As one of the most illegally trafficked animal species in the world, the pangolin is hunted for both its meat and scales. It is estimated that tens of thousands of the eight species of pangolins are illegally traded across the globe each year. This Ground Pangolin (Manis temminckii) is fortunate to be living in the […]
Could sleeper sharks be preying on protected Steller sea lions?
Pacific sleeper sharks, a large, slow-moving species thought of as primarily a scavenger or predator of fish, may be preying on something a bit larger – protected Steller sea lions in the Gulf of Alaska. A new study found the first indirect evidence that this cold-blooded shark that can grow to a length of more […]
We’ve got a Whooper
Hey lookit! It’s a whooping crane! This was a pleasant surprise, definitely wasn’t expecting to come across any whooping cranes any time soon. She (yes she – her name is Latka and she was hatched on June 13, 2013) was hanging out with a pretty big sandhill flock (about 8oish). She was banded and luckily, […]
American Crow
For some reason, I have had a hard time getting a good photograph of an American Crow. Part of the reason why is that it’s notoriously difficult to distinguish them from Fish Crows if they’re not calling. In fact, it’s pretty much impossible. So I have to see the bird call to know which species […]
Sea Otter Teeth Stronger than Human’s
Sea otters, which often dine on clams, crabs, and other shelled creatures, have unusually chip-resistant teeth, a new study suggests. Lab tests show that the enamel coating the teeth of sea otters (Enhydra lutris, shown) is up to two-and-a-half times tougher than human tooth enamel, thanks largely to the enamel’s microstructure. In all mammal enamel, […]
The Handshake
Secret societies have it. Mob bosses have it. Elephants have it. Secret Handshakes. My time spent in this research bunker at a very remote waterhole in Etosha National Park will always bring back fond memories of really seeing and experiencing the daily lives of elephants up close and personal. Elephants are highly social creatures, and even […]
Viral Shark Video Gives Rare Look at a Feeding Frenzy
A video posted on YouTube shows as many as a hundred sharks devouring a school of bluefish near a beach, a rarely seen phenomenon. The sharks are so focused on their meal that several wash up on the sand, putting their lives in danger, a scientist says. According to the YouTube posting, the video was […]
De Aalscholver
De meeste mensen zullen hem ongetwijfeld wel eens gezien, voorbij vliegend laag over het water of zittend in een boom. Met name dat laatste verbaasd me elke keer weer. Deze vogels zijn namelijk uitgerust met enorme zwemvliezen aan de poten waarmee ze uitstekend kunnen zwemmen en onder water op jacht kunnen gaan naar de toch […]