This week is Shark Week – from Sunday 5th July until Saturday 11th July, 2015. Personally, I think Sharks are magnificent creatures – however, there are few Shark species I’d like to get too close to!
What is a Shark?
A Shark is a type of fish. They have a cartilaginous skeleton, gills, scales, and predominant dorsal (back) and caudal (tail) fins. Sharks are primarily marine fish, however a number do inhabit freshwater, such as; the Bull Shark.
Bull Shark
Feeding and Hunting
Generally, Sharks are carnivorous; they will eat fish, crustaceans, seals and dolphins (and other large mammals) – and will even eat other Sharks! These Shark species either rip/ tear their food, or will swallow it whole (if it’s small enough). Sharks do not chew their food, but rather swallow any chunks, ripped off, whole.
Some larger Shark species, such as; the Whale Shark, Basking Shark, and Megamouth Shark; will feed on plankton and small fish. These Shark species are filter feeders; and filter their food through their large mouths, and consume large amounts of small types of food.
Whale Shark
Some Shark species hunt in packs, due to their social structure, such as; Lemon Sharks. However, most species hunt alone – but will tolerate the presence of other Sharks feeding if the food is plentiful; usually giving way to the largest to eat first.
Lemon Shark group
Shark Species
There are over 400 species of sharks worldwide. From the smallest species, the Dwarf Lantern Shark, measuring just over 8 inches/ 21 cm; to the largest species, the Whale Shark, measuring over 12.5 metres/ 14.5 ft.
Some of the most aggressive Shark species include; the Tiger Shark, the Great White, the Bull Shark.
Tiger Shark
Sharks come in various shapes and sizes, amongst the diversity; some species have a more distinguished looks, such as; the Goblin Shark, the Cookie Cutter Shark, the Hammerhead Shark, the Australian Ghost Shark, the Saw Shark, the Angel Shark, and the Frilled Shark.
Goblin Shark
All images are open source, Google images – not my own.
Life has been pretty busy recently, and a blog post done in a rush or without my full attention is not something I want to do. I enjoy my blog posts, and I hope anyone reading them also enjoys – so I won’t post something not done properly.
Instead, check out some fun animal-related videos on YouTube. Please note that I am in no way affiliated with any of these videos; they are not mine, or posted by anyone I know. I am just guilty of watching them too often online!
I love this video, “Cat-Friend vs Dog-Friend” – I think is a a funny (and kind of accurate) depiction of dogs and cats in the home.
I also love this video, “Dog wants a kitty” – apart from the owner of this frustrated pooch being scarily accurate in matching his voice-over to the dog’s behaviour and mouth movements, I think it would be just ace to be able to have conversations like this with your pooch! Wonder what voice your pet would have? Also check out the related video, “Ultimate Dog Tease” – poor thing is just hungry!
And one for the musically inclined, “Hamster on a piano” – not quite sure what I love more in this video; the fact the hamster is nomming popcorn, or the fact that (s)he is just so not bothered about what’s going on because (s)he has popcorn!
Have you got any fun animal-related videos I have missed, or you just feel the need to share? Please post a comment below, or via one of my social media pages… . Google+ (Ali’s Animal Answers) . Facebook (Ali’s Animal Answers) . Twitter (@AnimalFreak24) . LinkedIn (Ali Holloway)
In response to a question posed to me, this post will compare the similarities and differences between two of my favourite species – two beautiful, large, wild cat species – the Cheetah and the Leopard.
First of all they look (in my opinion) quite different; sure they both have black spots on sandy fur, but…
The Cheetah has black lines running from the tear duct down to the top jaw, at the edge of the mouth; also a thinner black line/ spots running from the outer edge of the eye, over the cheekbone, and down to the neck. Small spots dabble the head and face, with a pale and plain bottom jaw and neck. No spots in between the eyes, above the nose. Small, oval ears and a small, black nose.
The Leopard has big, round eyes lined in black. Odd shaped spots cover the whole face and head; except between the eyes, above the nose. Nice, round ears; nose can be black or pink.
Now, the Cheetah has small, round, full spots. The Leopard, on the other hand does not have full spots; except on the head and face. The Leopard has (almost) loops with darker fur filling the middle, and sometimes a small spot at the centre too… this is called a rosette.
Leopard Spot
Cheetahs do not roar, but rather have a range of other vocalisations, such as; purring, growling and a variety of chirping calls. Leopards will growl, and purr – however they also have various other kinds of vocalisations including a ‘rasping cough’ vocalisation, to make their presence known to other Leopards.
Cheetahs typically have 3 cubs in a litter. A Cheetah mother will leave their cubs to hunt, before returning to their solitary lair to nurse. Cubs will stay with their mother, learning from her until they are 2-3 years old. Leopards tend to have 2-3 cubs in a litter. A mother Leopard will not wander from her territory after giving birth, until their offspring are old enough and capable enough to accompany her. Cubs will stay with, and learn from, their mother until they are 2 years old.
Cheetah females raise the young alone, with no input or help from the males. Leopard males do not help with raising the young either; however they do patrol the territory and provide security for the female and their cubs, from rival males.
Cheetah males will live in small groups of 2-3 as adults; often brothers. Female Cheetahs are solitary as adults. Leopards of both genders are solitary throughout their adult life.
(With the exception of mating – both species.)
Cheetas have a wild lifespan of 10-12 years.
Leopards have a wild lifespan of 12-14 years.
Cheetahs live in sub-Saharan Africa, north Africa, south Africa, East Africa, and Iran. Leopards live in sub-Saharan Africa, north-east Africa, Central Asia, India, and China. (Snow Leopards found in the mountain ranges of these countries.)
Cheetah subspecies – African Cheetah, and Asiatic (Iranian) Cheetah. Cheetahs are of the same colouration.
Leopard subspecies – Amur (Asian) Leopard, African (Indian) Leopard. Leopards range from the standard colouration, to the paler Snow Leopard, and the Black Panther (a Leopard with dark black rosettes on lighter black fur).
Cheetah – the fastest land mammal. Reaching speeds of up to 75 mph! However Cheetahs are sprinters, which can make hunting difficult; after the sprint of energy (of approx. 20-60 seconds), the Cheetah soon tires – so they must hope for a successful hunt! Cheetahs will devour their kill as quick as possible, as they will back down easily if challenged for it. Leopards can reach speeds of approximately 35 mph – however they tend to make a kill by stealth rather than speed. Leopards often drag their kill up into trees to prevent other carnivores from stealing it.
Both species are brilliant, awesome creatures (in my opinion) – unique in their own ways, surviving the wilderness each day in their own way!
If you have any questions or comments, or would like any more information or advice regarding this post; or if you have anything specific you would like me to cover in a future post, then either contact me through this site or leave a comment below, or contact me via one of my social media pages:-
. Google+ (Ali’s Animal Answers)
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. Twitter (@AnimalFreak24)
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The Capybara is the world’s largest rodent species; specifically part of the Cavy family (related to the Guinea Pig). The Capybara can grow up to 4.5ft in length, and lives for 10-12 years on average. They are herbivores; eating a diet of grass, aquatic plants, fruits and berries. Like all rodents, their two front teeth (both top and bottom) are continually growing throughout their life ; this means that they must gnaw and chew food to keep them down.
This large species is native to South America; inhabiting a range of tropical / temperate/ wet forests and grasslands (including the Amazon Rainforest), swamps and marshes, and lakes/ ponds.
They love to spend time in water; they are excellent swimmers and can spend up to 5 minutes under the water at a time. This is advantageous for hiding in the water from predators. The Capybara can also sleep in the water, with just their noses poking out for air.
Capybara’s live in groups and are quite sociable. Groups can range from 10-40; but average around 20. Within a group there is a single dominant male, with the his females (and possibly some subordinate males too). The females within the group will collectively care for all of the young. A Capybara can have between 1-6 pups in a litter; with gestation (pregnacy) lasting only 5 months.
The Capybara is a thriving species, and though is hunted for food and other uses by humans, they are not endangered (however hunting is restricted to help ensure the longevity of this species for the future). They are commonly found in zoos all over the world, so you can see this amazing creature for yourself!
This week is National Pet Week – a week to remember your loving pets; past and present.
All the companion animals that made their way into our hearts; the members of the family that we can’t live without. From large to tiny – no matter what species, pets are held close by their families.
Here are some photo’s of “People’s Pets” shared via various (Ali’s Answers) social media pages (if you want your pet adding to this post, share via the social media options at the end of this post:-
As it is World Tapir Day, I have decided to do a post with a few fact about Tapirs – enjoy!
The Tapir is a large, solitary mammal; with a short, prehensile snout (looks like a mini trunk). Being prehensile, this can be used as a we would a finger/hand – the Tapir uses it to wrap around branches and pull of the tasty leaves and vegetation it feeds on. The Tapir is a herbivore; using this “mini trunk” to help it obtain food, as it will spend a lot of time foraging for food. The Tapir eats twigs/ branches, leaves, shoots, buds, berries/ fruits, and even aquatic plants.
Tapirs live in the jungle and forest regions of South anf Central America, and Southeast Asia. They live within the dense undergrowth on the jungle or forest floor – except for the Mountain Tapir (as the name suggests).
These have all been classified as endangered or threatened species. They are relates to other ungulates, including horses and rhinoceroses. They are however odd-toed ungulates, unlike the horse.
There are four species of Tapir:
Brazilian Tapir
Mountain Tapir
Malayan (or Asian) Tapir
Baird’s Tapir
The Baird’s Tapir has cream coloured markings lining the tips of the ears, under the chin, and continuing down to the chest – making it easy to identify. It inhabits forests of Central and South America.
Baird’s Tapir (Open Source Image)
The Malayan Tapir is the largest of the Tapir species. It has a distinctive colouration; being dark grey/ black in colour with a white band around from the midriff to the hind; around the body. The Malayan Tapir inhabited the tropical forests across South East Asia; however, today has a much smaller habitat range (due to habitat loss caused primarily by man). This species is my personal favourite.
Malayan Tapir (Open Source Image)
The Mountain Tapir is the smallest of the Tapir species and lives in mountainous regions; unlike the other three species. It can be found in the high forests in the Andes mountains (Colombia, Ecuador and parts north of Peru). This is the furriest species- needing a thicker coat to help keep it warm in the mountains. The Mountain Tapir has the same cream tipped ears as the Baird’s Tapir, however it also has cream markings around the mouth (personally I think it looks like cream coloured lipstick!) making it easy to distinguish.
Mountain Tapir (Open Source Image)
The Brazilian Tapir is known to be a great swimmer and the is generally found close to water; in the Amazon Rainforest. The colouration of this species is a light brown; with an even paler colouration running under the body. The Brazilian Tapir also has slightly smaller ears, that sit further to the side (rather than the top) of the head – when compared to the other three species.
Brazilian Tapir (Open Source Image)
Baby Tapirs are usually brown in colour, with spots and stripes on their coats; this helps them blend in to the undergrowth, and helps them to stay hidden from predators – as they cannot run as fast as mum to get away, hiding is the best option for the little ones.
Continuing my theme of facts about different species; ‘Largest Species’ and ‘Smallest Species’, I will do some ‘Funny Looking Species’. The bizarre and extraordinary looking species on our magnificent planet.
The Star-nosed mole is more than your average, garden-variety mole; digging up your (UK) garden! Found in Canada and Northern USA; the Star-nosed mole has a unique way of finding food and travel routes, that is quite different. The “Star-nose” is made up of 22 fleshy appendages which are full of sensory receptors.
Every single one of the 22 appendages, that make up the star, is completely covered with tiny, sensitive projections known as Eimer’s organs. The star has 25,000+ Eimer’s organs per cm², making it incredibly sensitive. It’s like have loads of very sensitive fingers on your nose!
Star Nosed Mole (open source image)
These strange looking, little creatures weigh 75g, and grow 175-205mm; on average. It is an insectivore; burrowing through dirt, and eating insects it digs out in tunnels, as it goes – with the two big, powerful front paws, and long claws that this little mole is equipped for.
Not all that dissimilar to the averge (nosed) mole – it just has a funny looking nose! ☺
In response to a question asked – this post is going touch on breeding and genetics in the dog world. The question asked was; “are Labradoodles (and other designer cross-breeds) infertile? – like a mule is.”
The short answer is no.
Two Labradoodles can have puppies – the argument these days is whether or not the offspring of two Labradoodles is still a Labradoodle, or just a mongrel… but that’s a different issue altogether!
A Labradoodle is the offspring of a Labrador crossed with a Poodle (miniature, small, or standard).
Labradoodle (open source)
A Labradoodle is genetically different, and genetically the same as your little Dachshund, your beautiful Bulldog, and your fluffy Akita. They are also genetically the same, and genetically different to the Wolf and other wild Canid species.
The family Canidae is broken down into the genus Canis – Wolves, dogs and Jackals; and the genus Vulpues – foxes. The Wolf is its own species within this genus – Canis lupus; the domestic dog is its own species – Canis familiaris. Canis lupus is divided into subspecies, such as; Grey Wolves and Red Wolves. Canis familiaris has lots of breeds within the species, but these are not scientifically classified as subspecies. Scientifically the Springer Spaniel and the Irish Wolfhound are the same.
Domestic dogs, Wolves, and Jackals all have 39 pairs of chromosomes. If two dogs breed, the offspring has 39 pairs of chromosomes. If two Wolves breed, the offspring has 39 pairs of chromosomes. If a domestic dog and a Wolf breed, the offspring has 39 pairs of chromosomes. This means that the offspring of any mix are all fertile.
A mule is infertile because a donkey has 31 pairs of chromosomes, and a horse has 32 pairs of chromosomes – the offspring of the two does not have an equal amount of chromosomes; there is not enough to for all to be paired. Therefore, the offspring cannot reproduce. The donkey is a different species to the horse, hence the genetic difference.
A Labradoodle is just the same as a mongrel – it’s a dog. Therefore, it can breed and successfully reproduce with other dogs; no matter what breed. As a cute example, see the image below – she is the adorable offspring of a Chocolate Labrador (Dad) and a Labrador x Springer Spaniel (Mum). Just a cute, little, baby dog!
3 Part Lab, 1 Part Springer Spaniel (Cross-breed)
If you have any questions or comments, or would like any more information or advice regarding this post; or if you have anything specific you would like me to cover in a future post, then either contact me through this site or leave a comment below, or contact me via one of my social media pages:-
. Google+ (Ali’s Animal Answers)
. Facebook (Ali’s Animal Answers)
. Twitter (@AnimalFreak24)
. LinkedIn (Ali Holloway)
A new discovery in December 2014, as well as almost 80 years ago! Ecologist Carl Kauffeld claimed this little species existed, back in 1937; however, at the time, received no scientific recognition for it. The Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog – Rana Kauffeldi was named to honour the man who originally discovered this species.
The colourations of this little frog range from light greens to greys, with darks spots and stripes. The colouration of an individual can lighten/ darken according to seasons; so as to blend in better with the undergrowth, to avoid detection by predators. The Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog lives in the damp ground, where there is vegetation/ plants for cover; as well as near/ in shallow waters. The shallow waters are also the site for breeding.
With this new (or old) discovery, the total of Leopard Frog species is now 19. Northern and Southern Leopard Frogs, however is distinctly different genetically. This is what makes this a new species; its’ genetic diversity from other, similar species. However, this new species also has a unique trait, that contributes to its’ individualism; the sound it makes sounds more like a cough than a croak.
2014 welcomed this little frog species as a (new) recognised species.
So my Dad got a new job… in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He moved there, and has been flying back and forth to keep seeing us, until everything is sorted our end too; my Mum and sister will shortly follow with the dog, but I’m staying put in England in a place of my own. I have adapted fairly well (even if I have been without internet for the best part of a month – hence the lack of posts); and I’m sure my family will adapt too, and eventually the dog.
Barney
The first thing we thought of for the dog, for Barney, was the travel. He hates travel. Even 5 minutes down the road to the park or the vet, he cries and gets foul odoured stress-breath! He can’t be sedated for the flight or the ferry in case anything happens, he needs to be awake and able to get himself out of any trouble. So, the decision was made to keep him with the family to travel – so that’s the long (8 hour) ferry. He needs a kennel booking but the family can go be with him, and it’s overnight so we hope he’ll just sleep.
However to make the transition easier, we have opted to try the Adaptil* dog collar; to relieve at least some of the stress he will experience through this long journey. The Adaptil dog collar is much like the plug-in diffuser, in the sense it releases the same calming pheromone as the plug-in – just in a different way. As I said in my post about dogs and fireworks (https://alisanswers.com/index.php/2014/10/23/common-behavioural-problems-fireworks-anxiety-dogs/); the collar works with the heat of the animal; activated by the heat it releases the pheromone into the blood stream. The collar will last approximately 4 weeks, and keep working – which will also help him settle into the new house and surroundings; and should help with his preference of being the only dog, and help him to adapt to the new neighbour (Golden Retriever). Once the collar is taken off, it stops working – if taken off before the 4 weeks is up, you can keep hold of it as it’ll work again later.
It can be ordered through your vet, bought in/ ordered through a pet store, or via the internet – I bought Barney’s from Amazon.
So let’s see how well he copes – putting Adaptil to the test, helping Barney to adapt!
Adaptil Collar – from www.amazon.co.uk
NB. Adaptil is for dogs only.
*Adaptil comes in the forms of collar, diffuser, and spray. Feliway is the cat version; coming in the forms of collar and diffuser.
