Wampoo Fruit Dove

While trekking through the Aviaries of the San Diego Zoo I came across several species of brightly colored Dove, including many beautiful examples of today's animal, the Wampoo Fruit Dove. (The name comes from the call that they make!)

These birds are the largest Fruit Doves found in New Guinea and Australia, and they measure up to 18in in length. Both males and females sport green and purple plumage, while juveniles are more dull in color.

As you may have already guessed, Wampoo Fruit Doves feed on fruit. They aren't especially picky either; they feed on whichever fruits are available in their geographic area at that time of the year. The Doves can even swallow large fruits whole! They live in flocks that rarely travel far from a specific range.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Australia and New Guinea
Size : Body length up to 18in (45cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Columbiformes
Family : Columbidae -- Genus : Ptilinopus -- Species : P. magnificus

Pheasant Pigeon

Pheasant Pigeon

Pheasant Pigeons are large, terrestrial birds that can be found on New Guinea and nearby islands. They forage on the rainforest floors and build their nests on the ground. There are four recognized subspecies that vary by color and island location.

The subspecies have reddish-brown bodies with black heads and tails. The primary distinguishing feature between all four is the color of the nape of the neck. Green, white, gray, and black colored napes help to tell them all apart. 

The Pheasant Pigeons are rather interesting because they don't look especially pigeon-like, and because their behavior is more akin to that of their namesakes, the Pheasants. You see, there are no Pheasants in New Guinea, and the Pheasant Pigeons, which are the only species within their genus, have evolved to fill the niche that would have been occupied by Pheasants!

Though they are listed as being of Least Concern by the IUCN, Pheasant Pigeons are becoming rare in some parts of their range, and no global population survey has been undertaken. They are are also very few held in captivity.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern

Location : New Guinea
Size : Length around 18in (46cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Columbiformes
Family : Columbidae -- Genus : Otidiphaps -- Species : O. nobilis

Giant Water Bug

Lethocerus sp.

Today we'll be talking about an entire taxonomic family-- Belostomitidae. Insects within this group are more commonly referred to as Giant Water Bugs. There are around 160 different species, organized into nine different genera.

The "Giant" name is certainly apt, as some members (especially those in the genus Lethocerus) can reach lengths of several inches. Even the smallest group members are a few centimeters in length.

Giant Water Bugs can be found all over the world, and are most concentrated in the Americas and in South Asia and Australia. All of the insects, regardless of continent, live in ponds and other shallow bodies of water. They spend most of their time in the water, but they must surface for air, as they do require it to breathe. Respiration takes place thanks to two appendages that extend from the abdomen. Speaking of abdomens, the eggs of two of the genera, Abedus and Belostoma, are deposited on the backs of the males, who carry them around for a week or two until they hatch!

Giant Water Bugs are amazingly little predators. They ambush hunt other bugs, small crustaceans, and even fish, birds, and amphibians! They strike, biting down with their powerful mandible and injecting a digestive saliva that liquefies the insides of their prey. Once that process has taken place, the Water Bugs can slurp up their meals. These bites can be very, very painful to humans, but are not dangerous overall.

Final fun fact of the day-- Giant Water Bugs are considered a culinary delicacy in some parts of the world. They are eaten both raw and prepared!

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IUCN Status : Not Listed
Location : Worldwide
Size : Length up to 12cm

Classification : Phylum : Arthropoda -- Class : Insecta -- Order : Hemiptera
Family : Belostomatidae

Ghost Slug

Selonochlamys ysbryda

The Ghost Slug is a relatively new species to science, having only been discovered in 2006. Similar slugs had been previously found in Turkey and Georgia, so the discovery of this little guy in Wales was quite interesting! It's species name, S. ysbryda, means "ghost" in Welsh.

Ghost Slugs are interesting because unlike most other slugs, they are carnivores. These guys feed off worms, cutting them up with their teeth and sucking them down. They hunt at night and live underground, sporting pale white skin and no external eyes.

Ghost Slugs may have arrived in Wales via potted plants, as they have only been found in gardens and similar areas. It is still unknown if they are actually an alien species. Biologists are collecting information from residents to help them learn more about Ghost Slugs. An identification guide can even be found on their website.

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IUCN Status : Not Listed

Location : Europe

Size : Length 2.5in (6.5cm)

Classification : Phylum : Mollusca -- Class : Gastropoda -- Superfamily : Parmacelloidea
Family : Trigonochlamydidae -- Genus : Selenochlamys -- Species : S. ysbryda

Pekingese

Malachy the Pekingese

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show took place earlier this week, and they crowned a tiny ball of fur named Malachy as the Best in Show. The toy breed, known as a Pekingese, is one of the oldest breeds of dog out there! (And no, they don't always have fur that crazy!)

The Pekingese originated in China some 2,000 years ago, and their name derives from the former name of Beijing, Peking. Their flat face gives them a strong resemblance to the Guardian Lions, and they are considered to be one of the "Foo Dogs," along with breeds such as the Chow Chow and Shar Pei.

Early 20th Century Pekingese

Pekingese were kept exclusively by members of the Chinese nobility for hundreds and hundreds of years. Stealing one was actually a crime punishable by death! The first of the dogs to leave China didn't do so until 1860, when British troops occupied the Forbidden City during the Opium Wars. Five Pekingese were found within the palace, and were sent back to England to live with members of the British aristocracy. One of the five even went to Queen Victoria. Additional Pekingese left China as gifts from the Dowager Empress Cixi during the end of the 19th century. Famous recipients of these dogs include J.P. Morgan and Alice Roosevelt, daughter of Theodore Roosevelt.

The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1906, and was placed within the Toy Group. Pekingese are described as being brave, intelligent, and independent dogs, but they can be difficult to housebreak. Not every Pekingese has that long, perfectly placed coat. That hairstyle is the one favored for confirmation; many house pets have shorter, spaniel-like coats. Regardless of length, the Pekingese has a double coat and will need to be brushed frequently.

And to wrap today's article up, check out this Slideshow of the Westminster Winner. It reminds me that under all that fur and impeccable grooming, a champion show dog is just like any other puppy happy to get a treat.

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Status : Domesticated
Location : China
Size : Height up to 9in (22cm), Weight must be under 14lbs (6.3kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Canidae -- Genus : Canis -- Species : C. lupus -- Subspecies : C. l. familiaris

Morganucodon

Morganucodon

Meet some of the very first mammal-like creatures, members of the genus Morganucodon. Fossils of these tiny rodent-resembling animals have been found across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Morganucodon is named for Glamorgan, Wales, where it was first discovered in 1941. The remains date back over 200 million years, to the late Triassic period! For some perspective, that is over 100 million years before T-Rex even showed up!

Members of the genus are so interesting because they have both mammalian and reptilian characteristics, though they are classified as mammals. They have hair and teeth like mammals, but their lower jaw is reptilian. They also laid eggs and had venomous spurred feet like modern Platypuses do! Morganucodon ate insects and was most likely nocturnal, based on the eye size.

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Status : Extinct for 200 million years
Location : Europe, Asia, North America
Size : Body Length around 4in (10cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Morganucodonta
Family : Morganucodontidae -- Genus : Morganucodon

Tree Cricket

Tree Cricket

Today we'll be learning about a whole bunch of different animals-- the members of the Subfamily Oecanthinae. More commonly referred to as "Tree Crickets," these insects can be found on every single continent, except for Antarctica.

Tree Crickets have two pairs of wings, and powerful hind legs for jumping. Their coloration depends on the species and habitat, but they are always well camouflaged. Some come in green shades, while others are more brown, to match either the shrubs, bushes, trees, or grasses that they live in.

These Crickets, as with many other insects, make their calls by rubbing their wing tips together. Only males can make these loud calls, female are unable.

One really interesting feature of the Tree Cricket is that they practice something called "Courtship Feeding." After mating, the male produces a fluid that is taken by the female. It is full of nutrients and helps the female to successfully reproduce. She will lay the eggs in small holes drilled into tree bark. And though they are deposited in the fall, they will not hatch until spring. The young Crickets will struggle to get out of their egg cases, and will feed on tiny insects like aphids in order to grow. Depending on the species, it can take between 5 and 12 molts for them to reach adulthood.

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IUCN Status : Not Listed

Location : Every Continent but Antarctica

Classification : Phylum : Arthropoda -- Class : Insecta -- Order : Orthoptera
Family : Gryllidae -- Subfamily : Oecanthinae

Blood Pheasant

Ithaginis cruentus

The Blood Pheasant has kind of a disturbing name, but it gets it from the red skin of its face and legs, and the red feathers on the chin, chest, and tail. They are small members of their family, and are the only species found within the genus Ithaginis, though there are a dozen recognized subspecies.

Blood Pheasants are found in the countries surrounding the Himalayas-- China, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. They prefer to live in coniferous forests, and range at elevations of 10,000-15,000 feet during the breeding season, and slightly lower during the rest of the year.

These birds are not the best fliers, and they get around mostly by running on the ground. They even build their nests on the ground, constructing them under rocks and inside shrubs. These ground nests can be problematic, however, as sometimes the eggs must be moved or abandoned altogether if the parents feel there is too much risk. Broods can number over a dozen in size, and the young chicks are able to get up and follow mom around when they are only two days old. They will remain as a group until winter.

The species is very rarely found in captivity, and at present it does not appear that there are any in United States institutions. Blood Pheasants live in very remote regions in the wild, and so have been safe from many of the threats that endanger different pheasant species. However, the population does appear to be on the decline, though it is slow enough to list them as being of Least Concern.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Himalayas
Size : Length up to 17in (43cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Galliformes
Family : Phasianidae -- Genus : Ithaginis -- Species : I. cruentus

Lion's Mane Jellyfish

Cyanea capillata

Way back in 1870, a Lion's Mane Jellyfish washed ashore in Massachusetts Bay. Jellyfish wash up all the time, but this one was special... this one has a bell that was 7'6" in diameter and tentacles that were nearly 120 ft long! That means that the Lion's Mane Jellyfish might just be the longest animal alive!

The Lion's Mane Jellyfish doesn't always grow that large. In fact, most of the time their bell is only around a few feet wide, and those that live in the warmer waters max out around a foot and a half. Basically, the colder the water the larger they grow! The species is rarely found at latitudes lower than 42 degrees, and are nonexistent in the Southern Hemisphere.

All Lion's Manes, regardless of size, have tentacles that are clustered into eight segments. There are at least 65 tentacles per segment, though there can be as many as 150, and these tentacles can grow over 100ft long!

If you touch the tentacle of a Lion's Mane Jellyfish, you will probably get stung.. which results in blistering, irritation, and muscle cramps. Stings are not thought to be fatal to humans.

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IUCN Status : Not Evaluated
Location : High latitude oceans
Size : Bell Diameter up to 8.2ft (2.5m)

Classification : Phylum : Cnidaria -- Class : Scyphozoa -- Order : Semaeostomeae
Family : Cyaneidae -- Genus : Cyanea -- Species : C. capillata

Sumatran Tiger

So to carry on with my unofficial theme of "cool animals I saw in California Zoos" we come to the Sumatran Tiger. This subspecies is found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, and is the smallest of all the extant tigers. For a quick size comparison- the Siberian, or Amur Tiger, the largest of the subspecies, can weigh as much as 475lbs. The Sumatran only reaches around 260lbs.

Once upon a time there were two other subspecies that were closely related to the Sumatran Tiger- the Bali and Javan Tigers. Both went extinct during the 20th century, and the Sumatran Tiger could very well meet that same fate. They are listed as critically endangered, and there could be as few as 400 left in the wild.

It is now illegal to hunt the tigers, but poaching continues to be a major problem (hunting was the major contributor to the extinction of the other Indonesian subspecies). Tiger bones and other body parts are frequently found in countries that no longer have Tiger populations, as their is a high demand for those parts within traditional medicine. Unfortunately as the Tiger population drops, the supply cannot meet the demand and the black market prices grow higher and higher. This only continues to motivate poaching.

Thankfully there are a number of Sumatran Tigers in zoos worldwide, and captive breeding has proven sucessful in a number of locations. The Los Angeles Zoo, for example, had three cubs born this past fall (one has sadly passed away). Those cubs marked the third litter born at the zoo to mother "Lulu."

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IUCN Status : Critically Endangered
Location : Sumatra, Indonesia
Size : Length up to 8ft (2.5m), Weight up to 260lbs (118kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae -- Genus : Panthera -- Species : P. tigris -- Subspecies : P. t. sumatrae

Morgan Horse

Morgan Colt

The Morgan Horse is one of the earliest horse breeds developed in the United States, dating back to the late 18th century. They are small, strong horses that often toe the line between being of horse size (over 14.2 hands) and pony size (under 14.2 hands). They come in a wide variety of colors, though black, chestnut, and bay are the most common.

The breed dates back to 1789, when a Massachusetts businessman named Justin Morgan bought a young colt that he named "Figure." Figure was known for his expressive nature, athleticism, gentile nature, and his endurance. When Morgan died, Figure was passed to different owners, and was eventually renamed Justin Morgan after his first master. He became the foundation sire for an entire new breed, and was able to pass on all of his defining traits to his offspring

The breed took off, and by the Civil War it had become a very popular mount for the cavalry, because of their ability to work under pressure and because of their incredible endurance. Several prominent generals on both sides of the conflict rode Morgans, including Stonewall Jackson and his mount "Little Sorrel," and Philip Sheridan's "Rienzi."

The Morgan breed has also been influential in the creation of other American horse breeds. Around 90% of all Saddlebreds carry Morgan blood,  and Standardbreds, Tennessee Walkers, and Quarter Horses all have Morgans in their ancestry.

Morgans continue to be used as riding mounts for all sorts of disciplines. They have their very own breed-specific competition circuit, and they perform in several different events including jumping, dressage, and driving. Morgans are the state animal of Vermont, and are the state horse of Massachusetts.

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Status : Endangered
Location : Developed in the United States
Size : Height up to 15.2 hands (1.6m)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Perissodactyla
Family : Equidae -- Genus : Equus -- Species : E. ferus -- Subspecies : E. f. caballus

Lesser Kudu

Male Lesser Kudu and Calf at the San Diego Zoo

As you could probably guess, the Lesser Kudu is a smaller species of antelope when compared to the very large Greater Kudu. But like their larger relative, they too have striped bodies and large, spiraling horns that can grow up to 3ft long!

Lesser Kudu are most active during the nighttime hours, and they are relatively shy critters. When startled they give out a barking sound, and can bound away quickly if needed. They are very fast (unlike the slow Greater Kudu) and are also excellent jumpers. There have been reports of leaps as high as 2m!

Because of their shyness, Lesser Kudu are difficult to hunt, and so their population has remained relatively safe from hunting, though poaching does exist in some areas. Even more unfortunate is that the species was extremely susceptible to Rinderpest, a virus that spread across several ungulate species until the early 2000s. The population is currently rebounding, but is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

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IUCN Status : Near Threatened
Location : East Africa
Size : Shoulder height up to 43in (1.1m)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Bovidae -- Genus : Ammelaphus -- Species : A. imberbis

Cobb's Wren

Troglodytes cobbi

The Cobb's Wren is a small, mousy brown bird endemic to the Falkland Islands. They tend to live near shorelines and feed on the invertebrates that live among the beach grasses and kelp. Their coloration and ground-dwelling nature makes them hard to spot, but they love to sing. You will most likely hear them before you see them.

Cobb's Wrens are one of the many, many species of island bird that is suffering from the introduction of non-native species. These little Wrens adapted to lives nesting in long, dense tussac grasses and ground crevasses. This allowed them, and their eggs, to remain safe from the avian predators that they share their home with.

...But then the people showed up on the Falkland Islands and they brought rats and cats with them on the ships. These new predators were easily able to hunt down the docile birds and their ground-laid eggs.

Cobb's Wrens are now completely extinct on the two largest islands in the Falkland chain, and are restricted to a couple of small, rat and cat free islands. Rat eradication has been ongoing for the past decade, with success on several of the islands. Population surveys are also ongoing, and their are hopes that the rat removal will encourage the Wrens to recolonize.

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IUCN Status : Vulnerable
Location : Falkland Islands
Size : Length up to 5in (13cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Troglodytidae -- Genus : Troglodytes -- Species : T. cobbi

Ribbon-tailed Astrapia

Astrapia mayeri (male)

Though it does not bear the name, the Ribbon-tailed Astrapia is in fact a Bird-of-Paradise. They are endemic to a small range in central Papua New Guinea, where they are luckily still common due to their remote environment.

As with all Birds-of-Paradise, the Ribbon-tailed Astrapia is more spectacular looking in its male form. They have iridescent green, blue, and bronze plumage around their heads, and shiny black bodies. When full grown they sport the longest tail feathers (in comparison to body size) of any bird. Though their body length is only about one foot, their long white tail can grow to three or four feet!

Females are a duller brownish-black, and do not have a fancy tail. But then again, they don't need such flashy displays to mate. The males compete in a lek system, and jump from branch to branch flaunting their plumage. Females select who they want to breed with, and after doing the deed they go off to nest and incubate alone (where the camouflaging brown certainly comes in handy!)

Though they are common in their range, the fact that the range is so tiny has caused the bird to be listed as near Threatened. Interestingly, they share their little patch of land with another species, the Princess Stephanie's Astrapia, and the two are known to mate and produce hybrids. The genus name Astrapia is Greek for "flashing" which is very appropriate for a group of wonderfully plumed little show offs!

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IUCN Status : Near Threatened
Location : Papua New Guinea
Size : Body length up to 1ft (32cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Paradisaeidae -- Genus : Astrapia -- Species : A. mayeri

Parictis

Meet the Parictis genus. The eight species found within it are the oldest known bears in the world, dating back between 38 and 33 million years.

Polar bears have skulls 6 times longer than those of their Parictis ancestors!

These ancient bears first appeared in North America around 38 million years ago, during the Late Eocene. By the time the early Miocene rolled around a few million years later, different species had spread to Europe and Africa, with some presence in Asia as well.

Parictis bears were very small, like the size of small dogs. They had skulls that measured only a few inches long! There is still a whole lot to learn about these ancestors to the giant bears of today, as the only fossils found have been very fragmentary. (I couldn't even find a photo or reconstruction image!) Even still, it's always amazing to think about how much things have changed over time-- from a 3in skull to one nearly a foot and a half long!

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Status : Extinct for around 33 million years
Location : North America, Europe, Africa
Size :  Skull size around 3in (8cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Ursidae -- Genus : Parictis

Sambar

Rusa unicolor

Meet the Sambar, one of the most widely spread Deer species in the world... and also one of the most confusing. Sambar can be found throughout South and Southeast Asia, and they have been introduced into the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. However, they vary greatly in size depending on their specific location. This has led to a lot of taxonomic confusion, and currently you might see them refereed to as both Rusa unicolor and Cervus unicolor.

Sambar can grow to some pretty huge sizes. Males have been recorded at over 600lbs! (That is more than double the average weight of the American White-Tailed Deer, for reference) Their antlers can also grow up to a meter long!

Like many Deer, Sambar are crepuscular, meaning that they are most active during dawn and dusk. They are typically solitary, though sometimes small groups of females and their young will forage together. Males live alone, and form aggressively defended territories during the breeding season.

Sambar have adapted very well to different habitat types, and can be found in all types of forested areas, from the very wet to the very dry. The habitat variety has also allowed them to consumes many different types of vegetation. Unfortunately, their adaptability has not kept them off of the Red List. They are currently ranked under "Vulnerable," due to hunting and habitat loss through many countries in their large range.

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IUCN Status : Vulnerable
Location : South and Southeast Asia
Size : Length around 80in (2m), Average weight up to 400lbs (180kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Cervidae -- Genus : Rusa-- Species : R. unicolor

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Cacatua galerita

You may recognize today's animal, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, from their popularity in the pet industry and from their iconic looks. In the wild they hail from Australia and New Guinea, and in some places they are so numerous that they are actually considered pests!

When you think of a Cockatoo, you probably envision this species- snowy white body, large yellow crest on the head, loud squawks and even the ability to mimic words! In captivity they have been taught numerous tricks, sounds, and behaviors.

In the wild they are incredibly gregarious, and live in flocks that can number into the hundreds. They feed on fruits, grains, seeds, and the occasional insect. Their large flocks and feeding habits have caused damage to some farm areas, but they are a protected bird in Australia, so removal can only be done with the required permits.

Cockatoos

Sulphur-crested Cockatoos breed at different times of the year, depending on their location. Southern flocks tend to breed during the spring and summer, while Northern flocks are on a more wintertime schedule. Pairs come together and build their own nests (usually in a hollow tree), and 2-3 eggs are laid. Both parents help to incubate, and later feed, their chicks.

As previously mentioned, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are popular in the pet industry. Their international trade is regulated, which means that most in North America were captive bred. As a pet they are very, very demanding. Because they are such social birds in the wild, they need to form strong bonds with their human caregivers in order to have their companionship needs satisfied. They can be loud and destructive (to themselves and their enclosures) if they don't receive the proper amount of attention and stimulation. However, if you do have the time and energy for one of these beautiful birds (and I stress time - they can live over 70 years!) they can be extremely loving, affectionate pets.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Australia, New Guinea
Size : Body Length up to 22in (55cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Psittaciformes
Family : Cacatuidae -- Genus : Cacatua -- Species : C. galerita

Sanajeh

Recreation of the fossil site

When we talk about extinct, prehistoric reptiles, we are usually talking about the Dinosaurs, but they definitely weren't the only scaly creatures crawling around millions of years ago. Today's animals, Sanajeh indicus was a species of snake that not only lived with the dinosaurs.... it actually ate their children.

Snakes first appeared around 98 million years ago, but the fossils from that long ago are few, fragmented, and are typically just scattered vertebrae. Not so with the 67 million year old Sanajeh. The holotype specimen (the fossil to which all other fossils of the species are compared) actually has a near complete skull and lower jaw, along with several segmented sections of vertebrae.

What is even more awesome, however, is the way in which the fossil was found- it's coiled around a Dinosaur nest, complete with baby Dinosaur! After study of the fossil, which was found in India, it was determined that the Snake was in the process of hunting when it, and the nest of three eggs and a baby, were caught unaware by a deposit of sediment. Landslide perhaps? When an additional Snake fossil was found, also within nest proximity, Sanajeh's status as an eater of mini-Dinos was cemented!

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Status : Extinct for 67 million years

Location : India
Size : Length 11ft (3.5m)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Reptilia -- Order : Squamata -- Suborder : Serpentes
Family : †Madtsoiidae -- Genus : †Sanajeh -- Species : †S. indicus

Hipparion

Hipparion

Hipparion is the name given to an entire genus of now-extinct, yet successful horses that roamed throughout most of the world. They first evolved around 22 million years ago in North America, and from there they spread to Africa, Asia, and Europe over the next 20 million years.

If you looked at Hipparion, you might think it was a small modern horse or pony. They were about the same height and weight... but the legs were a bit... off.

You see, horses didn't always have a single hoof. They are odd-toed ungulates (Perissodactyls) which means that their weight is distributed through a single toe on each leg, rather than between two toes (think of a cloven deer hoof). Early horses started out having several toes, and gradually they lost them all except for that single, central digital. Horse speed can be attributed to the fact that they have longer stride lengths, as they are actually running on a fingernail!

Hipparion moved a lot like a modern horse, which is something we know from looking at fossilized hoof-prints. But even though Hipparion ran on one hoof, it still had some of its other toes! These toes were placed slightly higher up on the leg, one on either side of the hoof, and they did not touch the ground. Modern horses have lost these vestigial toes all together.

The last of the Hipparion species went extinct around 2 million years ago. Though these early equines belonged to the same subfamily as the modern Horses, they are not their descendants.

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Status : Extinct for around 2 million years
Location : North America, Europa, Asia, Africa
Size : Height up to 13.3hands (1.4m)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Perissodactyla
Family : Equidae -- Genus : †Hipparion

House Finch

Haemorhous mexicanus

The House Finch is a bird that once was found only in the Western United States and Mexico, but over the past few decades that have spread across the continent and can now be found on the Atlantic Coast! Estimates are that there are over a billion of them in North America, and they can form flocks that number several hundred birds.

House Finches are small little birds with brownish coloration and blunt, squared tails. The males actually change color slightly over the course of the year, becoming more vibrant when they have the best food supplies. You see, their red or yellow colors come from what they eat, so abundant food leads to brighter hues.

The bright feathers are very important come breeding time. Females pick the males with the best colors to mate with, because those males clearly known how to locate food-- a very important trait when you may have up to 6 offspring at once! Interestingly, House Finches feed their chicks an exclusively vegetarian diet. Most birds, even ones that eat plants as adults, feed their young insects and other critters to give them a good amount of protein.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : North America
Size : Length up to 5.5in (14cm), Wingspan up to 10in (25cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Fringillidae -- Genus : Haemorhous -- Species : H. mexicanus

Black-necked Swan

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Seven Swans a'swimming...

Cygnus melancoryphus

Ah yes, another day another bird. Did you know that if you were to actually buy all these gifts (the real versions in the song, not the animal equivalents like Dragonflies) you would shell out the most money for the Swans?

The Swans in the song are probably not the Swans we're talking about today. I'd place bets on the Mute Swan, which is widespread in Europe and Asia. But I've already written about that particular species, so today we'll learn about it's different, South American cousin.

Black-necked Swans are named for their black necks that contrast with an otherwise white body. They also sport bright red knobs at the base of the bill that enlarge (on males) during the breeding season.

The Black-necked Swan is interesting in that it is both the largest native Waterfowl in South America, and also the smallest of all the Swans. They also have the designation of being one of the fastest Swans, and are capable of flying at speeds of up to 50mph (80kph).

Black-necked Swans are social birds during the non-breeding season, but when it comes time for mating and nesting they become aggressive and territorial. Partners are typically monogamous for life, but will find a new mate if their previous one dies. Though the female does all of the incubation,both parents help to care for the cygnets. They will even let the little Swans ride on their backs for the first few weeks of life!

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : South America
Size : Wingspan up to 70in (178cm), Weight up to 15lbs (6.8kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae -- Genus : Cygnus -- Species : C. melancoryphus

Sinocalliopteryx

Sinocalliopteryx gigas

Sinocalliopteryx certainly has a mouthful of a name! It actually translates to "Chinese Beautiful Feather," as they had feathers, and their fossils were uncovered in the Yixian Formation in north east China. It is a relatively new species, in terms of discovery, and was only first described in 2007.

Sinocalliopteryx lived around 130-125 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous. They are the largest known members of their entire family, measuring nearly 8ft long. These guys were bipedal, and had powerful hind legs and arms that were longer than most others in their family. They also had "proto-feathers," which were thin, hairlike feathers. (I imagine something that looked similar to the feathers on a Cassowary).

New research has come out that suggests Sinocalliopteryx hunted much like a modern cat does. Fossil evidence shows that they flying creatures, including small aerial Dinosaurs. They probably stalked these animals quietly, hiding in the underbrush. Then, when the right moment hit, they would jump up into the air with their powerful hind legs and snatch on to the prey. This theory is still controversial, as fossils are only able to tell us so much about behavior. However, the leg anatomy, coupled with the presence of flying creatures in the digestive system, makes for a compelling argument.

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Status : Extinct for around 125 million years
Location : China
Size :  Length up to 8ft (2.5m)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Reptilia -- clade : Dinosauria
Family : †Compsognathidae -- Genus : †Sinocalliopteryx -- Species : †S. gigas

Proailurus

Proailurus lemanensis

Meet Proailurus, a cat-like creature from the early Miocene that is shrouded in taxonomic mystery. Its fossils have been found in Europe and Asia, dating back 25-20million years.

Proailurus looked quite a bit like modern Fossas-- they had long bodies and short arms. They also possessed the same binocular vision as modern cats, and a similar dental structure. These prehistoric cats most likely climbed trees and stalked their from their as present-day leopards do.

But is Proailurus a true feline? Or is it even more than that? Many believe that Proailurus is the common ancestor for all cats, but it may also be a common ancestor for other creatures as well. A recent genetic study has placed Proailurus into the Feloidea superfamily, which also encompasses the Hyenas and Viverrids (like the aforementioned Fossa). Additional fossils and genetic studies may shed more light on this in the future.

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Status : Extinct for 20 million years
Location : Fossils founds in Europe and Asia
Size : Length around 2ft (60cm),Weight around 20lbs (9kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae S -- Genus : †Proailurus -- Species : †P. lemanensis

Giant African Snail

Achatina fulica

Meet a member of the invasive species club-- the Giant Afican Snail is considered one of the top 100 worst Invasive Species on the planet. Ant not only are they on the top 100 list, they actually sit at #2!

African Giant Snails are naturally found in East Africa, but they have spread to warm locations around the world in the last few decades. They are large snails (hence the name), sporting shells that can grow to nearly 8in in length. They reach maturity after about 6 months, and can live as long as ten years. During that time they never really stop growing.

They are a hermaphroditic species, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. They do not reproduce asexually-- they need another snail. But their interesting reproductive system makes it easier to multiply, since they do not need to track down a member of the opposite sex.

They feed on over 500 different species of plant, so you can see why they are considered to be such a nuisance! However, the African Giant Snail isn't just considered troublesome because it eats native plants. They also carry parasites that can cause Meningitis in humans, as well as other diseases that can severely damage the crops that they don't consume. In order to keep the invasive Snails in check, quarantines, pesticides, and even flame throwers have been used.

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IUCN Status : Not Listed
Location : East Africa
Size : Length around 8in (22cm)

Classification : Phylum : Mollusca -- Class : Gastropoda -- Family: Achatinidae
Genus : Achatina -- Species : A. fulica

Ornithomimus

Ornithomimus

Ornithomimus means "bird mimic," and what an appropriate name that is! This genus of Cretaceous Dinosaur had long slender legs, a log neck, and a toothless beak. Think of it as an ancient Ostrich- they had similar omnivorous diets, similar body-types, and could even run at comparable speeds. They may have also been covered with feathers, but the evidence doesn't prove anything 100%.

The fist Ornithomimus fossils were uncovered in Colorado back in 1889. Who found them? Why none other than one of our Bone Wars buddies, Othniel C. Marsh! He named the genus in 1890, and since then more fossils have been located in other spots of North America, as well as in Mongolia.

Ornithomimus fed on plants, fruits, seeds, and small creatures like insects and tiny mammals. They had no teeth and very small heads so it is unlikely that they ate anything very large. Even though their heads were small, they had large brain cases. This suggests either a greater level of intelligence, or a larger brain devoted to movement and kinesthetic pursuits.

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Status : Extinct for 65 million years
Location : North America, Mongolia
Size : Height up to 8ft (2.4m), length up to 20ft (6m)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Reptilia -- Superorder : Dinosauria
Order : Saurischia -- Family : †Ornithomimidae -- Genus : †Ornithomimus

Dingo

Dingoes

Today is the 5th birthday of my parents' dog. Not bad for a little guy who almost died of an auto-immune disorder a few years ago. Did you know dogs can have blood transfusions? Well, you do now!

Anyway, we have no idea what that dog is. He's medium sized and orange with a weird husky-like tail. We've just always called him a Dingo. So today, for his birthday, we're going to learn about the actual Dingoes of Australia.

The subspecies Canis lupus dingo actually refers to more than just Australian Dingoes. New Guinea Singing Dogs, Thai Dogs, along with a handful of other types are also classified under that subspecies. But today let's stick to just the Dingoes.

Dingoes first arrived in Australia from Asia around 4,000 years ago. Because there was still a significant amount of water to cross to get there, it is believed that the original Aborigines brought the semi-domesticated dogs with them. Once they arrived on the continent, the dogs spread quickly. Fossils have been found throughout Australia that date back 3,500 years. Dingoes were first described by science in 1699, when they lived both with Aboriginal populations, and as wild packs.

Dingoes sometimes live as solitary animals, and sometimes in small packs of around 10 members. They are very opportunistic, and will feed on both plants and animals. The population greatly expanded once European Settlers arrived with their livestock, as the dogs now had a massive new food source.

Dingo Pups

Because they prey so readily on sheep, Dingoes are considered a nuisance in many areas. There have even been fences erected to keep the dogs away. They also get a lot of blame for damaging Australia's native animal populations. Some believe that the Dingo is partly responsible for the extinction of the Thylacine, or Tasmanian Wolf, since they competed for food and space.

Dingoes are both persecuted protected, depending on the location. Genetically pure Dingoes are becoming very rare, since they will interbreed with domestic dogs, and efforts are being made to keep the pure Dingoes and the hybrids separate. Dingoes are also occasionally kept as pets, though I wouldn't recommend it.

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IUCN Status : Vulnerable
Location : Australia
Size : Height up to 2ft (60cm), Weight up to 44lbs (20kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Canidae -- Genus : Canis -- Species : C. lupus -- Subspecies : C. l. dingo

Red-rumped Swallow

Cecropis daurica

Today's animal is the Red-rumped Swallow, a bird that has a pretty wide distribution, and can be found across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Some birds of the species are migratory, while others (mostly in Africa and India) live in resident populations.

You can identify one of these birds by their cool coloration. They have reddish heads, blue backs, and a bright, red-orange rumps. Red-rumped Swallows are also sometimes referred to as Striated Swallows.

You can find these Swallows most commonly in grassland areas, flying about in search of dinner. They hunt from the air, picking off insects in flight.

One fact that I found particularly interesting was that these birds live in large groups outside of the breeding season, but do not colonize while nesting. many other birds do the exact opposite. They build small, spherical nests with tunnel openings, and lay 3-6 eggs at once.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Africa, Asia, Europe
Size : Body Length up to 7in (18cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves --Order : Passeriformes
Family : Hirundinidae -- Genus : Cecropis -- Species : C. daurica

African Spurred Tortoise

Geochelone sulcata

After the Galapagos and Aldabra Tortoises, the African Spurred Tortoise takes the title as third largest in the world. These land giants dwell in drier regions of central and northern Africa where they subsist on a diet of fruits and vegetables. During the driest times of the year, the Tortoises build burrows and enter states similar to hibernation in order to keep from dehydration.

Breeding occurs during rainier parts of the year, and males will fight for the right to breed with females. During the copulation itself, females will be unable to move due to the weight of the male Tortoises. About two months after mating the female will dig a large nest and deposit 15-30 eggs into. They will incubate for an additional 8 months before the 2" hatchlings emerge. It will take the Tortoises fifteen years to reach sexual maturity. But, like their large Tortoise cousins, they can live over 100 years.

African Spurred Tortoises have experienced some drastic population drops. They've been losing their habitats due to urbanization and the spread of livestock, and have also been hunted for meat. African Spurred Tortoises are also collected for the pet trade when they are in their younger years. This makes re-population difficult, as they take so long to mature.

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IUCN Status : Vulnerable

Location : Africa

Size : Length up to 36in (90cm), Weight up to 200lbs (91kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Sauropsida -- Order : Testudines
Family : Testudinidae -- Genus : Geochelone -- Species : G. sulcata