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Substancewithoutstyle's Slightly Frivolous Flora and Fauna Photo Gallery


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28 April 2015

Tuesday

 

 

Hydnora africana

 

Hydnora africana is one of the most bizarre looking plants on the African continent, and certainly not the most common of plants to be encountered. It is a parasitic plant on species of the genus Euphorbia. It has such an unusual physical appearance that one would never say it is a plant; it looks astonishingly similar to fungi and is only distinguishable from fungi when the flower has opened.

 

The plant body is completely leafless, void of chlorophyll, and found underground around the host plant. As it ages, the plant turns dark grey to black. A network of thick rhizophores or subterranean stems and roots traverse the soil around the host. These fleshy, angular, warty stems bear a series of vermiform (shaped like a worm) outgrowths that connect to the roots of the host. Plants only become visible when the flowers protrude through the soil after good rains have fallen. Under favourable conditions it takes at least one year for a bud to develop into a mature flower.

 

The flowers bear no resemblance to normal flowers except for the bright salmon to orange red colour on the inside, which fulfills the same purpose as normal flowers, which is to advertise the plant. White bait bodies are found on the inner base of the flowers. The bait bodies play a very important role in the life cycle of the plant. They omit a putrid odour to attract various carrion beetles and other insects which become trapped in the flowers. Numerous stiff bristles are found on the inner surface of the perianth lobes which restrain the trapped insect from escaping. After feeding on the bait bodies, the trapped insect drops down the flower tube onto the anthers, collecting pollen all over its body. It then drops even further down onto the soft cushion-shaped stigma, thus pollinating the flower.

 

Not much is known about the germination of the seeds except that the seeds are more likely to germinate in close proximity to the host plant. The germinated seed develops a primary root (primary haustorium) which establishes the first attachment point to the host. Once established, the plant is able to live off the nourishment from the host and quickly develops a matrix of underground stems from which the flower buds develop and eventually emerge above the ground.

 

Hydnora africana is found from the western coastal areas of Namibia, southwards to the Cape and then northwards throughout Swaziland, Botswana, KwaZulu-Natal and as far as Ethiopia. It is not endangered and although not often encountered, is thought to be fairly common in semi-arid vegetation.

 

 

 

 

 

Crikey! :o

 

Little Shop Of Horrors..? :P

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29 April 2015

Wednesday

 

 

Pink Hairy Squat Lobster

 

(Lauriea siagiani)

 

This marine crustacean is commonly called the “Pink hairy squat lobster”, also known as the “Fairy crab”. Actually, L. siagiani is not really a lobster, but belongs to a group of crabs called Anomurans.

 

Anomurans are decapod crustaceans, meaning they have ten appendages (legs). But unlike their relatives called brachyurans (the true crabs), the two rear appendages are small and are hidden under the shell, together with the respiratory organs or gills.

 

The fairy crabs are tiny. Adults typically measure no more than 1.5 centimetres; thus they are of no value from the point of view of a commercial fishery. However, despite their small size, and because of it, they are spectacularly beautiful. Their body is almost translucent; their legs show edges of intense, nearly florescent pinkish-purple coloration, with purple spots and lots of white hairs covering the entire body.

 

Anomuran crustaceans live in almost all oceans, but this particular species, the fairy crab, lives associated with a species of sea sponge called the "Giant barrel sponge" (Xestospongia testudinaria) which abounds in coral and rocky reefs off the coast of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Bali) and Sulawesi, Indonesia.

 

Fairy crabs are usually difficult to photograph because they are very shy and hide under the projections on the sides of the sponges.

 

 

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29 April 2015

Wednesday

 

 

Pink Hairy Squat Lobster

 

(Lauriea siagiani)

 

This marine crustacean is commonly called the “Pink hairy squat lobster”, also known as the “Fairy crab”. Actually, L. siagiani is not really a lobster, but belongs to a group of crabs called Anomurans.

 

Anomurans are decapod crustaceans, meaning they have ten appendages (legs). But unlike their relatives called brachyurans (the true crabs), the two rear appendages are small and are hidden under the shell, together with the respiratory organs or gills.

 

The fairy crabs are tiny. Adults typically measure no more than 1.5 centimetres; thus they are of no value from the point of view of a commercial fishery. However, despite their small size, and because of it, they are spectacularly beautiful. Their body is almost translucent; their legs show edges of intense, nearly florescent pinkish-purple coloration, with purple spots and lots of white hairs covering the entire body.

 

Anomuran crustaceans live in almost all oceans, but this particular species, the fairy crab, lives associated with a species of sea sponge called the "Giant barrel sponge" (Xestospongia testudinaria) which abounds in coral and rocky reefs off the coast of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Bali) and Sulawesi, Indonesia.

 

Fairy crabs are usually difficult to photograph because they are very shy and hide under the projections on the sides of the sponges.

 

 

Cool! Such a vivid shade of pink...and so tiny. Those red yes look great...almost make them look angry

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30 April 2015

Thursday

 

 

Horned Guan

 

The horned guan is a unique member of the Cracid family, living in isolated populations in cloudforests on the highest mountain peaks and volcanoes in Guatemala and the neighboring Mexican state of Chiapas.

 

The horned guan is named after the unusual red horn of bare skin on the top of its head. The rest of the plumage is black with a glossy blue-green sheen, apart from the foreneck, breast and a broad band on the base of the tail which are white. The bill is yellow, the legs are red and there is also a small dewlap of red skin on the throat. Some experts believe that the horned guan should be placed in a separate family as it appears to represent more of a mid-point between the guans and the currasows rather than belonging completely in one or other of these groups.

 

Very little data exists on the behaviour of the horned guan in the wild. Field studies suggest that this species may have a polygynous mating system, in which one male mates with around three to five females. Breeding generally occurs in the beginning of the year and two eggs are laid. Nests may be located high in rainforest trees.

 

Horned guans feed on a variety of fruit, flowers, and leaves in the forest canopy, although invertebrates may also be eaten on occasion. At times groups of more than 10 birds gather on rich food sources.

 

The horned guan is classified as endangered because habitat destruction and hunting are threatening the small populations.

 

 

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30 April 2015

Thursday

 

 

Horned Guan

 

The horned guan is a unique member of the Cracid family, living in isolated populations in cloudforests on the highest mountain peaks and volcanoes in Guatemala and the neighboring Mexican state of Chiapas.

 

The horned guan is named after the unusual red horn of bare skin on the top of its head. The rest of the plumage is black with a glossy blue-green sheen, apart from the foreneck, breast and a broad band on the base of the tail which are white. The bill is yellow, the legs are red and there is also a small dewlap of red skin on the throat. Some experts believe that the horned guan should be placed in a separate family as it appears to represent more of a mid-point between the guans and the currasows rather than belonging completely in one or other of these groups.

 

Very little data exists on the behaviour of the horned guan in the wild. Field studies suggest that this species may have a polygynous mating system, in which one male mates with around three to five females. Breeding generally occurs in the beginning of the year and two eggs are laid. Nests may be located high in rainforest trees.

 

Horned guans feed on a variety of fruit, flowers, and leaves in the forest canopy, although invertebrates may also be eaten on occasion. At times groups of more than 10 birds gather on rich food sources.

 

The horned guan is classified as endangered because habitat destruction and hunting are threatening the small populations.

 

 

Nice. That's a unique looking horn they've got. It's sad that they're endangered, though :(

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29 April 2015

Wednesday

 

 

Pink Hairy Squat Lobster

 

(Lauriea siagiani)

 

This marine crustacean is commonly called the “Pink hairy squat lobster”, also known as the “Fairy crab”. Actually, L. siagiani is not really a lobster, but belongs to a group of crabs called Anomurans.

 

Anomurans are decapod crustaceans, meaning they have ten appendages (legs). But unlike their relatives called brachyurans (the true crabs), the two rear appendages are small and are hidden under the shell, together with the respiratory organs or gills.

 

The fairy crabs are tiny. Adults typically measure no more than 1.5 centimetres; thus they are of no value from the point of view of a commercial fishery. However, despite their small size, and because of it, they are spectacularly beautiful. Their body is almost translucent; their legs show edges of intense, nearly florescent pinkish-purple coloration, with purple spots and lots of white hairs covering the entire body.

 

Anomuran crustaceans live in almost all oceans, but this particular species, the fairy crab, lives associated with a species of sea sponge called the "Giant barrel sponge" (Xestospongia testudinaria) which abounds in coral and rocky reefs off the coast of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Bali) and Sulawesi, Indonesia.

 

Fairy crabs are usually difficult to photograph because they are very shy and hide under the projections on the sides of the sponges.

 

 

 

That's the most fascinating species I've ever clapped eyes on! Very vivid coloring! :D

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30 April 2015

Thursday

 

 

Horned Guan

 

The horned guan is a unique member of the Cracid family, living in isolated populations in cloudforests on the highest mountain peaks and volcanoes in Guatemala and the neighboring Mexican state of Chiapas.

 

The horned guan is named after the unusual red horn of bare skin on the top of its head. The rest of the plumage is black with a glossy blue-green sheen, apart from the foreneck, breast and a broad band on the base of the tail which are white. The bill is yellow, the legs are red and there is also a small dewlap of red skin on the throat. Some experts believe that the horned guan should be placed in a separate family as it appears to represent more of a mid-point between the guans and the currasows rather than belonging completely in one or other of these groups.

 

Very little data exists on the behaviour of the horned guan in the wild. Field studies suggest that this species may have a polygynous mating system, in which one male mates with around three to five females. Breeding generally occurs in the beginning of the year and two eggs are laid. Nests may be located high in rainforest trees.

 

Horned guans feed on a variety of fruit, flowers, and leaves in the forest canopy, although invertebrates may also be eaten on occasion. At times groups of more than 10 birds gather on rich food sources.

 

The horned guan is classified as endangered because habitat destruction and hunting are threatening the small populations.

 

 

 

He's beautiful. :heart:

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29 April 2015

Wednesday

 

 

 

Pink Hairy Squat Lobster

 

(Lauriea siagiani)

 

This marine crustacean is commonly called the “Pink hairy squat lobster”, also known as the “Fairy crab”. Actually, L. siagiani is not really a lobster, but belongs to a group of crabs called Anomurans.

 

Anomurans are decapod crustaceans, meaning they have ten appendages (legs). But unlike their relatives called brachyurans (the true crabs), the two rear appendages are small and are hidden under the shell, together with the respiratory organs or gills.

 

The fairy crabs are tiny. Adults typically measure no more than 1.5 centimetres; thus they are of no value from the point of view of a commercial fishery. However, despite their small size, and because of it, they are spectacularly beautiful. Their body is almost translucent; their legs show edges of intense, nearly florescent pinkish-purple coloration, with purple spots and lots of white hairs covering the entire body.

 

Anomuran crustaceans live in almost all oceans, but this particular species, the fairy crab, lives associated with a species of sea sponge called the "Giant barrel sponge" (Xestospongia testudinaria) which abounds in coral and rocky reefs off the coast of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Bali) and Sulawesi, Indonesia.

 

Fairy crabs are usually difficult to photograph because they are very shy and hide under the projections on the sides of the sponges.

 

 

 

 

That would be a cool name for a band--Squat Lobster

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http://i.imgur.com/faRzLu2.png

 

:eyeroll:

 

http://i.imgur.com/sjYHRlg.jpg

 

Snipes...

 

;) :LOL:

Man I feel bad. I've been so preoccupied with shooting video, coming up with images for friends, that I've been absent. Never again. I'm becoming hypersenitive to my friends who support my dreams in Goatnut

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25 April 2015

Saturday

 

 

 

Common Snipe

 

The common snipe is a superbly camouflaged bird, most often seen fleeing erratically after being flushed from its concealed location. This skulking bird has cryptically patterned, mottled brown upper parts, with pale stripes on the back, and dark streaks on the chest, and paler underparts.

 

Using its greatly elongated bill, the common snipe probes under the moist substrate for its insect, earthworm, crustacean or spider prey. Food on the surface may be located by sight and picked up, but prey under the ground is located using the touch-sensitive sensory pits at the tip of the flexible bill. Smaller food items are swallowed whole, while larger items are broken into smaller pieces before being consumed. The common snipe typically feeds at dawn and dusk, often in small groups, on land or in shallow water, but usually does not stray far from cover.

 

The common snipe breeds between April and August, with the males arriving at the breeding site up to two weeks before the females. Initially, the female bird is courted by several males, but once the female selects a nest site, a permanent bond is formed with a single male. The pair bond is reinforced with a variety of courtship displays, including a ‘winnowing’ flight, which involves a slow ascent in a wide circle, before a rapid descent back to the ground. A simple nest, which is no more than a scrape in the ground lined with grass, is subsequently constructed by the female in a dry, elevated position concealed by long grasses. A small territory is defended around this nest by both birds, and intruders are repelled by ‘winnowing’ flights, and on occasions when fights ensue, bill jousting. Two to five eggs are laid at intervals of one day and incubated by the female for some 17 to 20 days. The chicks soon leave the nest after hatching, with the male taking half the chicks, and the female taking the other half.

 

The common snipe is a widespread wetland bird that breeds at northern latitudes and migrates southwards before the onset of winter. During the breeding season, this elusive bird may be found throughout Alaska and Canada and northern parts of the United States, and from Iceland, the Faeroe Islands and the United Kingdom, east towards northern Russia and south to northern Spain, Austria, Ukraine, southern Siberia and northern China. At other times of the year, it may also be found in Central America, northern South America, sub-Saharan Africa, central and southern Europe, and South and Southeast Asia.

 

 

 

Pretty.

I hear they dream about Morels, and respond well to code.

 

:LOL:

They dig Parliment and the P-Funk All Stars as well. The Mississippi Delta Snipe that is...

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Man I feel bad. I've been so preoccupied with shooting video, coming up with images for friends, that I've been absent. Never again. I'm becoming hypersenitive to my friends who support my dreams in Goatnut

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt7x0hhDGB0

 

Julien Donkey-Boy... bizarre. :LOL:

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Man I feel bad. I've been so preoccupied with shooting video, coming up with images for friends, that I've been absent. Never again. I'm becoming hypersenitive to my friends who support my dreams in Goatnut

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt7x0hhDGB0

 

Julien Donkey-Boy... bizarre. :LOL:

and unwatchable, except for the Werner bits.

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01 May 2015

Friday

 

 

Jewel Caterpillar

 

The Jewel Caterpillar is the larval stage of Acraga coa; a fuzzy orange moth native to Mexico. Very little is known about the Jewel Caterpillar. In fact, very little is known about its adult counterpart, either. The brilliant color of the spiny protuberances in contrast to the virtually transparent body serve as a warning. This warning is directed at would-be predators, in addition to many other creatures. This is due to the fact that the body of the Jewel Caterpillar is slightly toxic.

 

They've also lost their legs: the tubby, sticky prolegs have been replaced with a flattened surface. Jewel Caterpillars walk in a sticky wave rather than making use of individual legs.

 

The Jewel Caterpillar is covered in numerous spiny protuberances. These spiny protuberances break off very easily; this is perhaps as a means of defense, allowing the caterpillars to elude their attackers. Most of the individuals found so far have all been in mangrove forests. The Jewel Caterpillar appears to be especially fond of the leaves of this plant species.

 

 

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01 May 2015

Friday

 

 

Jewel Caterpillar

 

The Jewel Caterpillar is the larval stage of Acraga coa; a fuzzy orange moth native to Mexico. Very little is known about the Jewel Caterpillar. In fact, very little is known about its adult counterpart, either. The brilliant color of the spiny protuberances in contrast to the virtually transparent body serve as a warning. This warning is directed at would-be predators, in addition to many other creatures. This is due to the fact that the body of the Jewel Caterpillar is slightly toxic.

 

They've also lost their legs: the tubby, sticky prolegs have been replaced with a flattened surface. Jewel Caterpillars walk in a sticky wave rather than making use of individual legs.

 

The Jewel Caterpillar is covered in numerous spiny protuberances. These spiny protuberances break off very easily; this is perhaps as a means of defense, allowing the caterpillars to elude their attackers. Most of the individuals found so far have all been in mangrove forests. The Jewel Caterpillar appears to be especially fond of the leaves of this plant species.

 

 

Wow! That looks amazing...both before and after

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01 May 2015

Friday

 

 

Jewel Caterpillar

 

The Jewel Caterpillar is the larval stage of Acraga coa; a fuzzy orange moth native to Mexico. Very little is known about the Jewel Caterpillar. In fact, very little is known about its adult counterpart, either. The brilliant color of the spiny protuberances in contrast to the virtually transparent body serve as a warning. This warning is directed at would-be predators, in addition to many other creatures. This is due to the fact that the body of the Jewel Caterpillar is slightly toxic.

 

They've also lost their legs: the tubby, sticky prolegs have been replaced with a flattened surface. Jewel Caterpillars walk in a sticky wave rather than making use of individual legs.

 

The Jewel Caterpillar is covered in numerous spiny protuberances. These spiny protuberances break off very easily; this is perhaps as a means of defense, allowing the caterpillars to elude their attackers. Most of the individuals found so far have all been in mangrove forests. The Jewel Caterpillar appears to be especially fond of the leaves of this plant species.

 

 

 

That's an amazing species! :D

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02 May 2015

Saturday

 

 

Madagascar Leaf-Nosed Snake

 

This bizarre-looking snake is an arboreal species endemic to Madagascar. As their name implies, leaf-nosed snakes have bizarre nasal appendages. What's more, these structures are sexually dimorphic to a degree unusual among snakes. Female leaf-nosed snakes have a more elaborate, serrated nasal appendage, whereas males bear a longer, pointier one. These structures are present at birth, suggesting that they have some function beyond sexual signaling between rival males or potential mates.

 

The leaf-nosed snake is an ambush predator, and is often seen hanging from branches with its head pointing towards the ground. Several Malagasy plants, including some legumes and bignonias, have long pointed seed pods that hang down from the plant, providing possible models that the snake may imitate with its posture and nasal appendage. In the wild they will eat lizards and frogs, and are reluctant to take rodents in captivity.

 

This species is rear fanged, and although envenomation by this species causes severe pain in humans, it is not deadly. Almost all of Madagascar’s snakes are opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) colubrids. They do not tend to use venom to subdue their prey, but rather first grab it with their teeth, bind it in their coils, and only then move their mouths slowly over it. As the prey moves further into the mouth, the large maxillary teeth at the back of the mouth (fangs) are able to dig in.

 

There has only been one officially reported case of envenomation by a Madagascar leaf-nosed snake, which can be read here. In this instance, the subject of the bite allowed the snake to basically chew on his hand for 30 seconds.

 

There is no information on the population of this species. However, due to ongoing human pressure on lowland forest throughout Madagascar, the population is presumed to be declining. As this species is most widespread in northern Madagascar, which still retains large tracts of intact forest, it is unclear whether the population is fragmented.

 

 

 

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02 May 2015

Saturday

 

 

Madagascar Leaf-Nosed Snake

 

This bizarre-looking snake is an arboreal species endemic to Madagascar. As their name implies, leaf-nosed snakes have bizarre nasal appendages. What's more, these structures are sexually dimorphic to a degree unusual among snakes. Female leaf-nosed snakes have a more elaborate, serrated nasal appendage, whereas males bear a longer, pointier one. These structures are present at birth, suggesting that they have some function beyond sexual signaling between rival males or potential mates.

 

The leaf-nosed snake is an ambush predator, and is often seen hanging from branches with its head pointing towards the ground. Several Malagasy plants, including some legumes and bignonias, have long pointed seed pods that hang down from the plant, providing possible models that the snake may imitate with its posture and nasal appendage. In the wild they will eat lizards and frogs, and are reluctant to take rodents in captivity.

 

This species is rear fanged, and although envenomation by this species causes severe pain in humans, it is not deadly. Almost all of Madagascar’s snakes are opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) colubrids. They do not tend to use venom to subdue their prey, but rather first grab it with their teeth, bind it in their coils, and only then move their mouths slowly over it. As the prey moves further into the mouth, the large maxillary teeth at the back of the mouth (fangs) are able to dig in.

 

There has only been one officially reported case of envenomation by a Madagascar leaf-nosed snake, which can be read here. In this instance, the subject of the bite allowed the snake to basically chew on his hand for 30 seconds.

 

There is no information on the population of this species. However, due to ongoing human pressure on lowland forest throughout Madagascar, the population is presumed to be declining. As this species is most widespread in northern Madagascar, which still retains large tracts of intact forest, it is unclear whether the population is fragmented.

 

 

 

 

Never seen one like that before! Amazing species! :)

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02 May 2015

Saturday

 

 

Madagascar Leaf-Nosed Snake

 

This bizarre-looking snake is an arboreal species endemic to Madagascar. As their name implies, leaf-nosed snakes have bizarre nasal appendages. What's more, these structures are sexually dimorphic to a degree unusual among snakes. Female leaf-nosed snakes have a more elaborate, serrated nasal appendage, whereas males bear a longer, pointier one. These structures are present at birth, suggesting that they have some function beyond sexual signaling between rival males or potential mates.

 

The leaf-nosed snake is an ambush predator, and is often seen hanging from branches with its head pointing towards the ground. Several Malagasy plants, including some legumes and bignonias, have long pointed seed pods that hang down from the plant, providing possible models that the snake may imitate with its posture and nasal appendage. In the wild they will eat lizards and frogs, and are reluctant to take rodents in captivity.

 

This species is rear fanged, and although envenomation by this species causes severe pain in humans, it is not deadly. Almost all of Madagascar’s snakes are opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) colubrids. They do not tend to use venom to subdue their prey, but rather first grab it with their teeth, bind it in their coils, and only then move their mouths slowly over it. As the prey moves further into the mouth, the large maxillary teeth at the back of the mouth (fangs) are able to dig in.

 

There has only been one officially reported case of envenomation by a Madagascar leaf-nosed snake, which can be read here. In this instance, the subject of the bite allowed the snake to basically chew on his hand for 30 seconds.

 

There is no information on the population of this species. However, due to ongoing human pressure on lowland forest throughout Madagascar, the population is presumed to be declining. As this species is most widespread in northern Madagascar, which still retains large tracts of intact forest, it is unclear whether the population is fragmented.

 

 

 

Cool. And a very appropriate name

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03 May 2015

Sunday

 

 

Elephant's Trunk

 

(Pachypodium namaquanum)

 

The elephant's trunk is an unusual arborescent (tree-like) stem succulent from the arid Karoo region of north-western South Africa and adjacent Namibia.

 

It is a tree-like plant, devoid of branches, with a spiny trunk and a mop of leaves on top. Growing to a height of about 2m, elephant's trunks have swollen succulent stems which they use for storing water in this parched desert region of South Africa and Namibia. The thorns that cover the upper half of the stem are long, brown and downward pointing, while those near the base of the trunk are short. The top part of the trunk (the apex) is usually covered with a rosette of crinkly green leaves which fall off in summer. The tubular flowers (4cm long) appear in the centre of the leaves in spring (August to October). The velvety flowers have 5 short lobes and are light-green with crimson near the tip.

 

This strange plant is one of the few tall plants able to survive through the seasons in this desert climate. Growing extremely slowly, elephant's trunks have long lifespans which may reach 300 years or more.

 

The species has been subjected to much illegal collecting, especially in South Africa, as plants are highly sought-after on both the domestic and international markets. There are further threats from mining activities in Namibia and intense grazing and trampling of the surrounding vegetation by domestic livestock in South Africa. It is classified as highly endangered under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES).

 

 

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03 May 2015

Sunday

 

 

Elephant's Trunk

 

(Pachypodium namaquanum)

 

The elephant's trunk is an unusual arborescent (tree-like) stem succulent from the arid Karoo region of north-western South Africa and adjacent Namibia.

 

It is a tree-like plant, devoid of branches, with a spiny trunk and a mop of leaves on top. Growing to a height of about 2m, elephant's trunks have swollen succulent stems which they use for storing water in this parched desert region of South Africa and Namibia. The thorns that cover the upper half of the stem are long, brown and downward pointing, while those near the base of the trunk are short. The top part of the trunk (the apex) is usually covered with a rosette of crinkly green leaves which fall off in summer. The tubular flowers (4cm long) appear in the centre of the leaves in spring (August to October). The velvety flowers have 5 short lobes and are light-green with crimson near the tip.

 

This strange plant is one of the few tall plants able to survive through the seasons in this desert climate. Growing extremely slowly, elephant's trunks have long lifespans which may reach 300 years or more.

 

The species has been subjected to much illegal collecting, especially in South Africa, as plants are highly sought-after on both the domestic and international markets. There are further threats from mining activities in Namibia and intense grazing and trampling of the surrounding vegetation by domestic livestock in South Africa. It is classified as highly endangered under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES).

 

 

 

That's quite impressive, but I don't understand what the traders want with it. Why is it sought after?

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03 May 2015

Sunday

 

 

Elephant's Trunk

 

(Pachypodium namaquanum)

 

The elephant's trunk is an unusual arborescent (tree-like) stem succulent from the arid Karoo region of north-western South Africa and adjacent Namibia.

 

It is a tree-like plant, devoid of branches, with a spiny trunk and a mop of leaves on top. Growing to a height of about 2m, elephant's trunks have swollen succulent stems which they use for storing water in this parched desert region of South Africa and Namibia. The thorns that cover the upper half of the stem are long, brown and downward pointing, while those near the base of the trunk are short. The top part of the trunk (the apex) is usually covered with a rosette of crinkly green leaves which fall off in summer. The tubular flowers (4cm long) appear in the centre of the leaves in spring (August to October). The velvety flowers have 5 short lobes and are light-green with crimson near the tip.

 

This strange plant is one of the few tall plants able to survive through the seasons in this desert climate. Growing extremely slowly, elephant's trunks have long lifespans which may reach 300 years or more.

 

The species has been subjected to much illegal collecting, especially in South Africa, as plants are highly sought-after on both the domestic and international markets. There are further threats from mining activities in Namibia and intense grazing and trampling of the surrounding vegetation by domestic livestock in South Africa. It is classified as highly endangered under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES).

 

 

 

That's quite impressive, but I don't understand what the traders want with it. Why is it sought after?

 

It's highly-prized by plant collectors. Here's a young plant that sold for $506.00 (about £335.00). Presumably this was seed-grown and not illegally collected.

 

http://i.imgur.com/v28scx6.gif

 

http://www.cycadpalm.com/akbsuc14.html

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03 May 2015

Sunday

 

 

Elephant's Trunk

 

(Pachypodium namaquanum)

 

The elephant's trunk is an unusual arborescent (tree-like) stem succulent from the arid Karoo region of north-western South Africa and adjacent Namibia.

 

It is a tree-like plant, devoid of branches, with a spiny trunk and a mop of leaves on top. Growing to a height of about 2m, elephant's trunks have swollen succulent stems which they use for storing water in this parched desert region of South Africa and Namibia. The thorns that cover the upper half of the stem are long, brown and downward pointing, while those near the base of the trunk are short. The top part of the trunk (the apex) is usually covered with a rosette of crinkly green leaves which fall off in summer. The tubular flowers (4cm long) appear in the centre of the leaves in spring (August to October). The velvety flowers have 5 short lobes and are light-green with crimson near the tip.

 

This strange plant is one of the few tall plants able to survive through the seasons in this desert climate. Growing extremely slowly, elephant's trunks have long lifespans which may reach 300 years or more.

 

The species has been subjected to much illegal collecting, especially in South Africa, as plants are highly sought-after on both the domestic and international markets. There are further threats from mining activities in Namibia and intense grazing and trampling of the surrounding vegetation by domestic livestock in South Africa. It is classified as highly endangered under the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES).

 

 

That's an unusual looking tree...I can understand it's name

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02 May 2015

Saturday

 

 

 

Madagascar Leaf-Nosed Snake

 

This bizarre-looking snake is an arboreal species endemic to Madagascar. As their name implies, leaf-nosed snakes have bizarre nasal appendages. What's more, these structures are sexually dimorphic to a degree unusual among snakes. Female leaf-nosed snakes have a more elaborate, serrated nasal appendage, whereas males bear a longer, pointier one. These structures are present at birth, suggesting that they have some function beyond sexual signaling between rival males or potential mates.

 

The leaf-nosed snake is an ambush predator, and is often seen hanging from branches with its head pointing towards the ground. Several Malagasy plants, including some legumes and bignonias, have long pointed seed pods that hang down from the plant, providing possible models that the snake may imitate with its posture and nasal appendage. In the wild they will eat lizards and frogs, and are reluctant to take rodents in captivity.

 

This species is rear fanged, and although envenomation by this species causes severe pain in humans, it is not deadly. Almost all of Madagascar’s snakes are opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) colubrids. They do not tend to use venom to subdue their prey, but rather first grab it with their teeth, bind it in their coils, and only then move their mouths slowly over it. As the prey moves further into the mouth, the large maxillary teeth at the back of the mouth (fangs) are able to dig in.

 

There has only been one officially reported case of envenomation by a Madagascar leaf-nosed snake, which can be read here. In this instance, the subject of the bite allowed the snake to basically chew on his hand for 30 seconds.

 

There is no information on the population of this species. However, due to ongoing human pressure on lowland forest throughout Madagascar, the population is presumed to be declining. As this species is most widespread in northern Madagascar, which still retains large tracts of intact forest, it is unclear whether the population is fragmented.

 

 

 

 

Cool. And a very appropriate name

How does a snake give a sexual signal?

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02 May 2015

Saturday

 

 

 

Madagascar Leaf-Nosed Snake

 

This bizarre-looking snake is an arboreal species endemic to Madagascar. As their name implies, leaf-nosed snakes have bizarre nasal appendages. What's more, these structures are sexually dimorphic to a degree unusual among snakes. Female leaf-nosed snakes have a more elaborate, serrated nasal appendage, whereas males bear a longer, pointier one. These structures are present at birth, suggesting that they have some function beyond sexual signaling between rival males or potential mates.

 

The leaf-nosed snake is an ambush predator, and is often seen hanging from branches with its head pointing towards the ground. Several Malagasy plants, including some legumes and bignonias, have long pointed seed pods that hang down from the plant, providing possible models that the snake may imitate with its posture and nasal appendage. In the wild they will eat lizards and frogs, and are reluctant to take rodents in captivity.

 

This species is rear fanged, and although envenomation by this species causes severe pain in humans, it is not deadly. Almost all of Madagascar’s snakes are opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) colubrids. They do not tend to use venom to subdue their prey, but rather first grab it with their teeth, bind it in their coils, and only then move their mouths slowly over it. As the prey moves further into the mouth, the large maxillary teeth at the back of the mouth (fangs) are able to dig in.

 

There has only been one officially reported case of envenomation by a Madagascar leaf-nosed snake, which can be read here. In this instance, the subject of the bite allowed the snake to basically chew on his hand for 30 seconds.

 

There is no information on the population of this species. However, due to ongoing human pressure on lowland forest throughout Madagascar, the population is presumed to be declining. As this species is most widespread in northern Madagascar, which still retains large tracts of intact forest, it is unclear whether the population is fragmented.

 

 

 

 

Cool. And a very appropriate name

How does a snake give a sexual signal?

Is this the opening line of a joke?

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11 May 2015

Monday

 

 

Red River Hog

 

Instantly recognisable for its bright rufous fur, the red river hog is undoubtedly the most strikingly coloured of all wild pigs. Despite being, on average, the smallest African pig, this species possesses a stocky body with powerful shoulders, and a large, wedge shaped head, enabling it to quickly root up tough vegetation.

 

Like other wild pigs, the red river hog has a broad, omnivorous diet, and spends most of its adult life in search of food. This species is usually active at night, returning to a burrow excavated amongst dense vegetation during the day, although in forests and shaded areas individuals may also forage during the morning and evening. Food is located using the sensitive, disc-like snout, which identifies edible material by both touch and smell, and also serves as a plough for rooting up vegetation. Roots, berries, and fruits are the most common sources of food, although small mammals, reptiles, young birds eggs and carrion may all be eaten when available.

 

The red river hog is highly sociable, and forms family groups, usually of four to six individuals, led by a dominant male. Groups normally avoid one another, giving ritualised aggressive displays and occasionally fighting when encounters occur, although wandering groups of over 50 individuals have also been known to form. Frequently used paths are marked with scented secretions from facial glands as well as gouges in tree bark made with the tusks. Breeding takes place from September to April, with a peak in births during the warm, wet summer season between November and February. After a gestation period of around four months, three to four piglets are born, which are initially protected within a large nest of grass, three metres across and one metre deep. After leaving the nest the piglets join the family group and are protected by the dominant male.

 

The red river hog has a wide, but patchy, distribution extending from Senegal in the west, throughout the Guinea-Congo forest, as far east as the Albertine Rift, on the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

 

 

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