Merry Christmas Dad

I usually use this blog to discuss nature and animals, particularly endangered species. Tonight, this post will differ. It is Christmas eve. Around the world millions of christian and non-christian families gather to remember whats truly important in life, Family. Although I cannot spend this Christmas eve with someone very dear to me, my father, he isn't far from my thoughts. I just want to start off by saying that like most of you, I think I have the greatest Dad in the world. He is a stand up guy. Always hard working, tough as nails, always laughing and nice to generally everyone he meets.  When I was young, I hated math and science. I couldn't grasp it easily. My Dad would spend hours trying to explain it to me and even show me shortcuts I could use to get the answer faster (although my teacher hated these shortcuts, he wanted it done his way). Now, I am able to do complex mathematical equations with relative ease. My favourite mathematical field being stoichiometry. I like to think that all the help I got as a kid pointed me in the right direction (mathematically). My Dad would help me with science fairs and such as well. I remember one in particular on Electromagnetism. My father being an electronics technician, was more than happy to help and I ended up getting a good mark with the research he aided me on. When I was a little older he tried to get me interested in learning mechanics, but I was always too busy  skateboarding or wanting to get drunk. Now I wish I had payed more attention to what could have been valuable lessons. I learned a few things from him about woodworking (My Dad is a woodworking genius), and enjoyed then time we spent in the wood shop shooting the shit and laughing out asses off. With some of the stupid things I have done when I was younger, I often think of where I would have ended up had my father and mother ever given up on me. But, they hadn't, although I'm sure some of my escapades pissed them off beyond comprehension. Thanks to both of you for always being there when I needed you.  Anyway, at the risk of sounding like a windbag, I'll leave it at that. I love you and Merry Christmas Dad!

Bog Turtle

The Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) is a semi aquatic turtle that is critically endangered. It is native to the Eastern United States. It is the tiniest turtle that lives in the United States at around 4 inches long and weighs in at approximately 4 oz. The Bog Turtle has a brown/black head with large yellow/orange spots on either side of its neck, although not related, it has a similar appearance to painted and spotted turtles.

Glyptemys muhlenbergii

 The Bog turtle has a black and yellow plastron. 
      The bog Turtle is omnivorous and eats mostly plants and invertebrates. It lives in wetlands that contain lime. This includes  meadows, bogs, and marshes that have areas of water and dryness. They usually live in small groups. The Bog Turtle has 2 populations... Northern and southern. The two populations are separated by almost 250 miles.The northern population being the farther of the tow and reaching  Massachusetts. According to National Resources Conservation Service leaflet, as of 2006, there are less than 200 habitable sites left for the northern population.

         
            The southern populations of Bog Turtle are smaller in numbers than that of their northern counterparts. They live at higher elevations and are more scattered than the northern Bog Turtles. This paper is a wealth of information about the Bog turtles habitat. Both northern and  southern populations are considered endangered by the federal government. The reasons for their protected status and the declining numbers of Bog Turtles are many. From invasive plant species to illegal turtle trade. Invasive plat species such as the Purple loosestrife which can grow very dense and prevent the turtle from reaching its habitat or even prevent it from getting enough sun.

 The small size of these turtles makes them a perfect pet, but as they have been protected since 1997, they are now being sold illegally. 
Another reason is that, for the northern population, at least 90% of its habitat has been turned into agricultural land hence not suitable for out little turtle friends. There are many more reasons for the decline of this turtle species. Other than being on the federal threatened species list, the government does little to help populations rebound. For the most part it is up to private intervention to help these turtles. For further information about the Bog Turtle, google bog turtle, there is a wealth of information available on the search engine and you can even check out some of the sources cited on the wiki page.  

California Condor

The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) was once found all across North America. That is until the end of the last glacial period which warmed the climate and led to reduction of population and range. In 1987, the last of these birds were taken into captivity and became essentially extinct in the wild. The California Condor has Black plumage with large white spots under each wing. The neck has an inflatable pouch which is used during courtship. Males and females are indistinguishable by color.  These vultures have a massive 10 ft wingspan and have sometimes been mistaken for small planes. California Condors produce small clutches usually only 1 young. However, researchers noted that if the egg is removed from the nest (and fed artificially by a puppet), the parents will produce another egg. Young are covered with a grey down until they are almost as big as their parents.  The California Condor is critically endangered.

 In the 1980's it was extinct in the wild. This species went from a population of 22 to a population of 405 in 2012. The reasons for its critically endangered status are many.... The fact that adult females only lay one egg per season can contribute to population decline; If there aren't as many young being born as there are dying, then the population will decline. Hunting is another reason. They are hunted for museum specimens as they fetch a high price. Also many cattle ranchers have the idea that these birds kill their livestock. When the condor was being reintroduced into some states, the project was met with criticism from many ranchers who think theyh will kill their calves and lambs. This is of course preposterous as vultures are carrion feeders (feeding on dead animals). Another suspected reason is lead poisoning from eating meat contaminated with lead shot. Conservation efforts, though costly, are working. Every year there is increases in the California Condor populations. Hopefully someday we will see thousands of these birds in our sky.
For more information on these majestic birds Visit... Condor Conservation

Andean Wild Cat

Today, I will be looking at 2 species beginning with the Andean Mountain Cat (Leopardus jacobita).

The Andean Mountain Cat is rare and lives at high altitudes on the Andes Mountain range.

It lives on the mountain from Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

    The Andean Mountain Cat has a silver/grey coat, white belly, and spots and stripes. Its tail and limbs are adorned with black rings. Although no bigger than a house cat  the Andean Mountain Cat has much more fur and a considerably longer tail (almost 2 feet in length). This cat is on then endangered species list due to many factors the most prominent is Habitat loss/degradation. Other reasons include hunting, reduction of prey, and hybridization. The countries in which this rare cat dwells have put conservation measures in effect which include fines/jail time for hunting these beautiful cats. For                    more information visit Wildlife Conservation Network

Corroboree Frog

This is the first post in the glory of nature. This blog will be dedicated mostly to endangered species. The first will be the Corroboree Frog. 

The two species of frog are critically endangered. Pseudophryne corroboree, and Pseudophryne pengilleyi are indigenous to Australia. They are black with yellow/light green stripes.These frogs produce their own poisonous alkaloids as opposed to obtaining their poison threw diet. The decline in populations is attributed to a variety of reasons including habitat destruction (from pollution, development), a drought cycle that affected southeast Australia. Drought drys out the breeding sites and as a result, less frogs. 

These small amphibians are amazing. It would be nice to have them for generations to come.
-T

Pygmy Hippopotamus

The pygmy hippo (Choeropsis liberiensis) has native populations in west Africa. This tiny Hippo, like its larger relatives, depends on the water, that is they are semi aquatic. 

Adult pygmy hippos stand about 3 ft high at the shoulder, are 6 ft in length and weigh up to 610 lb. Their lifespan in captivity ranges from 30 to 55 years, though it is unlikely that they live this long in the wild. Like most endangered species, loss of habitat is the reason behind the Pygmy Hippo's endangered status. Losing habitat because of deforestation. 

-T