Persian Leopard Habitat and Population

The most common subspecies of large felids in West and Central Asia, the Persian leopard has been hunted severely throughout its range for centuries. Now an endangered subspecies, the majority of the world’sPersian leopard lives in Iran. However, poaching along with habitat fragmenta on has reduced its populations to fewer than 1000 individuals in west Asia. An investigation on Persian leopard Panthera pardus saxicolor was carried out from September 2007 to October 2008 in Ghorkhod & Behkadeh Reserve, northeastern Iran. The area is the main buffer habitat around the core (source) population in Golestan National Park, but it suffers severe depletion of natural prey species due to lower level ofprotection measures, and is probably a sink population. We conclude that to ensure corridors and buffer zones, the most urgent and achievable solution is perhaps to designate additional “No Hunting Areas”and to implement anti-poaching measures, which may help the regional Persian leopard population to survive under a meta population framework. Northeastern Iran is supposed to hold the highest density of the Edangered Persian leopard (IUCN 2008) with a number of wellknown sites (e.g. Golestan, Sarigol, Tandureh). The subspecies has on the whole been experiencing a loss of habitat over a wide part of its range which inevitably will lead to its fragmentation into small, genetically isolated populations. However, the range of the leopard is still known to include large parts of Iran and there may be 550–850 specimens in Iran, some 55% of which live in protected Golestan National Park is one of the most outstanding habitats of the subspecies in Iran, connecting to Ghorkhod Protected Area in the east and Behkadeh Razavi No Hunting Area in the northeast. These areas possess suitable leopard habitats, and we suppose that they play a buffer role for Golestan. We call them hereafter “Ghorkhod & Behkadeh Reserve”. The leopard survey in Ghorkhod & Behkadeh Reserve has been part of the research and conservation efforts by the Iranian Cheetah Society (ICS) on Asiatic cheetah andPersian leopard in 

northeastern Iran, which has been initiated since 2003. The present publication describes some ecological aspects of the Persian leopard in a low-density buffer habitat, a sink population where the leopards suffer from serious poaching as well as prey depletion. With this article, we hope to create a more comprehensive perspective among the Iranian wildlife conservation parties in order to consider the necessity of buffer habitats when establishing leopard core reserves to ensure the long-term survival of  the subspecies. With an area of 433 km², Ghorkhod Protected Area is located in the most eastern part of the Caspian forests in the territory of North Khorasan Province. Altitudes from 1000 to 2700 meters, mean annual precipitation of 660 mm, and mean annual temperature of 9 °C produce a Mediterranean and temperate sub-humid climate in Ghorkhod PA (Darvishsefat 2006). Behkadeh Razavi No Hunting Area is smaller (ca. 230 km²) and connected to the  north boundary of Ghorkhod. The area includes two distinct  biomes, the plains (1/3 of the total area) and mountainous terrain. Ghorkhod was added to Golestan NP in 1976, but declared an independent protected area in 1982. Behkadeh Razavi was designated a No Hunting Area in 2006 and merged into Ghorkhod PA due to the presence of goitered gazelle Gazella subgutturosa and the Critically Endangered Asiatic cheetah Acinonyx jubatus venaticus. These twin areas are home to a diversity of carnivore species, including brown bear Ursus arctos, caracal Caracal caracal, wild cat Felis silvestris and grey wolf Canis lupus. It is supposed that lynx Lynx lynx exist in the area, but we did not find  any evidence. The Persian leopard survey was carried out from September 2007 to October 2008 in Ghorkhod & Behkadeh Reserve. Main valleys and trails in both areas

were searched for leopard  signs. We recorded leopard presence based on signs, including tracks, scrapes, scats, and kill remains. Persian Leopard scats were characteristically segmented into several lobes, with a mean diameter of 2.7 cm (2.0–3.0 cm) and pointed ends. Furthermore, leopards are more likely to defecate on trails or on grassy areas along the trails to mark their presence, normally on scrapes (Sunquist & Sunquist 2002). All excrements were inspected for the presence of hairs, bones, nails, and other remains. Hairs were identified using a reference collection compiled by Sepasi & Falahatkar (2006). During the entire study, we recorded all direct leopard sightings, both by researchers and local residents, and leopard tracks and scrapes. We also made inquiries about leopards with local people, mainly shepherds who visit frequently most parts of the study area. Leopard observations by local people were only accepted after proper confirmation, mainly by assessing the observer’s ability to describe the animal’s morphology. Behaviour of the animal, as described by the observer, sometimes helped to reveal the identity of the species. However, as other large carnivores present in the area differ markedly from leopards, the verification of the local people’s observations was not contentious. In parallel, 2 to 4 camera traps were set to photo capture animals, including the leopard.Source: animaldiscovery-chanelPopulation, Image: flickr.com

Read More........→August 23, 2012

Lion

Animal Unique | Lion | Lion is a carnivore (meat eater) and a hunter. Lions are mostly found in Africa and a small reserve in India. The lion is the second largest member of the cat family that lives in Africa. It hunts many animals and people they can live in cold regions, a very hot environment or in dense forests. In the past there were lions in the wild in Europe. Today, many lions live in zoos around the world. In the past they lived in northern India, Pakistan, and Arabia. Lions are also used as symbols of courage. They appear in heraldry often than any other animal. They are considered the king of animals and the icon of courage and royalty.
The lion is the highest of all living cats, bigger than the tiger. Behind only the tiger, the lion is the second largest living felid in height and weight. Its skull is very similar to that of the tiger, although the frontal region is usually depressed and flat, with a shorter post-orbital region. The largest skull has broader nasal openings than the tiger. Because of the amount of variation in the skull, two types, generally only the structure of the lower jaw can be used as a reliable indicator species. Lion color varies from light buff to yellowish, reddish or dark ochraceous brown. The abdomen are generally lighter and the tail tuft is black. Lion cubs are born with brown rosettes (spots) on their body, like that of a leopard. Although these fade as lions reach adulthood,
faint spots often can still be seen on the legs and abdomen, particularly on lionesses. Lions spend much of their time resting and are inactive for approximately 20 hours per day. Although lions can be active at any time, their activity generally peaks after dusk with a period of socializing, grooming and defecating. Intermittent bursts of activity through the night to follow until dawn, when hunting usually takes place. They typically spend two hours a day walking and 50 minutes eating. Lions are the most socially inclined of wild felids still free solitary character. The lion is a predatory carnivores who manifest two types of social organization. Some are residents, living in groups, called pride. Male are 20 to 35% larger than the females
and 50% heavier. The male's most important role is the pride of territory and to protect women against other males. Size is an advantage but it increases the male need for food. Only males grow manes. It makes him look bigger without increasing its weight or need for food. It also protects him from bites and scratches he should go to another man to fight. Each lion, so called, "whisker spots". The pattern is formed by the top row of whiskers differs in each lion and remains the same throughout its lifetime. Field researchers often use this
unique pattern to identify specific animals. Lions are powerful animals who usually hunt in coordinated groups and stalk their chosen prey. They are not particularly known for their endurance. The lioness is one who is hunting the pride, for the lioness is more aggressive. The male lion usually stays and looks at the young in anticipation of the lionesses to return from hunting. Typically, several female lions work together and encircle the herd from different angles. Once they have with a herd, they usually target the closest prey. The attack is
short and powerful, they try to catch the victim with a fast rush and final leap. The prey consists mainly of large mammals, with a preference for wildebeest, impalas, zebras, buffalo and warthogs in Africa and nilgai, wild boar, deer and several species in India. When resting, lion socialization occurs through a number of behaviors, and the animal expressive movements are highly developed. The most common peaceful tactile gestures are head rubbing and social licking, which were compared with care in primates. Lions have a range of facial expressions and body postures that serve as visual gestures. Lions tend to bellow in a very characteristic manner, starting with a couple of deep, longitudinal roar consisting of course in a series of
roar  shorter. They often at night. Lions have the loudest roar of a big cat. Most lions now live in eastern and southern Africa, and their numbers are rapidly, with an estimated 30-50% decline in the past two decades. Lions are part of a group of exotic animals that are the core of the zoo exhibits since the late eighteenth century, the members of this group are always large vertebrates and include elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, large primates, and other big cats; zoos sought to gather as much these species. The lion is an icon for humanity for thousands of years in cultures in Europe, Asia and Africa. Despite incidents of attacks on humans, lions have enjoyed a positive image in the culture as strong but noble. A common conception is their representation as "king of the jungle" or "king of beasts", hence the lion is a popular symbol of royalty and stateliness, but also a symbol of courage. Copyright By: IMAGENES, Source Link

Read More........→August 10, 2012

From Shark Teeth To Shark Cage: some interesting items in the news

As we approach Discovery's Shark Week, here are a couple of interesting shark items that have been traveling the Internet. First, a study by chemists from the University of Duisburg-Essen found that the teeth of mako sharks and tiger sharks contain the mineral fluoroapatite (fluorinated calcium phosphate). Humans' and other mammals' teeth contain an inorganic, bone-like compound, hydroxyapatite. as we all known from or fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, and water, there is an advantage to having some fluoride protecting our chompers. “In order to make teeth more acid resistant, toothpaste often contains fluoride,” Matthias Epple, a professor of inorganic chemistry at the University of Duisburg-Essen, told Discovery News. “In the surface ofhuman teeth after brushing, a small amount — much less than 1 percent — of hydroxide is exchanged by fluoride. In contrast,(the surface of) shark teeth contains 100 percent fluoride. In principle, sharks should not suffer from caries. As they live in water and as they change their teeth
regularly, dental protection should not be a problem for sharks.” So, sharks have built-in cavity protection. And, as the professor mentioned, they replace their teeth regularly. A shark can contain as many as several hundred teeth in it's jaw at any one time, with rows of fresh new teeth ready to come to the fore as older teeth are pushed out. Which brings me to the second interesting shark item. Many of you have seen images of the white sharks at Seal Beach, South Africa leaping out of the water attempting to either bite down on an unsuspecting seal - or a seal decoy placed in the water by crews hoping to grab some spectacular video or still photos. South Africa's Chris Fallows has built a respected career out of documenting white sharks going airborne with videos like the "Air Jaws" series and some amazing photographs. Australia's The Daily Telegraph ran a brief article on Seal Beach with photographer Dan Callister taking his own memorable photographs of airborne white sharks. As dramatic as his shots were, what caught my eye in several rapid-fire images of a shark grabbing a seal decoy was the clear evidence

of the shark shedding a tooth. You can see it airborne in the image below. Lastly, for those of you who have ever wondered what it would be like to see a great white shark up close, but decided you had to be an experienced diver or half crazy, Kevin Richberg wrote in The Huffington Post's Travel Blogs his experiences cage diving in Australia as part of his 30 Postcards Project. What caught my attention was how he described the experience. When doing any public speaking about white sharks, I often recall the word that first came to mind when I saw my first great white shark. Serene. There is a calm majesty to these animals; not a frantic, teeth gnashing demeanor at all. And that was exactly how Richberg saw it. "What surprised me was that following the initial excitement of seeing the sharks up close, my mood turned quite quickly to being calm and peaceful. I know you're probably thinking that 'peaceful' is the last word you'd use to describe a great white shark encounter, but for me it was true."Source: RTSea

Read More........→August 09, 2012

Feeding time! Sea lion gets to grips with keeper as he jumps for fish at Vienna Zoo

At first glance it looks as though this zoo keeper may have found himself in a rather dangerous situation, as he stands with his entire head inside a sea lion’s head. However the scenario is a fundamental part of his job at Vienna Zoo in Austria, for he is actually checking the teeth of the huge animal. The daily ritual also sees the South American sea lions leaping in the air for food and hugging the keeper doling out fish from his bucket. Source: The Coming Crisis

Read More........→July 27, 2012

Cheetah Population and Habitat

The Cheetah is smaller than other big cats, measuring 44 to 53 inches long with a tail length of 26 to 33 inches. Cheetahs usually weigh 110 to 140 pounds. The fastest land animal in the world, the cheetah is a marvel of evolution. Cheetah capable of running up to 70 miles per hour, the cheetah’s slender, long-legged body is built for speed. Its spotted coat, small head and ears, and distinctive "tear stripes" from the corner of the eyes down the sides of the nose make the cheetah highly recognizable among the large cats of Africa.Cheetahs live an average of 10 to 12 years and population an estimated 9,000 to 12,000 cheetahs remain in the wild. Once found throughout Africa and Asia, cheetahs are now confined to parts of eastern and southwestern Africa. Cheetah Height and weight: 78 cm (70 - 90), and 50 kg (35 - 65), males more robust and c. 10 kg heavier than females. Lightly built with long, comparatively thin legs and small feet with blunt  (except dewclaw), unsheathed claws; swayback, short neck, small, rounded head
with foreshortened face, broad but low ears, teeth relatively small, especially canines. Colouration: tawny, with white underparts, a short ruff, more developed in males, and fluffy hair on belly and chest; spots small and solid, outer tail ringed black and white, tip usually white; black ear backs, lips, nose, and "tear stains" from eyes to mouth; juvenile coat black with faint spots and a cape of long, blue-grey hair. HABITAT: Cheetahs thrive in areas with vast expanses of land where prey is abundant. In Namibia cheetahs have been found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannahs, dense vegetation, and mountainous terrain. Ninety five percent live on commercial farms. Cheetahs are found in the wild primarily in Africa, but in the past their range extended into northern and southern India. Conservationists using camera traps have recently discovered surviving populations in Iran and are taking steps to protect them. In much of their former range they were domesticated by aristocrats and used to hunt antelopes in much the same way as is still done with members of the greyhound group of dogs. Aside from an estimated 200 cheetahs living in Iran (Khorasan Province), the distribution of cheetahs is now limited to Africa. There are 5 subspecies of cheetah in the genus Acinonyx: four in Africa and one in Iran. The endangered subspecies Acinonyx jubatus venaticus lives in Asia (Iran). In 1990, there were reports in the Times of India of a cheetah sighting in eastern India. There is a chance some cheetahs remain in India, though it is doubtful. There have also been reports of Asiatic cheetahs in the Balochistan Province of Pakistan, though these continue to be unverified. The cheetah prefers to live in an open biotope, such as semi desert, prairie, and thick brush. FOOD: Cheetahs rely on a burst of speed to catch such swift prey as gazelles, wildebeest calves, impalas and smaller hoofed animals, knocking their prey to the ground and delivering a suffocating bite to the neck. They must eat quickly to avoid losing their kill to other carnivores. BEHAVIOR: Cheetahs are typically solitary creatures. Females raise their cubs for about a year. Males sometimes live with a small group of brothers from the same litter. Cheetahs hunt in late mornings and early evenings. Chases last from 20 to 60 seconds. Only half are successful. Cheetahs reach sexual maturity in 20 to 24 months. Mating season is throughout the year. The cheetah can live over twenty years, but their life is often short, for they lose their speed with old age. Unlike other felines, the adult females do not have true territories and seem to avoid each other, though some mother/daughter pairs have been known to continue for small periods of time. Cheetahs have a unique, well structured social order. Females live alone except when they are raising cubs. The females raise the cubs on their own. The first 18 months of a cub's life are important; cubs learn many lessons because survival depends on knowing how to hunt wild prey species and avoid other predators such as leopards, lions, hyenas, and baboons. At 18 months, the mother leaves the cubs, which then form a sibling group, that will stay together for another 6 months. At about 2 years, the female siblings leave the group, and the
young males remain together for life. Males live alone or in coalitions made up of brothers from the same litter. Some coalitions maintain territories in order to find females with which they will mate. Territories are often located in areas where there is a rich supply of wild game and/or water. Fierce fights between male coalitions, resulting in serious injury or death, can occur when defending territories. Coalitions of many male cheetahs are much more successful at winning and keeping territories than the ones who live alone. Life span is up to 12 years in wild. OFFSPRING: Two to four cubs are born to a litter. Cubs are smoky grey in color with long wooly hair, called a mantle, running along their backs. This mantle is thought to help camouflage cubs in grass, concealing them from predators. Mothers move cubs to new hiding places every few days. At five to six weeks, cubs follow the mother and begin eating from her kills. Cubs stay with their mother for about a year. THREATS: The future of the cheetah is doubtful because of increasing loss of habitat, declines in prey, high cub mortality rates and conflict with ranchers. Cheetah fur was formerly regarded as a status symbol. Today, cheetahs have a growing economic importance for ecotourism and they are also found in zoos. Because cheetahs are far less aggressive than other big cats, kittens are sometimes sold as pets. This is an illegal trade, because international conventions forbid private ownership of wild animals or species threatened with extinction. Cheetahs were formerly, and are sometimes still, hunted because many farmers believe that they eat livestock. When the species came under threat, numerous campaigns were launched to try to educate farmers and encourage them to conserve cheetahs. Recent evidence has shown that if cheetahs can avoid it they will not attack and eat livestock, preferring their wild prey. However, they have no problem with including farmland as part of their territory, leading to conflict. Cheetah cubs have a high mortality rate due to genetic factors and predation by carnivores in competition with the cheetah, such as the lion and hyena. Some biologists now believe that they are too inbred to flourish as a species. Cheetah is Status is endangered. CAPTIVITY: While zoos and aquariums may appear to be educational and conservation-oriented, most are designed with the needs and desires of the visitors in mind, not the needs of the animals. Many animals in zoos and aquariums exhibit abnormal behavior as a result of being deprived of their natural environments and social structures. Some zoos and aquariums do rescue some animals and work to save endangered species, but most animals in zoos were either captured from the wild or bred in captivity for the purpose of public display, not species protection. The vast majority of captive-bred animals will never be returned to the wild. When the facility breeds too many animals they become "surplus" and often are sold to laboratories, traveling shows, shooting ranches, or to private individuals who may be unqualified to care for them.animaldiscovery-chanel: Cheetah Population and Habitat 

Read More........→July 24, 2012