Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Scientific Name

The scientific name for these species of cockatoo is “Cacatua galerita”.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Description

Length: Sulphur Crested Cockatoos have a length of around 45 to 55 centimeters. The birds of Australian mainland are larger in size than the ones found in New Guinea or other nearby islands.

Weight: Their weight ranges between 350 to 500 grams.

Eyes: The eyes are enclosed within a white eye ring. The eye color is different for both sexes; black for the male birds and reddish-brown or burgundy red in case of the females.

Color: These birds have an overall white plumage with yellow crest, underwing and tail.

Bill: The bill is sharply curved and black in color.

Legs: The legs have four digits and are grayish in color.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Distribution

Sulphur Crested Cockatoos are found in many locations throughout Australia, including Tasmania, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. They also occur in Papua New Guinea, New Britain, Milne Bay, Cenderawasih Bay and New Guinea as well as on Indonesian islands like Aru, Misool and Waigeo.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Habitat

These birds like to hang around in the open countryside as well as on woodlands, farmlands and lowland forests.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Migration

Sulphur Crested Cockatoos do not migrate. However, some seasonal movements within specific locations have been reported. They might move from one place to another in search of food.

Picture 1 - Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Behavior

Here are some common behavioral traits of these birds.

• These birds are quite loud and noisy.
• They normally hang out in pairs, small groups or large flocks.
• They have a very warm, friendly and affectionate nature and love to be the center of attention.
• Sulphur Crested Cockatoos have high intelligence and can mimic human speech.
• They are very social by nature and like to spend their time playing, calling in high pitched voice and making enthusiastic gestures.
• They are very loyal to humans or other birds once they develop a close bond.
• These cockatoos are highly vocal during dawn and dusk.
• Although these birds are not aggressive by nature, they can show signs of aggressiveness during puberty or when they fight for attention in captive conditions.
• Flocks of cockatoos commonly love to roost along watercourses during nighttime.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Sound

These birds frequently make high-pitched screeching noises that are meant to traverse long distances through tropical and subtropical forest environments. They make loud and incessant grating calls during evening when they return home to their nests. They are also capable to imitate various sounds such as human speech, other animal noises as well as mechanical sounds.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Flight

These birds have an uneven wing beat action while flying. They can fly at a speed of around 70 kilometers in an hour.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Diet

Sulphur-crested Cockatoos mainly feed on seeds of grasses, grains, herbs, wild melons, fruits and vegetables. Other plant food materials include flowers, nectar, nuts, cereals, oilseed crops, grapes, berries, orchards, leaf buds, rhizomes, bulbous roots. They also prefer to eat certain insects like skinks and crickets as well as small larvae.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Predators

Large kites and snakes are the major predators of Sulphur Crested Cockatoos.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Adaptations

These birds have developed certain adaptations to protect themselves from predators as well as consume their food in a more efficient way.

• A sentinel of birds keeps watch from the top of high trees for any potential danger when some of them feed on the ground. On noticing any predatory species, these birds will make a harsh noise to alert the cockatoos on ground. This system helps them to evade predation fairly easily.
• Their beak and tongue are especially adapted to help them in their seedy diet. The flexible tongue allows them to store seeds inside their beak while they selectively open and eat each individual seed.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Breeding Season

The breeding season for these birds last from August to January in south-eastern Australia and from the months of May to September up in the northern areas.

Picture 2 - Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Photo

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Breeding

The males fight among each other for the attention of the females. During courtship, the male will approach a female with extended wings, widely spread tail feathers and an erect crest. He will also nod his head up and down and swing side to side while producing a low chuckling sound.

Once the two birds have formed a connection, they will preen and scratch each other’s bodies as a means to strengthen their bond. During the mating act, the male bird will mount his female partner. The actual mating takes place by joining of the male and female cloacae. After the birds have developed a close bond, they will leave the group and search for a suitable tree to build their nest.

These birds like to nest in hollow spaces of eucalyptus trees close to a water body. They may also build their nests in tall cliffs and haystacks. The nests are built at a height of 5 to 30 meters above ground.

The female lays a clutch of two to three oval white-colored eggs which are incubated by both the parents for about a month.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Life Cycle

The babies are born hairless with their eyes closed. The parents feed regurgitated food to the young ones. The chicks are weaned by both their parents for about 3 months after which they fledge. It takes one more month for them to become fully independent. The young birds stay with their parents for several months after fledging. The young birds reach sexual maturity when they are about 5 to 7 years old.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoos are monogamous and develop a close bond with their partner that lasts for a lifetime. Separation from their partner might cause them depression.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Diseases

Sulphur Crested Cockatoos are prone to suffer from a viral disease called Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease. This causes the birds to develop misshapen beaks and lose their feathers. They have also been known to be affected by the protozoon Haemoproteus and the malaria parasite Plasmodium.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Life Span

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo can live for nearly 20 to 40 years in the wild. In captivity, they are known to live for about 70 to 100 years.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Sub-species

There are four known subspecies of Sulphur Crested Cockatoo.

• Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita galerita)
• Triton Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita triton)
• Eleonora Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita eleonora)
• Fitzroy Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita fitzroyi)

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo as Pets

If you want to pet a Sulfur Crested Cockatoo, make sure that you can spend enough time with them as these birds are very social and love to interact with other birds and humans. They enjoy sharing care and affection, without which they would not thrive.

Housing: The cage where you keep your pets cockatoos should have enough room as these birds are physically very active and love to flap their wings and stretch themselves. The minimum dimension of the cage should be 2 feet x 2 feet x 3 feet for a single bird. For more than one bird, a larger cage is required. Place the cage in a sunny area. You can also provide them with a perch to sit on along with requisite food and water.

Feeding: Provide your pet with a healthy diet of seeds, fruits, vegetables and occasional crickets. You can also prepare a tasty and nutritious dish for them combining oats, water and honey. The drinking water should be changed every day.

Caring: Bathe your cockatoo once a week with lukewarm water. Don’t rush while trying to bond with your pet. Take time to get to know your bird and allow it time to get to know you as well. Regularly preen the feathers to avoid growth of itchy spots. Trim your bird’s nails to avoid overgrowth of nails. Your cockatoo will try to chew anything it can grasp with its beak. So avoid keeping any plastic materials or sharp objects nearby.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Conservation Status

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo is listed in the category of “Least Concern” by the IUCN.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about these cockatoos.

• Cocky Bennett was a well known Sulphur Crested Cockatoo living in Sydney. He was alive for more than 100 years. His body was preserved after death.
• An Eleonora Cockatoo by the name of Snowball is capable of dancing in accordance to musical beats and rhythms.
• These birds are often referred simply by the name of Cocky.
• The four subspecies are slightly different in their appearance.
• The Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo has a habit of throwing sticks at their predators to scare them off.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Pictures

Here are some images of these playful cockatoos.

Picture 3 - Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Image

Picture 4 - Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Picture

References:

http://birds.about.com/od/largebirds/p/sulphurtoo.htm

http://www.parrotlink.com/cms//index.php?page=greater-sulphur-crested

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/birds/cockatoos/greatersulphur.php

http://www.j-web.com.au/jpage/nature/sulphur-crested-cockatoo.aspx

White Bellied Sea Eagle Scientific Name

The scientific name of White Bellied Sea Eagle is Haliaeetus leucogaster.

White Bellied Sea Eagle Description

This Sea Eagle is large and huge.

Color:  The White Bellied Sea Eagle has a combination of white and dark grey color on its body. It has white color on the head, rump and under parts. Its back and wings are dark grey colored. The large hooked bill is grey with dark tip and the eyes are dark brown in color. The legs and feet are creamy white and they have black talons. These birds have dark colored tails with a whitish tip. The irides are dark brown and the cere is lead grey.

Height: Male Eagles are generally 70-80 centimeters long. Female Eagles are slightly larger and are about 80- 90 centimeters long.

Wingspan: The Wingspan ranges from 1.78 to 2.2 meters.

Weight: Male White Bellied Sea Eagles weigh around 1.8 to 3 kg. Females weigh around 2.5 to 4.5 kg.

Picture 1 - White Bellied Sea Eagle

White Bellied Sea Eagle Distribution

The White Bellied Sea Eagles are found in Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia and South East Asia. In India they are found in Northern parts of Gujarat and also the Lakshwadeep Islands. Not only India but many Asian Countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia are inhabited by the Sea Eagle.

White Bellied Sea Eagle Habitat

The White Bellied Sea Eagle is usually seen perched high in a tree or flying over the waterways and adjacent land. Birds form permanent pairs. They are mostly seen in coastal areas. They are generally territorial, though it may travel to various other places as well. Their range usually varies around 130 sq kilometers and is often shared with other Sea Eagle Pairs for hunting. Each bird nests within a couple of kilometers.

White Bellied Sea Eagle Behavior

The White Bellied Sea Eagles have some unique behavioral patterns.

• The White Bellied Sea Eagles are territorial but some are nomadic by nature.
•  The species is usually monogamous but if their mate dies then they seek for a new mate.
• The White Bellied Sea Eagle is carnivorous.
• Sea Eagles glide high with slow flapping of wings.
• They generally tend to dwell in places where there is no human disturbance.
• Similar to “Roosting” birds they are mostly seen in their favorite trees.
• White Bellied Sea Eagles are commonly seen in warm mornings, near the coasts holding their wings in a v-shape.
• White Bellied Sea Eagles are aggressive.

Picture 2 - White Bellied Sea Eagle Picture

White Bellied Sea Eagle Calls

They have typical loud “goose-like” honking calls, which are heard mainly during the breeding season.

White Bellied Sea Eagle Diet

The Sea Eagles are very fond of fish and so they often glide downwards to catch their prey. Many types of fish, rats and lizards are eaten by these eagles. Sea eagles are often found scavenging around inshore fishing boats. They generally glide and attack the fishes.

It is fond of fish, turtles and sea snakes. It flies over water bodies and grabs its prey with the help of its talon. They are also known to eat birds, small mammals and reptiles and dead carcasses along the edge of water. At times they attack the small birds, to snatch their prey. It is attacking by nature and can attack its prey up to the size of a swan. They generally feed in pairs or in family groups.

White Bellied Sea Eagle Reproduction

During winter or summer in Australia one or two eggs are laid in a nest which is made out of an outer skin of sticks. Old nests are renovated prior to the laying of eggs.  The Sea Eagles generally choose tall trees or man-made pylons for nesting. If there are no trees then there are no predators of their eggs, hence nests can be found in shrubs and on rocky areas.

Hatching takes 40-44 days, but often the first to hatch kills the other eggs and hatchlings. White Bellied Sea Eagles begin to breed from 5 years and can live up to 30 years. The eggs are usually oval shaped and dull in color and of 55 centimeters. The female mostly carries out the incubation but the male also takes part in the process.

White Bellied Sea Eagle Life Cycle

Nestling period is of about 95 days. The chicks are covered in white but it turns to brown. The male eagle brings food and the female feeds the chick, but both parents feed the baby as it grows older.

Picture 3 - White Bellied Sea Eagle Image

White Bellied Sea Eagle Lifespan

The White Bellied Sea Eagles usually live up to thirty years of age.

White Bellied Sea Eagle Conservation Status

The White Bellied Sea Eagle falls under the “least concern” category of IUCN.

White Bellied Sea Eagle Interesting Facts

Some of the interesting facts of the White Bellied Sea Eagle are given below.

• A study on Birds have revealed that White Bellied Sea Eagles from Australia and Papua New Guinea can be differentiated by their size and further down the south the female birds are comparatively larger.
• There are less than 500 pairs of these huge birds in Australia now. Their numbers are declining due to poaching and hunting.
• The White Bellied Sea Eagle is the Guardian Animal of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community.
• It is also the official Emblem of Booderee National Park and Botanical Gardens.
• The inhabitants of the Nissan Island in Papua New Guinea worship it and killing is strictly prohibited.
• The White Bellied Sea Eagle is featured in $10,000 Singapore Note.

White Bellied Sea Eagle Pictures

Here are some of the spectacular pictures of the White Bellied Sea Eagle.

Picture 3 - Flying White Bellied Sea Eagle

Picture 5 - White Bellied Sea Eagle Photo

References:

http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Haliaeetus-leucogaster

http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_579_2005-01-05.html

http://www.arkive.org/white-bellied-sea-eagle/haliaeetus-leucogaste

Australian Magpie Scientific Name

Magpies are scientifically known as Gymnorhina Tibicin.

Australian Magpie Sub-Species

There are currently nine sub-species of Australian magpie. The original form is called Black Backed Magpie.

• G. tibicen tibicen
• G. tibicen terraereginae
• G. tibicen eylandtensis,
• G. tibicen longirostris
• G. tibicen tyrannica,
• G. tibicen telonocua,
• G. tibicen hypoleuca
• The Western Magpie, G. tibicen dorsalis
• The New Guinean Magpie, G. tibicen papuana

Picture 1 - Australian Magpie

Australian Magpie Description

The Australian magpie looks different from the other Australian birds because of their special features.

Size: The bird ranges from 37 to 43 cm in length.

Weight: Magpie weighs about 220-350g.

Color: They are noticeable for their black and white coloration. Presence of bold white patch on their nape is common to all types of magpies.

Feathers: The bird is covered by black and white plumage.

Bill: Magpie has wedge shaped bluish white and black bill.

Legs: Legs are quite long and they walk faster than waddles or hop.

Wings: Magpie wings are normal as that of the other birds having two main divisions. The main flight feathers are attached to the manus and the secondary ones are attached to the ulna. They have 10 primary feathers and 11 secondary feathers.

Australian Magpie Distribution

The Australian magpie is found in the Trans-fly region of New Guinea. Magpies are widely seen in Australia, Tasmania, and Gibson. Magpies were introduced in New Zealand in the 1860’s. These birds are sedentary and territorial throughout its range. Their range and population has increased a lot and will increase in the future.

Picture 2 - Australian Magpie Picture

Australian Magpie Habitat

Magpies prefer open areas such as grasslands, fields, as well as residential areas like parks, gardens, golf courses, and streets. They nest and shelter in trees but are largely seen on the grounds.

Australian Magpie Migration

Most of the time, these birds are seen walking from one place to another in search of food. They are also seen in the trees but not very frequently. They prefer walking rather than flying.

Australian Magpie Behavior

Australian Magpies are quite interesting to watch.

• Australian magpies live in their territories in family units of up to 10 members.
• These birds are diurnal.
• Magpies move around by walking.
• They run in short bursts when hunting prey.
• Sometimes a group use caroling as a signal to advertise ownership and warn off the other magpies.
• One or two magpies parade along the border while the rest in the group stands back.
• They use their bills to search for foods and also upend the debris in search of food.

Australian Magpie Diet

The Australian magpie is omnivorous. They prefer food items that are found at or near ground level like earthworms, millipedes, snails, spiders and scorpions. They also prefer insects like cockroaches, caterpillars, ants, beetles, etc. Being a ground feeder, magpies paces open areas methodically searching for foods.

Australian Magpie Flight

They fluff their black and white feathers while flying from one place to another. They fly within several meters and settle on nearby locations.

Picture 3 - Australian Magpie Flying

Australian Magpie Call

Crouching low and uttering quite begging calls are their common signs. They have a beautiful warbling carol which is heard across Australia every day.

Australian Magpie Predators

Natural predators of magpie include several species of monitor lizard and the barking owl. These birds are often killed on roads or sometimes getting electrocuted by power lines. Some also die because of being poisoned after eating mice, rats with baiting.

Australian Magpie Adaptations

They are very adaptive in nature.

• Their long and muscular legs make them capable of walking fast from one spot to another. Their legs are designed for walking.
• Their tale is made out of 21 feathers, specially designed to increase their flying speed.
• Magpies protect their children from different animals by swooping attack.
• When it comes to bird, it attempts to damage their wings by stinging their feathers.

Australian Magpie Mating Season

Their mating season starts from the month of June and continues till September.

Australian Magpie Breeding

They actually have a long breeding period. The female make nests of their own, which is comprised of a rough basket of sticks in a tree. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which hatch in within 20 days. Females hatch and rear their unaided nascent born ones to the fledging phase. At this time, male ones take care of the nests. Magpies are known for cooperative breeding. This actually varies from one region to another.

Australian Magpie Life Cycle

Within three weeks the juvenile magpies start moving on their own. They leave the nest after three weeks and starts feeding themselves on their own. Some magpies continue begging for food till eight or nine months.

The age at which these birds disperse varies from one country to another. Males are more dispossessed than the females. Many even leave at around a year old.

Australian Magpie Conservation Status

They are listed in the least concern category by the IUCN. These birds are not threatened, thus are not conservation dependent.

Australian Magpie Interesting Facts

These birds are quite entertaining and interesting in nature.

• They are not at all aggressive in nature
• Their voice is something really interesting to listen to.
• They use a very high pitch noise to warn the intruders.
• Magpies are less likely to swoop if you have a look at them.

Australian Magpie Pictures

Here are some images of Australian magpie

Picture 4 - Australian Magpie Nest

Picture 5 - Australian Magpie Image

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Magpie

http://australian-animals.net/magpie.htm

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/TheAustralianMagpie.htm

http://birdsinbackyards.net/species/Cracticus-tibicen

Numbat Scientific Name.

Scientific name for Numbat is Myrmecobius fasciatus.

Numbat Description

This adorable looking species is totally harmless and very cute.

Size: This species of mammals is usually 35 cm to 45 cm in length. This length is measured from its head to tail tip.

Body: Body of this animal resembles to that of a squirrel with the same pointed snout and upright ears.

Color: Color of this mammal varies considerably. The body color ranges from light grey to maroon, sometimes even brick red. Long, black stripes run through the face from the snout till the base of the ears. On the upper-side of the body there are about 4 to 11 stripes in white, fainting towards the middle of the back.

Underneath part of this mammal is cream-ish or light grey-ish in color. The tail is grey colored with white occasional flakes.

Picture 1 - Numbat

Eyes: Cone cells in the retina of the eyes of this species are comparatively dominant. It helps this creature to see better in bright daylight.

Mouth: This mammal has a narrow and long tongue. A coat of sticky saliva coats the tongue. A bunch of non-functional and very small teeth comprises most part of its upper jaw. Other functional teeth form a dental patter usually in the ratio of .

Limbs: This animal has 5 toes on forelimbs and 4 toes on hind limbs. The forelimbs are very powerful and claws are extraordinarily heavy.

Tail: The tail is almost as long as the body. It is covered with thick and long hair.

Weight: Weight of this creature is hugely variable. Some weigh around 280 gm and some weigh even upto 700 gm.

Numbat Behavior

Find out the various interesting behavioral characteristics of this species.

• These are carnivorous animal.
• They, like amphibians, flick out their sticky tong to catch their prey.
• These creatures need hiding places like underground burrows and hollow tree logs to find home.
• They can smell their prey from a considerable distance with the help of their strong smelling power.
• They reproduce only 1 litter per year.
• Males attain reproductive maturity at the age of 2 years.
• Females attain reproductive maturity on their first year itself.
• These mammals are very humble and defenseless creatures.
• Baby Numbats cling to the golden hair on their mothers’ bellies.
• Adult Numbats eat 20,000 termites every day.

Numbat Diet

This species are carnivorous in their diet habit. They survive on termites and ants. They locate some termite nest and flick their tongues out and the termites get stuck on the sticky tongues of Numbats. They eat around 20,000 termites each day.

Numbat Distribution

The Numbats are natives of southern parts of Australia. Throughout northwestern parts of New South Wales from the whole of western parts of Australia used to come under the original distributional range of these mammals.

Since the time of the European invasion population of this species have alarmingly decreased. The species could maintain their survival in parts of Peru Nature Reserve and Dryandra Woodlands in the Western Australia. Recently, Numbats have successfully restored their existence in some protected reserves of New South Wales and South Australia.

Picture 2 - Numbat Photo

Numbat Habitat

Open woodlands that are full of Eucalyptus are homes to these amazing creatures. They nest in hollow tree logs for shelter.

Numbat Predator

Natural predators in the wild of this amazing endangered species of mammals are Carpet pythons, Collard sparrowhawk, Brown goshawk and Little eagle.

Numbat Adaptation

This humble creature does not much adaptive features.

• Its sharp smelling power helps it to smell preys and predators from a distance.
• The stripes on its body help the creature to camouflage in the wild.
• This mammal is almost defenseless thus needing to hide from predators. Its powerful claws help it to dig burrows in the ground very fast and hide.
• Its diet is simple thus helping it to never fall short of food.

Numbat Mating Season

The Numbats mate during the months of February and March.

Numbat Gestation Period

Gestation period of these mammals lasts for 12 days to 16 days.

Numbat Reproduction

The females attain reproductive maturity at the age of 1 year approx and the males attain at the age of 2 years. The males and females mate and then the females reproduce 1 litter every year. In case the reproduced litter gets destroyed then the females can produce another litter in the same year. Each litter produces about 2 to 4 younger ones.

The gestation period lasts around a fortnight. The Numbats do not have pouches, unlike other marsupials. During the lactation period the new born ones cling to a patch of golden hair on the mothers’ near abdomen region.

Picture 3 - Numbat Tongue

Numbat Life Cycle

The new born Numbats are 2 cm in size, hairless and blind. They develop their first patch of hair when they have grown about 3 cm in size. They feed on their mothers’ milk till the age of 6 months.

The mother Numbats leave the young ones after 6 months and go out in search of food. The mothers return in the burrows to the nascent born one during nights to feed them. When the kids are about 7 months of age the mothers start carrying them on the back.

Numbat Life Span

Lifespan in the wild of these adorable creatures is unknown. In captivity, they have been observed to have lived for about 5 years to 6 years.

Numbat Sub-species

Only two sub-species of this mammal have been discovered, namely M. f. fasciatus and M. f. rufus. The M.f. rufus sub-species is extinct by now.

Numbat As Pets

In Western Autralia it is illegal to pet most of the exotic animals. Especially Numbats, being one of the endangered species, are absolutely illegal n punishable to pet.

Conservation Status : Endangered

This amazing species of mammals is listed as an endangered species by IUCN surveys. Main reason behind this species being endangered is the European red fox invasion in Australia.

Numbat Interesting Facts

Here are some of the most interesting facts about this amazing species.

• Though the name suggests somewhere near to the bat species but this mammal actually is more similar to squirrels.
• Despite being marsupials, the Numbats do not have any pouches to carry the young ones.
• These tiny creatures eat 20,000 termites each day.

Numbat Pictures

Check out the pictures below and find out how this amazing animal looks.

Picture 4 - Baby Numbat Image

Picture 5 - Numbat Picture

Reference:

http://australian-animals.net/numbat.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbat#Distribution_and_habitat

http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/Numbat.htm

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_adaptations_of_the_numbat

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Can_numbats_be_kept_as_pets

Rainbow Lorikeet Scientific Name

The Rainbow Lorikeet bears the scientific name of Trichoglossus haematodus.

Rainbow Lorikeet Description

A Rainbow Lorikeet is a mid-size parrot that is full of rainbow colors. Male and female lorikeets look similar.

Size: These birds are 25 to 30 centimeters long. The wing span is of 17 centimeters.

Weight: Average weight of rainbow lorikeets ranges from 75 to 157 grams.

Color: The head is a shade of deep blue. The left and right upper sides are deep green. The belly is usually deep green. The thighs and the buttocks are merged in yellow and deep green. Rainbow Lorikeets are hardly distinguishable in genders. The chest is blazing red with strokes of blue and black.

Picture 1 - Rainbow Lorikeet

Rainbow Lorikeet Subspecies

There are a wide range of rainbow lorikeet subspecies.

• Swainson’s Lorikeet (T. h. moluccanus)
• Shawl-collared Rosenberg’s Lorikeet (T. h. rosenbergii)
• Green-naped Lorikeet (T. h. haematodus)
• Blue-faced Lorikeet (T. h. intermedius)
• Brook’s Lorikeet (T. h. brooki)
• Pale-head Lorikeet (T. h. caeruleiceps)
• Southern Green-naped Lorikeet (T. h. micropteryx)
• Deplanche’s Lorikeet (T. h. deplanchii)
• Massena’s or Coconut Lorikeet (T. h. Massena)
• Ninigo Lorikeet (T. h. nesophilus)
• Olive-green Lorikeet (T. h. flavicans)

Rainbow Lorikeet Distribution

These parrots are Australian in origin. They are commonly found in the eastern shoreline stretching from Queensland to South Australia and northwest Tasmania. They are also found in eastern Indonesia (Maluku and Western New Guinea), Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Rainbow Lorikeet Habitat

Rainbow Lorikeets are commonly found in the rainforests, coastal bushes and woodland forest areas.

Rainbow Lorikeet Diet

This species of parrots are notorious for destroying fruit crops. However, the general diet of a Rainbow lorikeet comprises of nectars and pollen from flowers. These birds eat a wide range of fruits like apples and grapes. They also eat sunflower seed which is their most favorite food item, ripened grains and oats.

Wild Lorikeets residing at camping sites, open gardens and pastures often get close to humans. They tend to feed from hands.

Visitors in Australia are encouraged to feed Lorikeets with specially prepared nectars.

Picture 2 - Rainbow Lorikeet Image

Rainbow Lorikeet Behavior

These birds are found to have a large number of behavioral attributes. Some of them are:

• Rainbow Lorikeets usually fly in pairs but sometimes they also stay and fly in flocks.
• These Australian parrots often respond to calls for flying together in flocks. However, while they love flying in a flock they are also seen to disperse in pairs way too soon.
• They feed in a group. Often the feeding group consists of 20 birds.
• They have a natural fun temperament. It attracts huge number of tourists in South Queensland.
• These birds are at times noisy and socially active.
• A Lorikeet is often found to become territorial in nature.
• Some Lorikeet pet owners have found these birds demanding and attention-seeking. They can be easily tamed.

Rainbow Lorikeet Calls

Rainbow Lorikeets call out loudly. They have a screeching nature of chattering and calling. While the inherent nature is to stick together in flocks, lorikeets swoop from trees calling out loudly to group members.

While flying, they give out continuous sharp screeching calls. While eating they continue with their shrill chatters. Even while resting, they can be heard giving out soft twitters.

Rainbow Lorikeet Flight

These birds have swift and direct flights. A mild flapping sound is heard due to the continuous shallow beating of their wings. They fly very high in the skies. They travel very long distances while flying. While taking short flights, these chirpy birds twist and turn over and above trees.

Picture 3 - Rainbow Lorikeet Flying

Rainbow Lorikeet Breeding

Lorikeets in Australia usually tend to breed during spring time (September to December). However, the time of breeding varies depending on climate and feeding conditions. This species prefer nesting in the hollow bark of trees. Usually they choose tall trees like eucalypts and places like palm trunks and overhanging rocks. A very strange nature of rainbow lorikeet breeding is that several pairs of Lorikeets nest together in a same tree.

Commonly there are 1 to 3 eggs. These are incubated within a span of 25 days. Only the females take the entire incubation responsibilities.

Rainbow Lorikeet Life Cycle

It takes around 60 days for a new born one to learn flying. The juveniles become independent after two weeks added to their fledging time.

These birds reach sexual maturity between 18 to 24 months.

Rainbow Lorikeet Lifespan

A rainbow lorikeet is a strong bird which normally lives for 7 to 9 years. But there have been reports of long lives often ranging for 15 to 20 years.

As a pet they can live long depending upon the bird’s hygiene and care. They require clean environment in order to thrive.

Rainbow Lorikeet as Pets

A rainbow lorikeet is believed to be a fast learner and a regular dose of amusement. These parrots are extremely playful.

Housing

These birds are commonly kept in suspended cages. These cages should follow certain measurements – approximately 1200mm long, 900mmwide and 1200mm high (4 x 3 x 4 ft).

They can also be kept in aviaries that are 10 feet. Due to their aggressive behavior, these birds are usually kept as a single pair in an aviary.

Feeding

These birds love having nectar. Wet and dry nectar can be mixed to make their food. There is great number of food available commercially. You can make your own recipe with baby cereals, rice flour, breadcrumbs, powdered glucose, skim milk powder, semolina (wheat hearts) and pollen mixture.

Fruits and vegetables can also be an important part of their daily diet. Iron-free food should be used as the birds are prone to health problems due to iron.

Care

These birds are great pets and should be regularly taken to veterinarians. They are prone to worms and parasite attacks. Medicines and parasite control should be regularly maintained. The secret to a healthy lorikeet is a homely and hygienic atmosphere.

Rainbow Lorikeet Interesting Facts

Find out some exciting facts about the bird:

• A Rainbow lorikeet gets its name for the riots of all the rainbow colors visible on its feathers.
• They are friendly. They love being loved and adored.
• Rainbow Lorikeets love hanging from trees while sucking nectar.
• Lorikeets can get really messy at times.
• While a female Lorikeet incubates an egg she is fed by her mate.
• They are extremely smart birds.
• Rainbow Lorikeets are often killed by poisoning or shooting because of crop destruction.
• These Australian parrots are renowned pests.

Rainbow Lorikeet Pictures

Here are some incredible images of these birds known as Rainbow Lorikeet.

Picture 4 - Baby Rainbow Lorikeet

Picture 5 - Rainbow Lorikeet Picture

References:

http://australian-animals.net/rainbow.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_lorikeet

http://www.birdsnways.com/mowen/rainbows.htm

http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/2001/archives/2001_archives/roadtests/birds?p=1200

http://www.oiseaux-birds.com/card-rainbow-lorikeet.html

Marsupial Mouse Scientific Name

The Scientific Name of Marsupial Mouse is Antechinus stuartii.

Marsupial Mouse Sub Species

There are a few sub species of Marsupial Mouse.

• Sub tropical antechinus.
• Tropical antechinus.
• Yellow-footed antechinus.

Marsupial Mouse Description

Find out how this tiny, naughty mammal looks.

Size: Length of their body varies between 9.5 and 11cms. The length of the tail is 10 to 12 cms.

Color:  The color of the body is generally solid grey, buff or brown. Their body is greyish on the upper part and the underbelly is whitish in color. The eyes are dark brown in color. The nose is pink in color.

Shape: They have long tail, big ears and stilt like hind legs. The end of the tail is so thickly furred that it resembles a bottle brush. They have a resemblance to placental rats and mice.

Weight: The weight of a Marsupial Mouse ranges around 35 grams for males and 20 grams for females.

Length: The body length ranges from 150-250mm in males and 139-220 mm in females. The tail is almost as long as the body.

Body: Marsupial Mouse has long pointed head. They have short, dense and coarse fur. Females lack pouch, instead they have variable number of exposed nipples. They have five toes on each of its four feet.

Picture 1 - Marsupial Mouse

Marsupial Mouse Distribution

The Marsupial Mouse is mainly found in Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea.

Marsupial Mouse Habitat

They are seen in hot, stony desert and dry grasslands. They are seldom seen in the wild. They are ground dwelling marsupials, living in its burrow or in the holes of other animals. They prefer wet areas but are also at times found in dry areas. They are also found in trees at times.

Marsupial Mouse Predator

The Marsupial Mouse is attacked by cats and foxes. It is also attacked by snakes, lizards and predatory birds.

Marsupial Mouse Adaptation

Marsupial Mice have many adaptive features and characteristics that help them to survive and avoid being preyed on.

• They are well adapted to life in desert and do not need to drink water. It derives needed moisture from food.
• When the temperatures drop and food supply is scarce, then Marsupial Mouse becomes torpid.
• The Marsupial mouse stalks like a cat and uses a direct neck bite when killing large prey.

Marsupial Mouse Diet

Marsupial Mouse is a carnivorous animal. It feeds on insects and other small prey. It also feed on smaller birds, reptiles, rodent, beetles, spiders and cockroaches. They may also eat plant material or flower pollen.

Picture 2 - Marsupial Mouse Image

Marsupial Mouse Behavior

The Marsupial Mouse behavior patterns are quite interesting.

• They are carnivorous.
• They are solitary in nature.
• If attacked the Marsupial mouse gets aggressive.
• They hunt at night but can be active during the day if there is food shortage.
• This species have a very high metabolism rate.
• These creatures are nocturnal.
• These mammals are excellent climbers.

Marsupial Mouse Reproduction

The Marsupial mouse reaches sexual maturity in 9 to 10 months. The Marsupial Mouse’s breeding season is restricted to about three months and they produce one baby a year. The gestation lasts for about 26-35 days. The males die after their first two weeks of breeding season due to the stress and exhaustion of mating.

Marsupial Mouse Life Cycle

In the absence of a pouch, the mouse clings to the Mother’s underbelly. They are dragged across the ground while she goes out in search of food for 5 weeks. Births usually occur within a period of 2 weeks.

Newborns are 4 to 5 mm in length at birth and weigh an average of 0.016 grams. The young ones stay with their mother for about 90 days. The young one leaves the mother on the onset of winter. Females usually nest alone to rear their young ones.

Marsupial Mouse Lifespan

The average lifespan of Marsupial Mouse is 32 weeks. Some of them also live up to 72 weeks.

Marsupial Mouse Conservation Status

These mammals are labeled as “least concerned” by the IUCN  (International Union For Conservation of Nature). There are no immediate threats to the survival of the Marsupial Mouse, because of its widespread and abundant range.

Marsupial Mouse Interesting Facts

The Marsupial Mouse has some interesting facts.

• The mother marsupials they deny milk to male offspring, preferring to wean females.
• Mothers usually eat their young ones in captivity.
• Males die after 2weeks of mating, due to stress and exhaustion after mating.

Marsupial Mouse Pictures

Here are some splendid images of Marsupial Mouse.

Picture 3 - Marsupial Mouse Picture

Picture 4 - Marsupial Mouse Photo

References:

http://www.britannica.com

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu

http://thewebsiteofeverything.com

http://www.iucnredlist.org

Weedy Sea Dragon Scientific Name

The scientific name for this sea dragon is Phyllopteryx taeniolatus.

Weedy Sea Dragon Description

They have a very colorful appearance:

Size: Adults of this species are approximately 45 cm long.

Color: Their red bodies are with purple and yellow marks. The Males are darker in color than the females.

Body: The narrow bodies of these Sea dragons have numerous leaf-like appendages and short dorsal spines. The appendages give them a weed-like appearance. Male Weedy Sea Dragons are more slender than the females.

Snouts: They have long tube-like snouts.

Fins: A long dorsal fin runs along its back while there are two pectoral fins on both sides of the neck.

Tails: These Sea dragons have long tails. The males have a brooding pouch located under their tails.

Picture 1 - Weedy Sea Dragon

Weedy Sea Dragon Distribution

They are found in Australia, mainly throughout the southern coastline. Their distribution ranges from Port Stephens in New South Wales to Geraldton, Western Australia. This species is also found around Tasmania.

 Weedy Sea Dragon Habitat

These fish inhabit coastal waters and are found at depths down to 50 meters. They are believed to prefer seaweed beds, rocky reefs and seagrass meadows.

Weedy Sea Dragon Diet

Their diet mainly consists of a variety of zooplanktons. They feed on different crustaceans, larval fishes, mysids and sea lice.

Weedy Sea Dragon Behavior

This species has an interesting behavior pattern:

• They like to swim alone or in pairs.
• The male Sea dragons take care of the developing eggs.
• They are most active during daytime.
• These fish are not great swimmers. They usually drift with the current in the water.
• Weedy Sea Dragons use their long snouts to feed.

Weedy Sea Dragon Predators

This Sea Dragon does not have any known predators.

Picture 2 - Weedy Sea Dragon Image

Weedy Sea Dragon Adaptations

There are many adaptive features that help them to survive in their natural habitat:

• The appendages growing from their bodies give them a weed-like appearance, thus making it impossible for the potential predators to find them.
• The rows of spines also protect them against predators.
• The pectoral fins located on both sides of their necks help them to maintain balance.
• They use their long dorsal fins to propel themselves forward in water.
• This species do not have teeth. Instead, they use their long snouts to suck preys in their mouths.

Weedy Sea Dragon Mating Season

The breeding season for this species starts in early summer.

Weedy Sea Dragon Reproduction

They attain sexual maturity when 2 years old. The females lay approximately 120 eggs in the “brood pouches” of the males, where the eggs get fertilized. Male Weedy Sea Dragons carry the eggs with them until they hatch.

Weedy Sea Dragon Life Cycle

Their eggs take around 2 months to hatch. The Weedy Sea Dragon babies start feeding shortly after their birth. Juveniles of this species are able to reproduce within the first year of their growth. But, they generally wait until they reach full maturity at 2 years of age.

Weedy Sea Dragon Lifespan

The lifespan of this species ranges between 6 and 10 years.

Weedy Sea Dragon Conservation Status

This species is included in the “Near Threatened”  category by the IUCN. Habitat loss due to pollution and development is considered to be the main threat towards their existence.

Weedy Sea Dragon as Pet

Weedy Sea Dragons are one of the most expensive and difficult pets to keep. It is extremely hard to find a Sea dragon in pet stores. It is also important to check all the local and federal laws and obtain proper permits for keeping one of these fish as pet. Here is some basic information about housing and caring for them.

Housing: A four feet tall tank should be used for housing one Sea dragon of this species.

Feeding: One needs to feed them only with live mysis shrimp, which means feeding them will cost about $100 a week. These Sea dragons cannot survive if they are fed with anything else.

Weedy Sea Dragon Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about these marine fish:

• They are among the most ornately camouflaged species in the world.
• This is one of the three species where the males take care of the eggs.
• Capturing these Sea dragons for any purpose is illegal in most of the places where they are found.
• The baby Weedy Sea Dragons are completely independent from the moment they are born.
• They feed slowly and frequently as they do not have digestive systems.

Weedy Sea Dragon Pictures

Here are some images of this Sea dragon species.

Picture 3 - Weedy Sea Dragon Picture

Picture 4 - Weedy Sea Dragon Photo

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllopteryx

http://www.arkive.org/weedy-seadragon/phyllopteryx-taeniolatus/

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/sea-dragon/

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5799492_weedy-sea-dragons.html

Scientific name

Fairy Penguin is scientifically known as Eudyptula minor.

Fairy Penguin Description

These creatures can be easily identified, as they are the smallest of creatures in the species of Penguins in an attractive shade. Some of their physical attributes are:

Color

The mammals have a nice blue shade on their upper body or feathers and a contrast is being provided by the shade of white under those feathers comprising the underbelly. They have dark black-gray colored beaks along with pink feet covering black soles. Shades are lighter when they are young.

Weight

Fairy Penguins weigh around 1 kg and look prettily plump.

Height

They have incredibly short height, growing up to around 12 inches tall in their entire lifetime. Their approximate length of the beak is almost 3 to 3.5 cm and their age determines other measurements of their physical appearance.

Picture 1 - Fairy Penguin

Feathers

They have taut and small feathers that have an amazing waterproofing quality made possible by the presence of oil glands in the tail.

Fairy Penguin Behavior

Fairy Penguins have several distinct behavioral traits.

• Since they love swimming, they indulge in it frequently after sunrise. They hunt for their food usually in the evenings by diving into the sea and are great at it.

• These creatures can communicate via certain sounds that are prominent during the breeding season when they call for their mating partners. They show distinct behavior pattern while recognizing their partners.

• Apart from having definite vocal patterns, they also display physical behavior.

• They have a distinct hunting design and are able to dive as deep as 10 to 15 m for hunting food.

• Interestingly they cover their bill while sleeping which may seem to be a clever way of preventing the loss of heat from the body.

• Fairy Penguins like any other species of the same family are extremely social though they tend to be shy as well. They move around and also eat in groups.

• These little creatures a distinct way of waterproofing their bodies by releasing and rubbing the oil on their bodies by the process of preening that they do all through the day.

Picture 2 - Fairy Penguin Photo

Fairy Penguin Sounds

They are highly vocal and they have a way of communicating via sounds of various kinds. An extensive range of sound emitted by the creature helps them mate, seek protection and play. As mating season approaches, they recognize their partners and call for them via different sounds.

Fairy Penguin Diet

These amazing Penguins are carnivorous creatures surviving on tiny sea creatures, fishes and squids like Australian anchovies.

Distribution

They are fairly distributed mainly on the southern fringes of Australia, New Zealand, Chatham Islands and Tasmania.

Habitat

This family of Penguins differs from other species by the way of living in tropical as well as sub Antarctic regions. These creatures make burrows underground which again have a pretty stable temperature around 25 to 30 degree Celsius. These burrows are adjacent to the sea or any other water body. They generally form colonies that are scattered around place where they are dominant.

Picture 3 - Baby Fairy Penguin

Fairy Penguin Predators

Among the predators at sea, killer whales, sharks and furs are common, while they are preyed upon by massive Gulls and Sea Eagles on land. New Zealand Fur Seals are a common danger apart from foxes, snakes, feral cats and lizards.

Fairy Penguin Adaptations

Fairy Penguins have quite a number of adaptive features.

• They, like any other of their species have wings that work like flippers helping them swim. They exhibit mechanisms like a flying bird.
• They can dive like experts though the timing of staying underwater is not long enough.
• Their bodies have glands located at the bill which enables them to discard the salt which may deposit while they are in the sea.
• Their feathers are waterproofing shields and they provide them the warmth and protection from freezing waters of the ocean.
• These fairy Penguins have a great circulatory system that is suitable to maintain the temperature of the body, either by releasing or conserving heat.

Fairy Penguins Mating Season

Breeding season of these Penguins is considered to be the shortest as compared with the other Penguins. It can breed all through the year for a period of 45 to 50 days.

Picture 4 - Fairy Penguin Picture

Fairy Penguin Breeding

They have a distinct pattern and season of breeding, when they meet at the breeding colonies. Maturity age of the male Fairy Penguin is around 3 years and female is 2 years approximately. Eggs are generally laid in the months following September till November and that go through an incubation period of around 40 days, in which the males also participate.

These Penguins are serial monogamous creatures. They are very loyal to their counterparts during the whole season of breeding and as soon as it gets over, they look for other partners. When the little Penguins are born, they are looked after for almost a month and then allowed to roam free and hunt for their own food.

Breeding Range

Families of these creatures can be traced all through New Zealand and southern Australia. They have their breeding range extended across Western Australia comprising the Shoalwater Island group towards the southern coastal region till the eastern sides including South Solitary Islands.

In New Zealand, these creatures can be spotted along the shores of Stewart Islands and Chatham. They breed in the coastal regions that possess no threat from mammalian predators for safe delivery and nurturing of the young ones. They are known to return back to the same locations every year for breeding.

Picture 5 - Fairy Penguin Egg

Fairy Penguin Lifespan

The average lifespan of the creature is 6 to 7 years but they have been recorded to live longer when captivated.

Fairy Penguin Sub Species

White-flippered Penguin may be termed as a sub species of the Fairy Penguin.

Fairy Penguin Conservation status

According to IUCN reports this species of Penguins are listed as ‘least concerned’ ones.

Fairy Penguin As Pets

Requisites for petting them: 

Housing: As Fairy Penguins are sociable, they can coexist with humans at home. They even adapt to the surroundings really fast so housing them won’t be a problem. For this, a water body or a pool having fresh water is essential as they will spend considerable time in it.

Food: They can be fed with small fishes fresh from the stream.

Caring: It is advised to protect them from excess heat, cold and snow, so don’t forget them outside! In case they fall sick, it would be advised to consult a professional.

Picture 6 - Fairy Penguin Image

Fairy Penguin Interesting Facts

• These aquatic creatures were first mentioned and identified by German naturalist Johann Reinhold Forster in his journals published in 1781.
• They form colonies during breeding season that are also called rookeries that stretch for several hundreds of km sq.
• The maximum time that these fairy Penguins can stay underneath water by holding their breath is 60 seconds.
• While going back to their burrows at night these wonderful creatures wait and call for each other so that they can travel safely. This parade is a sight to behold.
• Penguins often preserve their energy by sleeping for longer duration.
• Sleeping behavior of fairy Penguins often may remind of the birds.
• For generating extra heat in their body, these creatures are often seen shivering.
• They look lovely when they are found sliding or waddling on the ground.
• They have great audible power and vision under water.
• Tobogganing is the term given to the sliding of the Penguin on its stomach.
• Fairy Penguins are the smallest in the species of Penguins known by different names.
• Tourists visit Sea World in Australia’s Gold Coast which has a colony of Fairy Penguins.

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Penguin

http://www.australianfauna.com/fairyPenguin.php

http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=652

http://www.seaworld.org/infobooks/Penguins/adaptations.html

http://australianadaptations.wikispaces.com/fairy+Penguins

http://www.Penguins.cl/little-Penguins.htm

http://australian-animals.net/peng.htm

http://blog.nus.edu.sg/lsm1303student2011/2011/04/03/Penguins-in-fairyland/

http://www.junglewalk.com/sound/Penguin-sounds.htm

http://www.mikeandkayla.com/2011/11/Penguins-4-sale.html

Turtle Frog Scientific Name

The scientific name for the turtle frog is Myobatrachus gouldii. It is the only species of the Myobatrachus genus.

Turtle Frog Description

Turtle frog is a peculiar frog which resembles a small turtle without a carapace. These frogs are very small and have an average length of about 2 inches (5cm). Their back is shiny and smooth with fine granules. Their belly is dirty white with brown flecks. They have round body with small head and tiny eyes. Unlike the other frogs, they have short but muscular limbs which helps them to dig the sand. The color of its back varies from light pink to deep brown.

Picture 1 - Turtle Frog

Turtle Frog Distribution

Turtle frogs are native to Western Australia. They are found in the southwest and central zones of west Australia. They range from Geraldton in the north and Fitzgerald River in the south eastern side. They are widely found across the coastal plains of Perth Region.

Turtle Frog Habitat

Turtle frogs are found in semi arid environment. They inhabit the open woodlands, places of leached grey sand and dense scrubs in sand hills. Their habitat is generally associated with termite colonies as they feed on termites. They hide under logs and stay underground most of the time. They emerge to the surface after the rain.

Turtle Frog Reproduction

Mating occurs after a heavy rain when the turtle frogs come up to the surface. The mating call of the turtle frog varies regionally. Once they choose their partner, they retire to their burrow.

Turtle Frog Eggs

A clutch of 15 to 40 eggs are laid. Turtle frog eggs have an average diameter of 6mm and are one of the biggest eggs laid among the Australian frogs.

Turtle Frog Tadpoles

The species of Turtle Frog do not have a tadpole stage; instead it develops fully inside the egg. The hatchlings are small fully developed frogs.

Turtle Frog Call

Their mating call is a deep croak from their burrow.

Picture 2 - Turtle Frog Photo

Turtle Frog Diet

Turtle frogs feed on termites and therefore they are found at the termite colonies.

Turtle Frog Interesting Facts

• They are native to the Western parts of Australia
• They are named Turtle Frog due to the fact that they resemble a small turtle without its carapace.
• They have small muscular limbs which helps them to dig the sand.
• Like a turtle, these turtle frogs dig forward rather than backward like any other frogs.
• Turtle frog does not have a tadpole stage; rather its embryo develops inside the egg.
• The eggs of the turtle frog are the biggest of all the Australian frogs.
• They lay 20 to 40 eggs at a time.
• They feed on termites hence their habitat is also associated with the availability of termite colonies.
• Turtle frogs can eat around 400 termites at a time.
• It burrows its head first into the sand.
• Turtle frogs are a close relative of the Sandhill frogs and have similar habits of digging forward and taking care of their young ones.

Turtle Frog Conservation Status

Turtle frog is not considered an endangered species and its population has remained stable. There is no threat that has been considered to this species as it occurs in an area secluded from human disturbances.

The possibility of any threat of the species would be due to the following:

• Stalinization, where the soluble salts gets accumulated in the soil.
• Changes in the habitat like clearance of the vegetation or growth of invasive species.
• Direct human impact due to urbanization
• Water pollution

Turtle Frog Pictures

Here are some of the pictures of this unique frog.

Picture 3 - Turtle Frog Picture

Picture 4 - Turtle Frog Image

Reference:

http://www.strangeanimals.info/2011/09/turtle-frog.html

http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/41171/0

http://frogwatch.museum.wa.gov.au/Southwest/SwanCoastalPlain/435.aspx

http://frogsaustralia.net.au/frogs/display.cfm?frog_id=52

http://thewebsiteofeverything.com/animals/amphibians/Anura/Myobatrachidae/Myobatrachus-gouldii

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myobatrachus_gouldii

Tasmanian Devil Description

Tasmanian devil looks like a small dog and weighs around 6 to 8 kilograms. The world’s largest carnivorous marsupial has a thick dark fur, with broad head and a short thick tail. Their fur is mostly black with often-white patches at the chest and rump, which gives them the appearance of a baby bear. They are characterized by a muscular body with longer front legs and shorter rear legs, have pungent smell and are ferocious while feeding. Tasmanian devils have strong teeth and can be the most powerful bites through the bones. Their loud screeches made them sound like devils at night to the early settlers and hence were named devil.

Picture 1 - Tasmanian Devil

The males are larger than the female devils. The average length of the adult male would be around 25.7 inches and the length of the tail would be 10.2 inches. The Tasmanian devils store their body fat in their tail. They have large head and have a considerably strong teeth and jaws. It has long whiskers allowing it to detect prey during the dark. Their vision is the strongest during the dawn and dusk time.

Tasmanian Devil History

Fossils found claim that Tasmanian devils were found widely across the mainland Australia. However before the European settlement about 400 years ago, due to the widespread dingo and aridity, the devils became extinct in the area. Bas Strait prevented it from entering Tasmania and hence the devils became an icon of the region.

The Tasmanian devils raided the poultry yards and caused a lot of nuisance due to which the European settlers of the Hobart Town to remove the devils introduced a bounty scheme. Poisoning and trapping the devils headed to extinction of the devils until the law protected them in June 1941, after which their population started growing gradually.

Tasmanian Devil Distribution

Tasmanian devils are found widely across the eastern, central and northern Tasmania, living in the eucalypt forest and the coastal scrubs. They are also found near the human settlement.

Picture 2 - Tasmanian Devil Image

Tasmanian Devil Habitat

Tasmanian devils are mainly found at areas of low to moderate annual rainfall, from the coast to the mountain, distributed throughout the eastern, central and northern Tasmania. They prefer the coastal woodlands and the dry sclerophyll forests. They avoid the high altitudes and have very low population at the button grass plains on the southwestern part of the state.

Tasmanian Devil Behaviors

Tasmanian devils are nocturnal creatures; they hunt during the night and spend the entire day in their den or a hollow. Young devils are active during the dawn and dusk. They are considered to have adapted this behavior to avoid being attacked by the predators.

Young devils have the ability to climb trees than the adult ones. The devils can swim even in the icy cold-water bodies. Tasmanian devils produce a pungent odour when they are threatened, however they do not smell when they are relaxed.

Picture 3 - Tasmanian Devil Picture

They become excited and frantic when attacked by a predator. They become very aggressive when it comes to food and they growl and screech trying to scare the other devil off the carcass. They have an excellent sense of smell and use their long whiskers to detect preys and they eat everything that they can lay their teeth on. They devour the entire carcass and do not leave anything including the fur or the bones.

Tasmanian Devil Diet

Tasmanian devil is a scavenger and they eat the carcasses more often then hunting their own prey. They have powerful jaws, which enable them to devour the entire carcass; the fur, bones and meat without leaving anything to pollute the environment.

They can hunt down smaller prey like rodents, lizards, snakes, lambs, frogs etc. Their food habit depends upon the availability of food in that area. They attack the animals which have slowly down due to illness else cannot match the speed of the rabbit and other fast animals.

The devils have the ability to eat 15% of their body weight each day and given an opportunity they can eat up to 40% of their body weight in half an hour.

Tasmanian Devil Reproduction

Tasmanian devil becomes sexually mature during its second year. They become fertile once in a year. Preys are abundant during spring and early summer. The devils mate in the march and give birth after a pregnancy of about 21 days so that when the young devils are roaming freely, they have maximum amount of food supplies.

The devils mate at sheltered location. The males would compete with each other to get the female and the female mates with the most dominant male. Infidelity is common in both the male and female, hence the male guards the den after mating.

Picture 4 - Tasmanian Devil Photo

Gestation is for about 21 days. After about three weeks of pregnancy, the female gives birth to 20 or 30 young ones. The baby devils are called “joeys”, “pups”, or “imps”. They are born deaf and blind as the raisin sized pups crawl their way up to the fur and then inside their mothers pouch. Since the mother has only four nipples to feed the pups, only a handful of the pups survive.

The mothers carry the pups for almost four months, after which their mother leaves them in the hollow while they go out in search of prey. After about six months, the pups ventures out independently. If they survive the growing period without falling prey to the adult devils or its predators, then they can live up to almost 8 years.

Tasmanian Devil in Captivity

With the hostile image that they have, Tasmanian devils have very little records of captivity breeding. The female devils retain more stress than the male in captivity. The export of the devils is restricted hence they can be seen in captivity only in Australia and in the zoos across the world.

Tasmanian Devil Cancer

During the 1990’s a catastrophic disease known as the Devil Facial Tumour Disease hit the population of the devils. Since 1996, this fatal disease led to the decline of about 20% to 50% of the devil’s population. The signs of the disease were first reported at the northeastern side of the state. The Western coast and the Northwestern side were the only places, which were free from this fatal disease.

This rapidly spreading contagious disease caused large lumps around the mouth and head of the devil, making it difficult for it to eat. Eventually they would die of starvation. The infected devil would subsequently die within a month.

Steps were taken to prevent this fatal disease from spreading across. The wild Tasmanian devils were monitored; they were trapped and checked for the presence of the cancer. The same area was monitored periodically to detect the spreading of the disease. At areas where the disease had not spread, the animal health experts are focusing on captive breeding of the devils and the ones infected were treated.

Picture 5 - Baby Tasmanian Devil

Tasmanian Devil Cartoon

Warner Bros. Looney Tunes had an animated character named Taz, which has been derived from the real life Tasmanian devil. The character was created by Robert McKimson. The character Taz has been portrayed as the short tempered, notorious and dim witted. Like the real life Tasmanian devil, the character has a huge appetite eating anything and everything. His speech consists mostly of growls, grunts and barks. His character revolves around the plot where he is constantly in search of food.

Tasmanian Devil Conservation Status

Tasmanian devil were abundant throughout the mainland Australia, however had become extinct due to aridity and dingo. Available only in the state of Tasmania, the iconic status that the devils hold now, were not the same earlier. They were considered a nuisance and were trapped and poisoned to the verge of extinction. Later they were protected by the law.

Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 of Tasmania incorporated the Tasmanian devils as the endangered species in the May 2008. Due to its increasing vulnerability the Threatened Species Scientific Advisory Committee reviewed the species list and upgraded the Tasmanian devil as the endangered species. In earlier days, the Tasmanian devil’s population was controlled by the availability of food, hunting down by its predators etc however there was a major decline in their population during the 1990’s where a fatal tumour infected almost half the population of the devils. Animal Health Act gazetted the disease as List B notifiable disease.

Picture 6 - Tasmanian Devil Snap

Tasmanian Devil and Its Cultural Reference

The iconic animal of Australia, especially Tasmania, it has been symbolized by national parks, football teams and to promote tourism. Tasmanian National Park and Wildlife Service has the devil as its symbol and also the Tasmanian Australian Football team who played in the Victorian Football League was named after the Devil. It has been once a part of the National Basketball team too. Several cartoons, films, books and documentaries have focused on the Tasmanian devils.

Tasmanian Devil Video