Dwarf Mongoose Scientific Name

Helogale Pervula is the scientific name attributed to the Dwarf Mongoose.

Dwarf Mongoose Description

The Dwarf Mongoose has got a few special features which are given below.

Size: Their body is about 18 to 28 cm. long.

Weight: They weigh about 200 to 250g.

Tail: Their tail length ranges between 14 and 19 cm.

Color: The color of the fur of a Dwarf Mongoose varies. They may range from yellowish red to very dark brown.

Head: They have a small head with small eyes and ears. Also their muzzle is short and pointed.

Feet: They have short legs and long claws on the front feet.

Picture 1 - Dwarf Mongoose

Dwarf Mongoose Distribution

This species is distributed all over east to southern Central Africa which ranges from Eritrea and Ethiopia to Transvaal in South Africa.

Dwarf Mongoose Habitat

These mongooses are mostly found in grasslands, bush lands, woodlands and open forests up to 2000 meters in altitude. The group tends to inhabit in a burrow and they make use of termite mounds as their sleeping area. They make their own common latrine which they use for both urine and faeces.

Dwarf Mongoose Behavior

Following are the behavioral patterns of Dwarf Mongoose.

• The Dwarf Mongoose is known to live in groups of 2-20 individuals. This group consists of a pair that is dominant, offspring and other several subordinate males and females. The dominant female becomes the leader of the group and the male keeps an eye out for threat from predators.
• They have a small home or territory which they mark with secretions from their anal and cheek glands.
• Males who are dispersed may join other groups at the age of 2 or 3 years by ousting the resident males. They may also form new groups with dispersed females.
• All group members help in taking care of the young pups and also in guarding the group from predators.
• Dwarf Mongooses are territorial by nature, hence if territory boundaries overlap, they lead to confrontations and the largest group tends to win.
• Each group territory uses an area which measures approximately 30-60 hectares.
• The Dwarf mongooses are diurnal by nature.
• They are also gregarious by nature. They like to socialize and play like wrestling and chasing.
• They also participate in mutual grooming.
• The young pups join the group at 4 weeks of age and are provided prey items by other female subordinates.

Picture 2 - Dwarf Mongoose Photo

Dwarf Mongoose Diet

The diet of the Dwarf Mongoose or Common dwarf mongoose includes insects such as beetle larvae, termites, grasshoppers, crickets, spiders, scorpions, as well as rodents, birds, snakes and lizards.

Dwarf Mongoose Predators

Dwarf Mongooses are usually attacked by birds of prey like goshawks and rators. The Slender mongoose attacks the young ones of Dwarf mongooses as well. Snakes also try to consume them.

Dwarf Mongoose Adaptation

The Dwarf Mongoose has certain adaptive features which assist them in surviving in their natural habitat.

• They have a strong bone structure in their jaws which help them to kill and eat their prey.
• They have strong front paws which help them to break eggs on rocks and also help them in burrowing through termite mounds.
• They have loose dense fur which protects them when a snake bites into their flesh. The poison of the snake remains in the fur and does not get distributed in the blood.

Dwarf Mongoose Mating Season

The Dwarf Mongoose may breed 2-3 times a year. However, they usually mate in the wet season between October and April.

Dwarf Mongoose Reproduction

Only the dominant female breeds. The subordinate females breed but their off-springs do not live long. The dominant females have a gestation period of 49-53 days after which 4-6 young are born in a den. A dominant female will have about 3 pups per year. After the birth of young ones, the females are ready to mate again within 2-4 weeks.

Dwarf Mongoose Life Cycle

All the members of the group take care of the young ones for about 45 days. They go out with the group when they are 6 months old. Subordinate female members often lactate to the young ones of the dominant females. The young Dwarf Mongoose achieves sexual maturity when it is three years old.

Picture 3 - Baby Dwarf Mongoose

Dwarf Mongoose Life Span

The average life span of a dwarf mongoose is about 10 years.

Dwarf Mongoose Sub species

There are three sub species of Dwarf mongoose.

Helogale parvula undulate is one of the sub species which can be found in north east and eastern Africa. Helogale parvula parvula is another which is usually found in Southern Africa. Helogale parvula varia, the third kind is found in central Africa.

Dwarf Mongoose Conservation Status

The dwarf mongooses are listed in the Least Concern category according to IUCN which means they are not yet endangered.

Dwarf Mongoose Interesting Facts

Here are a few interesting facts about Dwarf mongooses.

• The Dwarf is the smallest African mongoose.
• Hornbills and dwarf mongooses share a mutualistic relationship. They help each other in finding prey and also warning each other about predators who might try to harm.
• The mongooses rub body secretions on each other so as to recognize members of the same group.

Dwarf Mongoose Pictures

Here are some Images of dangerous Dwarf Mongoose.

Picture 4 - Dwarf Mongoose Picture

Picture 5 - Dwarf Mongoose Image

References:

http://www.theanimalfiles.com/mammals/carnivores/mongoose_dwarf.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_dwarf_mongoose

http://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_dwarf_mongoose.html

http://itech.pensacolastate.edu/sctag/extra/Dmongoose.htm

Hoatzin Scientific Name

The scientific name for Hoatzin is “Opisthocomus hoazin”.

Hoatzin Description

Here is a brief description of these birds:

Length: The length of the body of an adult hoatzin is about 25.6 inches.

Weight: Their body weight is less than 1 kilogram.

Eyes: The red eyes are surrounded by a blue fleshy area.

Plumage: These birds are very colorful. They have a long tail and frizzy chest. The heads are nearly bare with a reddish crest. The backsides of their necks have olive patches and their breasts and throats are off-white in color. The tail feathers have a black coloration. The remaining parts of their bodies are light brown or chestnut in color.

Picture 1 - Hoatzin

Hoatzin Behavior

Here are some common behavioral characteristics of Hoatzins:

• Hoatzins love to gather in large flocks of 20 to 50.
• They most forage during early morning hours as well as in the early evening.
• These birds spend most of their time perched on tress and digesting their leafy meal.
• They tend to be loud and gregarious all throughout the year.
• They love to bask in the sun with their wings spread wide.
• Male birds occasionally engage in aerial fights.
• Hoatzins are mostly sedentary, only preferring to move occasionally in search for food.
• These birds are monogamous by nature.

Hoatzin Call

Hoatzins are noisy birds; they use hoarse calls and discordant croaking to communicate with each other. Their calls also include groans, hisses, croaks and grunts. The calls are frequently associated with different body movements like the spreading of wings. Adults use these calls to interact with chicks asking for food; these calls are also helpful in alerting other birds about possible threats.

Hoatzin Flight

Although Hoatzins have large wings, these birds are poor fliers. They move from one tree to another by beating their wings clumsily. They require a lot of effort to move away from predators or cross a stream. Due to their poor flying capacity, they are unable to fly over large stretches of land. They prefer riparian vegetations for movement.

Picture 2 - Flying Hoatzin

Hoatzin Diet

Hoatzins mostly feed on marsh plants like arums and Avicennia mangroves. They prefer to consume buds, young leaves and tender shoots.

Hoatzin Distribution

Hoatzins reside along the Orinoco Delta and Amazon Forest of South America. They are mostly found in Guyana, Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru and Brazil.

Hoatzin Habitat

Hoatzins mostly reside in water-logged forests along swamps, streams, mangroves with adequate aquatic vegetations.

Hoatzin Predators

These birds are susceptible to nest predation. The eggs and young chicks are attacked by monkeys, and tayras. Other predatory species include hawks, falcons, eagles, caimans, piranhas and alligators.

Picture 3 - Hoatzin Photo

Hoatzin Adaptations

These birds have some special adaptive features which enable them to sustain themselves healthily as well as save themselves from predation.

• Hoatzins have a unique digestive system which enables it to use bacterial fermentation for breaking down the plant and vegetative materials that they feed on. This is made possible by an oesophagus enlargement called the crop, which converts the plant cellulose into simple sugars.
• Hoatzins exude an unpleasant odor which originates from the aromatic compounds that are present in the vegetal food that they consume. This smell reduces their possibility of being hunted by predatory species.

Hoatzin Breeding Season

Hoatzins breed in the rainy season.

Hoatzin Breeding

Hoatzins prefer to build their nests in small colonies. Their nests are located in trees above water. These birds use dry twigs and sticks to build their nests. Two or six of the adult birds come together and cooperate with each other for building the nest as well as helping the breeding pair in various ways.

The females lay 2 to 3 eggs; the eggs are cream-colored with pink, blue or brown spots. The eggs are incubated by both the parents for about a month, after which the chicks are born. Hoatzins typically produce one brood every year; only occasionally two broods are produced. However, if they lose a clutch, they may choose to breed again if the rainy season is still on.

Picture 4 - Hoatzin Chick

Hoatzin Life Cycle

The chicks are not covered with feather when they are born and are helpless but they grow very fast. In very short time after hatching, they are also able to leave their nests and climb on trees and branches. The chicks also have a special anatomical characteristic; the 1st and 2nd phalanxes of their wing articulation are equipped with two claws, which they use for climbing around. The young birds are also able swimmers who swim away when chased by a predator.

The parents feed the chicks regurgitated plant matter. Typically, the young ones leave the parental nest when they are about 2 to 3 weeks old. However, they are still cared for by their parents for nearly 2 months of age. The adult Hoatzins hiss and chase away their predators when they are nearby.

Hoatzin Life Span

Hoatzins generally have a lifespan of more than 8 years.

Hoatzin Conservation Status

Hoatzins are listed in the category of “Least Concern” by the IUCN.

Hoatzin Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about these species:

• Hoatzin is similar in appearance to Archaeopteryx, the first prehistoric bird species in the world.
• It is the national bird of Guyana.
• Their digestive system is more like a sheep or cow rather than that of a bird.
• Hoatzin was first described in the year 1776 by Statius Müller, the German zoologist.

Hoatzin Images

Here are some images showing these interesting birds.

Picture 5 - Hoatzin Picture

Picture 6 - Hoatzin Image

References

http://www.amersol.edu.pe/ms/7th/7block/jungle_research/new_cards/39/report39.html

http://www.oiseaux-birds.com/card-hoatzin.html

http://saveamericasforests.org/Yasuni/Biodiversity/Hoatzin.html

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/268421/hoatzin

Siamang Scientific Name

The scientific name for these animals is Symphalangus syndactylus.

Siamang Gibbon Description

These animals have some distinctive physical features that help in their identification. Here is their general description:

Height: The height of this species ranges between 2.5 feet and 3 feet.

Weight: Their body weight ranges from 18 pounds to 27 pounds.

Fur Coat: They have thick black fur coat, consisting of long hairs that cover most of their bodies.

Face: Their faces resemble that of other primates. But, unlike the others, they have a large grayish pink throat sack.

Eyes: They have a pair of large eyes with red-brown eyebrows.

Arms: The arms of the Siamangs are generally 2 to 2.5 times longer than the total size of their bodies.

Picture 1 - Siamang

Toes: The second and the third toes on their hands and feet are webbed together. This physical characteristic helps to differentiate them from other similar species.

Siamang Distribution

This species is found throughout the southeastern parts of Asia. Their distribution range includes Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Thailand.

Siamang Habitat

They primarily inhabit tropical hill forests, at altitudes of above 984.3 feet (300 meters). Siamang populations are also found in some freshwater swamp forests, lowland forests, primary submontane forests and hill forests. Their habitation range extends in a larger area during dry seasons compared to the rainy seasons.

Siamang Diet

Siamangs are frugivorous in nature, feeding on various types of plant materials. 60% of their diet consists of fruits. The fig trees are the most important food source of these animals. Their diet also includes flowers, some insects and animals. They separate the seeds from the fruit pulp before eating it.

Siamang Behavior

This species have some very interesting behavior patterns:

• They are diurnal in nature, being active mainly during the daytime.
• The animals spend more than 50% of their time resting on ground or on trees.
• Siamangs like to rest, play or groom other Gibbons of their species during midday. During the later parts of the day, the adults groom the juvenile Gibbons.
• Foraging and feeding takes place mainly during the morning, after their resting time.
• They are very social in nature and they communicate among themselves through various gestures and facial expressions.
• This is a territorial species. The males of one group may chase the Siamangs of another group in case the later enter their area.
• Both the male and female Siamangs sing a duet to mark their territory.
• Sometimes, the Gibbons spend the entire day on a fruit tree which allows them to feed whenever they want.
• Siamang pairs maintain lifelong bonds.

Picture 2 - Siamang Image

Siamang Predators

These primates do not have many predators. The Clouded Leopard and some large Snake species are known to prey upon them.

Siamang Adaptations

Their adaptive features help them to survive in their wild habitat and avoid predators:

• They can hook the branches of a tree instead of clinging to them with their hands when swinging from one branch to another. This makes it easier for the arboreal species to move from tree to tree.
• Like other Apes, their brains are very well-developed.
• Their large throat pouch helps them to make loud sounds to mark their territories.

Siamang Locomotion

The characteristic brachiation (swinging from branch to branch with the help of arms) is the predominant locomotion type of these Apes. Eighty percent of their movements comprises of brachiation. This helps the species survive in their complex canopy environment. Various other forms of locomotion such as swinging, vertical climbing, arboreal bipedal walking and jumping can also be observed in them. But, the Siamangs are slower than many other Gibbon species.

Siamang Call

These Gibbons generally call during early morning, with the peak time being between 9 am and 10 am. The calling subsides after midday. The calls are mainly intended for marking their territories, so that no Siamang group can cross the boundary of the territory of another group. The calling increases if they meet another group near their territory. They call more when plenty of fruits are available. Mated Siamang pairs sing duets together by producing loud and well-patterned sounds.

Siamang Mating Season

This species do not have any specific mating season.

Picture 3 - Siamang Photo

Siamang Reproduction

They become reproductively mature when they are around 9 years of age. These monogamous primates generally reproduce once every year. The female Siamangs give birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of 7 to 8 months. They usually do not give birth to more than 10 babies in their entire lifetime. Both the male and the female take care of the juveniles until they reach maturity.

Siamang Life Cycle

The baby Siamangs spend the first 3 to 4 months of their lives clinging to the bellies of their mothers. But the males take care of the juveniles once they become 1 year old. Their weaning period lasts for approximately 2 years. They leave their family group to search for a suitable mate when they become 6 years old.

Siamang Lifespan

Their average lifespan ranges from 25 years to 30 years in the wild. They can live up to 40 years in captivity.

Siamang Conservation Status

These Gibbons are included in the “Endangered” Category by the IUCN. The main threats to their existence include habitat loss due to deforestation, hunting and capturing for the illegal pet trades. The protected areas where Siamangs are found include Gunung Leuser National Park, Fraser’s Hill Reserve, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, West Langkat Reserve and Way Kambas National Park in Indonesia, Ulu Gombak Wildlife Reserve and Krau Wildlife Reserve in Malaysia, Gunong Besout Forest Reserve and Thailand’s Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary.

Siamang Interesting Facts

Find out some interesting facts about these fascinating creatures:

• Their diet includes around 160 different plant species, ranging from woody shrubs to vines.
• Siamangs are the largest among all the lesser Ape species. Their size can be the double of any other Gibbon.
• They like ripe fruits and young leaves and usually avoid eating unripe fruits and old leaves.
• The Siamang populations of southern Sumatra requires less foraging compared to the populations living elsewhere because their diet consists more fruits which gives them more nutrients. This means they do not have to look for food continuously like the others.
• Newly formed Siamang pairs sing duets more often than the established pairs.
• These animals disperse seeds of fruits in large areas all over their habitation range through defecation.
• The species name “syndactylus” is derived from the Greek words “sun”, meaning “united” and “daktulos”, meaning fingers due to their webbed fingers.

Siamang Pictures

Here are some images of this wonderful animal.

Picture 4 - Siamang Picture

Picture 5 - Baby Siamang

References:

http://www.animalspot.net/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Siamang

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Primates/Facts/FactSheets/Gibbons/Siamang/default.cfm

http://www.honoluluzoo.org/siamang.htm

http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/39779/0

Reticulated Python Scientific Name

The scientific name of Reticulated Python is Python reticulatus.

Reticulated Python Other Names

The Reticulated Python has other names as well. They have been given by different scientists at different point of time.

• Regal Python
• Asiatic Reticulated Python
• Boa phrygia
• Coluber javanicus
• Python schneideri
• Boa reticulata
• Boa rhombeata
• Broghammerus reticulatus
• Morelia reticulates

Picture 1 - Reticulated Python

Reticulated Python Types

There are several types of Reticulated Pythons in the world.

• White Calico Reticulated Python
• Albino Reticulated Python
• Calico Tiger Reticulated Python
• Super Tiger Reticulated Python
• Granite Backed Reticulated Python
• Silver Reticulated Python
• Ambon Yellow head Reticulated Python
• Calico Reticulated Python
• Axanthic Reticulated Python
• Borneo Bat eater Reticulated Python
• Dwarf Reticulated Python
• Tiger Reticulated Python
• Jungle Reticulated Python
• Sulawesi Reticulated Python

Reticulated Python Description

Reticulated Python is one of the largest snakes in the world.

Size : The size of the Reticulated Python is around fifteen to twenty five feet.

Color : The color of the snake is beautifully ornate with colors like brown, black and yellow. Their body has irregular shaped spots of one color.

Shape : These creatures are thin and are muscular with a round belt.

Reticulated Python Distribution

The Reticulated Python is well distributed in the Indonesia, Philippines, Nicobar Islands in India, and in vast areas of South East Asia like Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore. These pythons are also found in many areas of Madagascar and Australia.

Reticulated Python Habitat

The reticulated python by and large survives in or close to freshwater marsh, rivers and lakes. They often make their home in thick open forests, caves and rocky areas. A tropical environment with a temperature range of eighty to ninety two degrees Fahrenheit is necessary. This python spends most of its time either climbing trees or swimming in the water. It rests in hiding places like burrows of other animals and at times inside empty logs.

Picture 2 - Reticulated Python Picture

 Reticulated Python Diet

Reticulated Python is carnivorous. This majestic python eats many animals which include monkeys, rats and other rodents. This species of python also eats dogs, deer, cats, pigs, lizards and large birds. At times they also kill humans which are a rare occasion. The Reticulated Python have a liking for warm blooded animals.

Reticulated Python Hunting

Reticulated Pythons are known as ambush hunters. They wait for their prey to come within a prominent distance. They can look for their prey in particular heat-sensitive areas. These pythons can hunt even in a dark, dense jungle at night.

Reticulated Python Hibernation

Reticulated Pythons do not hibernate.

Reticulated Python Migration

They usually prefer warm areas and so migrate to warm areas of the world.

Reticulated Python Behavior

Reticulated Python has some unique behavioral patterns.

• It can swim very well.
• Reticulated Python are carnivorous.
• These species of snakes tends to be more active at night, especially if it lives near people.
• They are non venomous.
• It is entirely dependent on water.
• They are not social and prefer to be in solitude.
• They are quite aggressive.

Reticulated Python Predators

Small young pythons can be attacked and eaten by a number of birds, carnivorous mammals, large frogs, large insects and spiders. They may also be eaten by other snakes. Adult pythons too are attacked by birds like eagles and even animals like lions and leopards.

Reticulated Python Adaptations

The Reticulated Python has certain adaptive features which help them to survive.

• Like other snakes, Reticulated Pythons keep changing their colors, to evade its predators.
• The Reticulated Pythons are excellent swimmers and so they have migrated to several places of South East.
• Reticulated Pythons can gulp down and digest prey equal to its own weight, and somewhat near to its own length. The sharp teeth enable them to bite its prey.
• They have low metabolism rates for which they can survive without food for days, even months.

Reticulated Python Mating Season

Reticulated Pythons reach sexual maturity once they reach the age of two years. Breeding takes place between the months of September and March.

Reticulated Python Reproduction

Large females can lay more than one hundred eggs. On the other hand, smaller females may lay less than two dozen eggs. Each egg is of about 4 to 5 inches long.

Picture 3 - Baby Reticulated Python

The eggs are usually white in color and have a soft, leathery covering. Female pythons wrap their mighty bodies around their eggs till they are ready to be hatched.  This behavior is known as brooding and it avoids the eggs from getting too warm or too cool. The eggs need to be kept at around eighty nine degrees Fahrenheit during the phase of incubation. The incubation period lasts for about eighty five days. The young pythons come out by cutting a slit in the egg shell with their egg tooth.

Reticulated Python Life Cycle

Reticulated Python hatches into a two to three foot baby snake. The babies look like the adults. After the baby snakes reach the age of three or four years, they are mature enough to start having babies of their own.

The baby pythons must use their coloration pattern to hide from predators along with hunting for food. Some of the hatchling pythons gets attacked and eaten by other animals such as wild pigs, hawks cobras and monitor lizards. The hatchling pythons are usually of 26 to 35 inches long. The baby snakes weigh around 4 to 5 ounces. From the time they hatch, these snakes are also predators and they kill and eat lizards, small mice, rats, and frogs.

Reticulated Python Life Span

Reticulated Pythons usually live up to 22 years. Under captivity they can live up to 25 years.

Reticulated Python as Pets

The reticulated python is fairly widespread as a domestic pet. One can own one of these snakes, but it is important to properly take care of Reticulated Pythons. One should remember that many breeds are docile in behavior, but some are aggressive, particularly during feeding.

A smaller snake should be fed every few days, with animals like rats and mice. Adult reticulated pythons should be fed after every ten days with rabbits, piglets and guinea pigs. Apart from the right food, a water dish needs to be kept because Reticulated Pythons get very thirsty. This dish should be continuously filled with fresh water.

They should be kept in a safe and well-spaced area.  The cage needs to be free of sharp edges and should be well ventilated. It should be able to hold heat and should be such that it can be easily disinfected. To create an ambience similar to the Reticulated Python’s natural tropical environment, one should have a basking bulb and heating pad.

Reticulated Python Conservation Status

Reticulated pythons are not categorized as listed, rare or threatened. But scientists have very little knowledge about their statistics.

Reticulated Python Interesting Facts

The Reticulated Python has some remarkable facts.

• The world’s longest known Reticulated Python is of 33 feet.
• In captivity, they grow longer than 12 feet.

Reticulated Python Pictures

Here are some of the pictures of this python which will make a chill run down your spine.

Picture 4 - Reticulated Python Image

Picture 5 - Reticulated Python Teeth

References:

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Python_reticulatus.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python_reticulatus

http://www.myreticulatedpython.com/

http://animals.jrank.org/pages/3845/Pythons-Pythonidae-RETICULATED-PYTHON-Python-reticulatus-SPECIES-ACCOUNTS.html

Leafcutter Ants Description

There are differences in physical appearances of both the genera of leafcutters.

Size : Queens are the biggest, growing to a size more than 25 mm but the workers are usually 12 mm in length. Males on the other hand are around 13 mm in length.

Color : From black to reddish brown, these ants display a range of tints.

Body : Body of the acromyrmex leafcutters is textured having four spine pairs but that of the atta leafcutters are with three spine pairs.

Legs : They have very long legs.

Leafcutter Ants Behavior

Varied behavioral patterns can be noted in different species of leaf cutters.

• Like humans, even they have their own system of farming which grows their food in the form of fungus.
• Work is distributed amongst the workers who chop leaves into minute pellets while soldier ants guard them while they are working.
• Soldiers and young workers inhabit the nest and perform various tasks till they attain maturity.
• In their fungus cultures, the smallest of the ants are entrusted with varied work.
• Males might die right after copulating with the Queens who live longer than others.
• Queens from the atta species perform highly complex duties and are responsible for the fungus garden initially.
• To satiate the need for hundreds of millions of sperms, a single female mates with many males.

Picture 1 - Leafcutter Ant

Leaf cutter Ants Diet

Interesting dietary pattern can be noticed amongst these ants. They derive nutrition from leaves (usually poisonous) that they gather traveling hundreds of miles. These leaves are stocked up in their nests and then turned into their food or fungus. A section of worker ants classified according to their nature of work does the collection and chopping of leaves. They make lumps of it and carry them to a place where rest of the material is deposited. This forms the fungus which is edible and it is made by group work.

Leaf cutter Ants Distribution

Colonies of leafcutters are widespread in South and North America along with the Amazon Rainforests and Mexico. They cannot be restricted to certain geographical locations asthey are widely distributed due to their habit of traveling.

Leaf cutter Ants Habitat

Tropical rainforests are usually inhabited by these ants. They build their hideouts in the forest floors, deep into the earth. Often their nests are situated over an expanse of 8 meter square below the surface of the earth. Nests of these ants are formed so deep that it might as well come close the water table lying 15 feet under. These nests are labyrinth of several rooms and channels often surpassing a hundred.

Leaf cutter Ants Predator

Though these ants are highly menacing, they are still threatened by necrotrophic parasite like Escovopsis that can destroy their food. More parasitic bugs like phorid fly might prove to be fatal to their existence as they have a tendency to attack them while they are gathering leaves.

Picture 2 - Leafcutter Ant Image

Leaf cutter Ants Adaptation

One such feature which helps them forage in the rainforests is their serrated mandibles in their jaws. It helps them chop the leaves in tiny pieces which in turn helps them culture their food.

They build their fungus garden with the help of the saliva which helps in the formation of their food. In order to save their fungus garden, these ants use up their antibiotics produced by symbiotic bacteria living in the exoskeleton of their bodies.

They are well adapted to the environment and their body composition also helps them carry huge loads of leaves on their head. A spiny texture of the body rescues them from manypredators.

Leaf cutter Ants Mating Season

Mating seasons are short and they usually start with the beginning of the rainy season.

Leaf cutter Ants Reproduction

Even though there are many females in the colony, only the Queen takes part in mating to reproduce. They engage in flight in order to mate and this process is known by the term revoada. These Queens have wings but the rest of the worker females do not have wings.

Leaf cutter Ants Life Cycle

Life cycle of these ants comprise a period of 8 to 10 weeks in which they metamorphose in 4 stages- eggs, larvae, pupa and adults.

Picture 3 - Leafcutter Ant Nest

Leaf cutter Ants Life Span

They almost live up to 12 years.

Leaf cutter Ants As Pets

If you want to pet them you can pay heed to the instructions listed here.

Housing: In order to pet them, you will have to furnish them with ideal temperatures of the rain forest. Humidity and temperature which is monitored closely in Tropical houses fits them well.

Feeding: Bring a variety in their food as they do not prefer to eat same things every day. Give them leaves of different plants along with fruit slices to keep them happy.

Care: As they are creatures of the rain forest, try giving them the exact habitat requirements to help them thrive

Leaf cutter Ants Conservation Status

These leafcutter ants have no issues with their conservation as they are fast reproducing, colony forming ants that are not threatened or endangered.

Leaf cutter Ants Interesting Facts

• There are several interesting facts about the leaf cutter ants that interest the old and the kids.
• These little creatures may look frail but they are strong enough to bear 50 times more weight than their own.
• They have different social standing, which is different for the Queen, workers and soldiers.
• They can be spotted carrying heaps of leaves on top of their head, which also imparts them their name.
• One strange but true fact about them is that on an average, more than 5 million ants inhabit a single nest.
• Soldier ants have large jaws and bigger appearance when compared to the workers that have frail structure.
• With the help of a chemical trail secretion, they can locate their nests.
• Food source of these ants is the ‘fungus garden’ made in their nest with the help of leaves.
• They live in nests that may as well be as big as a mini car.
• On the basis of their size that they are assigned to, they are divided into castes, like major, media, minor and minim.
• Known for enormous reproducing capability, the queen can lay around 30,000 eggs per day.
• The queen inhabits the center of the ant colony and when she perishes, other ants go down with her too.
• These leaf cutters traverse hundreds of miles for acquiring leaves of the choice.
• They are dangerous when it comes to crops and can ruin crops in a day.
• Their nests are specimens of great engineering qualities.
• Formation of a colony is a daunting task and only few succeed in this task of setting a colony.

Living in millions in a particular ant colony, these ants are like humans in forming societies. They have unique feeding and mating patterns which is evident from their behavior. Smallstature of these ants is deceptive as that do not signify their dangerous disposition.

Leaf cutter Ant Picture

Here are some images of this dangerous leaf.

Picture 4 - Leafcutter Ant Fungus

Picture 5 - Leafcutter Ant Picture

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leafcutter_ant

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/kids-only/naturecams/antcam/ant-facts/index.html

http://www.marwell.org.uk/zoo_guide/animal_detail.asp?id=44

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_adaptations_of_a_leaf_cutter_ant

http://www.orkin.com/ants/leafcutter-ants/

http://www.amersol.edu.pe/ms/7th/7block/jungle_research/new_cards/26/report26.html

http://www.marwell.org.uk/zoo_guide/animal_detail.asp?id=44

Loggerhead Turtle Scientific Name

Scientific name of this turtle is Caretta caretta.

Loggerhead Turtle Description

These turtles display varied physical appearance which can be classified as:

Color: Shell is largely reddish-brown in color and skin tone varies from brown to yellowish.

Weight: They weigh more than 130 kg when they attain maturity but the hatchlings weigh around 20 grams. However larger specimens have been discovered, weighing more than 450 kilograms.

Size: Shell size of the Loggerheads at their birth measure around 5 cm approximately and grow up to 35 in (90 cm). They may grow even bigger, up to 110 inches in their entire lifetime.

Other Features: Females and males display distinct physical features. Tails are thicker and plastrons are smaller in males when pitted against the females.

Picture 1 - Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle Distribution

They are distributed evenly in tropical as well as subtropical regions all around the world. They are broadly distributed over many geographical regions comprising Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Pacific Ocean: Pacific loggerheads feed along the southwestern Pacific, East China Sea and Baja California. They have been reported to live far north in Alaska and southwards in Chile.

Bifurcation region of Kuroshio Current Extension has emerged as one of the important feeding regions of juvenile loggerheads. East China Sea is often frequented by females after they complete their nesting period.

Indian Ocean: They inhabit African coastlines, Arabian Sea and Arabian Peninsula. There are several nesting grounds around these locations.

 Atlantic Ocean: They are highly concentrated along the Gulf of Mexico and North America’s southeastern coasts. Atlantic loggerheads can be traced till Argentina starting from Newfoundland.

Loggerhead Turtle Migration

As the oceanic waters cool down, they start migrating to warmer waters. These sea turtles migrate to long distances in their lifecycle, staring out at juveniles when they swim at a speed of 1.5 to 1.6 km per hour. They are assisted in their move by the tidal currents prevailing in the ocean. Migration helps them save themselves from cold-stunning as they are prone to extreme colds.

Nesting sites are distributed expansively throughout Great Barrier Reef, in Australia. They immensely populate Yakushima Island, situated in Japan. Some rare visits are also made to Tokelau and Vanuatu of the Pacific line.

Studies are suggestive of the transportation of more than 90 % of the Loggerhead sea turtles from American coasts to the Japanese Islands for nesting.

There are no reports of nesting occurring in the east Pacific Basin. Mediterrannean Sea is the common site for adult and juvenile loggerheads, which migrate from Atlantic to Mediterranean region. During summer and spring months, it becomes the haven of both adult and juvenile loggerheads. Nests above 3000 are made every year in Greece, along with some instances occurring in Turkey and Cyprus.

Oman is the biggest nesting site with more than 15,000 nests built every year. Nesting along the coastline of Africa extends from Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique to St. Lucia Estuary in South Africa.

Atlantic Loggerheads’ nesting sites are scattered around Cape Verde (only east Atlantic site), Florida, Virginia and Brazil. Florida tops the list of all nesting sites in the region comprising nests over 65,000 every year. Though in lesser count, thousands of nests are built in Western Australia as well.

Picture 2 - Loggerhead Turtle Photo

Loggerhead Turtle Habitat

The Loggerhead sea turtles live mostly in open oceans around the coastline having shallow waters and in continental shelves. They generally inhabit three types of ecosystems, namely oceanic, terrestrial and neritic zones in their lifetime.

They prefer saltwater habitats with varying water temperature during nesting and non-nesting periods. Water temperature between 13 and 28 degree C is suitable for them when they are not breeding but if they are nesting, they prefer it to be between 27 and 28 degree C. Oceanic beaches that have steep slope, are their preferable nesting zones.

Hatchlings of this species live on sargassum mats, floating on the water. Their living space is however shared by several other species of mammals. When they are around 8 to 12 years of age, they take refuge in the neritic zone or the coastal areas.

In northwestern parts of the Atlantic Ocean, a difference in choice of habitat concerning the juveniles can be noticed. Here, more than the adults, young turtles are found resting in the estuaries that are not open to the ocean.

Loggerhead Turtle Behavior

Some of these behavioral features can be observed in them.

Female turtles exhibit aggressive traits which are not spotted in any other species of the marine invertebrate.

Occupancy of feeding grounds becomes a major issue among them leading to conflicts happening in several stages. From passive confrontations, it grows into aggressive display of behavior leading to dispersal either by driving one out or swimming apart from one another.

Submissive behavior of the turtles can be noted by their curled tails while upright ones indicate aggression. In captivity, increased aggression has been noted in their behavior, leading to fights even with sea turtles of other species.

Forelimbs of the turtles have anterior margins which contains protruding scale points that help them in tearing the food while eating. To protect their eggs from predators, the females keep them hidden under sand after digging the pit.

Loggerhead Turtle Diet

Their diet is varied as they eat a variety of creatures and algae. Their food mainly comprises corals, sea pens, sponges, cephalopods, polychaete worms, sand dollars, starfish, wrasses insects, sea urchins, sea anemones, brachipodes, isopods, sea cucumbers and vascular plants. They eat shelled creatures as well.

Diet during migration: While migrating, they survive on floating mollusks, squids, flying fish, jellyfish, floating egg clusters and a variety of other organisms of the open sea.

Loggerhead Turtle Predators

These sea turtles are at the mercy of several other creatures. They are devoured by fly larvae, crabs, pigs, armadillos, gulls, snakes, corvids, canids, skunks, procyonids, mustelids, cats and humans even before they hatch.

Young ones become prey of crabs, lizards, seabirds, snakes, an array of mammals and birds, while migrating to the sea from their nests. After reaching the sea they are preyed upon by moray eels, portunid crabs and parrotfish.

During the phase of nesting, they are occasionally harmed by the feral dogs and humans. Older sea turtles are preyed by the larger mammals like killer whales, sharks and seals.

In vast stretches of US coastline, raccoons are highly popular as their predators. Predominance of red foxes in Australia has eradicated loggerhead turtles in huge numbers as they feed on them. This was however controlled in the later years of the 20^th century.

Loggerhead Turtle Adaptations

These sea turtle have several adaptabilities which help them survive in the water.

• Their forelimbs act like paddles helping them swim extensively with a great speed.
• They can swim around freely as their limbs and head do not get drawn inside.
• They fulfill their need for water by deriving it from their food and do not need any freshwater source for that matter.
• They also have salt glands which help them shed off excessive salt from their bodies.
• Their tough shells protect them from predators.
• They have very powerful jaws with which they are able to destroy their victims.

Picture 3 - Loggerhead Turtle Image

Loggerhead Turtle Mating Season

Mating season in the Mediterranean region begins towards the end of March continuing till the beginning of June.

Loggerhead Turtle Reproduction

They exhibit a range of mating behaviors. By producing cloacal pheromones the females signal their sexual readiness to reproduce. Mating behaviors of males are varied, shoe flipper movements, even bite and cuddle.

By attempting various moves the males try to mate with the females. When his advances are snapped, they start confronting each other and in the process the males get rid of his opponents. Eventually if he succeeds to mount on her, they copulate. His flippers might even get damaged by the other aggressive copulating males.

Before they embark on their journey for reproduction, they prepare themselves in the feeding zone. Mating takes place after many years of this preparation. Reproductive ages vary largely from one location to another.

They attain sexual maturity between 17 and 30 years of age in South Africa but in southeastern United States they mature between 28 and 33 years. They mate in between their journey from feeding to nesting grounds. They produce eggs after every two to three years. Females can fertilize their eggs with sperms from multiple loggerheads as these can be stored in their ducts.

Females come back to the nesting beaches to lay eggs after a gap of 12 to 15 days.  Nesting is influenced by the different nesting locations, though a rise can be noted in the month of June and July. Incubation period of the loggerhead females is almost 80 days after which the hatchlings emerge from beneath the surface.

Loggerhead Turtle Life Span

On an average they live as long as 30 years but that may get extended to 70 years.

Loggerhead Turtle Life Cycle

Around 80 days of incubation leads to the emergence of the hatchlings that are really small, around 4.5 cm. After gaining maturity, it leaves its foraging areas for other sites, where it reproduces.

Loggerhead Turtle Interesting facts

Some amazing facts have been known about these sea turtles.

• Instances of rivalry in female loggerheads can be observed in these turtles.
• High aggressive tendency is hampers their metabolism.
• They are seldom spotted on land. The only time it comes around is for reproducing.
• They are known for their ability to dive and swim really well. In fact they are capable of record breaking long dives.
• They can remain under water for as long as 7 hours during winters, only rising for 5 to 7 minutes to breathe.
• Mating induces ovulation in these turtles which is very typical to the mammals and rare in them.
• Juveniles derive their navigational ability from earth’s magnetic field and visual signals. These two can be used jointly as well as individually.
• Multiple paternities can be noticed in a single clutch.
• Proper nesting areas ensure fitness of the clutch along with its emergence ratio.
• A single clutch of eggs comprise 65 to 70 eggs.
• Hatchlings’ journey from the nest to sea is very taxing as evaporation takes away almost 20 percent of the body weight.
• Juveniles have to swim for more than 19 hours to come offshore after getting into the ocean.
• The hatchlings generally emerge at night and move towards the ocean drawn by the moonlight.

Loggerhead Turtle as Pets

Since they are an endangered species it is better to leave them in their wild habitats.

Loggerhead Turtle Conservation Status

This species of sea turtles have been marked as endangered by ICUN. Several steps have been taken to preserve these turtles which include implementation of turtle excluder devices or TEDs to save them from being caught mistakenly in shrimp trawl gears.

Loggerhead turtles have a long life span but impending threats of various kinds may cut that short. However, they are now protected by IUCN and more humane efforts are required to simply let them be.

Loggerhead Turtle Pictures

See how these Loggerhead Turtles look like from the pictures listed here.

Picture 4 - Baby Loggerhead Turtle

Picture 5 - Loggerhead Turtle Picture

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loggerhead_sea_turtle

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/loggerhead.htm

Giant Armadillo Scientific Name

The scientific name for this Armadillo species is Priodontes maximus.

Giant Armadillo Description

Like all the other armadillo species, these animals have a tough shell covering their bodies. Here is their general description:

Size: Adult Giant Armadillos grow around 35 inches (89 cm) in length, including the long tail.

Weight: The average body weight of the Armadillo is approximately 62 pounds (28 kg). The males are generally heavier than the females.

Color: Their bodies have a dark brown coloration. A light yellowish line runs along the sides of their bodies. They also have pale, yellowish white heads.

Teeth: The armadillos of this species have 80-100 teeth.

Shell: The armors of the Giant Armadillos consist of 11 to 13 movable bands and protect their bodies. The bands are made of bony plates that are located in their dermis. The legs and tails are covered by countless horny scales. They also have three to four additional bands on their necks. Their heads are protected by a shield.

Picture 1 - Giant Armadillo

Feet: Each of the two front feet of these animals have four toes while there are five toes on both of their hind feet.

Claw: Their front claws are very long with the large third claws resembling a spade.

Giant Armadillo Distribution

They are mainly found in South America, in the eastern regions of Andes. Their distribution range extends from Guiana and the northern parts of Venezuela to North Argentina and Paraguay.

Giant Armadillo Habitat

These mammals generally live in forests near water bodies. Giant Armadillo populations are found in savannas, tropical as well as subtropical rainforests, arid woodlands and Brazilian floodplains.

Giant Armadillo Diet

Their diet mainly consists of termites. But they also feed on various ant species, worms, spiders and other invertebrates.

Giant Armadillo Behavior

The Armadillos of this species have very interesting behavior patterns:

• Giant Armadillos are nocturnal in nature, being active mainly during night.
• They rip open the mounds of termites to feed on them.
• They often balance their entire body weight on their tails and hind legs to stand upright. This behavior helps them to reach the higher parts of termite mounds.
• These peaceful animals are not territorial in nature.
• They dig burrows and tunnels underground using their front claws.
• The Armadillos of this species dig burrows and hide in them to avoid being preyed on.
• They like to spend most of the day sleeping in their burrows.

Picture 2 - Giant Armadillo Image

Giant Armadillo Predators

Few animals prey on the Giant Armadillos because of their large size. Jaguars and Pumas are known to feed on them.

Giant Armadillo Adaptations

They have many adaptive features that help them to survive in their wild habitats:

• Their armors or shells protect them from various potential predators.
• The legs and tails of this species are protected by hard scales as they are unable to hide their entire bodies in their armors.
• These animals have excellent sense of smell and hearing that compensates for their poor eyesight.
• The powerful front claws, especially the large third claw, help them to dig burrows very fast.

Giant Armadillo Mating Season

Not much is known about the mating season of this mammal.

Giant Armadillo Reproduction

There is a lack of adequate information about the mating and reproduction of this species. Both the males and the females become reproductively mature when they are 9 to 12 months old.  The female Giant Armadillos give birth to 1 to 2 offspring after a gestation period of 4 months. Like other Armadillo species, one male and one female Giant Armadillo are believed to share a single burrow during the reproductive season. Their weaning period lasts for 4 to 6 weeks. The mothers remain with babies for an additional 6 months.

Giant Armadillo Life Cycle

The baby Giant Armadillos weigh between 1 pound and 4 pounds when they are born. The young Armadillos have leathery skin. Their bodies become covered with armors as they grow up. The babies are taken care of by their mothers until they become mature.

Picture 3 - Giant Armadillo Picture

Giant Armadillo Life Span

The average lifespan of these Armadillos ranges from 12 years to 15 years.

Giant Armadillo Conservation Status

They are listed in the “Vulnerable” category by the IUCN. Deforestation, habitat loss and hunting are among the major reasons behind the decline in their populations. Humans sometimes hunt and use them as food. Without proper legal intervention, the Giant Armadillos might soon become an endangered species. The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) considers this species to be threatened with extinction and banned their international trade by including them in the Appendix I. They are legally protected in countries like Guyana, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Suriname and Paraguay.

Giant Armadillo Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about these animals:

• They generally eat the total population of a termitaria or a Termite mound at a time.
• The heaviest specimen of this species found in the wild weighed around 71 pounds (32 kg).
• They have the most number of teeth among all mammals.
• The tails of these Armadillos comprise around two fifth of their total body length.
• The Los Ocarros Zoo Park in Villavicencio, Colombia is dedicated to them.
• Females of this species can postpone the growth of an egg after fertilization for a maximum period of 2 years. They generally do this when under stress.
• Their rich meat is the main protein source for some native people of South America.

Giant Armadillo Pictures

Here are some images of this fascinating animal.

Picture 4 - Baby Giant Armadillo

Picture 5 - Giant Armadillo Photo

References:

http://www.arkive.org/giant-armadillo/priodontes-maximus/#text=Biology

http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/18144/0

http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/armadillo.html

http://www.ehow.com/about_6813066_difference-male-female-giant-armadillos.html

http://www.chugpuppies.com/armadillo/giantArmadillo/giantArmadillo.htm

Red Footed Tortoise Scientific Name

The scientific name for this tortoise species is Chelonoidis carbonaria.

Red Footed Tortoise Description

These tortoises derived their name from the reddish scales that cover their legs. Here is a general description of the tortoises of this species:

Size: The carapace length of adult Red Footed Tortoises generally ranges from 25.4 cm to 35.6 cm (10 inches to 14 inches). They can grow up to 40 cm (16 inches) in some rare cases. The female tortoises of this species usually have longer and heavier carapace than the males.

Weight: The weight of these tortoises ranges between 15 and 20 pounds with the males growing heavier than the females.

Carapace: Both male and female Red Foots develop a mid-body construction which gives them an “hourglass” appearance from a top view. This hourglass figure or “waist” is more defined in male Red Footed Tortoises than in females. Like other tortoises, the male Red Foots have concave plastrons.

Head: Their head is covered by yellow red or orange scales. They also have bright yellow markings on their lower jaws along with a horizontal bar behind their eyes.

Picture 1 - Red Footed Tortoise

Legs: They have four limbs covered in red scarlet orange or yellow scales.

Tail: The tail of the male tortoises of this species is longer and wider than the females.

Red Footed Tortoise Distribution

These tortoises are found in the extreme southern regions of Central America as well as northern and central South America. Their distribution range includes Venezuela, Panama, Brazil, Colombia, French Guyana, Surinam, Guyana, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. This species has been introduced in different islands of West Indies. They can be found in places like Barbados, Trinidad and Saint Lucia.

Red Footed Tortoise Habitat

They inhabit all types of forest habitats including rainforests, temperate forests savannahs and dry thorn forests. They also live in grasslands developed from various agricultural practices of man. There are considerable amounts of disagreements about whether this species prefer savannas and forest edges or dry forest areas and grasslands. Some people even suggest humid forests as their preferred habitat.

Red Footed Tortoise Diet

These tortoises are mainly herbivorous with their diet consisting of weeds, grasses and various types of fruits and berries. They also feed on different small insects and worms.

Red Footed Tortoise Behavior

The tortoises of this species have an interesting behavior pattern:

• These tortoises are usually most active during and after rainstorms.
• They like to remain submerged in mud puddles during hot summer days.
• The male Red Footed Tortoises are known to make a clicking sound during mating and courtship.
• This peaceful tortoise species is not aggressive towards other tortoises.
• They are quite intelligent and have a friendly attitude towards humans.

Red Footed Tortoise Predators

Foxes, coyotes, skunks, minks and dogs are among the common predators of this tortoise species.

Red Footed Tortoise Adaptations

Their adaptations help them survive in their natural habitat.

• The hard carapace of these tortoises makes it hard for predators to feed on them.
• Like other tortoises, their ability to retract their head into the hard carapace helps them to avoid predation.
• They can survive for several days without food and water.

Red Footed Tortoise Reproduction and Life Cycle

This species may reproduce anytime of the year; however, their mating season usually coincides with the rainy season. The male Red Footed Tortoises of a mating group fight within themselves. They attempt to turn each other over. The victorious male tortoise mates with the females.

Picture 2 - Red Footed Tortoise Picture

The female tortoises of this species lay the eggs sometime between July and September with each clutch containing 4 to 15 eggs. They dig nests in the ground to bury their eggs in order to keep them safe. The oblong eggs are approximately 2 inches x 1.5 inches in size with brittle shells. These eggs take 100 to 120 days to hatch with the ideal temperature for hatching ranging between 82 °F and 84 °F.

Red Footed Tortoise Lifespan

The average lifespan of these reptiles ranges between 40 and 50 years.

Red Footed Tortoise Pet Care

This tortoise species is a popular choice of pets with their attractive appearance and peaceful nature. However, this endangered species is protected by various state and local laws. So, it is important to check with the local laws before getting one of these tortoises as pet. Here is some important information about housing, feeding and caring for them.

Housing: These medium sized tortoises need plenty of space to move freely. A 4 ft × 6 ft tank or dog-house type enclosure is ideal for one Red Footed Tortoise. Hardwood mulches (without aromatic resins) are best for these reptiles as it is able to hold moisture while remaining dry at the surface. One can also use other types of substrates available in the market; however, wood shavings and rabbit pellets should be avoided. They should also be provided with a large dish of water and plenty of hiding places in their shelters.

Temperature: The Red Footed Tortoises prefer warm and humid climates. The night time temperature of their shelter should not be allowed to drop below 24 °C (75 °F). These reptiles prefer temperatures between 27 °C and 32 °C (80 °F and 90 °F) during daytime. They can tolerate a little higher temperature when housed outdoors. Their main basking spot should maintain a temperature of 35 °C (95 °F). The tank should be heated artificially if required.

Lighting: 12 hours of natural sunlight is the best lighting option for their tanks. However, one can use UVA/UVB lighting in case natural sunlight is not available. The wattage of the light depends on the size of the pet tortoise.

Feeding: These tortoises eat both plant-derived food and meat; however, their diet should mainly consist of greens with rich calcium contents, vegetables, fruits and flowers. One can feed them with a variety of greens including dandelion greens, kale and endive. Greens like spinach, collard greens and turnip should be avoided due to their high oxalic acid contents. Less than ¼ of their weekly diet should consist of various fruits including pineapples, strawberries, plums, papayas, mangoes, peaches, melons and kiwifruits. One can also feed them with various flowers like nasturtium, hibiscus, dandelions and prickly-pear flowers. It is enough to provide them with lean meat or low fat cat food once every 1-2 weeks. Variety in daily diet is nutritious for these tortoises. They should also be provided with vitamin D3 and calcium supplements regularly.

Red Footed Tortoise Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about these reptiles:

• The largest recorded Red Footed Tortoise was 45 cm long.
• The Catholic Church considers tortoises as “fish” and Red Foots are consumed in large amounts during the holy week.
• They are related to the larger tortoise species known as the Brazilian giant or yellow-footed tortoise.

Red Footed Tortoise Conservation Status

This species is included in the “Endangered” category by the IUCN. Their populations in the wild are affected by various reasons including loss of habitat and hunting. Sometimes, they live in agricultural lands which make it easier for humans to spot and hunt them. The fact that they can live without food and water for many days makes them convenient for shipping. They are shipped to different South American countries where they are sold as delicacy. Exportation for the pet-trade also affects their populations; however, this is a minor threat compared to the hunting and habitat loss.

Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) protects these reptiles from getting exported from their home country without proper permits and certifications. They are also protected from hunting in numerous national parks and wildlife reserves.

Red Footed Tortoise Pictures

Here are some images of these amazing tortoises.

Picture 3 - Red Footed Tortoise Image

Picture 4 - Red Footed Tortoise Photo

Red Footed Tortoise is among the most interesting tortoise species found in America. They have fascinated humans with their appealing behavior patterns and appearance for a very long time. However, various inconsiderate actions of some individuals have turned them into an endangered species. Now, it is the duty of humans to save these wonderful reptiles from extinction.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-footed_tortoise

http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/reptilesturtles/p/redfoottortoise.htm

http://www.sandfiredragonranch.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=13

http://www.turtlesite.info/basic-information/986/Red-Foot-Tortoise.html

http://www.geochelone.com.br/usa/caracteristicas.cfm

Bearded Pygmy Chameleon Scientific Name

The Bearded Pygmy Chameleons are better known by their scientific name Rhampholeon brevicaudatus.

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Description

This species have a less colorful appearance compared to other chameleons.

Size: These small reptiles can grow up to 8 cm (3 inches) in length including a 2 cm long tail.

Body: Male Bearded Pygmy Chameleons have a thinner body than the females along with a longer tail. Their dorsal crest is also more prominent than the females. Sometimes, they compress their body laterally producing stripes down their sides to mimic a dead leaf.

Picture 1 - Rhampholeon brevicaudatus

Color: Like other chameleons, they can change their coloration. These chameleons usually appear brown or tan being able to adopt various colors including yellow, orange, green and black.

Head: They have a small beard consisting of some raised scales below their mouth. These chameleons have a pair of independently rotating eye-sockets and a long tongue.

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Distribution

They can be found in the Uluguru and eastern Usambara mountains in the north-eastern regions of Tanzania.

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Habitat

They live in the evergreen rainforests in Tanzania. These small reptiles prefer shrubs and low brunches at elevations up to 1300 meters.

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Diet

These pygmy chameleons usually feed on various types of insects including crickets, moths, wax worms, wingless fruit flies, small locusts and mantids.

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Behaviors

These chameleons have some interesting behavior patterns:

• This species is generally active during daytime.
• They often mimic dead leaves by compressing their body while sleeping in open areas.
• The chameleons of this species often change color in order to blend into their background.
• They are known to change color during courtship as well as to show their emotions.

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Predators

Different snake species like the Vine Snake and the Boomslang Snake are among the principal predators of this species. Various birds including shrike, hornbill, coucal and hawk are also known to prey on these pygmy chameleons.

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Adaptations

The adaptations of this species help them to survive in their natural habitat:

• They can mimic dry dead leaves making it hard for the predators to find them.
• These reptiles also use their ability to adopt vibrant colors for intimidating their potential predators.
• They can avoid predation by changing their color and blending into the background.
• Their independently rotating eye-sockets make it easier to detect and catch preys.
• These chameleons can hunt easily using their incredibly long tongue.

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Reproduction

This species becomes reproductively mature between two to three months of age. They can reproduce all year round. Female Rhampholeon brevicaudatus can retain sperm. The females dig holes to lay the eggs in them. Each clutch contains somewhere between 4 and six eggs.

Picture 2 - Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Photo

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Lifespan

The average lifespan of this species is between 3 and 5 years.

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus as Pets

The Bearded Pygmy Chameleons are a popular choice of pet as they are not poisonous and it is quite easy to take care of them. They can be housed in pairs with one male and one female or as trios with one male and two females. This species can be great choice for those with little experience of keeping chameleons. They can be very interesting as pets being great fun to watch.

Housing: A 10 to 15 gallon tank is adequate for a pair of these chameleons while trios can be kept in a 20 gallon tank. The substrate of the tank should consist of a 3 cm thick layer of soil and a layer of coconut fiber and tree bark. It should be deep enough for the female Rhampholeon brevicaudatus to be able to dig holes for laying eggs.

Temperature: The temperature of the tank should ideally be somewhere between 70 °F and 80 °F during daytime. The ideal nighttime temperature should be around 65 °F. It is not recommended to let the temperature go anywhere beyond 80 °F as that will result in overheating which might even cause the death of these pygmy chameleons.

Humidity: It is ideal to keep the tank humidity around 70% by using two heavy mists per day.

Lighting: Normal fluorescent or halogen lightings can be used as they are beneficial for these reptiles. It is not known whether UV lights are especially beneficial for them; however one can use UVA or UVB lights as they are not harmful.

Feeding: One can feed them with a wide range of insects including crickets, worms and flies. Their diet should mainly consist of small crickets. They can occasionally be provided with wax worms and silk worms as treats. Adult Rhampholeon brevicaudatus chameleons prey on larger insects than the juveniles.

Handling: Like any other chameleon species, they should not be handled unless necessary.

Temperament: These chameleons are quite peaceful in nature.

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about this species:

• This species derived their name Bearded Pygmy Chameleons from the beard-like formation on their chin.
• The tongue of a Rhampholeon brevicaudatus is usually longer than its body.
• It is a common misconception that they use their ability to change their color for camouflage, but actually they use this color changing ability for courting and showing emotions.
• Their color darkens when they are under stress.

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Conservation Status

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus populations are lessening in number due to various reasons like loss of habitation and de-forestation.

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Pictures

Here are some images of these pygmy chameleons:

Picture 3 - Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Picture

Picture 4 - Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Image

Rhampholeon brevicaudatus is an amazing species of chameleon with interesting appearance and behaviors. They also make good pets. It is the duty of humans to conserve their population in their natural environment.

References:

http://www.exotic-pets.co.uk/bearded-pygmy-chameleon.html

http://www.herpfamily.com/docs/Bearded%20Pygmy%20Leaf%20Chameleon.html

http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_8258429_care-bearded-pygmy-chameleons.html

http://www.repticzone.com/caresheets/1934.html

http://www.ravinreptiles.co.uk/pygmycham.html