Species of the Day: Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum)

Before I start this post I want to apologize for the long absence and lack of postings! This semester has proved to be more mentally draining than I expected but I'm finally getting a handle on things and am getting back in the routine of posting!

                                                    Macroglossum stellatarum

          The Hummingbird Hawk-Moth is a fascinating arthropod distributed widely from Southern Europe to North Africa and all they way to Japan. This moth is mainly remarkable for it's behaviour and morphology which make it seem incredibly similar to the hummingbird. This similarity is a wonderful example of convergent evolution, where to very disparate animals have evolved to fill the same ecological niche. This has resulted in a very similar appearance and behavioural adaptations.

                                                                vs.

                    (Above: A comparison of Macroglossum stellatarum vs. a Hummingbird.)


Macroglossum stellatarum buzzes along, much like the hummingbird drinking nectar from flowers. They also exhibit other similar behaviours to the hummingbird, such as being diurnal and returning to the same flowers, at the same time day after day. The latter behaviour allows the Hummingbird Hawk-Moth to time when a fresh nectar meal will ready after harvesting a flower. 

The above video shows the fascinating behaviour of a Macroglossum stellatarum feeding. This footage was captured in northern Europe. 

Species of the Day: Lion's Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata)

The Lion's Mane jellyfish is a sea creature found predominantly in the icy north pacific, arctic and north atlantic oceans. Cyanea capillata is the world's largest jellyfish. The largest on record was found in Massachusetts Bay in 1870. That individual was larger than 7ft (2.1M) across the bell with tentacles greater than 120ft (36.5M) in length! Because of this length, Cyanea capillata is amongst the longest of all living organisms, being in competition with the Bootlace worm and the Blue Whale.

These animals are important ecologically as they act islands in the open ocean. As the Cyanea capillata floats in frosty, calm bays, many other sea creatures cluster around them, as the jellyfish provides food and shelter.

The Lion's Mane jellyfish is fed on by many large fish, seabirds and some turtles. The Leatherback Sea turtle lives almost exclusively off Cyanea capillata, travelling far and wide to reach the coasts of Eastern Canada to feed in Summer months.

Despite their massive size, the Lion's Mane jellyfish is not dangerous to humans as their sting merely causes discomfort.

Paul Nicklen's encounter with a Leopard Seal (Hydrurga leptonyx)

Check out this awesome video about Paul Nicklen who is a National Geographic photographer. This video shows his efforts to get photos of a leopard seal. The Leopard seal is a notorious apex predator which can be quite dangerous. However as this video demonstrates, the Leopard seal may also be misunderstood. Watch this short clip to see some incredible footage:

Enjoy!

Species of the Day: Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum)

Amorphophallus titanum (meaning "misshapen phallus titan") is a massive flower and is in fact the largest unbranched flower in the world. The colloquial name "Corpse Flower" comes from an odour given off by the flower which smells distinctly of decomposing flesh. This rotting smell attracts flies and therefore aids in cross pollination.

This flower grows only in the rain forests of Sumatra and holds the record for tallest flower in the world, having been cultivated to the height of 3.1 M!

Watch this clip from David Attenborough's Private Life of Plants to see the first footage of Amorphophallus titanum pollination ever.

Fruit Hunters (2012)

During my incredibly long flight from Canada to Australia I came across this Canadian documentary called Fruit Hunters, which premiered in 2012. Its an exploration of rare and exotic fruits from around the world. I was amazed by the beauty and diversity of fruit which existed in the world of which I was completely ignorant. This documentary inspired me to start hunting for new fruits myself. Fruit Hunters also makes me want to host a fruit party!!

Watch the documentary here and I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

Part I:

Part II:

Enjoy!

Species of the Day: Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)

This fish-eating crocodile is native to the Indian subcontinent and is found nowhere else. It is critically endangered and is undergoing a rapid decline in population. One of three crocodile species native to India, alongside the Mugger Crocodile and Saltwater Crocodile, the Gharial is one of the longer living of all crocodilian species.

(Male Gavialis gangeticus exhibiting his ghara)

Although male Gharial can grow up to 20 ft. (6 M) they are almost never any danger to humans, as they live on nothing but fish, a few frogs and insects. Male Gharial have a bulbous protuberance on the end of their snout, known as a ghara which emerges as they reach sexual maturity. The ghara is used by Gavialis gangeticus to alter his hissing noises as a breeding display. Vocalizations are very important to all crocodilians and they are the most vocal of all reptiles and amphibians other than frogs. The vocalizations of the male Gharial can be heard over a km away making it an essential breeding tool for these nearly extinct fossils. The Gharial's snout is highly specialized for hunting fish as it is so long and thin, filled with 110 razor sharp teeth! No Gharial has ever been recorded to harm humans. The myth that they are dangerous to humans comes from their habit of eating jewellery, however this behaviour aids in buoyancy regulation.

According to IUCN there has been a 96-98% decline in Gharial population since 1946. They have dropped from around 10,000 individuals down to a mere 235 (2006). The population has been stressed due to over-hunting for skins, egg stealing for consumption, slaughter for eastern medicine and culling by competing fishers.

The Gharial is a fascinating and unique species, a remnant of an age gone by. It would truly be a shame if we let this species disappear into non-existence. Check out the Madras Crocodile Bank, which is on the frontline of the fight for Gharial survival!

http://www.madrascrocodilebank.org/cms/index.php

Here is a BBC clip which shows a clutch of Gharials hatching as well as demonstrates this remarkable species' aptitude for maternal care. Enjoy:

Species of the Day: Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus)

The Lammergeier, or Bearded Vulture is a species of vulture found in a vast range of environments. Gypaetus barbatus is found in the Alps of Europe, India, Africa and Tibet. This vulture is distinguished from old world vultures by its feathered neck/head (as opposed to the bald cranial regions typical of vultures). This vulture is usually recognized by its rust red colouration, however, the adult bird is actually mostly white. The rusty colour comes from the behaviour of dust bathing. The Lammergeier is also noted for having bristle-like feathers protruding from below its beak, hence the common english name, Bearded vulture.

The Lammergeier, like most vultures, lives almost exclusively off of carrion. Unlike most vultures, Gypaetus barbatus eats almost nothing but the bones of said carrion. Because the Bearded vulture cannot break large bones into digestible chunks with its beak, the Lammergeier has developed an extraordinary technique of bone destruction.

 The Lammergeier is famous for its habit of picking up heavy bones and flying high above piles of rocks. The vulture then drops the bones from heights of 50-150m onto the rock piles, where bones too large to swallow shatter into more appropriate sizes. The Lammergeier then swoops down and devours the small chunks of bone, absorbing the nutrients in the marrow.  Gypaetus barbatus can feed on bones up to 4kg (almost half its weight!) by using this specialized technique, and this method can take young vultures up to seven years to master. Although bone marrow makes up 85-90% of the Lammergeier's diet, the vulture has also been noted to use this technique on large live animals as well.

Watch the Lammergeier using this bone scavenging technique here:

Species of the Day: Pig-Nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta)

The Pig-Nosed Turtle is a freshwater turtle from northern Australia and New Guinea. The only living member of its genus, Carettochelys insculpta are unique in the world of river turtles. The Pig-Nosed Turtle, or Fly River turtle has fins instead of front feet, making it resemble a marine turtle. Carettochelys insculpta is named for its snout-like nose and front facing nostrils, which allow the turtle to take in air at the waters surface more easily.

The wild population of Pig-Nosed turtles have declined over 50% in the last thirty years for many reasons. Many are smuggled out of Indonesian New Guinea, destined for the exotic pet trade or the wildlife food markets of China.    

The Pig-Nosed turtle is an omnivore, eating fruits, vegetables, molluscs and crustaceans. Like many turtle species, Carettochelys insculpta reaches maturity late in life. Females don't reach breeding age until they are 18+ years old. This species is most remarkable for breeding strategy. They breed during the dry season and lay their eggs in sandy river banks. Remarkably the fully developed babies will not hatch until certain environmental conditions trigger the hatching process, but will rather stay in a hibernation state until ready. The Pig-Nosed turtles will only start to hatch when either the eggs are immersed in water or pressure drops significantly (signalling an approaching storm). This gives the hatchlings several advantages. Being nearly entirely aquatic, the turtles rely on the river for survival. Thus the flood induced hatching ensures the turtles will have a ready food source and also shelter in the environment they are most comfortable in. This strategy also ensures the clutch of eggs all hatch at the same time giving safety in numbers.

The following clip from David Attenborough's Life in Cold Blood illustrates this unique reproductive strategy very eloquently. Enjoy:

Species of the Day: Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana)

The Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) is a small primate endemic to the mountain forests of SW China. While the adults grow luxurious golden coats, the babies are covered in dense white fur.

 Living in frigid regions of the Sichuan province, this monkey lives mostly off of lichens. This species is endangered largely because of habitat loss. Moreover, it is because the Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey relies so heavily on lichen (which grows on trees, living and dead). When dead trees are found in the woods they are harvested by humans, thus removing a key nutritional source of this Chinese primate. 

One of the most adorable behavioural characteristics of this species is their habit of huddling for warmth while they sleep in frosty trees. The Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey lives in one of the coldest environments of a non-human primate. The following clip from Planet Earth illustrates their behaviour nicely:

Enrichment Day Success

Thanks to everyone who came out today to help us build some fun toys for the greyhounds. The staff of the clinical studies centre were very grateful and ensure us that the greyhounds will have some fun daily enrichment for the next while. Due to the success of todays meeting we will continue to have these enrichment building days in the future. Thanks again-

- A.P.P.L.E.

Enrichment Building Day

Hey Everyone,

Dog Enrichment Building Day is upon us! C'mon down with all your recyclables to room 112/112a right beside Micks in building 8106. We'll be watching some sweet documentaries and building dog toys from about 10:30am - 2pm so come by anytime between then. See you all tomorrow,

A.P.P.L.E

Species of the Day: Regal Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma solare)

This fascinating lizard is found in the deserts of Mexico and the American Southwest. This spiky predator lives almost solely off of ants. A voracious hunter, the Regal Horned Lizard can consume thousands of ants a day and up to 2500 in a single sitting. This small lizard burrows deep in the winter to escape the cold days while it spends summer days hunting in the heat. 

To warm up in the morning the Regal Horned Lizard buries itself neck deep in the sand and circulates all its bodies blood through its head into a sack behind the eyes. The horned lizards cold blood then warms up in the head, from where it is recirculated to the rest of the body. This way the Regal Horned Lizard can warm up its body without exposing more than its heavily armoured head. 

Phrynosoma solare also uses the blood sacks behind its eyes for one of the reptile world's most amazing defence mechanism. When threatened the Regal Horned Lizard shoots blood out of its eyes up to meters away with amazing accuracy. This video (although terribly narrated) demonstrates this ability very well. Enjoy:

Species of the Day: Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)

This strange Lemur hails from the kingdom of the Lemurs, Madagascar. Through the age old belief that the Aye-aye is an omen of death, coupled with recent pressures of deforestation this nocturnal lemur faces extinction. This large lemur fills the niche that a woodpecker would in North America and Europe by using it's specially adapted (elongated) third finger to probe inside trees for juicy grubs. This digit is much longer, thinner and more flexible than the other fingers.

(notice the Rodent-like teeth and thin, elongated 3rd digit)

For years no one knew how to classify the Aye-aye and scientists believed this primate was in fact a rodent! This was due to the Aye-aye's odd appearance and in particular it's large front teeth. These teeth are very efficient at demolishing wood. In fact, the Aye-aye has been known to chew through concrete and aluminum. Another distinguishing of this lemur is that it's nipples are located beside the genitals, rather than on the chest or in the armpits like most primates. Between its teeth, digits and nipples, the Aye-aye is a rather odd primate.

This nocturnal creature spends most of it's nights (upwards of 80%) searching for grubs. To find insect larvae in trees the Aye-aye uses it's specialized third digit to tap on trees, listening for hollow cavities and movement within. When prey has been located the Aye-aye chews a hole to expose the cavity and probes inside with it's long 3rd digit. This digit is then used to extract the tasty morsel. Here is a video that shows how the Aye-aye catches it's larval prey:

The Madagascar Fauna Group (MFG) is one of many organizations working to save the many endemic and globally unique species of Madagascar. Check out their website for more information about Lemur and other animal/environmental conservation actions taking place now.

http://www.savethelemur.org/

Marina Chapman - Raised by Monkeys Interview

Marina Chapman is a rather interesting lady who claims she was raised by monkeys in the forests of Columbia. Chapman was drugged and kidnapped at the age of 4. She was then abandoned by her captors in a Columbian forest where she learned to mimic the behaviour of monkeys to survive. Here is an interview given by Jian Ghomeshi on CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) where Marina Chapman explains how she managed to survive her ordeal.

Find the Interview Here:

http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/Q/ID/2381869777/

Species of the Day: Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus)

The Kakapo is a unique parrot endemic to New Zealand. This heavy bird is the world's only flightless parrot as well as the world's only nocturnal parrot (hence their name, meaning Night Parrot).  This purely herbivorous parrot spends it's time stalking through the undergrowth in search of fruit, seeds, bark, leaves, stems and bulbs. 

Over time the Kakapo has evolved to become flightless while the Night Parrot has put on a lot of weight and developed extremely sturdy feet built for walking and climbing. The Kakapo is one of the longest living of all birds, reaching upwards of 90 years of age. Amongst other interesting behaviours, the male Kakapo can emit a very deep 'sonic boom' which can be heard up to 5km away. This aids these solitary birds in the search for mates in their vast, mountainous territories. Listen to the Kakapo 'boom' here:

http://www.kakaporecovery.org.nz/images/sound/booming.mp3

Unfortunately the Kakapo is critically endangered. Whilst it used to be one of the most abundant of all the birds of New Zealand, there are now about 125 left in the world. This number is, amazingly, on the rise from the mid 90's when their numbers hit the all-time low of 50 in the wild population. Due to some very well established conservation schemes and captive breeding programs the number has risen slowly since 1995. Like many flightless birds, the Kakapo evolved to fill an ecological niche in an environment devoid of predators. When humans arrived in New Zealand, they brought dogs, cats and rats. Through the introduction of these 4 predators (humans not excluded) as well as the destruction of their natural habitats, the Kakapo has seen a dramatic decline in population.

The Kakapo Recovery Organization is fighting for the survival of this fascinating bird and is largely responsible for the increase in the Night Parrot's population. To read more about this organization visit their website:

http://www.kakaporecovery.org.nz/index.php

Here is a link to a great documentary about the critically endangered Kakapo. Enjoy:

http://walrusvideo.com/last-chance-to-see-part-5-kakapo/

Abattoir Ethics Lecture Cancelled :-(

Hi all,

Unfortunately Carolyn Cluderay just texted us to say that she had an emergency and will not be able to make it to our first lecture. We apologize for the last minute notification. :-(

- A.P.P.L.E.

Abattoir Ethics Lecture

Hey All,

Just an update about the first instalment of our A.P.P.L.E. lecture series. Carolyn Cluderay will be giving us a lecture tomorrow (Tuesday, April 30th) at 1pm about Animal Welfare in Abattoirs. The lecture will be held in room 112/112a, building 8106 (that's the tutorial room right beside Micks!). C'mon out this should be an interesting and informative lecture. Cheers!

- A.P.P.L.E.

Species of the Day: Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko (Uroplatus Phantasticus)

These 'fantastic' geckos are found only in Madagascar. They are amongst the smallest of the Uroplatus (Leaf-Tailed Gecko) family and are renowned for their amazing camouflage (like all the Leaf-tailed geckos). Using their camouflage the Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko mimics dead leaves, helping them to sleep peacefully during the day and ambush insect prey by night.

The common name Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko comes from the rather sinister looking "eyelash" projections over the gecko's eyes. Like all geckos the Uroplatus Phantasticus has no eyelids, rather, they merely have clear specialized scales which protect the eyes. Instead of cleaning the eyes with tears and eyelids, the Uroplatus Phantasticus uses it's long, mobile tongue to clean debris from it's eyes.

Like all the animals and plants of madagascar, the Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko's survival is dependent on the ecological viability of Madagascar. Without the forests which it calls home, this beautiful gecko will slip, like so many of the other endemic species of Madagascar from abundance into obscurity and from obscurity into extinction.

(Satellite image showing levels of Deforestation of Madagascar)

The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is one of many organizations fighting for the survival of the forests of Madagascar and the animals/plants/people which call the forests home. Check out some of their projects here:

http://www.durrell.org/conservation/regions/madagascar/

Abattoir Ethics Lecture

Hey Everyone,

I know it's last minute but we've arranged a guest lecture for Tuesday, April 30th from 1pm-2pm. Our first lecturer in our lecture series will be Carolyn Cluderay who will be giving us a lecture on animal welfare in Abattoirs and Temple Grandin's methods of slaughterhouse management. The location is still TBA as we are currently trying to book a room. Come out and show some support, this will surely be an informative lecture and the first of many to come.

-A.P.P.L.E

Species of the Day: Goblin Shark

(Goblin Shark with Jaws protruding)

The Goblin Shark is an elusive deep sea species of shark. This bizarre beast is found in all major oceans  up to depths of 1,300 M! These fish eaters looks intimidating but are of no real risk to humans, given how deep they live beneath the oceans surface. 

This shark is an ambush predator, being rather slow moving. It drifts towards it's prey with almost no movement letting it get within striking distance without being noticed. Once the shark is within range its specialized jaws shoot forward and grab it's prey. The Goblin Shark's jaws are able to spring forward because of special ligaments which are pulled taught while the shark has it's mouth closed. As the shark opens it's mouth to grasp its prey, the ligaments release like a catapult, shooting its jaws forward and sucking in water (hopefully with it's prey).

Here is an awesome video which demonstrates the Goblin Shark's feeding strategy:

(Goblin Shark with Closed Jaws)

                                       

Social Ecology and Oryx Conservation

Hey All,

   I thought I would post something a little more intellectual today. In the last semester of my previous degree (Anthropology) I researched the roles humans play in Conservation efforts. One of the papers I used in my research is about wild Oryx conservation projects in Oman and why they have been less than effective. Dawn Chatty's reasoning is that because conservation efforts have not taken into account local indigenous populations they have failed.

(Arabian Oryx)

   Traditional scientific driven biodiversity conservation efforts (especially in east Africa / Arabia) have tended to try and remove indigenous pastoralists from protected areas as hindrances to wildlife conservation. However, Chatty demonstrates how this attitude is changing in the wake of modern conservation. Community participation in conservation has become more important to the field of conservation ecology, especially in Africa (104). Chatty seeks to demonstrate how this model of participatory conservation is not yet the model in Oman and how Omani pastoralists are still seen as obstacles to conservation by scientists working with wildlife.  This is an example of where anthropologists are needed to work as cultural translators between the indigenous populations and conservationists. Chatty discusses why indigenous people have often been associated with land overuse by conservationists, stressing the western definition of wilderness as being untouched or isolated from humans as a reason. This definition of the environment is however reductionists as it fails to recognize the complex relationship between humans and the environment.).Using her Omani case study, Chatty demonstrates how “sustainable conservation requires…the good will of indigenous populations,” (Chatty 2001:118). Chatty argues that if an economically stressed local population does not see the benefits of a conservation project then the project is likely to fail. However, the combination of conservation and development efforts stand to sustainably reinforce conservation efforts while also bolstering economic stability.

(Omani Bedouin)

   This is a very interesting and pertinent paper to those interested in conservation projects as it is a great example of how important it is for us, as conservationists, to remember that humans fit into the ecologies we want to conserve. Local human populations should be seen as an important and integral part of conservation schemes!

Chatty, Dawn

2001    Pastoral Tribes in the Middle East and Wildlife Conservation schemes: the endangered species? Nomadic Peoples 5(2):104-124.

Heres a link to the journal if you are interested:

    http://www.scribd.com/doc/137857514/Pastoral-Tribes-Oman-Wildlife-Conservation