Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)
It is not closely related to, but is often associated with the common snapping turtle. The largest freshwater turtle in North America, the alligator snapper keeps to primarily southern U.S. fresh water habitats. The alligator snapping turtle is characterized by a large, heavy head, and a long, thick shell with three dorsal ridges of large scales (osteoderms) giving it a primitive appearance reminiscent of some of the plated dinosaurs.
They generally do not grow quite that large—average adult size is around 26 inches shell length with a weight of 175 lb (80 kg). Males are typically larger than females. Alligator snapping turtles can also range in length from 16 to 32 in. (40.4 to 80.8 cm). from 100 to 140 days, and hatchlings emerge in the early fall. Though their potential lifespans in the wild are unknown, alligator snapping turtles are believed to be capable of living to 200 years of age but 80 to 120 is more likely…
(read more: Wikipedia) (photo: Norbert Nagel)
fairy-wren: Saffron Toucanet (Pteroglossus bailloni)
(photo by almir almeid)
Pair of MANDARIN DUCKS
Aix galericulata
©Stefano RonchiThe Mandarin Duck, or just Mandarin, is a medium-sized perching duck, closely related to the North American Wood Duck. It is 41–49 cm long with a 65–75 cm wingspan.
The species was once widespread in eastern Asia, but large-scale exports and the destruction of its forest habitat have reduced populations in eastern Russia and in China to below 1,000 pairs in each country; Japan, however, is thought to still hold some 5,000 pairs.
Specimens frequently escape from collections, and in the 20th century a feral population numbering about 1,000 pairs was established in Great Britain; more recently small numbers have bred in Ireland. Black Mountain, North Carolina also has a limited population. There is also a free-flying feral population of several hundred mandarins in Sonoma County, California. This population is the result of several mandarin ducks escaping from captivity, then going on to reproduce in the wild.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandarin_Duck
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NICOBAR PIGEON
Caloenas nicobarica
©Winston D. MunningsSomeone asked where they could buy a pair of Nicobar Pigeons in South Africa. I could see where this would be tempting, these are absolutely gorgeous birds. However, I’m not for people keeping wildlife as pets — both because the demand for animals as pets drives the trapping that is often linked to an animals decline in their natural habitat. Also, many animals have specific requirements that make them well-suited for this particular spot on the globe, adaptations present in the wild that make them a poor choice as a captive animals. Specifically, the Nicobar Pigeon is listed as Near Threatened and trapping them for the pet trade is illegal.
Here’s why:
The species is also trapped for the local pet market, but as it is on CITES Appendix I, such trade is generally illegal. Internationally, captive breeding is able to supply the birds demanded by zoos, where this attractive and unusual bird is often seen. Direct exploitation of the species, even including the illegal trade, might be sustainable on its own; however, available nesting habitat is decreasing. For one thing, the offshore islets which it requires are often logged for plantations, destroyed by construction activity, or polluted by nearby industry or harbours. Also, increased travel introduces predators to more and more of the breeding sites, and colonies of the Nicobar Pigeon may be driven to desert such locations or be destroyed outright. Though the bird is widely distributed and in some locations very common – even on small Palau it is still reasonably plentiful, with an estimated 1,000 adult birds remaining –, its long-term future is increasingly being jeopardized. For these reasons, the IUCN considers C. nicobarica a Near Threatened species.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicobar_Pigeon
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Nicobar Pigeon (back view)
Nicobar Pigeon (front vew)
Nicobar Pigeon (side view)
