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Join us as we explore the wilderness and share the beautiful scenery of nature! For all questions: @magellanvs
The spiny-tailed skink Egernia stokesii lives in Australia. These lizards inhabit rocky areas with narrow cracks in the ground, which they use as shelters.
The day begins with sunbathing right at the entrance to the shelter. Skinks lead an exclusively diurnal lifestyle - their natural activity depends on the solar cycle. After a long morning warm-up, they go in search of food. Breakfast starts with vegetation available near the shelter.
During the day, spiny-tailed skinks digest food. They spend the strong heat in shelters. In the evening, lizards feed longer than in the morning. Their day ends with the last rays of the sun.
In case of danger, spiny-tailed skinks rush to their shelter. Once inside, the lizard puffs up, flattens its body and blocks the entrance with its spiny tail. This makes the skinks virtually inaccessible to enemies.
The yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula), also known as the Ussuri marten, is the largest and most vividly colored of all martens. Its body length (excluding the tail) is 50-70 cm, tail length is 35-40 cm, and it weighs 2.5-6 kg.
Unlike most martens, yellow-throated martens usually live in small groups of two or sometimes three individuals. In winter, they form family groups that can include up to 5-7 members. Yellow-throated martens often hunt together, allowing them to take down larger prey. While hunting, they move parallel to each other at a distance of up to 100 meters.
Their primary prey is the musk deer. They also feed on wild boar piglets, moose calves, roe deer, spotted deer, ibex, hares, squirrels, mice, birds, frogs, mollusks, insects, eggs, beeswax, and honeycomb with larvae and honey.
Red panda cub learning to climb down a tree 🥰
These adorable creatures are native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. Despite their name, red pandas are not closely related to giant pandas. They are actually more closely related to raccoons, skunks, and weasels! 🦝
Red pandas are excellent climbers and spend most of their time in trees. They use their long, bushy tails for balance and their sharp claws to grip branches. 🌿
Baby red pandas, called cubs, are born blind and helpless. They rely on their mothers for warmth and protection until they are old enough to venture out on their own. It's heartwarming to watch a little cub learn to navigate the world around them! 🧡
Rhino Brawl 🦏
Fights are mainly for territory and mates. Injuries sustained during battles often lead to death, but in most cases, the losing animal manages to escape.
Owl Defense Secret!
When a predator approaches, the owl extends its sharp-clawed legs forward.
This maneuver helps to fend off an attack and protect itself.
The Amur forest cat, also known as the Manchurian cat, is one of the rare representatives of the feline family that exclusively inhabits the eastern part of Russia, primarily in the Primorsky and Khabarovsk regions. This small predator is distinguished by its unique appearance and behavioral habits, which have made it known among zoologists and wildlife enthusiasts. 🐾
Appearance and species characteristics
Amur forest cats have a characteristic gray-brown coat with black spots and stripes, resembling leopard patterns. The weight of an adult animal ranges from 4 to 8 kg, and the body length reaches about a meter including the tail. Their short legs and powerful jaws help them effectively hunt small rodents, birds, and fish. 🐱
Interesting fact: The Amur forest cat is a symbol of the Far Eastern nature and plays a significant role in maintaining the balance of the local ecosystem. 🌲🐾
Meet Edzo Momonga, the cutest creature on the planet! 🥰
Edzo Momonga is a tiny, adorable flying squirrel also known as the Siberian flying squirrel. The only place on Earth where it lives is on Hokkaido Island in Japan. 🇯🇵
These little cuties have a wingspan of just 10-12 cm and weigh only 150-200 grams. They are nocturnal and spend their days sleeping in tree hollows. At night, they glide from tree to tree in search of food like seeds, nuts, and berries. 🍂🌰
Edzo Momonga are known for their incredibly soft, thick fur which keeps them warm in the cold Hokkaido winters. Their large eyes are adapted for seeing well in the dark. So precious! 😍
🦨 Did you know that skunks can spray their smelly defensive secretion up to 10 feet (3 meters) from their anal glands? This stinky spray is a skunk's primary defense mechanism against predators. The odor can be detected by humans up to 1.5 miles away! Skunks are actually quite cute little creatures, despite their pungent reputation. 🦨
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The colorful Chinese pheasant, also known as the royal pheasant, is a magnificent bird known for its vibrant plumage. During mating season, the male pheasants perform elaborate dances, showcasing their stunning feathers to impress potential mates. 🐓💃 Their iridescent colors and intricate patterns make them a sight to behold in the wild. 🌿✨
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How an owl feeds its chicks. When an owl catches prey, it brings it to the nest and tears it into smaller pieces using its beak and talons. This allows the owl to feed its tiny chicks. As the chicks grow and develop, the parent owls will bring larger prey to the nest so the chicks can learn to handle food on their own. This helps them develop their hunting skills and prepare for future independent life. 🦉🍖🐾
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Crows can be affectionate too! 😊 When they feel comfortable, they make these sweet sounds 🎵 Listen to the adorable cooing of these cuddly crows 🐦💕
Did you know crows are highly intelligent birds? They can recognize human faces, use tools, and even solve puzzles! 🧠 Such fascinating feathered friends 🐦✨
Lyrebirds - the Artistic Birds of Australia
Deep in the forests of Australia, there are incredible birds called lyrebirds. These feathered creatures are known for their amazing ability to mimic the sounds of their surroundings with incredible accuracy. They can reproduce almost any natural sound and even artificial noises created by humans.
Lyrebirds are not only talented mimics but also have a unique appearance. The male lyrebird has an impressive tail that resembles a lyre, a musical instrument from ancient times. During the mating season, males perform elaborate dances and vocal performances to attract females.
These artistic birds are a true wonder of the Australian wilderness, enchanting all who are lucky enough to encounter them in their natural habitat. 🎶🦜✨
Just recently, cute fluffy balls with curious eyes hatched on the rocky shores - the chicks of the grey-headed albatross.
They have a lot to learn, as they have no idea what it's like to soar high above the waves. However, nature has endowed them with an innate urge to travel.
While adult birds bring food to their offspring, caught far from home, the chicks grow and gain strength. Soon, soft down is replaced by strong feathers, and the future travelers will set out to conquer the skies, covering vast distances without a single landing.
For albatrosses, flying is life. And each newborn chick will become part of the amazing world of aerial adventures over the vast expanse of the ocean.
The Lowland Tapir is a large mammal belonging to the order of odd-toed ungulates.
Although its vision is poor, only able to distinguish moving objects, the tapir compensates with its keen sense of hearing and smell.
Its upper lip combined with an elongated nose forms a unique, yet highly flexible trunk that ends in a small patch. Using this trunk, tapirs skillfully pluck leaves, helping them survive in their native grasslands.
Found in South America, east of the Andes, tapirs are herbivores, preferring the soft parts of plants.
Adélie Penguins - Small Inhabitants of the Icy Antarctic
Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) are one of the most iconic symbols of Antarctica. With their small stature (about 70 cm), black and white plumage, and distinctive black cap on their heads, they attract the attention of researchers and tourists from all over the world.
Known for their colonial lifestyle, they gather in thousands on coastal territories.
They incubate eggs on bare rocks, actively guarding their territory and chicks.
Their diet consists mainly of krill, fish, and squid.
Despite the impact of global warming, Adélie penguins remain one of the largest bird groups at the South Pole. Their existence reminds us of the fragility and importance of preserving the planet's natural resources.
The chipmunk (Tamias) is a small rodent from the squirrel family. Although closely related to typical ground-dwellers like susliks and marmots, the chipmunk has distinct "arboreal" body features.
Chipmunks have a significant difference in the length of their front and hind legs, relatively large ears, and not-so-long claws. On the other hand, like susliks, they have cheek pouches for carrying small portions of food.
Depending on the species, chipmunks can weigh between 30 and 120 grams and measure from 5 to 15 cm in length, with their tails ranging from 7 to 12 cm. The most noticeable characteristic of all species is the five dark stripes along their backs, separated by white or gray stripes.
Chipmunks are found throughout most of North America, from the Arctic Circle to central Mexico. The Asian or Siberian chipmunk inhabits the forest and taiga zones of Eurasia, from Northern Europe to the Korean Peninsula.
The black bear (baribal), Ursus americanus, is found in 39 out of 50 US states and all Canadian provinces. Baribals are afraid of humans and prefer to flee or climb trees when threatened. They have no desire to become a fur hat for a Scottish guardsman, as these hats are made from the fur of Canadian baribals.
Adult males measure from 1.4 m to 2 m in length, with a shoulder height of up to 1 m. Their tails are shorter than those of brown bears.
Plant-based food makes up 80% to 95% of a baribal's diet, with their main natural enemy being the grizzly bear, a much larger and more aggressive species.
🐅 Tigers have four fangs: two on top and two on the bottom, two on each side of the mouth.
The fangs are mainly used for holding onto prey. They need to be strong as tigers regularly hunt animals larger than themselves.
Florida's Unique Alligator Population
Florida is renowned for its diverse wildlife, with alligators being a particularly iconic species. These ancient reptiles have inhabited the state for centuries, but have only recently gained widespread attention due to frequent encounters with humans. So why is Florida considered the "home of the alligator"?
The state's warm climate, numerous water bodies, and rich fauna provide the perfect habitat for alligators. American alligators are native to Florida and can be found throughout the state, from the Everglades wetlands to the urban canals of Miami. 🐊
However, in recent years, there have also been reports of the presence of American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus), known for their aggressive behavior and larger size. Although such encounters are rare, they raise concerns among locals and tourists alike. 🏞️
Despite these concerns, alligators remain an important part of Florida's ecosystem and cultural identity. Efforts are being made to educat
🦦 Ferrets - bundles of energy and charm at home
These adorable fluffy creatures are not only cute but also very smart. Ferrets love to play, explore every nook and cranny, and can entertain you for hours with their antics.
Despite their compact size, ferrets have a bright personality. They remember smells, know the daily schedule, and can show real affection for their owner❤️
The brown bear is one of the largest predators on our planet. Despite its massive size and apparent clumsiness, this animal can reach an impressive speed while running.
The average speed of an adult brown bear is about 18-25 mph (30-40 km/h). However, in short moments of danger or hunting, the animal can accelerate up to 31-37 mph (50-60 km/h).
Bears primarily move at a walk, but if necessary, they can switch to a fast trot. Their powerful muscles allow them to quickly cover long distances even in rough terrain.
Despite their high speed, bears rarely use it in their daily lives. Usually, they prefer to avoid confrontations and try to quietly move away from potential threats.
The long-tailed widowbird flits from blade of grass to blade of grass like an angel. The males of these birds can only fly in dry weather, as during rain their tail gets wet and becomes too heavy. 🦜💦
These elegant birds are found in the grasslands of Africa. The male's impressive tail can be up to 50 cm long, three times the length of his body! 🌍🐦
Fun fact: The long-tailed widowbird is known as the "flying angel" due to its graceful flight and beautiful plumage. 🦋✨
The marabou stork looks very unusual! 😅
It has a bald head with a large, thick beak. Adult birds have a pouch of skin hanging from their chest. This throat pouch is connected to the nostrils, so it can inflate and deflate while the marabou rests.
🦜 Fun fact: Marabou storks are known for their unique appearance and are found in sub-Saharan Africa.
The coati (Nasua narica) belongs to the raccoon family. It was previously compared to badgers and foxes, but it turned out to be closer to raccoons, especially in terms of character and body structure.
These animals are social, and their behavior is interesting to observe. They use a large number of sounds when communicating with each other, and they have active facial expressions, particularly thanks to their noses. Coatis have been successfully domesticated.
The nose of this animal resembles a small trunk, containing many receptors and equipped with a large number of muscles, making it extremely mobile.
When searching for food, coatis rely on their keen sense of smell. They use their noses to dig up the ground, turn over stones, sniff the grass, and trees. As carnivorous animals, coatis primarily prefer amphibians, frogs, lizards, reptile and bird eggs, scorpions, insects, larvae, rodents, and mice.
Before you is the Cuban anole Anolis bartschi, puffing up its throat pouch. Apparently, this endemic species of the island of Cuba, belonging to the iguanas, is frightened by something.
When actively defending, any iguana inflates the throat pouch and the whole body, hisses and makes head thrusts towards the opponent. If such threats do not help, iguanas can bite painfully or hit strongly with their tail.
Common iguanas are exclusively herbivorous, consuming leaves, shoots, flowers and fruits of about 100 species of tropical plants. They cannot chew food, but only cut off fairly large pieces of plants and swallow them whole immediately.
🐒 The striped tail of the ring-tailed lemur is not only a bright distinctive feature, but also an important communication tool.
Lemurs use their tails for visual signals within the group: by raising it up, they signal to their relatives when moving through the thickets.
And during conflicts, males engage in "stinky fights" - they rub their tails on scent glands and wave them in front of their opponents.
The spotted-tail quoll or quoll is the last representative of the Dasyurus genus on the mainland. This living illustration of evolutionary ingenuity has a prehensive tail with a white tip that acts as a rudder when jumping, and sharp claws that allow it to quickly climb trees in search of insects. Today, fewer than 10,000 individuals remain. 🦡🌳🐾
This rare marsupial is a master of adaptation, using its clever tail and nimble claws to navigate the forest canopy with ease. 🌿🐾 But habitat loss and other threats have pushed quoll numbers into alarming decline. 😢
Conservation efforts are underway to protect these amazing creatures and ensure they continue to thrive in the wild. 🌿🦡💪 Let's appreciate the incredible biodiversity and unique adaptations found in nature! 🌎🐾
🌟Anteaters have amazing fathers who are true pillars of their families. The dad carries both his wife and baby on his back. What devoted and loving parents! ❤️🐜
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🐦 The male plumage of the common bullfinch is bright raspberry-pink, especially noticeable in winter against the snow. Females are more modest, olive-gray with a light pink tinge.
These birds love berries, especially mountain ash, and can have real feasts in the trees🍒
Leaf-tailed gecko - the invisible guest from Madagascar
Hiding among tropical vegetation, the leaf-tailed gecko becomes a true master of camouflage. Its body and tail, resembling a dried leaf, help the animal blend into the landscape.
Found exclusively on the island of Madagascar, this gecko rests peacefully on a tree during the day and moves silently among the leaves at night, hunting insects. Its light step is made possible by special sticky structures on its feet.
However, the population of these unique animals is declining sharply due to habitat loss and illegal trade. Scientists consider leaf-tailed geckos to be indicators of the region's ecological well-being, emphasizing the need for their protection.
The evolutionary history of the leaf-tailed gecko is a vivid lesson in nature's mastery, calling for the preservation of rare representatives of flora and fauna.