and raise their young.

Illegal hunting

If caught, the world’s largest gorilla species can make for a substantial meal, and miners in the DRC are said to take full advantage. Hunting the Grauer’s gorilla is illegal, but poaching is notoriously difficult for law enforcement to prevent, particularly in the thick of the jungle, where hunters are hidden from view and armed with guns.

Conflict and civil unrest

Maiko and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks are the last strongholds of these gentle giant apes, but they are under constant threat from mining and civil unrest, and many rangers have been killed while fighting to protect the parks. However, it’s not all doom and gloom; despite years of civil war, the situation is slowly improving.

What you can do Fauna & Flora International has an action plan to protect the Grauer’s gorilla,

and is supporting the work of community managed reserves. To find out more about their work and how you can help, visit their website:

WWW.FAUNA-FLORA.ORG

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“If this rate of decline continues, they will be wiped out in two to five years”

Grauer’s gorilla

At risk apes

There’s little land left The gorilla’s habitat is now severely restricted to just a few sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They are found at the highest altitude of all the gorilla species, and hide away in the mountain ranges deep in the jungle.

Where the Grauer’s gorilla is found today

The Grauer’s gorilla is the world’s largest living primate, but despite its size it is still incredibly vulnerable. Population numbers have dropped by 77 per cent , from 17,000 individuals to around 3,800 over the last 15 years. FFI and the Wildlife Conservation Society have collaborated to make the case for the species to be officially re-categorised as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the IUCN – signifying the seriousness of the situation. Since conducting surveys of the area from 2012 to 2015, FFI has continued supporting community reserves through the recruiting, training and equipping of rangers. A monthly patrol programme has also been put in place. These patrols concentrate on areas of the reserves where Grauer’s gorillas are present. They provide consistent population monitoring and help prevent illegal activity. Examples of this are the identification and subsequent removal of snare traps, and spotting illegal mining and hunting camps. Nestor Mayala, manager of Regomuki Community Reserve says, “We continue to thank FFI because it allows us to continue the work to identify vital gorilla areas in the reserve and protect them.” My dream is to one day bring my sons to see these magnificent creatures, and for them to be able to look into their eyes and see the same curiosity, interest and intelligence that is reflected there. Thanks to the support of Size of Wales, there is a unique opportunity for Fauna & Flora International to double the value of any donations received for the Grauer’s gorilla. Please either donate online at www.supportgorillas.org or call 01223 749019.

© Getty/guenterguni; Fauna & Flora International

Thalia Liokatis from Fauna & Flora International (FFI) tells us about the challenges of protecting these fascinating animals

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ALIENS OF THE OCEAN

SEA SLUGS Slugs probably call the idea of brown and sticky garden gastropods to mind. However, their marine relatives dazzle with diverse and bizarre colours and shapes Words Hannah Westlake

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Aliens of the ocean The glossodoris cincta has regional colour forms

© Alamy/Tobias Friedrich/F1online digitale Bildagentur GmbH

Depending on where it lives, the Glossodoris cincta is found in three different colours. All have mottled brown bodies and gills, but the edge of the mantle can vary in colour: with or without a bluish-white band or with a yellow-black band that merges into a dull khaki shade.

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Aliens of the ocean The pilgrim hervia prefers to live on rocky bottoms and slopes

© Norbert Probst/imageBROKER /Alamy

Thin and slender, with a long and sharply pointed tail, the Cratena peregrina (or pilgrim hervia) is a sea slug native to the Mediterranean. The spines along its back are known as dorsal cerata, and in this species can be found in many colours, though the tips are typically iridescent blue.

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Aliens of the ocean

Coral reefs are varied and colourful places full of life, so a sea slug needs to be similarly bright to disguise itself from watchful predators. Their bodies can feature any colour of the rainbow, and these colours are primarily used for camouflage rather than warning of poison or venom.

© Carlos Villoch - MagicSea.com/Alamy

Bright colours help sea slugs hide from predators

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Aliens of the ocean

© Suwat Sirivutcharungchit /Alamy

An underwater polka dot alien

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The Goniobranchus hintuanensis, with its pale body covered in white rounded nodules and reddish-purple rhinophores (scent receptors), looks like a creature straight out of a science fiction novel. It can be found browsing the seabed for sponges.

Aliens of the ocean The felimare cantabrica feeds on sponges

© Norbert Probst/ imageBROKER/Alamy

Pictured here resting on a yellow cluster anemone in the Atlantic Ocean, the Felimare cantabrica has a light and dark blue body, dotted with yellow lines and flecks. Found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, this sea slug has been observed feeding on sea sponges.

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Vole Voles have an extra toe on their hind feet Water voles have smaller forefeet than hind feet, and as they scurry along riverbanks, they leave little star-shaped prints behind in the mud.

Coyote Coyotes travel in straight-lines, creating equally neat tracks

Grey squirrel Grey squirrels can turn their hind feet backwards to run down trees head-first

The overall appearance of a coyote track is oval-shaped, and the front paws are larger than the hind paws. If the mud is soft you may notice claw marks, but these won’t show up on harder ground.

Animal tracks Otter An otter’s webbed toes are visible in the foot prints it leaves behind It should be easy to see where an otter has been walking due to their distinct tracks. Their webbed feet are perfectly adapted to life in the water, and as a result, their prints are easily identified.

Animal feet come in a weird and wonderful assortment of shapes and sizes, but they didn’t evolve this way by chance. From clutching food to keeping warm, they depend on their feet for survival

Squirrels rely on their feet for incredible balance, standing precariously on tree branches while using their forefeet to clutch onto a meal. Sometimes it’s also possible to see a drag mark from the tail in their tracks.

Raccoon A raccoon’s hind feet are larger than their forefeet, leaving prints of alternating sizes Raccoons have extremely dexterous hands, so it’s no wonder that a raccoon print almost looks like a mini human hand, except all of the five ‘fingers’ point forwards.

© Thinkstock; Getty

Red fox Foxes have narrow, diamond-shaped tracks

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Fox tracks look very similar to cat and dog prints, but they’re easier to spot when you know what to look for. Cat prints don’t leave claw marks. Dogs leave little patterns due to their excitable way of walking, while foxes make neat, purposeful tracks.

Snowshoe hare Their feet are designed not to sink in the snow These hares are named after their hind feet, which look like snowshoes. Thick fur lining the feet helps them travel across the cold snow with ease, spreading their weight and protecting them from frostbite.

Raven Three toes pointing forward and one pointing backward is this bird’s signature mark This toe configuration helps the raven grip and perch on branches. Known as an anisodactyl arrangement, it is a common feature among all songbirds.

e m e r t x E 0 1 Top

ANIMAL SURVIVORS From scorching deserts to frozen ice caps, dizzying mountains and deep sea trenches, these animals have found ways to survive in the deadliest environments on Earth Words Matt Ayres

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Top 10 Extreme Animal Survivors Hump Distributing fat evenly around the body would cause camels to overheat, so their fat reserves are stored on their backs.

Mouth A thick, leathery lining protects the camel’s mouth while eating the thorny plants found in the desert.

Eyes Long eyelashes form a barrier to protect the camel’s vision, while their transparent third eyelids are useful for dislodging sand particles.

Legs The camel’s long legs keep its body away from the hot desert sand, which can reach temperatures of 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit).

Camel Where water is rare, camels thrive Ask people what camels store in their humps, and many will tell you that it’s water. But contrary to the common myth, the protrusions on camels’ backs have nothing to do with keeping these gangly mammals hydrated. Camel humps are simply stores of fat, which they use to fuel their bodies when food is scarce. As for getting enough water, camels call upon a wealth of impressive adaptations to keep their bodies from drying out in the arid desert. Unlike humans, camels barely sweat at all – their thick coats help to insulate their bodies in the scorching sun, so they can withstand temperatures up to 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) without losing excessive water through their sweat glands. And while other mammals expel moisture in their breath, the camel’s nostrils have evolved to trap water vapour and reabsorb it into the body. When they do get a chance to drink, camels really go for it – an average-sized, 600-kilogram (1,300 pound) camel can consume 200 litres in around three minutes. Other mammals might rupture their blood cells by drinking so much, but the camel’s unusual oval-shaped blood cells mean they’re capable of withstanding extreme variations in water content.

DROMEDARY CAMEL Camelus dromedarius Class Mammalia

“The camel’s nostrils have evolved to trap water vapour and reabsorb it into the body”

Territory Northern Africa and Middle East Diet Desert vegetation Lifespan 40-50 years Adult weight 600kg (1,300lb) Conservation status

NOT EVALUATED

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Rat Never underestimate the common rat Whether you love or loathe rats, there’s no denying their phenomenal survival skills. These rodents are made of tough stuff: they’ve been known to survive getting flushed down the toilet and falling from heights equivalent to five stories. Rats can also survive the nuclear fallout from atomic bombs, as witnessed in roof rats on the nuclear testing ground of Enewetak Atoll. The rat’s anatomy seems designed to inhabit almost any environment – it is able to swim in open ocean, climb vertical walls, leap several times its body length, and bite through thick concrete or metal to find a safe place to live. It’s therefore no surprise that humans find it difficult to keep rats out of their homes. The cunning critters might scale your walls and sneak through cracks in the roof, gnaw through narrow holes in your brickwork or arrive in your toilet bowl by swimming through sewage pipes. But before you begin your anti-rat crusade, consider that these rodents are also some of the most intelligent and affectionate animals around. Pet rats love to play with their owners – like dogs, they can learn their names and be taught tricks. African giant pouched rats have even been trained to sniff out human hazards, from land mines to tuberculosis. BELOW Thanks to their flexible bodies, rats are able to squeeze into tiny spaces with ease

Gannets are capable of pursuing their prey to depths of 12 metres (40 feet)

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Top 10 Extreme Animal Survivors

Gannet Seabirds that survive terrifying dive bombs While the term ‘gannet’ often refers to someone who scoffs an excessive amount of food in a short amount of time, these mighty sea birds are more than mere gluttons. As the UK’s largest sea bird, it’s true that gannets are capable of eating large quantities of fish. However, it’s the method they use to catch their prey that means they should be considered among nature’s most extreme survivors. Gannets hunt by turning their bodies into sleek, seafaring missiles – once they reach an altitude of 30 metres (98 feet), the birds angle their bodies downward and dart towards the water at terrific speed, reaching 97 kilometres (60 miles) per hour before they hit the surface. While most birds would be injured by the impact of such a daring dive, gannets’ faces and chests are equipped with air sacs that cushion their entry. The extra momentum allows them to pursue their prey into deeper water than most birds.

“Gannets hunt by turning their bodies into sleek, seafaring missiles” How gannets hunt

The gannet takes to the skies and flies over water to look for fish.

Using the momentum from its aerial nosedive, the gannet pursues the fish underwater before snatching it in its large beak.

Once fish have been spotted, the gannet hurtles beak-first towards the sea.

NORTHERN GANNET Morus bassanus Class Aves

Territory Europe and America Diet Fish Lifespan 20-35 years Adult weight 3.6kg (8lb) Conservation status

LEAST CONCERN

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Top 10 Extreme Animal Survivors

Guanaco Llama-like masters of mountaineering GUANACO

Lama guanicoe Class Mammalia

Territory South America Diet Plants, lichen and fungi Lifespan 20-25 years Adult weight 90kg (200lb) Conservation status

LEAST CONCERN

Along with llamas and alpacas, guanacos are related to camels. They can therefore survive for long periods without water. In fact, guanacos living in the Atacama Desert, Chile, rarely drink at all, getting all the moisture they need by consuming water absorbent plants such as cacti and lichens. But it’s not just a lack of water that guanacos have to worry about. These mammals are frequently found in the steep, mountainous regions of South America, at breathtaking altitudes reaching up to 4,000 metres (13,100 feet) above sea level. In order to traverse these treacherous cliffs and sheer slopes, guanacos

have broad, two-toed feet, which provide them with excellent balance. Oxygen levels are dangerously low in this lofty environment, so the guanaco has adapted to make the most of the available air particles. Its blood is rich in red blood cells, containing four-times the number found in human blood. A single teaspoon of guanaco blood contains approximately 68 billion red blood cells, each packed with haemoglobin that helps to carry oxygen around the animal’s body. Life in the mountains can be bitterly cold, so the guanaco’s shaggy coat is another essential tool, preventing rain from chilling their skin.

6. Cockroach

Nuclear apocalypse? No problem for cockroaches Tough, adaptable and super resilient, cockroaches are among the most impressive survivors of the insect world. Tests have shown that these much-maligned bugs are capable of surviving powerful radioactive rays, meaning that in the event of a worldwide nuclear war, cockroaches could potentially outlive humans. Another reason for the cockroach’s hardy reputation is the species’ ability to quickly adjust its instincts in response to environmental factors. For example, some populations of cockroaches have learned to avoid sugary bait, which is

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commonly mixed with poison to exterminate roach nests. An aversion to sweet tastes has since passed through cockroach generations, effectively leading the insects to evolve in a matter of years and thus increasing their chances of survival. Perhaps most amazingly of all, cockroaches can live for weeks without a head. Cockroaches can continue scuttling around long a er being decapitated, breathing through spiracles in their bodies. However, without a head they are unable to eat, so they eventually die of starvation.

Top 10 Extreme Animal Survivors

Dung beetle These industrious insects dine on dung Being a true survivor means taking advantage of whatever food is available. Insects are particularly unfussy when it comes to what they eat – one species has become famous for indulging in the most rancid meal imaginable. Dung beetles are coprophagous animals, meaning that they feast on faeces. In fact, they gorge on the stuff, doing everything they can to get their segmented legs on a fresh portion. Some roll the dung into balls and push them back to their burrows; others bury it where they can find it later for a more immediate meal, or simply live in piles of manure to avoid the strenuous task of hauling it around with them. Dung rolling is hard – some scarab species are capable of pushing balls over 1,000-times their weight. This makes them the strongest animal on Earth in comparison to body weight. Imagine tugging six double-decker buses on your own, and you’ll get an idea of their strength. These beetles also climb on top of dung balls to cool down in the heat

DUNG BEETLE

Scarabaeus viettei Class Insecta

Territory All continents except Antarctica Diet Dung Lifespan 3 years Adult weight 21g (0.75oz) Conservation status

NOT EVALUATED

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Top 10 Extreme Animal Survivors

Polar bear Arctic survivors that embrace the cold The Arctic is one of Earth’s most famously hostile environments, so it’s fitting that its most famous inhabitant is an animal built for survival. Polar bears are the biggest bears in the world, and the only ones capable of surviving in the Arctic’s icy climes. Temperatures here can drop to -50 degrees Celsius (-58 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter. To cope with such frosty weather, the polar bear is equipped with two layers of fur: a thick thermal undercoat of dense hair, and an outer coat of

longer guard hairs to prevent ice and water from reaching their skin. Beneath their coats, polar bears have a thick layer of body fat, which serves as extra insulation and an energy reserve for long periods without food. This means polar bears are very good at fasting – they can survive for an incredible ten months without food. Despite their survival skills, climate change remains a constant threat; polar bears are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Guard hairs Undercoat Skin Fat layer Polar bear insulation

POLAR BEAR

Ursus maritimus Class Mammalia

Territory Arctic circle Diet Seals and small whales Lifespan 25-30 years Adult weight 544kg (1,200lb) Conservation status

VULNERABLE

Emperor penguins form huge colonies and work together to ensure survival and protect their young

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Emperor penguin

These blubbery birds team up to tackle life in Antarctica Emperor penguins rule the vast wilderness of Antarctica. Like other birds, penguins have densely packed feathers to keep them warm. However, the best defence emperor penguins have against the cold is a thick layer of fat under their skin. This is particularly useful when braving the icy water. While other sea birds can only remain submerged for short periods, emperor penguins can stay in the bitterly cold Antarctic water for 20 minutes. They can also dive deeper than any other bird, reaching depths of 565 metres (1,850 feet). EMPEROR PENGUIN There’s safety in numbers, Aptenodytes forsteri as well as warmth. With little Class Aves shelter from the elements, these penguins huddle together in their thousands to conserve heat. This technique is vital in the Territory Antarctica middle of winter, as the males Diet Fish are leƒ to incubate their eggs Lifespan 15-20 years Adult weight 40kg (88lb) through snowstorms and subzero Conservation status temperatures. Without huddling, a single emperor penguin would burn through twice the amount of NEAR THREATENED body fat to stay warm.

Top 10 Extreme Animal Survivors

Wood frog Unassuming amphibians who freeze themselves to survive winter Frogs aren’t obvious winter animals, but one North American variety has overcome its aversion to cold weather by adopting a rather extreme survival strategy: freezing itself alive. The wood frog, which can be found in cold northern states such as Alaska, is a famously freeze-tolerant creature capable

of surviving for weeks on end with 65 per cent of its body frozen solid. During this time, the frog’s body grinds to a halt, with basic functions such as breathing and circulation entering a state of limbo. When the weather warms up, the wood frog thaws out and continues life as normal, suffering no ill effects.

The trick is made possible thanks to cryoprotectants: chemicals in the frog’s body that prevent cell tissues from shrinking and drying out when exposed to extreme temperatures. Scientists studying wood frogs believe that similar chemicals could be used to freeze human organs for transplantation.

BELOW Wood frogs are one of only a select few animals that can freeze themselves

10 minutes

Spread of glucose

WOOD FROG

Lithobates sylvaticus Class Amphibia

3 hours

Territory North America Diet Insects, arachnids, snails, slugs and worms Lifespan 2-3 years Adult weight 8g (0.3oz) Conservation status

24 hours

LEAST CONCERN

Tardigrade Meet the most resilient animal on Earth They may not look particularly exciting, but tardigrades (also known as water bears or moss piglets) have the distinct honour of being Earth’s most extreme survivors. These microscopic creatures are 0.5 millimetres (0.02 inches) long when fully grown, and can be found in a diverse range of habitats, from the tops of mountains to the deepest depths of the ocean. With the ability to survive boiling hot and freezing cold temperatures, withstand pressures 6,000-times stronger than the planet’s atmosphere, and survive devastating doses of radiation, the tardigrade is one seriously tough cookie. The tiny critters can even survive in the lifeless vacuum of space – something no other animal has been able to do.

“The tiny critters even survive in the vacuum of space”

© Guy Edwardes Photography Ltd/REX/Shutterstock; Felipe Foncueva Rodriguez/Solent News/REX/Shutterstock; FLPA; NaturePL; Thinkstock; Alamy; Ardea

Ice

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In numbers…

Five-minute seahorse facts Become a seahorse expert in an instant – here’s everything you need to know about these funny fish

Seahorses are very curious little fish. They don’t look much like fish in the traditional sense but, like the rest of the bony fish in the Actinopterygii class (like tuna and cod), they breathe using gills and have a swim bladder to control buoyancy. These knobbly-looking, upright swimmers are relatives of the pipefish family, which includes pipefish and seadragons. Interestingly, they’re the only animals on Earth where the males give birth to the babies.

Seahorses live across the world, and there are two species that can be found in UK waters: the spiny seahorse and the short-snouted seahorse. Both populations are closely monitored and protected, but unfortunately the situation is very different for seahorses further afield. Of the 54 species of seahorses, 41 are listed on the IUCN Red List. Here you can learn more about these amazing marine critters and then spread the word to campaign for their survival.

Project Seahorse ZSL’s Dr Heather Koldewey, co-founder of Project Seahorse, speaks to us about their conservation work Could you tell us a bit about your role? I am head of marine and freshwater at the Zoological Society of London, which involves running conservation projects around the world, ranging from working with communities in the Philippines on mangrove rehabilitation, to research in ocean wilderness areas such as the Chagos Archipelago. I am also co-founder and field conservation manager of Project Seahorse, which mainly involves working on seahorse conservation in the Philippines, but also with our small dedicated team globally to help our conservation work. What is Project Seahorse and what are the project’s aims and successes? Project Seahorse is a marine conservation group dedicated to securing a world where marine ecosystems are healthy and well-managed. We begin with cutting-edge research and turn our findings into highly effective conservation action, in collaboration with governments, local communities, and other stakeholders. As the IUCN global authority on seahorses and their relatives, we work to protect seahorses, and through seahorses, we support marine conservation more broadly.

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Why is it so important that seahorses are protected? Because they are the most amazing, fascinating fish would be my first answer! But they also live in some of the most vulnerable coastal habitats around the world – coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and estuaries. So if we protect seahorses, we can also help protect these important habitats and all of the other incredible wildlife that lives there alongside them. How can readers get involved in protecting these fish? For those of you who enjoy diving and snorkelling, we have an iSeahorse website and app (www.iseahorse.org) that you can use to record seahorse sightings anywhere in the world, or set up more regular monitoring programmes. If you keep aquarium fish at home, please don’t keep seahorses unless you are an expert – otherwise leave it to specialists like the team at ZSL London Zoo Aquarium. Many seahorses are caught every year accidentally in shrimp trawls, so actually one of the simplest ways that you can help seahorses is by ensuring that any shrimp you eat has clear sustainability certification, and that it is not harmful to marine wildlife.

Seahorse LEFT With their prehensile tails, seahorses are able to pick up and hold items underwater

Seahorsing around

From multiple babies to mega meals, these critters lead a fascinating life

1M3

The average size of the territory that a male seahorse will call home.

1/2

Sometimes contractions for a male seahorse can last half a day!

150

The average amount of babies a seahorse will have. Some have up to 1,500!

150 million

Number of seahorses removed each year from their habitat.

Males have a brood pouch in which the female deposits her eggs for fertilisation.

Many seahorse species are monogamous – they stay with the same partner for life.

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Number of seahorse species described worldwide, with more subspecies.

1 in 1,000 Baby seahorses are known as fry. Less than 1 in 1,000 will survive to adulthood.

3-70 13 MILLION beats per YEARS second The age of the oldest known seahorse fossils, found in Slovenia.

Seahorses feed 30-50 times per day. They eat tiny crustaceans like mysis or brine shrimp.

Seahorses range from around 1.5-30cm (0.6-12in) long. The smallest could fit on your little fingernail!

Seahorses move through the water using their fastbeating dorsal fin.

During mating, a seahorse couple perform intricate dancing rituals.

Threats to seahorses include their use in Asian traditional medicine and the pet and curio trades.

Where in the world

“Interestingly, they’re the only animals on Earth where the males give birth to the babies”

Seahorse range

© Thinkstock

Seahorses are found in shallow waters across the world. They prefer habitats with plenty of underwater vegetation, such as seagrass beds

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Wildlife plays a vital role in the balance and well-being of our planet. Even the loss of the smallest fish in the deepest trench of the ocean could have a worldwide impact. ZSL is a charity working in over 50 countries around the world to help nurture and protect wildlife but we cannot do it alone. Help ZSL to ensure that we continue to live in a world with wildlife. Support ZSL by texting ZSLWILDLIFE to 70300 to donate £3 or find out other ways you can help by visiting zsl.org/withwildlife #WithWildlife

50% CORAL

GONE

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Arctic wolf

ARCTIC WOLF

Canis lupus arctos Class Mammalia

Territory Canada Diet Hares, birds and insects Lifespan 7-10 years Adult weight 80kg (176lb) Conservation status

LEAST CONCERN

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BUILT TO SURVIVE:

THE ARCTIC WOLF Braving snow storms, traversing frozen terrain and tracking down food in one of Earth’s most desolate environments, Arctic wolves are nature’s defenders of the north Words Matt Ayres Wolves are some of the most intelligent and successful predators around, using their supreme brainpower and close-knit social structures to thrive as pack animals on multiple continents. Yet many people don’t realise that the empire of the wolf stretches into territory that most animals don’t dare to enter, let alone live in. The Arctic Circle is no playground. In this frozen polar wasteland, ferocious blizzards rage and the darkness of night takes hold for months on end. Indeed, the Arctic is one of the only places on Earth where humans rarely venture. The animals that live here may have to endure the deadliest weather nature is capable of, but they are blessed with a separation from mankind that keeps their world blissfully untouched by the harmful encroachment of urbanisation. In the absence of people, Arctic wolves have become the rulers of the permanently frozen north. A subspecies

of the more widespread grey wolf, these canines have mastered the art of life in the Arctic tundra. They are resilient enough to stick out the toughest winters, smart enough to track down and kill impressively large prey, and sociable enough to live among their fellow wolves in small, complex communities. There are still mysteries about the Arctic wolf that humans haven’t been able to solve. How did they first arrive in such an isolated world, and why were their grey wolf ancestors driven into the coldest part of the Northern Hemisphere? Are the two wolves ultimately the same animals living in different climates, or should we consider the hardy Arctic wolf as its own unique subspecies? And how were these canines able to bounce back from extinction in eastern Greenland, reclaiming a territory that was unjustly taken from them? The answers all lie northward. Do you dare to run with the wolves?

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Arctic wolf Three things to know about Arctic wolves A system called countercurrent heat exchange keeps the Arctic wolf’s insides warm. Cold blood leaving extremities like the paws is heated by warm blood entering it. Penguins also use this heat-retention method. As they’re able to withstand conditions that most other predators can’t, Arctic wolves have enormous territories to hunt in. However, colder weather also means less prey, so they hunt in packs to secure larger meals. Grey wolves have yellow or amber eyes, while Arctic wolves have developed brown irises. The darker shade acts as sun protection for the eyes, helping to counteract the sharp solar glare caused by snow.

The Arctic wolf has evolved to survive in the harshest of conditions

Masters of adaptation

To thrive in the Arctic, these canines call on some amazing evolutionary traits Despite being incredibly similar to their cousin the grey wolf in terms of DNA, Arctic wolves have a number of physical adaptations that help them to survive in one of the world’s harshest wildernesses. The temperature of the Arctic tundra habitat that these wolves call home rarely reaches higher than -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit). In fact, it’s so cold here that the ground is permanently frozen, in a state known as permafrost.

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Arctic wolves call upon a variety of evolutionary advantages to get by in this frigid landscape. Their most obvious defence against the cold is their white coat of fur. This comprises of two layers – a short first layer that helps to form a waterproof barrier against the skin, and a longer outer layer that grows thicker as the winter months progress. The result is a powerful form of insulation, capable of keeping the Arctic wolf warm in some of the bitterest conditions imaginable.

Beneath the fur lies a thick reserve of body fat, which builds up during summer when food is more abundant. As well as providing an extra insulating layer against the elements, this fat helps the Arctic wolf to survive for long periods without eating during the lean winter months. Arctic wolves also have fur on their paws to prevent freezing toes and to help maintain their grip. With smaller ears than grey wolves, they avoid losing heat from their head due to the minimised surface area exposed to the cold.

Arctic wolf

Lights out

Arctic wolves emerge from months without daylight bright-eyed and bushy-tailed While most animals can only withstand the extreme climate of the Arctic tundra in summer, the Arctic wolf lives there all year round. Other than the icy weather, Arctic conditions pose a challenge to the wildlife in the form of unusual seasonal daylight patterns. During summer, the sun shines for 24 hours a day, while winter plunges the Arctic wolf’s habitat into several months of unremitting darkness. So how do Arctic wolves make it through the blackness of winter? Partly thanks to their excellent eyes. These contain more rods – photosensitive cells that specialise in low-light situations – than the average mammalian eye. What’s more, wolves have large pupils, which allow them to pick up on any available light and see through the gloom – they can therefore use

natural illuminations such as the moon or the Northern lights, to navigate their way through the dark. Even more impressive than the Arctic wolf’s eyesight is its tremendous sense of smell. Like other dogs, their noses can pick up on scents that humans don’t even register – their smelling ability is said to be at least 1,000-times better than ours. This means they can sniff out prey from over a kilometre (0.6 miles) away, and follow their noses through the dark to find their food, which is impressive in itself. Scent also serves an important role within the wolf pack. Each wolf can identify its fellow pack members by the way they smell. Arctic wolves also use scent to convey social status, health conditions and even emotions.

“Even more impressive than their eyesight is their tremendous sense of smell – it is said to be at least 1,000-times better than ours”

Arctic vs grey: the key differences

Fur colour

The Arctic wolf’s majestic white coat is an obvious aesthetic difference that helps to distinguish them from grey wolves. Their snow-coloured fur is a useful adaptation for camouflage in the icy tundra. Despite their name, the colour of grey wolf fur can vary from reddish-brown to jet black.

Facial features

The Arctic wolf’s shortened muzzle is another adaptation that helps to minimise exposure to the cold air. Their ears are smaller than the grey wolf’s for the same reason. While both Arctic and grey wolf pups are born with blue eyes, these develop into a golden-amber colour in grey wolves and a darker shade of brown in Arctic wolves.

Size

Due to their habitat, Arctic wolves live in complete darkness during the winter

While Arctic wolves are generally smaller than grey wolves, they are bulkier and more compact overall, meaning that less of their bodies are exposed to the cold air. The extra fat reserves stored by Arctic wolves adds to their weight, and their thick coats make them appear larger in winter.

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Arctic wolf

Life in the pack The common stereotype of the lone wolf isn’t typical of the Arctic variety. These charismatic canines are social animals, and their success as a species is largely down to their behaviour as pack animals. Litters of Arctic wolves usually contain two or three pups, and their parents work together to keep them safe and well-fed, doing everything they can to ensure that their offspring survive into adulthood. Breeding takes place once a year, and is usually restricted to the alpha male and female of the pack. This prevents the group from becoming too large, thereby reducing the need for food supplies to be spread thinly across the pack. The alpha pair play an important role, deciding when and where the pack should hunt. They are consequently the most respected members of the wolf pack, and are usually the first to feed on prey that has been successfully killed by the group. Arctic wolves prefer to establish their rank in the pack through psychological confrontations rather than physical ones. However, fights do occur between rival wolves seeking alpha status. A high ranked wolf establishes dominance by holding its tail high and baring its teeth, while submissive pack members keep their mouths closed and their tails between their legs.

No food is off limits for Arctic wolves, from old bones to regurgitated flesh

On the hunt

Roaming the vast Arctic wilderness for food requires tight teamwork and a strong stomach Like other pack animals, Arctic wolves work together to take down prey several times their size. Musk oxen are their primary target, but they will also hunt caribou and moose if the chance arises. Other animals, such as hares, seals, and lemmings are small enough for an individual wolf to hunt alone. They will also scavenge on the remains of animals killed by other predators. With the tundra being a largely lifeless environment, Arctic wolf packs travel for hundreds of miles to track down food. The territory of a pack can span over 2,590 square kilometres (1,000 square miles) – larger than the average territory of

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grey wolves, which is typically under 259 square kilometres (100 square miles). During the winter, it is common for Arctic wolves to follow herds of migrating mammals as they make their journey south. The wolves prey on the smallest and weakest members of a herd to reduce their risk of injury and maximise the chance of a successful kill. Arctic wolf pups are too small to hunt for the first few weeks of their life, so survive on scraps and regurgitated meat provided by their parents and other wolves. With only a single litter of pups per pack, the whole group helps to provide for the babies. At ten weeks old, pups begin to follow the adults on hunts and learn to become apex predators.

Arctic wolf Arctic Circle

Northern Canada

Habitat

In the land of wolves

States ofentirely America Living away from humans has its advantages, but Arctic wolvesUnited aren’t safe from danger

Wolves have had their range narrowed significantly due to human interference. Grey wolves have lost a third of their original territory – they are now extinct in many places where they used to thrive, including parts of Western Europe, Mexico and the US. Luckily, the Arctic wolf faces less persecution than other members of the lupus species. This is partly due to the remoteness of their populations – dwelling in largely uninhabited areas such as Northern Canada, Alaska, Greenland and Iceland means the white wolves rarely come into contact with humans, and therefore pose less of a risk to settlers or domestic animals. They are currently classed

as Least Concern on the IUCN’s Red List of threatened species. While Arctic wolf populations are healthy on the whole, the canines have had a rough history in certain parts of their range. A population in east Greenland was totally Mexico decimated by hunters in the 1930s, who poisoned the area’sMexico entireCity population to prevent the wolves from interfering with their fox hunting expeditions. While it is difficult for Arctic wolves to make a comeback due to their small litter sizes and infrequent breeding, the animals have managed to make a recovery in east Greenland. After a 40-year absence, a few

wolves were spotted roaming the area in 1978, and they have been gradually repopulating the area ever since. It is thought that human vehicles may have helped the animals to reclaim their lost territory, with wolves from north Greenland following tracks left by military sleds and forming new packs in the homes of their eastern ancestors. Climate change is now among the Arctic wolf’s most pertinent threats. Although they are adaptable predators, prey species like musk oxen and Arctic hares find it difficult to cope with extreme weather variations, and this has reduced the wolves’ food supply.

Copyright © Free Vector M

Family ties It is clear that there are many physical differences between the common grey wolf and Arctic wolves. Yet the question of whether the Arctic wolf should be officially considered a subspecies of the grey wolf has become a hotly debated topic among taxonomy experts. British zoologist RI Pocock first described the Arctic wolf as a separate subspecies in 1935. After examining the skull of a wolf that was discovered on Melville Island in Canada, he concluded that it was different enough from the mainland-dwelling grey wolf to be considered its own subspecies. A separate group of scientists led by CM Chambers later disputed Pocock’s premise, publishing a paper

in 2012 that suggested the Arctic wolf’s genetic differences with the grey wolf were not clear enough for a subspecies to be recognised. This was considered controversial, and when a review commissioned by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service investigated further, it found that Chambers’ research was not thorough enough to be considered scientifically accurate. As such, it is still acceptable to describe the Arctic wolf as a subspecies of the grey wolf. Whether you agree or not, the canines’ obvious white colouration and remarkable coldweather adaptations should be enough to differentiate between these two impressive predators.

Experts still disagree if the Arctic wolf is a separate species

© freevectormaps.com; Thinkstock; Frank Lane Picture Agency; Getty

Classifying the Arctic wolf as its own subspecies has proved problematic for some scientists

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Explore the Earth

SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE Whether you’re spotting the Big Five in the savannah, impressive birds in the grasslands, or whales off the rugged coast, South Africa is a megadiverse country like no other and teeming with wildlife for you to discover Words Amelia Jones

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South African adventure Travel expert Senior travel consultant for specialist tour company Africa Travel, Felicity Balcomb was born and bred in South Africa and is very passionate about this diverse country South Africa is a country that can be visited all year round and has everything to offer the traveller – beautiful beaches, dramatic landscapes and vibrant cities. But most of all, it is a land rich in wildlife. The country teems with lions and elephants and herds of antelope, zebra, wildebeest and giraffe. Bird watchers will be captivated by more than 850 different species, and safari-goers may delight in spotting the elusive leopard and the endangered wild dog. South Africa is also the ideal destination to view great creatures of the deep during the whale-watching season. Here, you can also spot penguins and dive with great white sharks. The wilderness, combined with the lush Garden Route, flavours of the Wine Region, and the cosmopolitan glamour of Johannesburg and Cape Town, create a diverse land for all seasons and tastes.

Elephant shrew

Wild dog

Reaching up to 29 kilometres (18 miles) per hour, you have to be quick to spot these long-nosed shrews. They use their tongues to flick food into their mouth and can be found in almost any habitat in South Africa.

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Riverine rabbit

With just 250 individuals left in the wild, this nocturnal rabbit is one of the most endangered mammals in the world. It is found only in the central and southern areas of the Karoo Desert.

Cape clawless otter

These otters have partly webbed, and clawless, feet and are rather clumsy on land. They are found near water in the savannahs and forests, and have even been spotted scavenging for food on the Cape Peninsula beaches.

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Map key 1 Kruger National Park 2 Madikwe Game Reserve 3 iSimangaliso Wetland Park 4 Garden Route National Park 5 Addo Elephant National Park

Also known as the Cape hunting dog, these canines are one of Africa’s most endangered mammals. Known for their caring family behaviour, their small packs can be found in the Kruger National Park, the Kalahari and the Madikwe Reserve.

Burchell’s zebra

The most common zebra species in South Africa, the plains zebra can be found mostly in the south and east. Their stripes are used to confuse predators and to keep cool, due to tiny convection currents between stripes.

Travel guide When to go

Visit during the dry winter (May to September), as the sparse vegetation makes it easier to spot animals, and whale calves are being born at this time too.

How to get there

There are direct flights from the UK to Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. Onward travel to the national parks is usually by car.

What the weather will do

The climate is varied; Cape Town and the Western Cape has winter rainfall and dry summers, while the rest of the country has summer thunderstorms and a dry winter.

What to take

Light, breathable clothing and footwear is a must for summer, as well as a hat, sun cream and insect repellant. Winter can be mild though, so bring suitable layers.

What you’ll see

With an array of habitats to explore, from deserts and mountains to grasslands and beaches, you are sure to see some of the most diverse animal species on the planet.

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Come face to face with an African elephant The most iconic African animal and the largest of the elephant family, the African elephant is one of the most beautiful sights of the savannah. These incredible animals can be seen in all national parks and reserves across South Africa, but there is nothing quite like having a close encounter with these giants. African elephants are huge; they are up to four metres (13.1 feet) tall and weigh around 6.5 tons – that’s half the weight of a double-decker bus! An animal of such heft needs to eat a lot to maintain such a giant body, pushing over trees to get to the juiciest leaves and eating over 300 kilograms (661 pounds) per day. Elephants are incredibly social and intelligent animals, and are known for their huge tusks and excellent memory. Sadly, their distinctive tusks, which grow for most of their life and indicate age, are the main reason that eight per cent of elephants are poached. In 1920 there were just 120 individuals left in South Africa, but now over 10,000 can be found in the Kruger National Park alone, thanks to thriving conservation efforts to reduce poaching and habitat loss. Visit between September and December to spot elephant calves, and take a safari drive or guided walk through one of the many national parks or reserves to get up close to these majestic giants.

Spy on some thirsty rhinos With over 75 per cent of the world’s rhino population living in South Africa, your ‘Big Five’ checklist wouldn’t be complete without these lovable creatures. South Africa has two species of rhino, the Critically Endangered black rhino, and the white rhino. Sadly, poaching is at a critical level in South Africa as even protected areas are not completely safe, despite efforts from the government to combat the issue. However, the white rhino has been brought back from the brink of extinction and now flourishes in the Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park, and so conservation efforts now turn towards the black rhino. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi has become a rhino refuge, and was founded specifically to protect the world’s remaining population of white rhinos. The Rhino Sanctuary in the park has increased population numbers and led to the relocation of several rhinos to help repopulate other parts of Africa. Here, orphaned rhino calves are also cared for and reared before being introduced back to the wild. To see rhinos in their natural habitat, wallowing in the mud, scratching up against trees and drinking from the water holes, take a guided tour of the park, where you can get a closer look from the many hides overlooking the water holes.

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10 per cent of our profits help fight poaching. Learn more and donate at www.animalanswers.co.uk

South African adventure National parks

Sea kayaking

Gain a new perspective of South Africa by exploring it from the sea. With training, tours and adventure kayaking on offer from most coastal towns, there is something for all ages and abilities.

Paragliding

For the more adventurous, why not try your hand at paragliding. With stunning flight sites and operators across the country, you’ll see South Africa in a way few visitors get to.

Wine tasting

Just an hour outside of Cape Town is the largest wine making region in South Africa, the Cape Vineyards. Sunset tastings with mountain views are an ideal way to unwind.

Table Mountain views

Whether you hike to the top or take a cableway ride, the views from Table Mountain are worth the wait. Check the forecasts though, as the cableway o€en closes during adverse weather.

Cycling tours

Why not ditch the car and experience this diverse country on two wheels? Take in the sights and sounds of South Africa and cycle through vineyards, mountains and forests.

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Explore the Earth

Walk among nature’s tallest animals The South African giraffe, or Cape giraffe, can be found foraging in savannahs and woodlands for leaves, flowers, fruits and shoots. Their blotched spots, purplish tongues and intriguing eating habits make these gentle giants a must-see. Giraffe populations in South Africa are steadily rising, and in 2016 there were around 31,500 individuals in the wild. At a height of 5.5 metres (18 feet), they are the tallest animals in the world, and are even more impressive when seen up close. Their long, muscular necks have developed complex blood circulatory systems, which are still not fully understood. Their necks are used to reach high-up vegetation, where their long prehensile tongues pull the leaves into their mouths and strip them bare. Their tongues are also used in battle, as males strike and wrestle each other for the right to reproduce. Giraffes are easy to spot in the Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, where you can take a self-drive safari, a guided drive, or a bush walk.

Go on an ocean safari Whether from land or sea, South Africa offers some of the most spectacular views of marine mammals in the world, with over 37 species of whale and dolphin visiting the coast annually. Each year, from June to November, southern right whales visit the ‘Whale Coast’ on the southwestern Cape as they migrate to warmer waters to mate and rear their calves. The best spots for whale watching are along the cliffs and beaches at the Addo Elephant National Park, Table Mountain National Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the West Coast National Park. But for a closer encounter, many choose to take to the seas. Marine eco tour company, Raggy Charters, operate whale, dolphin and penguin tours, as well as ocean safaris in Algoa Bay from Port Elizabeth. Their tours cover nearly 50 kilometres (31 miles) of ocean and the money generated helps to fund the Baywatch Project and the Penguin Research Fund.

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Catch a glimpse of a Cape buffalo

South Africa’s birds

These powerful bovines live in South Africa’s floodplains and grasslands. There are 900,000 buffalo in the wild, with over three-quarters living in protected areas. Their horns can be up to one-metre (39-inches) apart and have fused bases. Buffalo require water daily, so water holes are prime viewing spots. Be sure to stick with your guide, though, as Cape buffalo can be dangerous.

Blue crane

Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, South Africa’s national bird feeds in the dry grasslands of Karoo, only venturing into the wetlands during the nesting season.

Ostrich

The largest living species of bird, the ostrich is native to Africa and roams the savannahs and deserts. Its powerful legs can cover 5m (16€) in one stride and can kill a lion with one kick.

Take a trip with some turtles While the savannahs may be the biggest attraction, the beaches offer an equally spectacular experience. South Africa has just two species of turtle nesting on its shores: leatherback turtles and loggerhead turtles. They are the focus of a major community

conservation effort at their nesting grounds in northern KwaZulu-Natal, and visitors to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park can take a guided tour to see these beautiful creatures as they make their epic first journey from their nests to the ocean.

Spot an elusive leopard Despite being masters of stealth and disguise, African leopards are threatened by poaching. And while the South African government has imposed a year-long ban on hunting leopards for 2016 in a bid to boost their numbers, it’s unknown how many remain in the wild. However, The Limpopo Leopard Conservation Project aims to protect them through camera trapping and behaviour documentation. The best place to see these elusive cats is in Karoo National Park or Kruger National Park, and while sightings are rare, the best time to see them is at night when they hunt. The Londolozi Game Reserve, located within the Greater Kruger National Park, specialises in leopard spotting and has been recognised for its conservation ethic.

Cape white-eye

Native to southern Africa, these versatile birds are found in savannahs, forests, scrublands and wetlands. They are 12cm (4.7in) long, with rounded wings and a striking ring of white feathers around their eyes.

African pygmy kingfisher

Unlike other kingfishers, these vivid migrating birds feed on insects rather than fish. They are found in the Kruger National Park and Mkhuze Reserve between September and December, where they lay their eggs.

Lilac-breasted roller

These colourful birds perch on treetops looking for insects, lizards, scorpions and rodents in the open woodlands and savannahs. It is the national bird of neighbouring Kenya and has a harsh ‘rack, rack’ call.

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Explore the Earth

Mingle with a meerkat mob The meerkat is a member of the mongoose family and lives in the Kalahari Desert in very complex social groups consisting of 20-50 members called a mob, gang or clan. Meerkats have long, slender bodies and use their tails for signalling and balancing when standing upright. They eat mostly insects, but also scoff lizards, snakes, spiders and scorpions, and are immune to certain venoms. Meerkats have binocular vision and while foraging for food, one member of the group will stand guard. If they spot danger, they will bark or whistle to warn others before hiding in their burrows. For a chance to spot these charismatic creatures in the wild, take a trip to the Kalahari Meerkat Project in the Northern Cape, where 18 groups of wild meerkats are anything but shy. They have been studied here since 1993 and even starred in the BBC’s Life Of Mammals documentary. Dress appropriately for the time of year though, as temperatures are scorching in the summer and freezing during winter.

Swim with African penguins When you think of Africa, penguins don’t initially come to mind, but this rugged coastline offers some spectacular penguin spotting locations. The African penguin is the only penguin species that breeds in South Africa. Also known as the jackass penguin for its donkey-like bray, these flippered birds are flightless and streamlined for darting and diving through the water. They have developed a special adaptation to cope with the heat, as they use the pink glands above their eyes to help cool down their blood. Boulders Beach on the Cape Peninsula offers an experience like no other, where visitors can walk, and even swim, with these charismatic and inquisitive birds. From here, you can also get a close-up view of the penguin colony on Foxy Beach, just over the sand dunes, where you can see hundreds of penguins waddling about their daily business.

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South African adventure A natural inspiration

Lauren St John reveals how an encounter with a white rhino influenced her storytelling Growing up in Zimbabwe, I was obsessed with animals and especially with saving them, but my view of rhinos was a bit like Martine’s at the start of Operation Rhino; if they have a personality, it’s very well hidden. That changed on a visit to Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, where I spent ages watching two rhinos. At first, they were on their feet and bristling, warning us off. But when they realised we weren’t a threat, they lay down and dozed. I was taken aback by how vulnerable they seemed. I have since been walking with wild orphans. Up close, I realised that far

from being the belligerent modern-day dinosaur of myth, they have a beautiful, intelligent spirit that shines through. I set Operation Rhino in the Free State’s Golden Gate National Park, because the landscape is as ancient and beautiful as the rhinos themselves. I set it in South Africa specifically because it is both on the front line of poaching – 1,175 have been killed in 2016 alone – and at the cutting edge of saving rhinos. Wildlife vets such as Will Fowlds and the Rhino Orphanage staff perform miracles daily. Don’t save rhinos because you think you should. Save them knowing beneath their suit of armour beats a huge heart.

Set in South Africa, this awardwinning series about friendship and saving endangered species is sure to captivate readers. All the other books in the series are available now at www.waterstones.com

Ledlenser headtorch

Be prepared with the Ledlenser SEO7R – the perfect light for your safari adventure. Shining bright at 220 lumens and with Advanced Focus System optics, this rechargeable light also runs off AAA batteries. £74.95 www.ledlenser-store.co.uk

Pack-it Specter eCube Constructed from water and stain resistant silnylon ripstop fabric and perforated EVA foam, these colourful, lightweight protective bags are perfect for carrying your camera and GPS tracker. £18 www.shop.eaglecreek.com

NosiLife sun hat

Perfect for safaris, Craghopper’s lightweight NosiLife Sun hat is infused with permanent insectrepellent technology, and features built-in sunprotection and a moisturecontrol headband to keep you cool all day. £20 www.craghoppers.com

Who to travel with Explore Audley Travel

WWW.AUDLEYTRAVEL.COM Discover South Africa This 15-day self-drive trip includes whale watching and a Big Five guided safari drive in the Eastern Cape. From £1,845 per person, including flights.

Family Africa Travel

Salomon X Ultra 2 boots

The X Ultra 2 boots are perfect for warm weather hiking. A breathable textile upper ensures quick drying, while the OrthoLite insole and EVA heel cup provide lasting comfort while walking on uneven ground. £94.99 www.ellis-brigham.com

Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL sunglasses With enlarged lens coverage, clear vision and UV protection, these sunglasses offer protection from the elements. Sweatresistant rubber pads around the ears and nose keep them in place. £160 www.ellis-brigham.com

© freevectormaps.com; Getty; NaturePL; Alamy; Ardea; Thinkstock;

Safari essentials

Safari Nature Trek

WWW.AFRICATRAVEL.COM

WWW.NATURETREK.CO.UK

Family Friendly South Africa A 15-day trip for the family, including game drives, bushwalks, horse riding and archery. From £2,575 per person, including flights, accommodation, park fees and some meals.

South Africa – Kruger An action-packed, ten-day mammal-watching safari in the Kruger National Park, with the chance to spot over 40 species; including lions. From £2,395 per person, including flights.

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21 Amazing facts Iguanas

What has three eyes and can survive underwater? Sound like a creature from the deep? No, it’s the iguana family

The blue iguana is the biggest

They can measure up to 1.5 metres (five feet) from nose to tail, and weigh up to 14 kilograms (31 pounds). They are the heaviest species of iguana and the biggest lizard in the Western Hemisphere.

They can be big headed The dewlap is the flap of skin underneath the jawbone. When threatened, an iguana’s dewlap will extend its full length with the help of the hyoid bone to make their head look bigger. When wanting to show it’s submissive nature, it will pull it closer to its chin to make it look smaller.

They like to sleep Iguanas like to sleep at night and be active in the day time. The average amount of sleep for an iguana is 12 hours in the wild, leaving them with 12 hours of daylight in which to be active.

Their skin keeps them hydrated

The rock iguana grows much more slowly in comparison to the green iguana, but they live for twice as long.

The outer layer of an iguana’s skin is made of keratin – the same protein as human hair and fingernails. This layer is thick and hard in order to prevent cuts and abrasions to their skin. It is also waterproof, stopping iguanas from losing moisture and drying out.

They will often sunbathe near water, allowing them to make a quick getaway from any approaching predators. Iguanas are robustly built, and are able to survive falls from heights of up to around 12 metres (39 feet). Iguanas tend to stick to crowds. They are rarely found alone, and will often live alongside other iguanas that are of a similar size and age to themselves.

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They have a third eye Known as the pineal eye, it is in fact a small, transparent scale on the top of the iguana’s head that is almost impossible to see. The lens of this eye is unable to make out actual images as regular eyes do, but is used to detect light and dark. This ‘third eye’ is a vital survival tool as it allows iguanas to be aware of aerial predators, such as birds.

Shedding is a slow process

Unlike other scaly animals, such as snakes, iguanas shed their skin in patches as they grow, and therefore outgrow their skins. To remove the skin, iguanas will rub up against trees, or use their toes to peel it off.

Iguanas The cells in an iguana’s skin are crucial for helping to manufacture vitamin D3, which allows them to extract calcium from their food for bone development.

Iguanas are vegans

While some iguanas might occasionally feast on small insects, most iguanas are naturally vegans, feeding on plants, flowers and leaves in the wild. In fact, iguanas are known to be at their healthiest when consuming an all vegan diet. However, there are plenty of plants that iguanas should avoid eating a lot of due to their low nutritional value, such as lettuce. Cabbage leaves and kale can also cause serious health problems such as goiter, which is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Depending on the species of the iguana, they can live very long lives. While some only live up to four years, others can survive for 60 years. While the most common of the iguanas is the green iguana, there are in fact 35 different species, ranging from dry land iguanas to water-based subspecies. Green iguanas are able to hold their breath under water for up to 30 minutes, while marine iguanas can hold theirs for up to an incredible 60 minutes at a time! Some species of iguanas lay up to 65 eggs at one time, but only a few of those will survive as the mother abandons the eggs after laying them.

They’re quite mouthy

A newborn iguana has approximately 80 teeth. As they get older their jawbone grows to accommodate the 120 teeth they will have by adulthood. Iguana’s teeth may be completely replaced by a new set every few months.

Marine iguanas excrete saltwater As marine iguanas feed underwater, they end up swallowing a lot of saltwater. So, once they are fed and back on dry land, they sneeze, and with the help of their salt-excreting glands, release the build up of saltwater in their bodies.

Iguanas can be extremely fast. The world record sprint speed for lizards is held by the Costa Rican spinytailed iguana, which can reach speeds up to 34.6kph (21.5mph). That’s no mean feat considering they are the smallest iguana, measuring just 12.5cm (4.9in) long.

Their tails can be a real life-saver in a fight Iguanas’ tails are a source of their power, used for climbing and for balance. But iguanas also use their tail as a weapon when fighting, thrashing it about to distract their predator. If they are caught, they can detach their tails and make their escape. However, if this doesn’t work, and the iguana is eaten, this appendage, which is equipped with small spikes, makes them an unpleasant and unsatisfying meal. You can guarantee an iguana will never go down without a fight!

They can run using two legs All iguanas use four legs to get about right? Wrong. Surprisingly, the collared lizard, which resides in the southwest of the US and Mexico, and the basilisk lizard, which can also be found in Central America, can run using only their two hind legs.

© Thinkstock; FLPA

They can be very speedy

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All About

The humpback whale Enter the world of an ocean-crossing leviathan that dives deep, swims marathon distances and joins together with its companions to sing its giant heart out

Words Ella Carter

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All about the humpback whale

Whale life There’s a lot more to these fascinating mammals than being knobbly-looking krill-sievers Found across the world’s oceans, the humpback whale’s taxonomic name, Megaptera novaeangliae, means ‘big-winged New Englander’. This is a reference to the whale’s giant fins, as well as the fact that the New England whale population was the most well known at the time. The whale’s giant ‘wings’ help it manoeuvre through the water, and are used for banking and turning, braking and even swimming backwards. A humpback’s long, tapering body can reach up to 18 metres (59 feet), with a mighty tail fluke and a small hump just in front of the dorsal fin, which gives the whale the name it’s commonly know by. These critters are mammals, and breathe air through their nostrils or ‘blowhole’. They need to take regular breaths, but can dive incredibly deeply in order to hunt. Humpbacks are one of the most active whales above water, which

is why they are a whale-watchers’ dream (although harassment from watching boats is becoming a concern, so choose your tour operator wisely). Surfacing behaviour can include fin and tail slapping, spy hopping and even full-on breaching, where the whales launch themselves out of the water and land with a gigantic splash. Humpbacks are generally peaceful, solitary creatures. But when males and females come together at breeding grounds things can get a bit heated. Males will compete for female attention, and the largest, burliest males will usually win out. To challenge for a female’s affections, the big boys will engage in a surprisingly agile and brutal fight where scrapes and injuries aren’t uncommon.

Dinner for whales

These ocean leviathans make long oceanspanning migrations to find food Humpback whales, despite their large size, eat tiny prey. Minute little crustaceans (related to crabs and lobsters) called krill are their favourite meal, along with other small fish such as mackerel and sardines. These huge whales need to eat a lot to sustain them – the average humpback needs to eat over 2,000 kilograms (4,409 pounds) of krill and other small fish per day during the feeding season. These whales are a migratory species, and every year during the summer and autumn (depending on which hemisphere they live in) the whales will make the journey from the warm waters of the breeding grounds to the high-latitude, super-productive polar waters to feed. Here they will spend time eating, fattening up and preparing for the migration back to warmer climes. Humpbacks feed by filtering the krill from the water with their modified teeth, known as baleen plates. Like all rorqual whales, they have large, fleshy pleats in the underside of their jaw, which allows the mouth to expand to accommodate a large gulp of krill-laden water. The whale then forces the water out, at the same time trapping all of the tasty morsels in its mouth.

“Surfacing behaviour can include fin and tail slapping, spy hopping and breaching” 66

Calves need milk from their mothers to survive, 60 per cent of which is fat

The humpback whale

Step 1

Bubble nets

Teamwork When hunting, each humpback in the pod has a unique job to do, and the bubble net only works when the animals work in unison.

Humpbacks display an ingenious feat of teamwork for nabbing krill Bubble netting is an amazing method that humpback whales use to round up their favourite food. It works by diving deep underwater before expelling a stream of bubbles while swimming upwards in a spiral, using the bubbles to ‘net’ the krill! The whales can then help themselves to a meal.

Step 2 Net release Another whale will swim in circles just above the shoal and let out a fizz of bubbles in a circle, to cast the bubble net.

Sound blast The whales start to circle. One whale will swim beneath the shoal and let out a loud cry, scaring the prey up to the surface.

Fish herding The other whales begin to circle the shoal of fish or krill, bringing it into a tighter bait ball and preventing any form of escape.

Step 3

No escape As the blast of sound and the herding whales cajole the shoal into the net, the prey is then well contained.

The feast The whales can then begin to feed, starting underneath and using their strong tails to propel them upward to get the biggest mouthful possible.

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All about the humpback whale

Inside the humpback whale With a four-chambered heart that weighs as much as three grown men, these marine mammals are true ocean giants. Check out their inner workings and see what makes these whales tick

The benefit of baleen

Blowholes

The humpback’s baleen plates hang from the upper jaw and are long, hair-like structures that look like the teeth of a comb. Humpbacks have around 600 baleen plates. Baleen is made of keratin – the same stuff that makes up our fingernails and hair. It’s rigid and strong, ideal for filtering krill.

Tongue

Baleen

Rostrum

The whale’s rostrum, or ‘face’, is long, narrow and pointed

HUMPBACK WHALE

Megaptera novaeangliae Class Mammalia

Territory Across all oceans Diet Carnivore Lifespan Up to 80 years Adult weight 36,000kg (79,366Ib) Conservation Status

Ventral grooves

LEAST CONCERN

JUVENILE

INFANCY New-born whale 0 months Born in winter in warm waters, calves are 3-4.5m (9.84-14.8) long. They are positively buoyant and swim right away.

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First migration 6 months In spring, the calf accompanies its mother to feeding grounds. She is nursing and needs to eat to pass energy to her calf.

Yearling 1 year Still swimming with its mother, at a year old the calf will be roughly 8-10m (26.232.6) long and learning to hunt and feed.

MATURITY Leaving mum 1 year approx On the return from the feeding grounds, the mother will then leave the grown calf to live on its own.

Subadult stage 3-4 years Subadult whales cruise the feeding grounds to fatten up before migration.

Blowhole These are the whale’s nostrils. Baleen whales have two blowholes side-by-side. They use these holes to draw air into the lungs. A muscular flap covers the holes underwater.

Dorsal fin

Peduncle

The muscular tail powers the flukes, allowing for strong dives Fluke

Blubber

Tough skin

A thick layer of insulating blubber keeps the whale warm

Tubercles The small ‘bumps’ on the whale’s fins and mouth each contain a sensory hair. They also aid in making the whale extra streamlined as it cuts through the water.

Tail fluke As individual as human faces, tail flukes help to identify whales. Flukes power swimming and dives and also help with whale communication, such as slapping on the sea surface.

Flippers

These are the largest of any whales – up to one-third of the body length

“Tubercles aid in making the humpback extra streamlined”

Ear

Eyes

A whale’s eyeballs are flattened to let in more light

Sexual maturity 5 years Humpback whales have grown up enough to become sexually mature.

Humpbacks communicate with sound, and have very sensitive ears

Migration 5+ years At the right time, whales migrate from the feeding to the mating grounds.

Closest family

Closely related to the humpback whale are… Skeleton

Adult female 6-40 years Females get pregnant every 2-3 years, and give birth to one baby at a time.

Adult male 15+ years Males can mate from five years, but aren’t large enough to compete for females until 15.

Blue whale The largest animal on Earth, the blue whale measures up to 30m (98.4ƒ) long, and their tongues alone can weigh as much as an elephant! Like the humpback, this baleen whale also feeds on krill, consuming a staggering three tonnes per day.

Minke whale The minke whale is the most abundant of the rorqual whales, found throughout the world’s oceans. They too are filter feeders and are much smaller than humpbacked whales. Their stocky bodies measure around 8-9m (26.229.5ƒ) long.

Fin whale Recognised by their characteristic twotoned mouth (the lower jaw is bright white and the upper jaw is grey), the huge fin whale species can grow to 24m (78.7ƒ) long. Their distinctive sharp dorsal fin has earned them the nickname ‘razorback’.

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All about the humpback whale

Song of the sea Humpbacks can come together to sing, but what does this mean? The long and quite haunting songs that humpback whales sing are only performed by males, but females also vocalise very low frequency ‘beats’. Most often heard during the breeding season, it’s commonly thought that songs are a way to woo the females. It’s known that humpbacks communicate through sound, and so the songs could also be a way of keeping in touch, and possibly of expression. Males sing together – it’s a social thing. The songs can last anything from five to 30 minutes and repeat for hours. As more males join in, the song changes gradually. All the males adapt to the same song changes, as females prefer a mate who is in touch with the current song ‘trend’. To sing, males hang face-down in the water column. The sound is produced by specialised vocal chords, and at a frequency of between 80 and 4,000Hz, the song is carried up to 5,000 kilometres (3,107 miles) through entire ocean basins. Humpback males are not the only singers in the ocean. Minke, blue, fin and bowhead whales also sing to attract females

Environmental factors

Due to their very wide range, whatever hurts the oceans hurts the whales

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Climate change The whale’s main foodstuff, krill, feeds on algae living on sea ice. As the sea ice dwindles thanks to rising temperatures, so does the krill. And no krill means no humpbacks.

Offshore development As the demand for oil and gas grows, this poses a real threat to whales. Devastating oil slicks and noise pollution are just two of the many dangers these creatures face.

Fishing Overfishing damages fragile ecosystems and food webs irreparably, and the discarding of fishing gear into the sea can entangle and drown whales and other species.

Shipping Ship strikes are one of the main threats to humpback whales. Their slow movement and long migrations place them directly into major shipping lanes.

The humpback whale Nearest neighbours Check out the other amazing animals that live with or around the humpback whale

Orca The ruthless killer whale is a known predator of humpback calves. These whales will mercilessly chase down a calf until it’s exhausted. However, adult humpbacks are much larger and stronger and will protect their young.

Remora These curious fish have large sucker pads on their heads, which they use to attach themselves to – and hitch a liˆ with – larger ocean-cruising beasts. It’s not uncommon to see humpbacks with several remora tagging along. Feeding Breeding Arabian Sea

Denizens of the deep

Found in all major oceans, the humpbacks face a wide range of threats Humpbacks are a migratory species. Their prey lives in polar waters, yet to give birth the whales need the shallow, warm waters of the tropics. This life cycle means that every year the humpbacks make the longest migrations in the ocean. Only one group of humpbacks in the Arabian Sea do not migrate. Due to the fact that they travel such long distances, this increases the threats to these whales. In the 1980s humpbacks were classified as Endangered by the IUCN due to devastating

hunting by humans for oil, meat and baleen. Thankfully, their population is recovering well due to the international ban on whaling. However, threats from nations to continue whaling remain a serious concern. Many other dangers are also present, from climate change to entanglement, and even noise pollution from shipping can confuse and distract these sensitive mammals. Their slow growth and maturity rates make them particularly vulnerable.

Krill A favourite of many baleen whale species, krill live in giant swarms in the polar regions, feeding on phytoplankton (tiny algae). At 5cm (1.96in) in length, these tiny creatures are a huge part of the food chain.

© freevectormaps; NaturePL/Tony Wu/ Doug Allan; Thinkstock; NOAA; Alamy; FLPA; Getty/ Dave Fleetham; The Art Agency/Peter Scott

BELOW This map highlights the hunting and feeding grounds, as well as the breeding grounds, of humpback whales in both of the world’s hemispheres

Dolphins Dolphins live in large pods throughout the world’s oceans. They socialise and play together, communicating via clicks and whistles. In Hawaii, dolphins and humpbacks have been observed ‘playing’ together.

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Birds on the brink

JAVAN GREEN MAGPIE Cissa thalassina Class Aves

Territory Java, Indonesia Diet Insects, frogs and lizards Lifespan Unknown Adult weight 125g (0.28lb) Conservation Status

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

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BIRDS ON THE BRINK These beautiful natives of Indonesia inhabit lush forests, but, along with over 1,200 other bird species, Javan green magpies are now seriously threatened with extinction Words Laura Mears Birds have colonised every continent, and come in all shapes and sizes; from the fast, flightless ostriches of Africa, to the long-necked cormorants of the Antarctic and the tiny hummingbirds of North America. These remarkable animals have all evolved similar body plans, with two legs, two wings, feathers and a beak; but across the world they have adapted to different environments in surprising ways. Sparrows have short beaks, perfect for getting into seeds. Owls have hooked beaks for tearing at meat, and woodpeckers have tough, pointed beaks and specially adapted skulls for drilling into wood. Hummingbirds have butterfly-like beaks for getting to nectar, and ducks have flat beaks that allow them to sift through water. Then there are the wings. Aside from bugs and bats, birds are the only animals alive today that have managed to take to the air, and some use this talent to cover phenomenal distances in epic annual migrations. Others, like penguins, have adapted this skill to move seamlessly underwater, and some, like the now extinct dodo, neglect to use their wings for flight at all. Nearly half of all species are known as ‘songbirds’, with highly developed vocal organs, and many have developed intricate ways to communicate using sound. A few species, most notably members of the corvidae family (of which crows, rooks and magpies are members), have even developed intelligence that rivals some of the smartest creatures in the animal kingdom. These incredible animals are the living legacy of the dinosaurs, but almost 200 species are now critically endangered, and 12 per cent of all species are at serious risk of extinction. One of them is the Javan green magpie.

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Birds on the brink

The world’s rarest magpie

The stunning Javan green magpie is critically endangered, and hasn’t recently been seen in the wild

The Javan green magpie is found in just four areas of forest in Indonesia. A few years ago, there were thought to be fewer than 250 adults left in the wild. Today, it’s not known whether any remain. In fact, there has only been one confirmed sighting by a bird expert in the last ten years. These beautiful animals have distinctive green feathers and a dark black band across their eyes. They live among the trees, feeding

on invertebrates, small frogs and lizards, and they prefer to breed when it rains, raising just one or two chicks at a time. However, these birds have fallen victim to habitat destruction and the pet trade, and their future hangs in the balance. In 2013, the first successful captive breeding of these animals was completed, and since then, pairs of the birds have been flown across the world in an attempt

to rescue the species. They are one of the world’s most endangered animals, and bringing them back from the brink now represents a real and pressing challenge for the conservationists seeking to save them. Setting up captive breeding programmes is known as “insurance”; in case they really do become extinct in the wild. It is hoped that maintaining the species in this way could eventually lead to repopulation of wild forests.

“A few years ago there were thought to be fewer than 250 adults left in the wild”

3 things we love about birds Birds are directly descended from dinosaurs. Their ancestors were the theropods – a group that includes the infamous T-rex. They are incredible singers, but they don’t just chirp songs. Lyrebirds can mimic almost any sound, including chainsaws and car alarms. While penguins are unable to take to the skies, they have adapted to use their wings to ‘fly’ underwater. Auks and guillemots can also do this.

5 of the most endangered bird species in the world

Kagu These island birds live in New Caledonia, and are hunted for food. They live on the ground, and aren’t used to escaping from predators like dogs and rats.

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Philippine eagle These are the largest eagles on the planet - so big that their main prey are monkeys. Their forest habitat is declining, pushing them to the brink of extinction.

Kakapo These birds live on the ground in New Zealand, and are particularly vulnerable to predators. They have been overrun by invasive species like stoats and rats.

Californian condor The demise of North America’s largest land bird is down to local human activity. Major threats include lead poisoning, and accidentally eating discarded rubbish.

Giant ibis These enormous birds are native to Cambodia, and are the largest of their kind. Their habitat is declining as wetlands are drained to make way for farms.

Birds under siege

Javan green magpies have been surrounded; their forests are disappearing, and hunters come from all sides armed with cages to catch these highly-prized birds The decline in Javan green magpie numbers has been dramatic, and it’s hardly surprising given the assault they are facing in their native home. Their habitat is rapidly disappearing, and birds are captured, caged and sold as ornaments. The island of Java has experienced serious deforestation; in the areas from sea level up to 1,000 metres (3,280 feet), most of the forests are now gone. The birds live from 500-2,000 metres up (1,640-6,561 feet), and their remaining habitat is gradually being eroded. There are many reasons for this logging activity, including wood gathering, making space for farms, and clearing the way for mines.

Those birds that do remain in their natural homes face a constant threat from traders, who enter the forests to catch beautiful birds for sale in local shops and markets. Their ornamental feathers and captivating songs are highly prized, but once caged they are often neglected. As Andrew Owen, curator of birds at Chester Zoo, explains: “The forests in Indonesia are now so silent but the markets are full of the sounds of caged birds." With so few birds left in the wild, the only hope is to one day reintroduce them from captivity.

ABOVE The Javan green magpie is just one of many bird species regularly taken from their natural habitats

Losing their land

The rapid decline of safe habitats for the Javan green magpie has had a devastating impact

Their remaining habitat

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Birds on the brink Captive breeding programmes are trying to save these beautiful birds

Saving the magpies

Organisations across the world are working together to prevent the extinction of Javan green magpies

Cikananga Wildlife Centre This Indonesian conservation organisation has a dedicated breeding centre working to conserve endangered species from across the island. They have 14 hectares (34.6 acres) of land in Java, and have rescued more than 3,750 animals. Their expert team works closely with organisations from across the world to set up and maintain breeding programmes for some of the most endangered animals in the world. As part of this initiative, they have been breeding Javan green magpies, and their first chick hatched in 2013. As of October 2016, there were 19 magpies at the centre. However, despite their best efforts, they face a constant threat. According to their collaborators at Chester Zoo, the facility has experienced a number of break-ins and the‹s by pet traders who are keen to sell the rare animals to collectors.

Chester Zoo Act for Wildlife is an initiative led by the Chester Zoo team that aims to protect the natural world. They work in partnership with other expert organisations to safeguard animals in their natural habitats and in captivity. For the past six years, this British zoo has been working closely with conservationists in Indonesia to change the fortunes of the Javan green magpie. In October 2016, as a result of break-ins at the Cikananga Wildlife Centre, 12 of the birds were moved to Europe for their own safety. Since then, the zoo has been working hard to establish a breeding programme to ensure their future. The first chicks were born in June 2016, and there are now a total of four new additions to the family.

© Andrew Owen, Chester Zoo; FLPA

Prague Zoo Another expert European zoo were given a pair of Javan green magpies in 2015. Working closely with Cikananga Wildlife Centre, the team in the Czech Republic have been sharing their expertise in the captive breeding of exotic birds on-site in Indonesia, and have taken custody of the adults in an effort to boost the number kept safely in captivity. Between Prague Zoo, Chester Zoo and the Cikananga Wildlife Centre, there are now more than 30 birds living under the careful watch of bird experts and away from the dangers that they face in their natural habitat.

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Fight not flight

Andew Owen, Curator of Birds at Chester Zoo, explains the battle to save these birds What makes the Javan green magpie worth saving? Javan green magpies are a critically endangered species found on the Indonesian island of Java. They are critically endangered due to the species having a very small and fragmented population because of ongoing trapping and continued loss and degradation of suitable habitat. They are worth saving because of their rarity; there are only around 100 of these beautiful birds le in the wild. This is why we must do all we can to save the species, and setting up the captive breeding programme was a step towards succeeding in this. How is Chester Zoo trying to help? We’ve been working with the Cikananga Wildlife Centre’s Conservation Breeding Programme in Java for five years, where Chester Zoo both finances and lends our expertise to our conservation partners in Indonesia. Our mission here includes tracking down the birds with the beautiful green plumage, trawling markets and interviewing traders. Over time we have managed to rescue a handful of birds and set up a breeding centre. We have successfully bred the birds in their country of origin before, but because people in the area see the birds as such prized possessions, the breeding centre was broken into multiple times and birds were stolen. In January 2016, 12 Javan green magpies were flown to Chester Zoo from Indonesia in a bid to save them from extinction. This is to establish a vital insurance population. Our

bird experts hope to develop the first ever captive breeding programme for the species outside of Indonesia, in a last ditch attempt to ensure the continued survival of these highly threatened birds. We were thrilled when four Javan green magpies hatched in June and August of this year (2016). It was the first time the world’s rarest magpie had hatched in a UK zoo, which provided a major boost to conservation efforts to save the species from extinction. What is the plan for the future? Chester Zoo is a centre of excellence for conservation breeding and management. The survival of endangered species is increasingly more reliant on the sustainability of zoo populations. By investigating factors that could negatively impact on the reproductive viability of populations, we can make informed management decisions to boost the reproductive success of threatened species. By managing zoo populations effectively we’re also maximising the chances of captive bred individuals being successfully reintroduced back into the wild. In some cases, conservation breeding centres need to be established in the field, and the knowledge and skills of zoo staff is critical in ensuring their success in re-establishing populations in the wild. In the future, we wish to continue with our hard work in saving this beautiful bird, and we hope to reintroduce them back to their place of origin: Indonesia.

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Wildlife of the Asian Steppe In the grassy Asian steppes, the huge daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations make life very challenging. To survive here requires a range of special adaptations Words Kirsty Cathrine

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Wildlife of the Asian Steppe

A harsh existence The Asian steppes are part of a wider network of grasslands extending over the whole of central Eurasia, oen known as ‘The Great Steppe’. The Central Asian steppes cover much of Mongolia and Kazakhstan, and also stretch into Russia and China. The daily and seasonal temperature variations are more extreme here than in some other steppe areas. There can be a 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) temperature change from day to night, and as much as 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit) difference between summer and winter. The extreme temperature variations mean that animals living on the steppes also need to deal with accompanying natural threats such as drought, soil erosion and wildfires. Although at first glance the vegetation appears to be mainly just long grass, there is also an array of flowering plants and spiny shrubs throughout the steppes. In some areas, there are even pockets of small deciduous trees such as aspen and poplars, particularly in the more humid western steppes. Many of the animals living here migrate, hibernate or live underground in order to cope with the temperature variations. Although there isn’t a huge amount of animal diversity, the species that do live here oen do so in large communal groups.

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Wildlife of the Asian Steppe

Coping with extremes With daily and seasonal extremes of temperature, only specially adapted animals can survive here. Other threats such as hunting and climate change make life on the steppes even more challenging To cope with seasonal temperature variations, many steppe species migrate annually. Some, such as Mongolian gazelle and saiga antelope, travel across the steppes in search of lush vegetation. In contrast, many of the native birds travel much further afield to southern Asia or Africa. Other animals, including the longtailed suslik and the Russian dwarf hamster, hibernate through the harsh winter conditions, when temperatures

regularly drop below -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit). Several steppe species are sadly becoming increasingly endangered due to hunting, especially the iconic saiga antelope, which is prized for its horns, skin and meat. The erection of fences is also preventing the natural migration patterns of many species, and climate change is having a devastating effect, causing problems such as drought and soil erosion.

Demoiselle crane The demoiselle crane is found through much of Eurasia during the summer, migrating to Africa or India to overwinter. They are most commonly found in grasslands near water features such as rivers, shallow lakes and wetlands, and eat a wide range of plants, invertebrates and small lizards. Great bustard The male great bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, although females can be as little as half the size. Reaching up to one metre (3.28 feet) tall, they can weigh over 20 kilograms (44 pounds). Despite their robust size, they mainly feed on plants, invertebrates and seeds, and migrate based on seasonal food availability.

Steppes in the world Steppes are a type of habitat consisting of grassland plains without many trees. They are found in a huge belt across central Eurasia, stretching all the way from Ukraine to China and Russia. There are also steppes (prairies) in North America, and a similar habitat type in some tropical regions. Przewalski’s horse The Przewalski’s horse is an endangered subspecies of wild horse, which lives in small herds. It became extinct in the wild in 1966, but was reintroduced to Mongolia in 1992. There are now thought to be over 300 horses, which feed on grassy vegetation and migrate between water sources to survive periods of drought.

Long-tailed suslik The long-tailed suslik (also known as the Eversmann’s souslik) is a species of ground-squirrel found in China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia. With a compact body and bushy tail, they are able to keep warm in winter while hibernating in underground burrow systems.

Chinese rat snake The Chinese rat snake is a nonvenomous snake found across Southeast Asia. It is a dull brown or olive colour on top, with a pale yellow underside. It feeds predominantly on rodents, but also eats frogs, lizards, other snakes and birds. They survive the harsh steppe winters by hibernating on rocky outcrops. Russian dwarf hamster Mole rat

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Wildlife of the Asian Steppe

Steppe eagle The steppe eagle is a common brown raptor found across much of Central Asia in the summer, migrating to overwinter in Africa and southwestern Asia. The eagles eat a wide range of small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and carrion. They will even steal food from other raptors given the opportunity.

Mongolian gazelle There are over 1.5 million Mongolian gazelle living on the Asian steppes. They are a medium-sized antelope with distinctive white, heart-shaped markings on their rump, and gently curving horns. The gazelles migrate across the steppes in search of food, o‘en in herds of several thousand.

Saiga antelope The saiga antelope lives across much of the European and Asian steppes. Their distinctive bulbous nose is flexible and inflatable, which allows them to cope with dusty air in summer and cold air in winter. Sadly, hunting has led to the species becoming critically endangered.

Asian badger The Asian badger lives across China, Kazakhstan, Korea and Russia. There are three subspecies, which vary in terms of how stripy they are.

Bobak marmot These rodents inhabit both the European and Asian steppes. Up to 15 families can live in one square kilometre (0.4 square miles).

Corsac fox Although these foxes mainly eats insects and small rodents, they sometimes form small packs to hunt larger animals.

Sociable lapwing True to its name, the sociable lapwing spends its time in large flocks which migrate across Asia. Sadly the species is now critically endangered.

Harvester termite Several species of harvester termites are found on the steppes. They live in tall mounds and feed on grass and straw.

Green bee-eater The green bee-eater is indeed keen on eating bees, but also likes beetles and even crabs. They live in communal roosts of up to 300 individuals.

© Sol90; Asim Patel; Thinkstock; NaturePL; Alamy

Stars of the grasslands Due to the harsh conditions on the steppes, many animals choose to live in close communities. Here we meet a few of them

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Zoos of the world

The Big Cat Sanctuary Home to numerous beautiful and endangered cats and one particular wildlife celebrity See it for yourself WWW.WHF.ORG.UK Location

Kent, England

Admission Dependant

How to get there Leave the M20 at the Leeds Castle Exit on Junction 8. The sanctuary is approximately 15 minutes away. From there follow the signs to Headcorn village and then to The Big Cat Smarden, which is the next village on. Sanctuary

With over 50 big cats, including African lions, Sumatran tigers, pumas, jaguars and Amur leopards, The Big Cat Sanctuary is not a typical zoo. Located in the heart of the Kent countryside, the 32-acre land began as a refuge for big cats that had been rescued from less than desirable homes. The site has a personal approach to their wildlife residents. Visitors are not required to pay an entrance fee and simply walk in, but can purchase one-on-one experiences with the cats, such as Big Cat Encounters, photographic workshops, Ranger Days and other bespoke events. Visitors learn about the work being done to save what are some of the most iconic yet endangered species on the planet. The charity also hosts a number of events throughout the year to raise funds and awareness of the in-situ conservation projects they support. The Big Cat Sanctuary is a leading conservation organisation of wild cats in the UK. With the dedication of the Sampson family, who own Paradise Wildlife Park, in Hertfordshire, the facility has thrived in its ethos to give the animals an excellent quality of life in captivity, and is the largest breeding centre for cats in the UK operating within the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme.

“Visitors can purchase one-onone experiences with the cats” 82

Many of the cats in the sanctuary are part of a European breeding programme to ensure a healthy genetic population in captivity, and safeguard the future of the species

The enclosure offers amazing, close-up photograph opportunities with the residents

Visitors are encouraged to get up close to the animals and understand how they live

Visitors are able to hand-feed the animals as part of their experience at the sanctuary

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Zoos of the world 5 star animals of The Big Cat Sanctuary

The sanctuary works hard to provide the cats with a good quality of life in captivity

Manzi the majestic African lion One of three brothers, Manzi is a sociable ‘teddy bear’ of a lion, and a much-loved resident.

Laila the beautiful snow leopard Born at Antwerp Zoo, Laila has been at The Big Cat Sanctuary since she was 18 months old.

Pan the Amur tiger This father of three was born at Copenhagen Zoo. Pan generally has a serious outlook, but he does love water and big toys.

Xizi the stunning Amur leopard Xizi is recognisable for the heart-shaped marking behind her le„ eye.

Nuwara the rusted spotty cat The smallest species of cat in the world, Nuwara is a small cat with a big character.

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Amur tigers are severely threatened in the wild by poaching, due to the demand for tiger parts on the black market

The mane attraction

Raising the profile

A big cat expert tells us why he’s so dedicated to them

What are your plans for The Big Cat Sanctuary?

Big cat specialist, Giles Clark’s fascination with cats began from his early years at home, surrounded by his mother’s rescued felines. He explains that the compassionate nature of his parents towards animals was a huge contributory factor in his career. This love of felines developed even further at the age of 16, as his work experience at Paradise Wildlife Park led to amazing opportunities to work with big cats, which has taken him all around the world. A„er volunteering in India for 18 months on a tiger conservation programme, he spent almost two decades working at Australia Zoo, the

We want to set out a strategic five-year plan, not only in terms of the collection and where this will lead in the future, but how we will develop the sanctuary. My main aim is to become a more significant participant in the support mechanism for global conservation. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of this development, which will enable the organisation to take on other species to support the coordinated breeding programmes. The focus, for me, is about getting the right team in place, which will drive us forward and allow us to make significant contributions to both in-situ and ex-situ conservation. One example of this, is expanding our opportunities to assist in research across the board. This focus is not only from an animal welfare perspective, but also how we can potentially make a difference, both here at the sanctuary, and to help protect these animals in their natural habitats.

majority of the time as head of tigers. His, arguably controversial, techniques of hand-rearing and close interaction with the cats were featured in the BBC documentary series Tigers About The House and Tigers About The House – What Happened Next. In 2015, Giles felt the need for a new challenge and le„ Australia Zoo to become the director of cats and conservation at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent. Since his arrival, Giles has featured alongside Hugh Fernley-Whittingstall in another BBC documentary series, Ingenious Animals, where he demonstrated his passion for conservation and ability to closely relate to the various species of animals that he works to protect on a daily basis.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

Nature versus nurture

Upcoming projects

You’re very hands-on with your experience. Do you think that’s the best way to handle big cats? This is something I am all too familiar with, generally faced with a view that having a hands-on approach is ‘not natural’. I would never suggest that it’s an approach that would work for everyone, but it’s definitely an approach that has worked in my own experience. No captive environment will ever replicate a natural habitat. Captivity is far from ideal, but we have a responsibility to provide these animals with a life that is not only safe, but fulfilled physically as well as psychologically. By having a hands-on relationship you can provide the animals with stimulation that would otherwise not be possible. They are then conditioned and adjusted for a life in captivity. I have experienced this in my care. Historically, I am of the opinion that these cats have the ability to demonstrate a more natural repertoire of behaviours than other captive cats. I can provide certain stimulations and exposures that wouldn’t normally be possible. The fact that I could be there with a tigress when she was giving birth to her cubs was a testament to the bond I had with her, and it was based on mutual respect.

Are you collaborating or working with any other animal projects?

The Big Cat Sanctuary strives to educate all of their visitors about the cats and their endangered status in the wild

Ten years ago I visited a conservancy in Kenya called Ol Pejeta – I was struck by their holistic approach to conservation, which met the needs of both wildlife and local communities. They are a true role model for the conservation community, not only in East Africa, but globally. One area they have excelled in is reducing human-wildlife conflict, pioneering and utilising various techniques and strategies. Unlike most of Africa, which has seen a dramatic decrease in the lion population, Ol Pejeta Conservancy has seen their lion population double in the last decade. As the conservancy is now at carrying capacity for lions, it is imperative that they have the ability to monitor the numbers as they expand outside the conservancy’s boundaries. We are raising money to put satellite collars on some of the lions, which will give vital and realtime information. If there are enough collars out there with enough lions, you can get information back. This data will help reduce lion-human conflict with local communities, and at the same time, will help form a lion conservation strategy across the wider Laikipia ecosystem.

© The Big Cat Sanctuary; Andy-Sue Dim

The park is designed to be a peaceful place to keep the animals safe from danger

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Wildlife photography

Shoot in the snow

Learn top techniques for taking your best ever pictures of wildlife in snowy conditions, from metering to white balance and more Control colours Correct exposures Utilise the light Shooting in the snow can be challenging, not least because it’s extremely cold and you often have to be outdoors for a long time, waiting patiently for that perfect shot. So as a starting point, make sure you’re wrapped up and wearing waterproof, breathable clothing to keep yourself comfortable. Fingerless gloves are also helpful for when you want to change settings easily. And while it’s cold for you, don’t forget that it’s cold for the wildlife too, who need to conserve their energy during these times. Invest in a telephoto lens so you can stay well back, and if you notice the animal begin to show signs of stress at your presence, back off further. In this guide we are going to be looking at some of the challenges of shooting in snowy environments and how to fix them, such as getting your colours right in order to avoid blue hues or grey snow, and how to properly protect your gear from the perils of condensation. As with all wildlife photography, be prepared to wait around for the perfect shot, so make sure you keep warm in the process

Fingerless gloves will make it easy for you to change settings quickly, especially if your camera has small buttons

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Wildlife photography Tip 1

Protect your camera Avoid damaged kit during harsh conditions with some simple tricks

Moisture and electrics don’t mix, so condensation building up on your camera when you bring it in from the cold can cause big problems. Make sure you avoid this by putting your kit in an airtight plastic bag when you bring it indoors, until it’s heated up to room temperature. When shooting in falling snow, use a rain cover or hold an umbrella above you to protect your camera from the damp. Also bear in mind that in the cold, batteries drain quicker, so carry a spare and store them in your pocket when they are not in use to keep them warm.

Protect your camera while shooting in the rain with a plastic cover or even a plastic bag

Tip 2

Use the right light Perfect your photograph by using the natural power of the sun With all that white snow around, the ground will act like a big white reflector, bouncing plenty of light into your image. You still need to think about the direction of your lighting, however. You might not want to shoot into the light, as this could cause lens flare in your image. Instead, position yourself so the sun is falling onto the side of your subject to create a sense of depth. Shooting in the golden hours around sunrise and sunset will help create much softer lighting on the wildlife. Flash is best avoided in most circumstances, as it could illuminate the falling snowflakes, distracting from the animal, and the bright flash could also startle them.

@ Thinkstock; Richard Bowler/REX/Shutterstock

Wait for soer lighting during the golden hours of sunset or sunrise, and position yourself so it falls onto your subject’s side

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Wildlife photography Tip 3

Exposure essentials

Keep your whites bright and avoid the wildlife looking dull If you often find your snowy shots coming out grey rather than white, it’s because the scene is not being correctly exposed by your camera. For wildlife shots you want the animal to be the main focus, so spot meter from them so your camera knows to prioritise that area. Often you will

find that your shots needs a little positive exposure compensation, between +1 and +2EV, to render the whites properly. You could always exposure bracket if you’re not sure. Set your exposure warning on your camera and it will tell you if any areas are losing detail and being blown out.

Avoid dull shots by ensuring you get your exposure on point

Focus issues Securely locking on to your subject can prove tricky for your camera in snowy situations In snow, your camera can find it hard to focus when there’s not anything with enough contrast to lock on to, or it may keep trying to focus on falling snow. If this happens, switch to manual focusing and ensure a more accurate result.

LEFT Manual focus can really help you out when AF struggles, but it requires precision

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Wildlife photography Tip 4

Avoid blue hues Keep your colours accurate by taking control of your white balance Even with the best of kit, snow can often appear blue if your camera fails to set the correct white balance. An easy fix for this problem is to use the Shade white balance preset, which will warm the shot up. If your camera is able to shoot Raw, do so, and you’ll be able to make much more accurate tweaks to the colours in the editing stage. See our editing tips below for more information on this technique.

Auto white balance In Auto White balance your camera may fail to get the colours right, resulting in blue snow.

Corrected in Raw Play with your white balance presets, or correct in Raw, in order to get more accurate colours.

Overcorrected white balance Watch you don’t overcorrect the blue hue or use the wrong preset, as you’ll get an orangey tone instead.

Tip 5

Tweak your shots to correct colours and tones In this section we will show you how to adjust images using Adobe Camera Raw for Raw files, or Photoshop for JPEGs, but you can also achieve similar results by using other software, such as Elements, Lightroom, or the free software GIMP. To banish colour casts from your snow, tweak your white balance in Adobe Camera Raw by selecting the Shade preset, then use the White Balance tool to click on an area that should be white, or manually tweak the Temperature slider to get the warmth you require. If you haven’t shot in Raw, open a JPEG in Photoshop, head to the Color Balance tool and add a small amount of yellow and red to counteract the blue hue. If your snowy shots look a little flat, increase the Blacks slider a touch in Adobe Camera Raw, and add a touch more contrast. You may also want to increase the Exposure if the snow still looks a little grey, as well as make colours pop with a Saturation boost. Or alternatively, in Photoshop simply head to Image>Adjustments>Brightness/ Contrast and increase the sliders a touch until you get the desired effect, and head to Hue/Saturation if the colours need a boost. The extra contrast and colour correction applied here has massively improved this image

Difficult lighting If your image was shot in mixed light, with some areas of direct sun and some areas of shade, you may want to use a layer mask to change the colour in select areas only.

Original file

If your images have a blue hue or fl at tones, some small tweaks are all that’s needed

@ Thinkstock

Enhance with editing

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Keeping in touch

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Top 10 Most Endangered! Meet some of the most threatened animals on the planet in our latest digital edition. From the endangered Siberian tiger to the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan, we take a look at ten of the most beloved animals on Earth that we don’t want to see go extinct. Download our latest digital edition at www.greatdgitalmags.com

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Superpower dogs update Our Superpower Dogs search-and-rescue pup is coming on leaps and bounds in her training. Here’s how incredible working dogs like Halo are taught to find survivors in disaster zones

Stage 1: Play drive and hideand-seek

Hide-and-seek Very early puppy training starts with fun, easy hide-andseek games in the backyard.

Working up a high ‘play drive’ is the first step to ensuring that dogs are keen to work.

Stage 2: Rubble pile

Halo needs to be comfortable with working in a disaster zone environment, so training moves to the rubble pile.

Tug-toy reward Halo needed to prove that she has the drive to work for her tug toy before she can move on. Luckily, she loves the reward of a tug-of-war. Rubble pile This is where agility is key. Halo needs to be sure-footed and very confident on the rubble and debris.

Bark barrels These are large ‘barrels’ for trainers to hide in safely in the rubble pile. At this stage, the ‘lids’ aren’t on, so Halo can easily see who’s inside.

Searching for victims Halo begins searching for people. To begin with, she watches one person go and hide, to show her exactly what she needs to do.

Stage 3: Multiple victims

This is the next step in the process for Halo – finding numerous ‘victims’ in the rubble.

Multiple concealed victims Many ‘victims’ are now hidden in the rubble with the bark-barrel lids in place. Halo needs to find one, send her alert and then move on. Ground scenting By now, Halo should be using her nose to locate ‘victims’ by scent alone, and not searching for any visual clues.

Distractions Halo needs to be focused. Throughout her training, distractions are added in to make sure she learns to resist them.

Animal antics this month

Wildlife journeys On safari in South Africa

Our favourite animal news and stories. Let us know yours at [email protected]

WOA Editor, Zara Gaspar, recounts her trip home to South Africa Growing up in South Africa, I was fortunate enough to experience wildlife from a young age, with countless trips to safari parks during school holidays. I still visit South Africa often, but my last trip was particularly special. My family and I visited Pilanesburg National Park where we have been many times before. We always manage to see rhinos and lions, but it is not often we get to see other big cats like cheetahs and leopards. However, on this trip, we had not been in the park more than 30 minutes when we spotted three male cheetahs right on the side of the road. No matter how many times you have seen a big cat, it never gets old. It was incredible. A day later, we were told there had been a leopard sighting. I had never seen a wild leopard before, but thanks to the help of a kind ranger, we got to the right location just in time to see it climbing up some rocks!

Animal News

Living Planet Report The Living Planet Report 2016, the world’s single most comprehensive survey of the health of our planet – based on data from WWF and ZSL – has shown that, without urgent action, global vertebrate populations are set to decline by a devastating average of 67 per cent from 1970 levels by 2020.

Tell us about one of your wildlife holidays by emailing your story and photos to animals@ animalanswers .co.uk

Reader photos

Animal advertising Christmas robin

We love that animals feature so heavily in this year’s Christmas ads. From robins to boxer dogs and garden wildlife, they’re getting us all in the festive spirit. Tell us which is your favourite ad, or what your favourite holiday animal is, for a chance to win a copy of the next issue!

Wildlife campaign Fantastic Beasts

With the release of the muchanticipated Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them movie, Vouchercloud have created a selection of travel posters to highlight some of the world’s fantastic real animals, and where they can be found.

Kevin John Pigney “I recently had a very successful day in London shooting red deer images. This is the rutting season and their behaviour is amazing to observe.” Have you been inspired by a WOA cover or feature? Send us your best wildlife photos.

© REX/Shutterstock; Thinkstock

In a rut

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Animal answers

Send your animal questions to us at:

[email protected] Can birds fly backwards? As a rule, birds can’t fly backwards. Most can for a short time if they need to make an emergency stop or a quick change in direction, but only one species can truly fly backwards for any length of time: the hummingbird. The world’s smallest bird is arguably one of the most skilled fliers in the animal kingdom. It doesn’t just come out of necessity in times of danger, but rather it is a skill they have honed to perfection. Flying backwards comes so easily to these little birds that it actually doesn’t use any more energy than flying forwards, and is even more energy efficient than hovering. The trick is in the wing physiology. Unlike other birds, hummingbirds have what is called a ‘rotating cuff’, allowing them to move their wings in a figure of eight pattern, gaining extra lift where other birds can’t. Alongside this, they have incredibly strong pectoral muscles, and are able to alter their posture mid-flight in order to change direction with ease. This unique method of flight is essential to the bird’s survival and enables them to get close enough to flowers to drink the nectar before reversing away.

What is the most valuable species to conserve? The answer to this question depends entirely on what you value most. Many scientists would argue that fungi are the most important species on the planet because they recycle waste products, turning the soil over to provide a host of nutrients so other ‘plant species’ can thrive. A similar argument can be made for bees, which are vital pollinators and ensure the survival of countless flowering plant species, many of which we could not live without. These species aren’t that charismatic, however, and some would argue that conserving the larger, and ‘cuter’, species can be just as valuable.

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Only one species of bird has truly mastered the art of flying backwards

Do all animals have hearts? A surprising number of animals survive without a heart. In fact, relatively few animals even have one; it’s only the vertebrates, (animals with backbones) that need one. Insects, for example, have hollow chambers that flood the body with blood. Jellyfish take this a step further; not only do they lack a heart, they don’t have any blood either. Made almost entirely of water, their outer membranes are so thin, oxygen is able to diffuse straight into their body.

@WorldAnimalsMag

Jellyfish don’t have hearts or brains and are so different to us that early explorers labelled them aliens

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Animal answers

Which animals see in the dark? It’s impossible to see the world through another animal’s eyes, and for many years scientists believed most critters see in the same way humans do. However, a‡er many years of study, we now know that we have relatively poor vision compared to lots of other species. Many nocturnal animals have specially adapted eyes, which allow them not only to see in the dark, but also to see in colour. This special adaptation comes in the form of the tapetum lucidum, a special layer of tissue found at the back of the retinas of some mammals. It acts as an inbuilt reflector that enhances the light entering the eye, giving the animal a greater sensitivity in conditions of low light. This is a common feature in many carnivores that need the extra boost of light to see and stalk their prey in the night. It’s also the reason your cat’s eyes glow when light is reflected, as the tissue contains minerals that reflect different colours when light hits them. Humans, and our primate cousins, don’t have a tapetum lucidum, which is primarily why our eyes aren’t as sensitive in the dark. However, it’s not just predatory creatures, such as tigers, bats and geckoes, that have this special skill, but also animals wanting to avoid being eaten, such as moths, lemurs, and goats.

Inside an animal eye Lens Iris

Retina

Pupil

The tapetum lucidum enhances the light entering the animal’s eye, allowing it to see better in low light Tapetum lucidum

Reflected light

Chorcid

Cornea

Why can some animals sleep standing up?

Many big birds sleep while standing as getting up from the floor would take them too long in an emergency

© Thinkstock

Some animals sleep standing up: not because it’s comfortable, but because they literally have no other choice. It’s mostly the more awkward-looking creatures that catch ‘forty winks’ on their feet, because it means if they need to make a speedy get away from a predator, they don’t need to fumble around before making a run for it. A flamingo will fold its neck neatly around and rest its head on its back as it snoozes, a sleeping position also favoured by giraffes. Horses, cows and zebras, however, will just sleep in their normal posture, making it more difficult for a predator to know if they are awake and if it is safe to strike or not. One thing these animals all have in common are knees that can lock into place. If you were to try this, you’d soon fall over, but these animals have legs that align vertically with the ground, and so locking their knees requires little muscular effort.

Lemurs are most active during the night, so it’s important they can find their way around

Q. Is legalising rhino horn the way to save the rhino?

Find out at…

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Bizarre! The Hungarian guard dog that looks like a mop

KOMONDOR

Canis lupus familiaris Class Mammalia

Yes, there really is a dog under there. The komondor is a rare Hungarian breed of dog with some extreme physical features, and was bred to guard and live among livestock

The puppies are completely ‘cordless’

Territory Most popular in Hungary and the US Diet Carnivore Lifespan Up to 10 years Adult weight 36-61kg (79-135lb) Conservation Status

LEAST CONCERN

It’s treated like a sheep

Komondor puppies look rather angelic, as they have soft, white curls. These ‘cords’ or ‘tassels’ don’t develop until they’re about nine months old. This happens without human interference; cords are formed when the coarser outer coat twists around clumps of the puppy coat, and later around the fine undercoat. However, owners need to ‘encourage’ the hair into neat cords.

Not only does this dog look like a sheep, it was bred to defend them from thieves and predators. Keeping and raising them among the sheep heightened the komondor’s protective instincts. It’s said it was even sheared like a sheep! Much like a pet dog views its family as its pack, komondor dogs saw their fellow sheep as their kin.

It served in WWII and nearly went extinct

The other breeds with mop coats

It was a secret for hundreds of years

Its coat needs constant attention

There are other breeds with similar corded coats, such as the Hungarian puli, a similar but smaller breed, and the Bergamasco, an Italian dog whose coat isn’t quite as extreme, as the hair on its head is not as corded. There’s also the corded poodle, bred from the standard poodle, but not recognised as a breed in its own right.

While it may have existed for longer, the first mention of the komondor in writing dates back to the 16th century. However, the breed was completely unheard of outside of Hungary until the 20th century. Interest in breeds, and selective breeding for specific traits or talents, didn’t become fashionable until the Victorian times.

This dog is not for inexperienced owners; its coat needs expert care. Daily grooming and separating of the tassels is essential, which requires patience from the owner and the dog. Young komondor dogs can get fidgety when their cords first start to come through. The length, diameter and base-width of the cords are crucial factors to avoid pulling.

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© FLPA

This dog was burdened with the duty of guarding military installations during WWII. Many komondorok (the Hungarian plural) were killed by invading German soldiers as their size and strength made them potential weapons. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the breed was stable again, but it remains rare, partly due to its high maintenance coat, small litters and expensive price tag.

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ISSN 2053-7727

WHY WE LOVE SNOW MONKEYS

98

EXPLORE THE EARTH: INDONESIA

ALL ABOUT MANATEES

Set off on a thrilling adventure filled with danger and excitement!

Illustrations © David Dean 2015

‘These books made me want to go all the way to Africa and stand right in Martine’s shoes’ Guardian