As we have noted cat genetic studies have changed the understanding of feline relation ships and changed the way we understand this mammal family. For example where once there were thought to be five types of tigers, now there are two. Mainland, tigers (Panthera tigris) and island tigers (Panthera tigris sondaica). But DNA studies haveContinue reading “The Clouded Tiger Cat – Newly Discovered Species Raises The Feline Roster To Nearly Forty”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
California Wolf Population Doubles; Birth Of Cubs In 5 of 7 Packs Brings State Census To 65
Wolves in California were exterminated in the 1920’s. But wolves have crept in from other states and have formed packs. They have thrived and the current population is said to number 65, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. In fact, the California wolf population is on a strong upward trend. Wolves, of course, are oneContinue reading “California Wolf Population Doubles; Birth Of Cubs In 5 of 7 Packs Brings State Census To 65”
Pregnant Porbeagle Shark Under Research Study Was Eaten By Larger Shark, Researchers Now Re-Thinking Hunting Habits of Big Sharks
Researchers tagged a pregnant porbeagle shark and monitored it for five months. When the tags went silent the researchers realized that the mother-to-be had been eaten. The pregnant porbeagle shark was probably a meal for a great white shark, researchers believe. The fatal encounter is causing marine biologists to re-think the hunting habits of largerContinue reading “Pregnant Porbeagle Shark Under Research Study Was Eaten By Larger Shark, Researchers Now Re-Thinking Hunting Habits of Big Sharks”
Project Cheetah Setback: Death By Possible Drowning Of Only Free-Ranging Cat Threatens Future Of Ambitious Project
The Indian government’s ambitious plan to reintroduce cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) into suitable Indian habitat has faced many challenges. But the latest Project Cheetah setback may doom the project. Javan, the projects only free ranging cat has been found dead, possibly from suspected drowning. Since cheetahs rarely drown the actual cause of death is still underContinue reading “Project Cheetah Setback: Death By Possible Drowning Of Only Free-Ranging Cat Threatens Future Of Ambitious Project”
The African lion population Is Under More Threat From Fragmented Habitat Than Was Realized, But Solutions Are Possible
Although the African lion population is estimated at 25,000 individuals, increasing habitat fragmentation is putting the future of Panthera leo in serious risk .Researchers at Oxford University have completed a recent continent wide survey that shows the cats are at serious risk from the fragmentation of populations They are therefore facing some of the sameContinue reading “The African lion population Is Under More Threat From Fragmented Habitat Than Was Realized, But Solutions Are Possible”
Florida Python Hunters Compete To Capture The Greatest Number And Biggest Burmese Pythons In Annual Challenge
Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) are an invasive species wreaking havoc on Florida’s ecosystems already under attack from numerous other invasive species. For several years Florida python hunters have answered the call to retaliate. This year is no exception. According to Popular Science the annual 10-day hunt began earlier in August. The goal for Floria pythonContinue reading “Florida Python Hunters Compete To Capture The Greatest Number And Biggest Burmese Pythons In Annual Challenge”
Colorado Wolves Begin To Eat Livestock; Colorado Authorities Investigating Canine Depradations
Colorado reintroduced gray wolves (Canis lupus) to the state last December. Now as Colorado wolves begin to eat livestock one wonders about the future of the controversial reintroduction. According to SkyHighNews wolves have killed just over one dozen head of livestock since the return of the wolves to the state. Colorado wildlife authorities are awareContinue reading “Colorado Wolves Begin To Eat Livestock; Colorado Authorities Investigating Canine Depradations”
India and Tanzania Lead The World In Leopard Population, But Habitat Loss, Poaching and Other Threats Cloud The Worldwide Picture
Leopards are one of the the world’s big cats and join four others in the panthera lineage. Leopards (Pathera pardus), Tigers (Panthera tigris) Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) lions (Panthera leo) and jaguars(Panthera onca) comprise the roaring cats. All are under some level of threat. Leopards may be the most numerous of all and India andContinue reading “India and Tanzania Lead The World In Leopard Population, But Habitat Loss, Poaching and Other Threats Cloud The Worldwide Picture”
Surfing Saltwater Crocodiles Travel Hundreds Of Miles Using Currents And Waves, New Research Shows
Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are the largest living members of the crocodile family. They apparently can be also be called surfers. According to AZ Animals surfing saltwater crocodiles have now been tracked completing surfing safaris of hundreds of miles. The crocodiles had been spotted far out to sea in the past, but how they traveledContinue reading “Surfing Saltwater Crocodiles Travel Hundreds Of Miles Using Currents And Waves, New Research Shows”
Mississippi River Bull Sharks Travel 1,000 Miles Up The Mighty River, Scientists Now Say
Sharks are amazing creatures. Most are saltwater but a few, notably bull sharks, manage to live in fresh and salt water. Surprisingly, Mississippi River bull sharks can travel about 1,000 miles up that enormous American river, scientists now say The sharks, Carcharhinus leucas, have long been known to inhabit both fresh and salt water. TheyContinue reading “Mississippi River Bull Sharks Travel 1,000 Miles Up The Mighty River, Scientists Now Say”