19368
Join us as we explore the wilderness and share the beautiful scenery of nature! For all questions: @magellanvs
🕷️ Meet the Whip Spider (Amblypygi), an ancient inhabitant of our planet! Fossil records show they've been around for over 358 million years. 🌟
These tropical creatures thrive in warm and humid climates, found in Africa, Australia, India, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Haiti, Malaysia, Indonesia, and many more countries.
🔍 Whip Spiders have relatively small bodies (5mm-4.5cm) with a flattened shape. But, their long legs (up to 25cm or more) make them look intimidating! Some species have a leg span of 40-60cm. 🤯
👀 The key difference between Whip Spiders and regular spiders? No silk or venom glands! Despite their fearsome appearance, they're harmless to humans and only feed on small insects. 🐜
🐦 Meet the Kakapo (Owl Parrot) Strigops habroptila, the only living flightless parrot and the heaviest parrot species, endemic to New Zealand, with a nocturnal lifestyle.
It measures 60 cm in length and weighs 2-4 kg. Its facial feathers form a disk, similar to owls, possibly aiding in location. Its voice is a hoarse, creaking sound, turning into shrill, unpleasant noises. Interestingly, the Kakapo has a strong, yet pleasant smell, similar to flowers, honey, or beeswax.
Although flightless, Kakapos are excellent climbers and can ascend tall trees. They can then "parachute" down, jumping with open wings, gliding 20-50 meters at a 45° angle.
Their diet consists mainly of local plants (ferns), seeds, berries, pollen, and nectar. 🌿
Meet the Whistling Duck! 🦆
The Black-bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) is a medium-sized waterbird that inhabits tropical regions of America. 🌴
Fun Fact: Did you know that Whistling Ducklings leave their nests just 1-2 days after hatching? 🐥 In this video, a mother Whistling Duck pretends to have a broken wing to distract a young alligator and lead it away from her family! 🙌 What a clever mom! 🐥💕
🦎 Meet the Fish-Scale Gecko! 🐟
The Geckolepis megalepis, also known as the fish-scale gecko, is a species of gecko with unusually large scales. 🤯
These nocturnal, tree-dwelling, insectivorous lizards are endemic to Madagascar and the Comoros Islands. 🌴
Their most remarkable feature? They can shed their skin and scales when caught by a predator! 😲
Their species name "megalepis" means "very large scales" in Greek. The shed skin and scales regrow within weeks, leaving no scars. 💥
Meet the Giant Spotted-Tailed Quoll! 🐨
The Dasyurus maculatus is the second-largest marsupial predator, after the Tasmanian devil, and the largest on mainland Australia. 🌳
Physical Characteristics:
* Body length: 60-75 cm (24-30 in)
* Tail length: 50 cm (20 in)
* Weight: up to 7 kg (15 lbs)
* Dark brown fur with distinctive white spots on the tail 🌟
Habitat and Behavior:
* Found in humid rainforests and coastal thickets along the coast
* Nocturnal and solitary animals 🌃
* Dens can be found in underground burrows, caves, tree hollows, and even under houses 🏠
Diet:
* Mainly consists of rabbits and other small mammals (2/3 of their diet)
* Also eats birds, eggs, and reptiles 🥚
* Large enough to hunt bigger prey like herons, possums, and young wallabies 🦥
Interesting Fact: The Giant Spotted-Tailed Quoll is an apex predator, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of its ecosystem. 🌿
Meet the African Black-Bellied Pangolin! 🦰
This fascinating creature, Phataginus tetradactyla, feeds almost exclusively on ants, making it the only known pangolin species that doesn't rely on termites for food. 🐜
Also known as long-tailed pangolins, they inhabit the forests of western and central Africa. This pangolin has discovered a nest of tree ants! 🌳
Interestingly, the name "pangolin" comes from the Malay word "pengguling," meaning "rolling into a ball." Pangolins can be found not only in Africa but also in Asia, including China, Java, and Malaysia. 🌟
Ant hills serve as both a food source and a unique "cleaning station" for pangolins. The animal sits near a swarm of angry ants, spreading its scales, allowing the insects to crawl underneath and bite, covering its skin in ant acid. Despite the pain, the pangolin endures this process! 😳
Meet the Majestic Saturniidae Moths! 🦋
The Saturniidae family includes some of the largest moth species, characterized by heavy bodies covered in velvety hair-like scales, broad wings with two pairs of eyespots, and small heads.
Newly Emerged! 🌟 This is a freshly hatched Saturnia pavoniella (Small Emperor Moth), preparing its wings for its first flight. 🦉
🦅 Crowned Crane's Mating Dance 💃
Meet the majestic Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina), a resident bird in Western and Eastern Africa. 🌟 This stunning bird has a distinctive red throat pouch under its chin, similar to a rooster's or turkey's, which can inflate. 🔥
Found in savannas south of the Sahara, and in East Africa, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, and Ethiopia. 🌍 They inhabit open spaces, from wetlands to dry areas, but prefer freshwater marshes, floodplains, or lake shores. 🌿
You can also spot them in rice fields or other water-loving crops. 🌾 Often, their habitats feature acacia trees or other trees where they roost at night. 🌳 The Crowned Crane is fearless around humans and often settles near human settlements. 🏠
Interesting fact: The Crowned Crane is known for its impressive mating dance, which involves jumping, bowing, and spreading its colorful wings. 💃🕺
Monarch Butterfly: A Migratory Marvel 🦋
The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is one of North America's most iconic butterflies. 🌟
In the 19th century, they were introduced to New Zealand and Australia. Today, they can be found in Europe on the Canary Islands and Madeira. 🌍
Incredible Migration Journey 🗺️
Monarchs are famous for their annual migrations from southern Canada and the northern US to Florida, California, and Mexico, traveling up to 3,000 miles (4,800 km) each way! 🚀 They overwinter in Mexico's mountains and return north in the spring.
Mariposa Monarca Biosphere Reserve 🌳
This protected area in Mexico's Michoacán state is a vital habitat for monarch butterflies. 🌟 A hummingbird robot helps monitor these magnificent creatures. 🤖
🌟 Meet the Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine! 🦔
Found in tropical forests from Colombia and Venezuela to northern Argentina, this little guy is a tree-dwelling expert. It rarely descends to the ground, except for a drink. When it does, it moves slowly but easily. 🌳
Nocturnal and social, they live in small groups and have a unique defense mechanism: easily detachable quills that deter predators. When threatened, they curl up into a ball. 🤯
Their diet consists of leaves, buds, and fruits. They occasionally raid guava, corn, and banana plantations. 🍌🌽
This small animal has a body length of up to 65 cm and weighs up to 5 kg. Its short, thick quills are tricolored: pale yellow on top and bottom, with a black center. Its back is black, belly is gray, and its prehensile tail is 30-50 cm long. 🦊
Interesting fact: The Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine is one of the few porcupine species that can climb trees! 🌲
🐾 Meet the Desmana moschata, a curious creature that's often mistaken for a rodent, but actually belongs to the mole family! 🐾
This little animal has a 18-22 cm long body, a tail of the same length, and weighs up to 500g. Its fur is thick, velvety, and very strong, with hairs that broaden at the top and narrow at the root. 🌿
The Desmana moschata leads a semi-aquatic life, spending most of the year in burrows with a single underwater entrance. They need a lot of food, with adults consuming their own body weight in food every day! 🍔
In the summer, they mainly eat bottom-dwelling creatures like insect larvae, leeches, and snails. In the winter, they add plant-based foods and even small fish to their diet. 🐟 Interesting fact: The Desmana moschata's unique fur helps to reduce water resistance, making it a great swimmer! 🏊♀️
🌟 Meet the Vogelkop Superb Bird-of-Paradise, a newly recognized species thanks to its smooth dance moves! 💃
In 2016, researchers from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology joined a multimedia expedition to the remote western region of New Guinea, known as the Bird's Head Peninsula. They stumbled upon a distinctive song, which led them to a remarkable discovery. 🌟
The team found that the local population of Superb Birds-of-Paradise sang a different tune than those in other parts of New Guinea. They set up their equipment to record the courtship dance and were amazed to see the bird slide from side to side, rather than jump, with its feathers fanning out in a crescent shape, rather than an oval. 🌿 Did you know? The Bird-of-Paradise's extravagant dance is a crucial part of its mating ritual, and each species has its unique moves! 💃
🐦 Meet the Anhinga, also known as the "snake bird" due to its long, slender neck that resembles a snake when swimming, with the rest of its body hidden underwater. 🌟
This large bird measures 85 cm in length, with a wingspan of 115 cm and weighs up to 1.35 kg. 📏
The name "Anhinga" comes from the Brazilian Tupi language, meaning "devil bird" or "snake-like bird". 🔥
But how does it swim fully submerged? Unlike ducks, the Anhinga can't make its feathers waterproof using oil from its preen gland, so its feathers can get completely wet, making it barely buoyant. However, this allows it to dive easily and hunt underwater prey like fish and amphibians! 🐟
After several dives, the Anhinga needs to dry its wings for a long time, similar to the cormorant. Interestingly, Anhingas don't have external nostrils and breathe only through their epiglottis! 👀
🐦 Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta) - a bird living in South America from Colombia to northern Argentina.
It's a semi-aquatic bird, but often grazes on land and rarely swims. Its bill resembles that of a chicken. The legs have barely visible webs between the long toes.
🔪 Two sharp spurs on the wing bend help them fight for territory. Adults reach 85 cm in length and weigh 2-3 kg. Their black-and-white plumage features a 10 cm crest on the forehead.
🗣️ Known for their extremely loud screams, they're called "screamers" in English. They can be tamed and used as guard animals, alerting with a loud call when someone approaches.
🐒 Red-faced Spider Monkey
The Red-faced Spider Monkey (Ateles paniscus) is a primate living in tropical forests in northern South America. Unfortunately, they suffer from hunting and habitat destruction, making them vulnerable, according to the IUCN.
👀 Physical Characteristics
These monkeys have long black fur and a red or pink face, with a few short white hairs. Babies are born with dark faces that turn red as they mature. Their body length is approximately 55 cm, and they weigh around 9 kg. Their tail is prehensile, and their fingers and limbs are long, agile, and strong.
🍔 Diet
Red-faced Spider Monkeys are omnivores, feeding on termites, larvae, soft leaves, flowers, berries, and fruits.
📆 Lifespan
In captivity, they can live up to 33 years.
Interesting fact: Spider monkeys are known for their advanced problem-solving skills and have been observed using tools in the wild! 🤔
Meet the Mountain Viscacha! 🐰🏔️
The Mountain Viscacha (Lagidium viscacia) is a rodent that inhabits the mountainous regions of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. They live in areas with sparse vegetation at high altitudes of 2400-5000m. 🏔️
Physical Characteristics 🐾
Mountain Viscachas resemble rabbits with long tails, similar to squirrels. They have a body length of 40cm and a tail length of up to 32cm, weighing between 1.5-3kg.
Behavior and Diet 🌟
These animals are diurnal, most active during sunrise and sunset. They feed on grasses, mosses, and lichens, and don't need water as they get enough moisture from the plants they eat! 💦
Conservation Status 🚨
Unfortunately, Mountain Viscachas are hunted for their fur and meat, leading to a decline in their population.
Interesting Fact 🤔
In the wild, Mountain Viscachas only live for 3 years, but in captivity, with proper care, they can live up to 19 years! 🐾💕
🐒 Meet the stunning Javan leaf monkey (Trachypithecus auratus) that inhabits the rainforests of Indonesia, specifically on the island of Java and nearby smaller islands.
These langurs have a distinctive long tail, up to 1 meter in length, while their body length is around 55 cm. They're active during the day, spending most of their time in trees, and their diet consists mainly of leaves, fruits, flowers, and buds. Occasionally, they'll also eat insect larvae. Their digestive system is adapted to break down tough plant material.
But there's something scientists don't mention... Take one look at their serious, gloomy faces, and it's clear: you're looking at a group of philosophical misanthropes! 🤔
Meet the Nacunda Nighthawk! 🦉
Found in South America, this bird never migrates and instead, hibernates during the toughest months when food is scarce. With just 10 grams of stored fat, it can survive for up to 100 days in hibernation! 😴
What's unique about this nighthawk is its partially diurnal lifestyle. Despite being a nocturnal hunter, it spends a lot of time on the ground, with exceptionally long legs for a nighthawk. You're more likely to spot it walking on the ground than resting on its surface! 🌟
Did you know that the Nacunda Nighthawk was previously classified under the monotypic genus Podager, but was reclassified to Chordeiles in 2011? Its former genus name "Podager" comes from the Latin word for "gouty person", reflecting its awkward walking style! 😂
Meet the Sacred Langur 🐒
In India, the Hanuman Langur (Semnopithecus entellus) is revered as a sacred animal, embodying the god Hanuman. 🙏
Found in India, Nepal, South Tibet, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, these agile monkeys are excellent tree climbers and jumpers, covering 4-12 meters in a single leap! 🌳 They spend most of their day on the ground, running on all fours, but always sleep in trees at night. 🌃
Interesting fact: Langurs are primarily herbivores, feeding on fruits, flowers, tree bark, and leaves. However, they occasionally raid agricultural plantations, causing mischief! 🍃👀
🐹 Meet the Bushy-tailed Jird (Sekeetamys calurus) taking a sand bath - just like a chinchilla! 🌀
But unlike chinchillas, these rodents aren't found in the Andes. Instead, they inhabit Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan. 🌍
They have a body length of 10-12 cm and a tail length of 11-16 cm. Their fur is yellow to red on top with dark shadows, while their belly and limbs are whitish. Their brown, fluffy tail ends with a white tuft. 🌟
These rodents dig burrows under stones or buildings. Females give birth to an average of 3 young, with a maximum of 6 in a litter. One individual lived in captivity for almost 5.5 years. 🐾
Interesting fact: Bushy-tailed Jirds are well adapted to life in the desert, with their sand baths helping to keep their fur clean and shiny! ✨
🐨 Meet the Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus), a cute marsupial native to Eastern Australia and Tasmania.
They live on the ground, are active at night, and sometimes bask in the sun on early mornings. Their days are spent in shallow burrows, usually dug at the base of grassy tussocks. No complex tunnels for them! 🌿
Potoroos feed on grassy plants, roots, and fungi. From May to June, over 70% of their diet consists of mushrooms! 🍄 They also snack on insects, especially in summer.
Watch how they sniff the ground, moving side to side, and start digging with their front paws when they find a potential food source using their keen sense of smell! 👃
🐦 Meet the Palm Cockatoo, one of the few bird species that use tools to create sound! 🎵
Males build nests in specific tree cavities to impress picky females, then use sticks to drum and lure them in for a nest inspection. 🏠👀
This large parrot measures 70-80 cm in length and inhabits northern Australia, Cape York Peninsula, New Guinea, and nearby islands. 🌴 Did you know that the Palm Cockatoo is the oldest cockatoo species in Australia, and was the first to inhabit the continent's north? 🌟
These birds can live up to 90 years, giving them plenty of time to master complex skills! 🤓
🦔 Meet the Madagascar tenrec (Hemicentetes semispinosus) taking a dust bath and rubbing in a new scent! 🌿
Zookeepers provide tenrecs with new scented dust to stimulate their natural behavior. In the wild, tenrecs use scent as camouflage and to repel parasites. 🐜💡
Did you know? Tenrecs are one of the few mammals that use scent marking to communicate. They have scent glands near their front legs, which they use to leave chemical signals for other tenrecs. 📢👀
Stork's tough love 🐦
Nature isn't cruel, it's practical. Feeling that she can't feed three chicks, the mother stork chooses the weakest and throws it out of the nest, so the remaining ones get more food.
The unlucky chick will likely die, but there's a chance a person will find and raise it. Then, those who now scold the stork will cry over the poor bird living with humans: "A bird should live free!" You can't please everyone 🤷♂️
Meet the Satyr Tragopan 🐓
The Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan satyra) is a species of pheasant that inhabits the Himalayas in India, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and Southern China.
Unique Name 🤔
The name "Tragopan" comes from the ancient Greek god Pan, known for his goat-like horns and beard. The species name "satyra" also originates from ancient mythology, referencing the horn-like features.
Habitat 🌳
These birds prefer humid, mountainous forests with dense undergrowth of rhododendrons and bamboo. They can also be found along riverbanks and streams with thick shrubs and diverse vegetation.
Conservation Status 🚨
Unfortunately, the Satyr Tragopan population is declining due to poaching and the rapid growth of tourism, leading to habitat loss and disturbance. However, they thrive in captivity and are successfully bred in many zoos and sanctuaries.
Meet the Himalayan Monal 🐦
The Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus) is a member of the pheasant family and the national symbol of Nepal. 🇳🇵
Colorful Plumage 🌟
Females have dull brown feathers, while males shimmer in all colors of the rainbow with glossy feathers and a green crest on their head, adorned with long feathers with white tips.
Flight and Diet 🍃
Monals are capable fliers, but prefer not to. They have a strong, curved beak and primarily eat seeds, green plant parts, and insects.
Habitat and Behavior 🏔️
They hide in shrubs during the day and emerge to feed on open slopes, usually in the morning and evening. In summer, they migrate to higher mountains, up to the level of perpetual snow. Typically, small groups of birds are seen, consisting of a male and several females.
Meet the Marmoset's Diet 🐒
The diet of marmosets (Callithrix) consists mainly of tree sap and juice, but they also enjoy fruits, flowers, nectar, and insects. This little marmoset is completely puzzled by a grasshopper, thinking it's a "walking leaf" challenging reality! 🐜
Long Lifespan, High Maintenance 🕰️
Marmosets live up to 15-18 years. Unlike ordinary hamsters, they require more than just a cage, toys, and food. These social butterflies need constant interaction and quality care. You can't just leave them alone - they crave attention! 🐒
Think Twice Before Adopting 🤔
Toys and treats won't compensate for lack of attention. If neglected, marmosets get bored, then unhappy. So, think carefully before deciding to bring one home! 🏠
Meet the Crested Auklet! 🐦
The Crested Auklet (Aethia cristatella) is a small seabird that inhabits the northern Pacific Ocean. 🌟
Diet & Habitat
These birds feed on krill and small marine animals, diving into deep waters. They breed in large colonies of up to 1 million individuals. 🌟
Unique Features
Both males and females have colorful feathers, a crest on their forehead, a citrus-like scent, and a loud trumpet call. These traits evolved due to sexual selection. 🌿
Size
They can grow up to 18-27 cm in length, 35-50 cm in wingspan, and weigh 200-330 grams. 📏
Citrus Scent
During breeding season, they emit a social scent, similar to mandarins, which can be detected by humans from 1 km away! 🍊
Meet the Crab-Eating Fox! 🦊
The Crab-Eating Fox (Cerdocyon thous) is a medium-sized, omnivorous mammal that inhabits the savannas and grasslands of South America, from Colombia and Venezuela to Uruguay and northern Argentina.
Physical Characteristics:
* Greyish-brown coat with reddish tints on legs, ears, and face
* Black stripe along the spine, sometimes covering the entire back
* Black tips on tail and ears
* Body length: 60-70 cm, tail length: 30 cm, height: 50 cm
* Weight: 5-8 kg
Hunting Habits:
* Nocturnal hunter, usually solitary or in pairs
* Feeds on small rodents, lizards, frogs, birds, fish, turtle eggs, insects, and crustaceans (hence the name "Crab-Eating Fox")
* Also enjoys fruits, vegetables, and berries: figs, bananas, mangoes
Interesting Fact: The Crab-Eating Fox is known for its adaptability and opportunistic diet, making it a successful species in its habitat. 🌟
Meet the Grison! 🐺
The Grison (Galictis vittata) is a carnivorous mammal that inhabits the Americas, from eastern Mexico to Bolivia, Argentina, and Santa Catarina in Brazil.
Physical Characteristics:
* Body length: 45-55 cm (18-22 in)
* Tail length: 13-19 cm (5-7 in)
* Weight: 1.5-3.8 kg (3.3-8.4 lbs)
* Sleek body with short legs
* Smoky-gray back, black face, neck, and belly
* White stripe on the forehead extends to the shoulders
Defense Mechanism:
When threatened, the Grison emits a warning sound, jumps sideways, raises its tail, and releases a pungent secretion from its anal glands.
Diet and Hunting:
The Grison feeds on small mammals, birds, eggs, lizards, amphibians, and fruits. It hunts alone, in pairs, or in groups, and eats its prey in a designated area.
Interesting Fact:
Grison are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to 30 seconds! 🏊♀️ They are primarily ground-dwelling, but can also climb trees and bushes.