Snow Leopards

Snow Leopards are quite beautiful with their snowy, soft fur.  Their name "leopard" easily describes the pattern on their fur and "snow" instantly reveals the color.  Although, most of them do have a touch of off-white, tan or yellow highlighting in their coat.

As you can see, the gorgeous Snow Leopard that allowed me to photograph him has that yellow highlighting in his face and chest area.  His back and sides are white with a hint of grey.

That fabulous coat is actually responsible for this big cats demise.  Mortal vanity and the desire to "wear" his coat often costs his life when a snow leopard encounters a human. 

Facts About the Snow Leopard

In the wild, you will only find the a Snow Leopard in the Himalayan Mountains of Central Asia.  Most likely, our best chance to see one is in an accredited zoo.  There are approximately 250 in American zoos and 600 in zoos worldwide.  Estimates for how many Snow Leopards are still living in the wild, vary drastically.  But, it would be safe to say that there are less than 8000.  Unfortunately, their decreasing numbers make their coats even more valuable.  However, it is illegal to own or sell a Snow Leopard coat.  Personally, I always wonder why anyone would want the real fur when faux furs are just as beautiful, just as warm, a lot less expensive and a life is not lost to feed a vanity.

• Endangered
• Approximately 3½ - 4' long
• Weight:  55 - 165 lbs  
• Thick Coat for Extreme Cold Climate
• Carnivore
• Snow Leopards Do Not Roar (they do growl and howl)
• Snow Leopards Do Not Attack Humans (only 2 incidents ever reported)
• Hides in Caves & Mountain Crevices
• Life Expectancy:  In the Wild - up to 18 years & In Captivity - up to 25 years
• Region:  Range Mountains of Central Asia

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Bring Home a Snow Leopard

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The Okapi is Quite Unique!

The Okapi is an animal you might easily walk past without giving him much thought.  They are quiet and sedate.   Frankly, the coloring doesn't make them stand out either.   However, next time you are at a zoo, stop and consider the Okapi.  He is a very unique creature.

The Okapi is related to the giraffe, but has stripes like a zebra.  They are also closer in size to the zebra, but they share other unique characteristics with the giraffe.  

You will want to make sure you visit the Okapi soon.  Sadly, the Okapi are very rare and are endangered.  They can only be found in the wild in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa.  Therefore, your very best chance to see an Okapi, is at a zoo.  Even then, not every zoo has them.

The Okapi's Ossicone

Giraffes and Okapis are the only animals that have ossicones.  At first glance, you would think the Okapi has horns.  He does not.  Male Okapi have ossicones on their heads.  When you visit the Okapi, be sure to take a really close look at his head.  You will notice that the ossicones are covered with skin and fur.  That is completely different from horns, which are bare bone.  What will not be as obvious in observation, is that the ossicone is made of flexible cartilage, not hard bone.  This characteristic alone makes the Okapi quite unique.

Facts About the Okapi

• Okapia johnstoni
• Endangered
• Lives in the Rainforest of the African Congo
• Stripes on Hind Quarters and Legs
• Males have Ossicones (not horns)
• Females do not have ossicones.  They have little swirls of hair instead
• Females are Larger than Males
• Weighs 400 - 750 lbs. 
• Stand approximate 5' tall
• Coat is Dark Brown with Reddish hues
• Habitat:  Dense Tropical Forest
• Food:  Leaves, Twigs and Fruit
• Breeding:  Single Offspring Birth
• Okapi hide their young 
• Lifespan:  30 years
• Okapi were not known to science until 1900

 

Not Long Enough

Most likely due to their natural seclusion and avoidance of danger, the Okapi were not known to science until 1900.  It is estimated that there are 10,000 - 20,000 Okapi worldwide.  As with so many other beautiful creatures, the Okapi is now on the endangered list due to being hunted for their meat and skins. 
 
 

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Bali Mynah - Critically Endangered Bird

You may never have seen or heard of a Bali Mynah aka the Bali starling.  This gorgeous bird is critically endangered, largely due to illegal poaching for captive bird trade.  Unfortunately, their rarity has only increased the demand and value to poachers.

Counts in recent years indicate there may be fewer than 20 Bali Mynah birds still in the wild.

Even though there are some Bali starlings in zoos, there are still less than 1100 total known in existence today.  Attempts to release the birds back into the wild have only resulted in them disappearing.  Most likely into the hands of illegal poachers.

Description of the Bali Mynah

The Bali Mynah is a snow white bird.  His only coloring will be found in the blue around his eyes and the black on the tips of his tail and wing feathers, which look like they have been dipped in black ink.

Photo by Cynthia Sylvestermouse

I felt quite privileged to see the lovely Bali Mynah in person myself.  We should never move so fast that we don't take the time to really stop, look and appreciate the lovely creatures that share the earth with us right now.  Some won't be here for our great grandchildren to see.  All that will be left are the photos and memories.

Facts About the Bali Mynah  

(Leucopsar rothschildi)

By Woldere CC BY-SA 4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0)],
via Wikimedia Commons

• Critically Endangered
• Only found in the northwestern tip of the Indonesian island of Bali
• Mostly Snowy White
• Monogamous
• Member of the Passeriformes or Perching bird order
• Normal Body size 8.5" females & 9" - 10" males
• Weight:  3 - 3.5 ounces
• Diet:  Insects, Worms, Seeds and Fruit
• May live up to 25 years in Captivity
• Also known as Rothschild's mynah

The photo above on the right was used with permission.  I wanted you to be able to see the black tipped wing tips and tail feathers.   That is most likely a female in photo since the male no longer has a crown or crest.  She preens her crest to attract her life-long mate during mating season.

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Learn More about the Bali Mynah or Purchase Bali Mynah Gifts

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Key Deer

Endearing Florida Deer 

These precious deer, also known as the Toy Deer, were hunted to near extinction in the 1950's in spite of the fact that hunting was banned in the 30's.

Because of efforts to save these sweet creatures, their status has been raised to endangered. While that allows for a little sigh of relief, it is very little. The remaining numbers vary greatly depending on the source, but 800 was the highest estimate I could find during my research.

Some of these beautiful animals literally live their lives in the backyards of Florida Key residents.  They have very little fear of man which places them more at risk. Not because the residents intentionally harm them, but because deer and cars do not play well together.

The Toy Deer are so familiar with humans that it is not uncommon for them to eat right out of your hand even though it is prohibited by law.  I don't think the deer understand this law and it would be very hard to deny these sweethearts when they look at you with their big doe eyes that bid you to part with your cookie.

A Few Facts About the Key Deer

• Bucks Weight:  55 - 75 lbs
• Does Weigh:  44 - 64 lbs
• Height:  26 - 30 in. tall at the shoulders
• Lifespan:  Average 8 - 10 years
• Lives in the Florida Key
• Swims between the islands to find food and water
• Diet:  Over 150 plants.  Mangroves and thatch palm berries make up the most important part of their diet.

• ENDANGERED

 

National Key Deer Refuge

The National Key Deer Refuge was established in 1957 to protect and preserve Key deer and other wildlife resources in the Florida "Keys."

The refuge is located in the lower Florida Keys and currently consists of approximately 9,200 acres of land that includes pine rock-land forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, freshwater wetlands, salt marsh wetlands, and mangrove forests.

These natural communities are critical habitat for hundreds of endemic and migratory species including 17 federally-listed species such as Key deer, lower Keys marsh rabbit, and silver rice rat."

Information about the Key Deer Refuge is directly from National Key Deer Refuge website to ensure accuracy.

A Few Places that are Trying To Save the Key Deer

• Key Deer Protection Alliance
  "A group of citizens dedicated to protecting these endearing creatures."
• National Key Deer Refuge
  "Established in 1957 to protect and preserve Key deer and other wildlife resources in the Florida Keys."

Bring Home a Key Deer

 

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The Beautiful Cheetah

Even though this glorious Cheetah is the fastest land animal, she is listed in the US Endangered Species Act as a threatened species.

Cheetahs as Pets 

These beautiful animals were once kept as pets by princes and kings, including Charlemagne.  Today, there are less than 13,000 wild cheetahs.

Cheetahs are Beautiful Cats

Because Cheetahs are tameable, they were once owned by kings and princes.  In ancient days, they were used during their hunting parties.  The cheetah would be blindfolded at the beginning of the hunt.  Once the dogs flushed out the prey, the blindfolds were removed and the cheetah were set free to hunt.  Thus, they have often been referred to as hunting leopards. 

Ownership of a cheetah was a bit of a status symbol for royalty in ancient times.  Often in Ancient Egyptian drawings and artwork, you will see a emperor, ruler or king pictured with a cheetah on a leash or in a hunting party.  It is believed that Akbar the Great of India kept a stable of 1000 cheetahs.

Cheetahs

Cheetahs are sleek, beautiful animals which are known for being the fastest land animal.  They can run up to 70 miles per hour.  A cheetah can accelerate from 0 to 64 mph in 3 seconds, therefore he is easily able to out run a gazelle or other prey.  Due to the high infant mortality rate and being hunted themselves, cheetahs are considered vulnerable or threatened on the endangered species list.  There are less than 13,000 cheetahs left in 25 African countries.  Although there are some zoos who have been successful, Cheetahs are extremely difficult to breed in captivity which will further exacerbate their critical status.

Cheetah binder by Sylvestermouse

A Few Facts about Cheetahs

• Height:  2½ to 3 feet
• Weight:  110 - 140 lbs.
• Life Span:  Up to 12 years
• Top Running Speed:  70 mph
• The name cheetah comes from an Indian word meaning "spotted one."   Nickname: Hunting Leopard
• Lives In:  Parts of eastern, central and southwestern Africa and a small portion of Iran
• Threatened or Vulnerable status on the Endangered Animals list

Cheetahs are in a Classification All Their Own

The beautiful Cheetahs are in a classification of their own because they have non-retractable claws without sheaths of skin.  They have very small heads and teeth.  The Cheetah's teeth are too small and their jaws are too weak to deliver a death bite.  They must suffocate their prey and are often so tired after the battle that they must rest before they can eat.  Unfortunately, a Cheetah's food is often stolen by more aggressive carnivores. 

The Spotted One

Cheetah is an Indian name which literally means the "spotted one".  We can easily see why she was named Cheetah, but have you ever heard a Cheetah roar?   Think about it.  We expect to hear wild cats roar, but the Cheetah does not roar.  No, she cheeps or chirps.  She literally does not have a roaring bone in her body.

For that reason, the Cheetah is not classified as a "big cat".  Big cats roar.  Therefore, the cheetah is scientifically classified as a small cat even though most of us would still consider them big cats.

 

Listen to a Cheetah Chirp

While you may have heard a Cheetah growl or purr, you will not hear a Cheetah roar, simply because it can not roar like other wild cats.  The cheetah has a one-piece hyoid bone in the throat.  A two-piece hyoid bone is required to roar.

Mother cheetahs communicate with their young by chirping.  Click here to hear the cheetah chirp.  You will be surprised by how much she sounds like a bird.  Seriously, if you heard this sound in a grassy area, I doubt you would feel inclined to run away. 

The Cheetah's Distinctive Marking

As you can see in the photos, Cheetah's have lovely tan coats with black spots and very distinct tear stripes from the corner of their eyes and down the side of their nose, just like the tracks of tears.

When I look at this magnificent creation, I can't help but consider that tear stripe and feel the moisture of my own tears over her endangered status.

To lose such beauty in this world, will indeed, be a great tragedy.  

Image Credit for Cheetah Print / Poster by Sylvestermouse.

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All photos are the exclusive property of Sylvestermouse and should not be copied without written permission.

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Poison Dart Frogs

©Sylvestermouse -- All Rights Reserved

I am surrounded by Poison Dart Frogs!
When my son was just a little fellow, he adored Poison Dart Frogs. He has Dart Frog books, plush Dart frogs, plastic Dart Frogs, shirts with Dart Frogs and he even has Dart Frogs painted on his bedroom wall.  The only Dart Frog we don't have, is a live Poison Dart Frog.

However, there is always the zoo and we used to spend countless hours in the Herpetarium.

The Poison Dart Frog pictured here, is one of our favorites in our local zoo.

About Poison Dart Frogs 

Wall Mural ©Sylvestermouse - All Rights Reserved

These beautiful, brightly colored frogs are not always poisonous as their name would suggest.  Captive bred Dart Frogs are not poisonous while a wild Dart Frog is poisonous.

The difference is in what they eat. When they eat ants, centipedes or mites then they retain their meal's poison which in turn makes the Dart Frog poisonous to a potential predator.

Several chemicals from some these frogs are currently in experiments for use in medicine. It is hoped that their secretions can be developed as muscle relaxants, heart stimulants and appetite suppressants.

There is even one painkiller that is 200 times stronger than morphine, but has dangerous side effects.

Strawberry Poison...
Charles Sleicher
Buy This at Allposters.com

A Few Interesting Facts about Poison Dart Frogs

 

A few of my son's frogs on his bedroom shelves

• Length: .59 in to 2.4 in.

• Weight: approx. 2 - 8 grams

• Lifespan: 1 - 3 years

• Lifespan in Captivity: up to 10 years

• More than 100 species varying in color & pattern

• Named Dart Frogs because their toxins were used by American Indians on the tips of their blow-darts.

• Live in the tropical environments of Central and South America

• Many species are CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

Learn More About Poison Dart Frogs

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All photos on this site are the exclusive property of Sylvestermouse and should not be copied without written permission.

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Micronesia Kingfisher

©Sylvestermouse -- All Rights Reserved

This beautiful bird is now extinct in the wild.   The last wild Micronesia Kingfisher was seen in 1988.  Less than 155 of these extraordinary birds reside in zoos, which are all participating in a breeding program with the hopes of starving off complete extinction of the Micronesia Kingfisher.

These precious little birds were a native species of Guam that was decimated by the accidental introduction of the predatory brown tree snake to the Micronesian islands during WWII by cargo ships and planes.

A small number of Micronesia Kingfishers were recently returned to the island, but continue to be held in captivity there.  They hope to be able to return them to the wild to a near-by snake-free island to once again freely inhabit their native area. 

More Facts about the Micronesia Kingfisher

 

Head-body length:  6" 
Wingspan:  8"
Weight:  2 - 2.6 ounces
Food:  Primarily insects, lizards, hermit craps or small crustaceans

Nest: In a hole in tall tree or coconut palm
Clutch Size:  Usually only 2 eggs

Usually live in pairs
Both parents tend their eggs

©Sylvestermouse -- All Rights Reserved

Sounding the Alarm

 

can even flap their wings fast enough to hover over water. - See more at: http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/kingfisher#sthash.k4aEetU6.dpuf

It is said that you could tell time by the first call of the Micronesia Kingfisher each day because he "sounds the alarm" at the same time every morning, which is usually at dawn.

This is such a beautiful and precious bird.  I, for one, am really glad that someone sounded the alarm about their quickly decreasing numbers, and that so many responded to the call before they became  extinct.




   

Micronesia Kingfisher Mouse Pad by Sylvestermouse
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Image Credit for Photos: 

All Photos are by Sylvestermouse

All photos on this site are the exclusive property of Sylvestermouse and should not be copied without written permission.

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African Lion

Writing about African Lions is bittersweet for me.  They are one of my favorite big cats, but that is mostly because of my love for one African Lion in particular.  My adoration of him now extends to all African Lions.

The African Lion in the photo is Fred, the lion that I loved.  He endeared himself to me years ago by simply roaring.

That is right!  I was visiting one day when he looked straight at me and let out a roar that rocked the entire Memphis zoo.  I was immediately captivated by his voice and his beauty.

If ever there was a male that had a beautiful body, it was Fred.   His lioness, Savannah, obviously agreed with me.  Although, I have seen the loving couple "argue" on more than one occasion and there is nothing more frightening than a lion fight.

Fred died at the ripe old age of 20 in November, 2010, but he will long be remembered as a most majestic beast!

Facts about African Lions

 

Photo of Fred and his lioness, Savannah

In the wild, African Lions only live for 10 to 14 years.  However, like Fred, an African Lion in captivity can actually live for longer than 20 years.

A full grown African Lion can measure up to 8 ft. long with an additional 3 ft. of tail.

A male African Lion can weigh up to 500 lbs. and the female can weigh up to 300 lbs.

Most people are surprised to learn that the African Lion is actually nocturnal, or perhaps more accurately, crepuscular, and they will sleep most of the day.

Lions have retractable claws and a rough tongue that actually helps them skin their prey quickly.

  

The Lion Mane

 

A male African Lion is easily identifiable by his gorgeous mane. You can also tell a great deal about the lion by his mane. Only an adult male has a full mane and the healthier lion will have a darker mane.  This is something female lions know instinctively.  They actually prefer a male with a thick, dark mane.  

The African Lions mane encircles his head and extends down his chest.

 

Fred & Savannah

 

Status of the African Lion Today

Savannah

Even though the Memphis Zoo has acquired 3 lion cubs, Savannah does not interact with them.  As a matter of fact, she is actually out in the main Cat Country area alone at certain times each day.  

It is rather sad to see her there alone.

Update:  Savannah died on March 12, 2015.  She, too, will be missed.

Savannah:  Born ~ June 18, 1994
                    Died ~ March 12, 2015


 
The African Lion is listed as "vulnerable"on the Endangered Species List.

More About African Lions

It is important to teach our children about animals. The vulnerable, threatened, and endangered animals survival will depend on the generations following us and their understanding of the importance of preservation of life.  

 The African Cats: Read And Learn About Wild Cats In AfricaCheck Price Lions (African Animals)Check Price African Lions (Pull Ahead Books)Check Price

 

 

More About the Memphis Zoo:  The Memphis Zoo

Image Credit for Photos: 

All Photos are by Sylvestermouse

African Lion Binder ~ African Lion Binder by Sylvestermouse

Also available on this items ~ Lion Gifts

 

 

 

 

All photos on this site are the exclusive property of Sylvestermouse and should not be copied without written permission.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”