Roan
ORDER: Artiodactyla
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- I. DESCRIPTION:
- Head and body length is 190 to 240 cm (75-95 in), shoulder height is 126-145 cm (50-57 in). Horns are 55-99 cm (22-39 in). Weight averages 280 kg (616 lb) in males and 260 kg (572 lb) in females. General coloration is pale reddish brown with white underparts. Hippotragus is characterized by thick, tough skin; a well-developed and often upright mane on the nape; a short mane on the throat; a moderately long tail with a tufted tip; large, long, narrow ears with tasseled tips; and long white hairs below the eyes. The horns, borne by both sexes, are stout and heavily ringed and rise from an obtuse angle from the plane of the face.
- II. GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE AND HABITAT:
- Sparsely wooded grassland habitats from Senegal to western Ethiopia, and south to South Africa.
- III. DIET:
- Mainly medium to short length grasses. Occasionally eat herbs, browse on trees and shrubs, feed on fallen acacia pods, and have been reported as eating mushrooms. They drink regularly in great quantities and thus stay within 2-4 km of water; nevertheless, they can go without water every other day during the dry season.
- IV. LIFE CYCLE/SOCIAL STRUCTURE:
- Herds commonly do not exceed 12-15 animals and are composed of females and young dominated by a single adult male. The herd bull defends an area around the females as they move, rather than defending a delineated territory. Herds do not migrate and seem to be faithful to home ranges. Young males are driven out when they reach 2.5 years of age. These males form bachelor groups of 2-5 animals, establishing a dominance hierarchy through much fighting. At 5-6 years of age, the male becomes solitary and tries to take over a herd of females. Mature females of a herd have established a dominance hierarchy among themselves through extensive fighting while young. The highest ranking female initiates most herd movements, even in the presence of the adult male. Females attain sexual maturity at 2 years. There is no specific breeding season. Females enter estrus 2-3 weeks after giving birth and have the potential of producing a calf every 10.5 months. The gestation period is about 275 days. The single calf weighs 13-18 kg (29-40 lb) at birth and remains hidden at least 10 days, with the mother returning in the early morning and early evening to nurse. Life span in captivity is 17 years.
- V. SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS:
- When closely pursued, can run 57 km/hr. and when cornered or wounded, they use their horns with speed and dexterity. Young calves are almost odorless, effectively camouflaged, and remain almost motionless, thus decreasing their chance of being detected by predators.
- VI. INTERPRETIVE INFORMATION:
- The Latin name means "horse like horned horse" and this animal has also been called the Horse Antelope. The maleÕs black and white facial markings tend to show more contrast than the female and these markings appear to act as target areas in fights. In this species the signaling system is almost entirely concentrated in movements of the head, ears and tail. Vertical erect ears signify submission, while more horizontal ears with a backward sweep to their curved, pointed tips implies dominance. As with many other animals, submission is displayed by the tail held tightly between the legs while a confident animal holds its tail out or lashes it about.
- VII. STATUS IN THE WILD:
- Listed as "Conservation Dependent" by the IUCN. Numbers have declined drastically in recent decades through habitat deterioration, agricultural encroachment, illegal hunting, and deliberate slaughter for tsetse fly control. They are highly vulnerable to anthrax, which has caused population crashes in Kruger National Park. Adults are subject to predation by lion, hyenas and wild dogs; calves also to leopards
There are two types of alligators:
- The American alligator, which grows up to 19 feet (3.5 m) long, and up to 600 pounds (270 kg).
- The Chinese alligator, which grows to be about 6 feet long (1.8 m).
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| Snout | Jaws and Teeth | Salt Glands on Tongue | Sensory Pits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALLIGATORS | Wide, U-shaped, short | Upper jaw wider than lower jaw, ovelapping it. The lower teeth are mostly hidden when mouth is closed (and fit into sockets in the upper jaw). | Salt glands are non-functional. | Sensory pits only near jaws. |
| CROCODILES | Narrow, V-shaped, long | Upper jaw is about the same size as lower jaw.
The lower teeth show outside the upper jaw when mouth is closed (especially noticable is the huge fourth tooth). The upper teeth show outside the lower jaw. | Salt glands on the tongue excrete excess salt. | Sensory pits over most of the body. |
LOCOMOTION
Alligators have four legs. They swim very well, mainly using their tails to propel themselves through the water, and, to a lesser extent, using their webbed feet.
Alligators (like many reptiles) are plantigrade; they walk in a flat-footed manner. On land, they can run relatively fast, but only in short bursts.
The different types of crocodilians have different speeds; speed also varies depending upon the type of walk (belly crawl, high walk, gallop [only crocodiles], or swimming). Crocodiles are the fastest crocodilians on land; they can gallop at speeds up to 17 km per hour (Webb and Gans, 1982). Swimming, crocodiles can go about 10 km per hour. Doing a belly crawl walk, crocodiles can go 5-10 km per hour.
HABITAT AND RANGE
Alligators mostly live in fresh to brackish water, in swamps, marshes, canals, and lakes. The American alligator is found only in the southeastern part of the USA; the Chinese alligator is found in the lower Yangtze River basin in China.
ALLIGATOR BEHAVIOR
Alligators are usually solitary animals. They have a life span of up to about 30 to 35 years in the wild, and up to 50 years in captivity.
Alligators have a wide range of calls and vocalizations. These calls are used in mating, to define territory, as distress signals (babies grunt to alert the mother when in danger), etc.
ALLIGATOR REPRODUCTION
Alligators breed in the Spring (April to May). A month after the noisy mating rituals and coupling, the female lays up to 50 eggs in a large (three feet tall and six feet wide) nest she constructed of mud, leaves and twigs on dry ground. Alligators do not sit on their eggs; that would crush the eggs. The rotting vegetation in the nest warms the eggs. The temperature of the nest determines the sex of the hatchlings. If the eggs are incubated over 93 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius), the embryo develops as a male; temperatures below 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) result in female embryos, between these temperatures, both sexes are produced. The female guards the nest from predators.
The eggs hatch in 2 months, producing hatchlings about 6 inches long (15 cm). The group of babies (called a pod) are protected by the female for about a year. Alligators are among the most nurturing of the reptiles.
DIET
Alligators are nocturnal and feed primarily at night. Younger alligators eat insects, shrimps, snails, small fish, tadpoles and frogs. Adult gators eat fish, birds, turtles, reptiles, and mammals. They swallow their prey whole. Their conical teeth are used for catching the prey, not tearing it apart. Alligators have about 80 teeth; when they are lost they regrow.
ALLIGATOR FOSSILS AND EVOLUTION
Crocodyloformes (the group encompassing crocodylians and other similar but extinct reptiles) evolved during the Triassic Period, about 245 million years ago. Crocodylians (a group which includes alligators, crocodiles, gharials or gavials, caiman) appeared during the Cretaceous period, about 80 million years ago, towards the end of the Mesozoic Era, the Age of Reptiles.
Deinosuchus (meaning "terrible crocodile") was the largest crocodylian, growing up to 50 feet (15 meters) long. It lived during the late Cretaceous period (about 85 to 66 million years ago). This carnivore lived on the shores of the large shallow sea (the Tethys Sea) that covered much of North America, eating fish and perhaps some dinosaurs. Very few Deinosuchus fossils have been found.
Crocodylian diversity peaked long ago; there are only 23 species alive now.
SOME ANCIENT, EXTINCT CROCODYLIANS
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DEINOSUCHUS Deinosuchus (meaning "terrible crocodile") was the largest crocodylian (a reptile but not a dinosaur), growing up to 50 feet (15 meters) long. It lived during the late Cretaceous period (about 85 to 66 million years ago). This carnivore lived on the shores of the large shallow sea (the Tethys Sea) that covered much of North America, eating fish and perhaps some dinosaurs. Very few Deinosuchus fossils have been found. | GEOSAURUS (pronounced GEE-oh-SAWR-us) Geosaurus (meaning "rock lizard") was an early, aquatic crocodylian about 10 ft (3 m) long. This streamlined reptile had a long, pointed jaw with sharp teeth, four fleshy flippers (the rear flippers were considerably longer than the front flippers), and a long tail with a tail fin. Geosaurus was NOT a dinosaur, but did live side-by-side with ichthyosaurs from the late Jurassic period to the early Cretaceous period. Geosaurus fossils have been found in Europe (an especially nice specimen was found in southern Germany) and South Africa. Classification: Subclass Archosaur, Order Crocodylia, Suborder Thalattosuchia, Family Metriorhynchia, Genus Geosaurus. |
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LEIDYSUCHUS Leidysuchus (meaning "Leidy's crocodile;" Leidy was a paleontologist) was a long-snouted crocodile that lived during the late Cretaceous period. Fossils of this swamp-dwelling reptile have been found in North America. |
PHOBOSUCHUS (pronounced FO-bow-SOOK-us) Phobosuchus (meaning "terrible crocodile") is one of the oldest alligator ancestors. This marine reptile was not a dinosaur, but a giant crocodylian. It lived in the seas during the Cretaceous period, about 70 million years ago, when many dinosaurs lived. This giant meat-eater was about 50 ft (15 m) long; its head was 6 feet (1.8 m) long and its teeth were 4 inches (10 cm) long. Phobosuchus may have eaten dinosaurs |
Hyena
ORDER: Carnivora
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- I. DESCRIPTION:
- This is the largest of the three hyena species. Male weight is 123-138 lb, height 32-34 inches; female weight is 147-165 lb, height 34-35 inches. They have a sturdy build, long neck, high shoulders, and long muscular legs, with the forelegs longer than hind legs and four toes on each foot with non-retractile claws. The head is massive with rounded ears and robust teeth adapted for chewing bones. The coat is rough, comparatively short, and ranges in color from reddish-brown to tan, growing lighter and less spotted with age. Spots are black and rounded. Tail tip, muzzle and lower parts of limbs are dark brown. A slight mane may be present on neck and shoulder. Uses an ambling walk or a tireless lope, and can gallop up to 31 miles an hour for a couple of miles (top speed 37 mph). Has at least 11 different, intergrading calls, ranging from groans, grunts, growls and squeals to lowing and whooping.
- II. GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE AND HABITAT:
- Africa south of the Sahara except rain forests and true desert, up to 13,000 feet.
- III. DIET:
- More carnivorous than other hyenas. Eats vertebrates of all kinds, especially hoofed mammals; seldom eats invertebrates, fruits, or vegetables. Most hunting and foraging is done at night and alone, but clan members sometimes set off in packs to hunt specific quarry, such as zebra.
- IV. LIFE CYCLE/SOCIAL STRUCTURE:
- Lives in large clans and defends territory if high density. Territory is marked with scent from anal glands and dung. A hyena clan is a stable community of related females, among which unrelated males reside for varying periods. Within the clan there is a separate dominance hierarchy for each sex. The highest-ranking females and her descendants are dominant over all other animals. Although all resident males have been observed to court females, only the highest ranking male usually mates. Spotted hyenas differ from other social carnivores in that: clan members compete more and cooperate less; females are bigger than males and dominate them; females compete for rank and food and even close relatives do not cross-suckle offspring; cubs are raised in communal dens, but seldom are provisioned or guarded by clan members; and males play no parental role, with only a privileged few permitted anywhere near dens. After a gestation of 4 months, two young are born in a burrow (usually an abandoned aardvark den). The long gestation results in incisors and canines present, eyes open (but unseeing), and forelegs capable of strong, directed movement. Beginning only hours after birth, siblings of like sex battle for dominance, using the neckbite/shake technique of fighting adults. The one that wins keeps the other from nursing until it weakens and dies. The surviving male grows faster and is likelier to achieve reproductive dominance; the surviving female eliminates a rival for dominance in her natal clan. Two to six weeks after whelping, young are transported to the communal den. Young depend entirely on milk for about 8 months and are not weaned until 12 to 16 months old. Maturation is at three years, females later than males. Female offspring remain in their natal clan; males leave at around two years. Life span in captivity as long as 35 years.
- V. SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS:
- Large amounts of androgens during fetal development cause a hypertrophied clitoris capable of elongation and erection and a fused labia forming a false scrotum. The vagina has merged with the urethra to form a common urogenital tract that makes a sharp bend and exits through the peniform clitoris. At puberty, the urethral opening splits. Copulation and birth are complicated because of this anatomy. With its powerful teeth and jaws and its efficient digestion, the spotted hyena can utilize virtually everything on a carcass except the rumen contents and horn bosses. Even desiccated carcasses yield protein and minerals during lean times.
- VI. INTERPRETIVE INFORMATION:
- The high, cackling giggle typically given by a hyena being chased expresses intense fear or excitement, and gives the name "laughing hyena". Hyenas go through elaborate greeting ceremonies involving a lengthy genital inspection. This probably is an appeasement gesture to restrict aggression since the subordinate usually lifts a leg and offers itself for inspection first. The hyena's reputation as a skulking, craven coward is not justified. Perfect opportunists, hyenas will take whatever entails the least effort and risk, but hunger will also drive a hyena to run down and kill unaided a large healthy bull wildebeest. Hyenas often lose their kills to lions, but sometimes several hyenas can bluff female or immature lions out of their kills. They also take kills from other predators. Most numerous of the large African predators since its behavior allows it to function as a solitary scavenger and predator of small animals or as a group-living hunter of ungulates.
- VII. OUR ANIMALS:
- Several acquired from an on-going research project at UC Berkeley. The project started in 1985 with 20 cubs and is being conducted by the Departments of Endocrinology, Psychology, and Medicine.
- VIII. STATUS IN WILD:
- In the twentieth century, Crocuta has been considered a predator of livestock and game and has been hunted, trapped, and poisoned over much of its range and has been eliminated in parts of East and South Africa. The population of the spotted hyena has decreased, but it is not considered endangered as the other two species are.
Bearded Dragon
ORDER: Squamata
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- I. DESCRIPTION:
- This unusual mid-sized stocky agamid lizard has prominent spines along its sides and a large, essentially triangle-shaped head. Forming a sort of shield around the snout is a spiney jaw pouch which, when swollen, looks like a beard and makes any predator think twice before attacking. This wide-ranging species shows considerable geographic variation; its basic color varies from shades of brown, gray, and reddish-brown to bright orange. The ventral surface ranges from pale to dark gray, with white elongated spots edged with black. Mature males have dark "beards" which become black during courtship and breeding. Adults can grow as large as ten inches in body length or two feet in total length, including the tail. Males are larger than females.
- II. GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE AND HABITAT:
- These lizards are native to Central Australia. They prefer semi-arid to arid woodland habitats. Time is spent both on the ground and in trees. They may be found perched on bush branches and even on fence posts.
- III. DIET:
- Bearded dragons are omnivorous and consume many types of insects, small vertebrates, and vegetation including fruits and flowers.
- IV. LIFE CYCLE/SOCIAL STRUCTURE:
- Sexual maturity is reached at one to two years of age. Mature females typically lay clutches of eleven to sixteen oblong leathery eggs in early summer. The eggs are laid in nests dug in sandy soil and the unattended young hatch 3 months later.
- V. SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS:
- A bulky body and the habit of basking allows them to store heat, making it possible to operate at lower temperatures than other lizards. They can also survive higher temperatures for several hours, since they can regulate body temperature by evaporation.
- VI. INTERPRETIVE INFORMATION:
- When intimidated, they flatten their bodies and stand erect with mouth gaping. The light-colored mouth lining, spines bordering the lower jaw and puffed-out blackish beard give a formidable appearance. This defensive display has earned these lizards the common name of "bearded dragon".
Aggressiveness to other members of the group is shown through "body language". The tip of the tail is slightly curved at the end and the head is bobbed rapidly. Submission is signaled by rotating the arms in a full circular motion, which looks a bit like waving. Ritualistic sparring matches take place in which both animals are in flat postures, beards and tails up and outward; they circle each other, biting at one another's tail, but usually no damage is done.
Their ability to change shades of color, from light to dark, helps them to regulate body temperature. Color changes can also depend on emotional state, and may also be used for concealment. When injured, sick, or dying the back becomes black and the legs pale yellow.
Australian desert lizards often make their escape by rising on their hind legs and running bipedally. They cannot run as fast as when using four feet, but perhaps this behavior aids in temperature control. They lift their bodies from the hot ground to lose the heat they generate in running. This reduces the amount of heat they take in from the ground and increases the cooling airflow over their bodies.
Burmese Python
ORDER: Squamata
FAMILY: Boidae
GENUS: Python
SPECIES: molurus bivittatus
- I. DESCRIPTION:
- Bold color pattern mainly in browns and yellows. Small spurs represent the vestiges of hind limbs. Grows to a length of 20 feet. Maximum recorded length is 25 feet. Can weigh as much as 200 pounds. Females are larger than males.
- II. GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE AND HABITAT:
- Found from India to lower China, the Malay Peninsula and on some islands of the East Indies. Lives near water and is semi-aquatic.
- III. DIET:
- Small mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs and even fish. Kills by constriction in which the prey is suffocated. A nocturnal hunter, it prowls looking for prey or waits by a water hole.
- IV. LIFE CYCLE/SOCIAL STRUCTURE:
- Lays 8-100 eggs usually 3-4 months after mating. The female pushes them together in a heap and coils herself around them, brooding them for 2-3 months. She actually incubates them (using muscular contractions to warm) by keeping their body temperature several degrees above that of the surrounding air. When hatched, the young grow rapidly but suffer much predation. As they grow larger, however, fewer animals can overpower them.
- V. SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS:
- Heat sensors along the upper lip as well as its keen sense of smell help it to find prey. As with other snakes, the python's loosely hinged jaws can be stretched far apart, enabling it to swallow animals with bodies much larger in diameter than the python's head. They are good climbers and have prehensile tails.
- VI. INTERPRETIVE INFORMATION:
- According to Grzmek it is a subspecies of the Indian Python and is the python most commonly seen in zoos and circuses. Also known as the Asiatic Rock Python. The Old World python and New World boa are clearly the closest living relatives of the ancestral snake type. Well developed claws at the sides of the anal cleft mark the internal vestiges of hind limbs (evolution from lizards).
White-crested Laughingthrush
ORDER: Passeriformes
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- I. DESCRIPTION:
- Reddish brown with white crest, they have soft, loose, fluffy plumage. Strong, stout feet and legs. Fairly short wings. Perform acrobatics in loops of creepers and hop about. Loud, harsh chattering or laughing voice.
- II. GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE AND HABITAT:
- Southern Asia, with its many more or less isolated mountain chains. Southern half of China. Burmese teak forests rich in stands of bamboo are particularly favored.
- III. DIET:
- Mainly ground feeders, they forage by probing, digging and flicking things over with their bill. Probably omnivorous, taking a wide variety of insects and other invertebrates, fruit and seeds, including acorns.
- IV. LIFE CYCLE/SOCIAL STRUCTURE:
- Thought to maintain group territories throughout the year, defending them against other bands of the same species. Most sociable of all the laughing thrushes. The male and female sing together. Relatively little is known about the breeding habits. Probably builds domed, rough, ball-shaped nests of moss, dead leaves and the like, access being through a side hole. Most often 3 eggs are laid - oval, blue and glossy.
- V. SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS:
- Remarkable in being a wholly non-migratory thrush. Tend to be poor fliers. The fact that they are sedentary has probably contributed to their well developed social behavior.
- VI. INTERPRETIVE INFORMATION:
- Also known as "Bubblers". Observed in large groups of 100. Do spectacular prancing displays on the forest floor with white crests raised like helmets and uttering their laughing calls.
More About Animals Soon On www/http yugiohsoul.blogspot.com
On May 17 2005
