"What is wild, will always remain wild. "
disclaimer:these pictures are not my own unless stated
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
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(Source: peachypackrat)
IUCN: Almost one in five reptiles struggling to survive
15 Feb. 2013 | International news release
Nineteen percent of the world’s reptiles are estimated to be threatened with extinction, states a paper published today by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) in conjunction with experts from the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC).
The study, printed in the journal of Biological Conservation, is the first of its kind summarising the global conservation status of reptiles. More than 200 world renowned experts assessed the extinction risk of 1,500 randomly selected reptiles from across the globe.
Out of the 19% of reptiles threatened with extinction, 12% classified as Critically Endangered, 41% Endangered and 47% Vulnerable.
“This is a very important step towards assessing the conservation status of reptiles globally,” says Philip Bowles, Coordinator of the Snake and Lizard Red List Authority of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. “The findings sound alarm bells about the state of these species and the growing threats that they face. Tackling the identified threats, which include habitat loss and over-harvesting, are key conservation priorities in order to reverse the declines in these reptiles.”…
(read more: International Union of Concerned Scientists)
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photos:
Kuroiwa’s Ground Gecko (Goniurosaurus kuroiwae) by Hidetoshi Ota; Hump Snout Lizard (Lyriocephalus scutatus) by Ruchira Somaweera; Spiny-flanked Chameleon (Trioceros laterispinis) by Michele Menegon; Amphisbaena fuliginosa by Laurie Vitt; Ahaetulla nasuta by Ruchira Somaweera; Egyptian Saw-scaled Viper (Echis pyramidum) by Michele Menegon
earthandscience: American Marten (Martes americana)
Visited Algonquin park with Karen Von Knobloch and had a wonderful day capturing a variety of wildlife under some trying light conditions. Shared some good moments with fellow photographers.
The American marten is a North American member of the family Mustelidae, sometimes referred to as the pine marten. The name “pine marten” is derived from the common but distinct Eurasian species of Martes. It differs from the fisher (Martes pennanti) in that it is smaller in size…
(text/photo by Len Modderman)
A rarely-seen young Nabarlek, found curled up in his mother’s pouch after she was killed by a car, has taken up residence at Australia’s Perth Zoo. Nabarleks are also known as Pygmy Rock Wallabies.
Named Norbert, he is the only Nabarlek in a zoo anywhere, according to the Perth Zoo.
Norbert was discovered by a wildlife rehabilitator, who provided care for several months. At the time Norbert was taken in, he weighed just 6.5 ounces (186 grams). Because he doesn’t have the skills to survive in the wild, Norbert was brought to the Perth Zoo where he will become a pint-sized ambassador for this little-known species.
Perth Zoo Director of Animal Health and Research Dr. Peter Mawson said adult Nabarleks are only about 12 inches (30 cm) tall. They are rarely seen because they inhabit remote areas and emerge only at night to feed on ferns and reeds.
Nabarleks are in the macropod family of marsupials, which includes kangaroos and wallabies. “An interesting feature is that because of the tough nature of the plants included in their diet, the four or five molar teeth in each section of the jaw progressively move forward during the Narbalek’s life, ensuring that it is never without the teeth it needs to chew its tough food. Narbaleks are the only macropod that do this,” said Dr. Mawson.
Photo credit: Perth Zoo (via Norbert the Nabarlek Becomes Perth Zoo’s Pint-sized Ambassador - ZooBorns)
- Southern tamandua
Tamandua tetradactyla
(Source: forthewildthings)
From ZooBorns.com:
Nashville Zoo Keepers Administer Emergency Mouth To Snout CPR To Save a Baby Tapir
“It was very tense for the first few minutes, but because of our preparation and training, we were able to intervene and rescue the baby,” said Brown. “Mother and calf are now bonding and doing great. The baby loves being scratched and discovering how fast he can run around the barn.”
Photo credits: Amiee Stubbs / Nashville Zoo
(Source: forthewildthings)
Shark-eating seal among rare and ridiculously stunning scenes documented off South Africa
By: Pete Thomas, GrindTV.com
Chris and Monique Fallows have witnessed many extraordinary events while diving off South Africa.
But during two recent expeditions they captured wildly spectacular scenes that may never have been photographed: that of a voracious cape fur seal boldly snacking on large sharks; and dozens of blue sharks gathered around and gorging on an enormous ball of bait fish.
Of the former event, revealing the raw dynamics of the food chain, Chris Fallows said: “There were eight guests aboard our vessel, many of them seasoned wildlife enthusiasts. None had ever seen anything like this as sharks of this size are certainly not usually considered food for seals.
“In more than 2,000 expeditions working with sharks over the last 21 years, this is the only time I have ever seen a seal kill several sharks and I can find no record of such an event happening elsewhere.”
The seal consumed the stomach and livers of the first two sharks, before killing three others…(via: GrindTV Blog) (photos: Chris and Monique Fallows)
Remoras, also known as shark suckers, are a family of eight species of fish that have sucker disks positioned above their heads that let them attach to moving objects to hitch a ride. They attach to sharks, turtles, ships, divers, and just about anything they can latch onto. Scientists have now discovered that the sucker disks of remoras are actually highly modified dorsal fins that expands during their development.
(Photo © Dave Johnson)(Source)
- Lion
Leo panthera
(Source: forthewildthings)
- Griffon vulture
Gyps fulvus
(Source: forthewildthings)
- Polar bear
Ursus maritimus
(Source: forthewildthings)
(Source: forthewildthings)
