Arctic Fox

Arctic Fox

 

Arctic Fox - Vulpes lagopus

Arctic Fox – Photographer: Keith Morehouse

 

Description 

With a full grown adult size from 5 to 20 pounds there is plenty of diversity when it comes to the Arctic Fox. They are going to vary in size depending on the area where they live. Some are able to find more sources of food than others which plays a major role in how large they become.

Some believe that the Arctic Fox is white in color all year long. While they are for the majority of it, they do turn a shade of brown for the summer months. This is to help them be able to remain protected in their natural environment. The white color helps them with the snow but when there isn’t much of it they need to have another option.

 

Anatomy 

Since only a few specific animals are known to live in the cold Arctic temperatures, exploring what it is about their anatomy that makes it possible is fascinating. Like so many other animals in this area they have layers of fat called blubber. This helps to give them the body heat they need to be comfortable here. They also have feet covered with fur so that body temperature can’t be lost here.

They are able to move around quickly and without falling on the ice and snow due to the pads at the bottom of the feet. This is important or they would struggle to hunt and to get away from predators in this type of environment. The ears are also designed to help them with maintaining body temperature. Their sense of smell and hearing are wonderful which also help them to be able to live in such an area.

 

Evolution 

The fact that this fox can live here is believed to be due to evolution. They have differences with the design of the body that allows it to be possible. You couldn’t take another species of fox and place them here as they would die due to the cold. How did this species of fox get to theArctic? Most believe it occurred with the Ice Age and a quest to find food.

Changes to their bodies allowed them to be able to survive here instead of dying out. This is also believed to be why they have the white coloring most of they year. While other species of fox do feature some white, they don’t have it all over the body. There is still plenty of unknown information though about how they evolved into the animals as we know of them today.

 

Behavior 

Another difference among them and other species of fox is that they are social animals. Others are very isolated and really only interact for mating or when they are taking care of their offspring. They are able to recognize others that they have been around through the scents that are given off. The females tend to be more interested in maintaining social relationships though than the males.

There are unfounded fears out there about the Arctic Fox too due to the fact that they do come out during the day. All other species of fox are nocturnal so they only come out at night. For this one though they need to find food when they can so if that opportunity is during the day they will take it.

Fears though stem from the 1988 outbreak of rabies inNewfoundland. This fox is believed to be the animals that introduced it. That is the information people remember, and they often associate seeing a fox out during the day with the chances that it could have rabies.

 

Habitat and Distribution 

These animals are able to live where it is extremely low and the temperature is often in the negatives. They live in dens like other fox but most of the time these dens are found under the ground. They also have detailed tunnel systems there that they use to move around. When there are layers of snow on the ground they will use them to save energy.

They can also find sources of food under the ground this way. They will have a better opportunity of doing so then remaining above the ground. They do like to stay on the frozen ice though better than in the snow because it consumes less energy to walk there.

 

Feeding Habits 

Finding enough food is a challenge at times in the Arctic so this fox has to do all it can to increase the chances of survival. They search for food underground as well as above it. They can hear rodents and other animals moving under the snow when they are above it. Then they can reach down and kill it instantly.

The biggest source of food for the Arctic Fox is the Lemming. They can consume several of them on any given day when they have the chance to do so. They will also each the eggs that birds leave behind. When they have a chance, they will also feed on the smaller species of birds in their environment.

Another interesting element of the Arctic Fox is that they will consume remains of animals that have been left behind. Other species of fox won’t do this, they only consume what they actually kill themselves. This is why they are often seen tracking the Polar Bear. When they do so, they will get the opportunity to consume the meat from seals as the Polar Bear will only want the layers of blubber it offers.

 

Reproduction 

Mating season is very long for this fox which works to their benefit. It can take several months for them to find each other. They mate for life and track each other by scent. They can mate as early as September or as late as May of the next year. They do give birth to a very large litter, but almost all of them will die before they are old enough to venture out on their own.

This isn’t due to a lack of parenting but the environment. The extreme cold can prove to be too much. From the moment they are born the young rely on their mother for warmth and for food. The male has to bring her food though so she can produce enough for the young. If he doesn’t return, she will have no choice but to leave them for her own survival.

 

Predators

In this type of environment, there aren’t nearly as many predators as other fox deal with. What they have to worry about include the Golden Eagle, Polar Bears, and the wolf. All of these animals are going to do all they can when it comes to finding food for their own survival. They often hunt the younger fox but will try to get the adults if they feel they have a chance of capturing it.

Humans also go to this remote part of the world in order to hunt the Arctic Fox. They love the chance to hunt for something that is so unique in the world. They want to have the challenge of tracking them in unfamiliar territory. The great look of this fox is another reason human’s go hunt for it.  As I mentioned, there are also those that worry about rabies again. They feel this animal should be hunted to prevent that from happening.

 

Interesting Web Site

Fox Facts and Information

 

Beluga Whale

Beluga Whale

 

 

Beluga Whale Facts

Beluga Whale - Delphinapterus leucas

Beluga Whale Description

If you haven’t seen a Beluga Whale then you are definitely missing out on one of the most unique elements in the water. They are different in many ways from other species of whales. One of their characteristics is that the adults will become white in color. As they get older they lose pigmentation which is responsible for this trait. Since they are smaller than other species of whales this is one way to know for sure if you are looking at an adult or a youth.

They can live in the wild for approximately 30 years, but that can vary depending on predators, changes to their environment, and problems that humans cause for them. These whales live in the colder regions which is another difference from them and most other species. They are spectacular to watch and they are also at risk for a future due to many variables.

Beluga Whale Anatomy

Since the Beluga Whale is smaller than many other species, they seem to be out of proportion in many ways. They have an extremely round body but they don’t weigh nearly as much as other whales. This particular feature is due to the layers of additional blubber they have. It is necessary in order for them to successfully live in the colder waters of the Arctic.

They are about 3,000 pounds when they are an adult and close to 15 feet in length. The females are slightly lighter and shorter than the males. You will notice that a Beluga Whale doesn’t have a dorsal fin. That way they can move through the icy waters with ease. They do have a fluke but if you look closely at it you will notice a peculiar notch in the center of it. This is also to help them navigate through the icy waters. Each one only has one blow hole that it uses to take in air.

Beluga Whale Evolution

The story of how the Beluga Whale came to be is full of holes. There are some pretty good theories but they can’t be proven yet. They will one day though or new theories will erupt based upon the information that is found. What is commonly believed today is that they were on the Earth about 50 million years ago.

In order for them to survive they evolved from land animals to water animals. Their small limbs became fins and they developed a blow hole so that they could get the air they need and still be able to dive to get the food supply they need as well. Since this is the main evolution process believed of most whales it is also fitting for this particular species.

Beluga Whale Behavior

A great deal of time has been spent observing the behaviors of the Beluga Whale. What is very interesting is that they are very friendly and very social creatures. The thrive within their pods which can have up to 25 individuals in it. They do all they can to make sure everyone within that pod is well cared for and has enough food to eat.

One element of research that continues to be studied is the communication of this type of whale. They are able to use a variety of different calls, clicks, and whistles in order to effectively communicate with each other. These sounds can be heard from miles away by humans and even further by other Beluga Whales.

Beluga Whale Habitat and Distribution

Even though they are able to live in extremely cold areas of the Arctic and sub Artic they do migrate. Many people are puzzled by this but it does make sense if you have the facts. First, they can’t live in water that is mainly frozen which does occur in the winter months. Not only can’t the move well in it, they can’t find adequate sources of food. Secondly, they won’t mate within their own pods so migrating allows them to find plenty of others that they can pair off with.

The Beluga Whale is found in any body of water that is cold enough and that offers them enough food. Most of them are around the area of Alaska due to it offering both of these elements for them. They can also be found in the various seas and rivers though so don’t rule it out when you travel through the waters of these areas.

Beluga Whale Feeding Habits

They are very opportunistic when it comes to feeding. This means that they will take what is in front of them and be very grateful for it. Since they need to consume about 3% of their body weight daily they don’t have the time to be too picky. They will mainly eat fish but also consume crustaceans, squid, and octopus that they come into contact with. They hunt as a group so it is simple enough for them to get large amounts of food each day for all in their pod.

They will swallow their food in whole chunks even though they do feature extremely sharp teeth. They will use those teeth when necessary though to break large prey into chunks that they can easily swallow.

Beluga Whale Reproduction

As I mentioned they will take part in reproducing when they are migrating towards the warmer waters in the winter. Only the mature Beluga Whales that are from 7 to 9 years of age will mate. It takes about 15 months for the offspring to be born. That is a very long time and one concern about the slow addition of new ones to their numbers of overall population.

The females are instinctively excellent caregivers. They will give birth towards the shore so that it is easier to guide the pup to the surface for air. The entire pod will do what they can to protect the young from predators by placing them at the center of it. The food supply for the young pups is milk from their mother for the first year or two of life.

They grow extremely fast due to the amount of fat found in her milk. They are already bout five feet long and weigh about 100 pounds at birth so it doesn’t take them long to gain in both size and strength.

Beluga Whale Predators

Many people assume that the Beluga Whales don’t have predators due to them living the Artic and sub Artic regions. However, they do have a couple that are interesting to learn about. The polar bear is one that can be a huge threat to them. Since they can stand on the ice and have swift claws that are extremely powerful it doesn’t take much for them to get a pup that is close to shore. Polar bears can also swim very fast so they are a threat in the water as well.

The Killer Whale is another threat to them in the water. However, it is humans that pose the biggest problem of them all for them. Hunting them for sport has gone on for decades. However, now there are faster boats and better weapons that tip the scales in favor of the humans. Some tribes around Alaska also hunt them for food.

The destruction of their natural habitat due to actions from humans is a huge problem. They have to deal with the effects of global warming, pollution that can lead to disease, and their natural habitat being destroyed. Right now they are considered to be a threatened animal. What this means is that the remaining 80,000 will have a hard time surviving if we don’t take action to change out ways.

 

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Blue Whale

 

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Blue Whale

Blue Whale

 

 

Blue Whale - Balaenoptera musculus

Photograph taken by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Blue Whale Description

You may know so simple facts about the Blue Whale, but this fascinating animal has such a story to tell. We are still mystified by it due to the sheer size of it and how long it has been around. There is plenty that we don’t know due to where they live. They are realistically too large to keep in captivity and the cost of feeding them would be ridiculous to say the least.

Exploring the world of the Blue Whale is one that you will enjoy. Perhaps upon doing so you will discover for yourself why we all have a responsibility to help protect his animal. They are considered endangered at this point in time. Unless more people step in to help them though the outlook for their future here on Earth looks quite grim.

Blue Whale Evolution

How did the Blue Whale come to be the magnificent animal that we have today? There are still many elements of that which we aren’t familiar with. There is evidence to indicate they have been around in some form though for more than 45 million years. They have been able to evolve into water animals from ones that were once able to walk on land. This has allowed them to survive in an environment where they can have all of their basic needs met.

Perhaps some day we will uncover more fossils of the Blue Whale which will provide us with the exact answers we seek. However, the focus now needs to be on keeping these animals alive instead of only a part of our past history. They aren’t able to evolve fast enough to keep up with all the changes that humans create for them.

Blue Whale Anatomy

It is easy enough to say that the Blue Whale is the largest animal in the world. Yet what does that really mean? It means that this creature is as long as a bus and that they are even larger than any dinosaurs that we know about. They can be more than 100 feet long and close to 200 tons in weight. They have many colors associated with them including variations of blue, green, and white. They have a long and slim body that allows them to move with ease along the ocean.

All Blue Whales feature two blow holes and that allows them to take in lots of air. They will be able to dive into the water for food and not come back up for close to an hour. Younger ones can’t stay under as long but as they get older their capacity will increase. Once of the interesting things to look at on their body is the grooves under the throat that run all the way to the middle of the bottom of the belly. These grooves are for the processing of food through a filtering system.

Blue Whale Behavior

Since we don’t get to have Blue Whales in captivity a great deal about their behavior is a mystery as well. They tend to do quite well out there as isolated creatures but occasionally they will be seen as a pair or in very small groups. They do get along well when they come into contact during migration, in search of food, or for mating purposes. They generally aren’t aggressive in nature towards each other.

There is no denying the loud calling sounds of the Blue Whale though. They can be heard for many miles away. In fact they are the loudest animal in the world. Many times it will sound like an eerie type of whistling that is coming from the water. This sound increases in volume and frequency during the mating season as well because they use these calls to find each other.

Blue Whale Habitat and Distribution

It is a myth that the Blue Whale only lives in the Indian Ocean. Such stories circulate though because this is where the vast majority of them are found. They do live in all the oceans around the world. They tend to stay in warmer waters though and they will live in deeper waters. That is why many people don’t realize that they are in the area because they don’t see them from the shore.

Blue Whales migrate in the winter months in order to find warmer water. During this period of time they can be found in places where they normally wouldn’t habitat. Migration patterns have been documented and many tourists travel to those areas in hopes of seeing these amazing animals as they move from one location to another.

Blue Whale Diet and Feeding Habits

Blue Whales don’t much of a selection when it comes to the food that they eat. Instead they consume millions of krill every day. They will eat more in the summer than in the winter though. During the winter they are able to survive due to the amount of fat called blubber that they stored up over the warmer times of the year.

The filtering system that they have allows them to consume the food they need and to remove the items that they don’t include the water. This process is very complex but at the same time it is very intriguing to learn about.

Blue Whale Reproduction

It is assumed that the Blue Whale reproduces just like other mammals in the water. We don’t know much about the specifics though due to the region where these animals are, deep in the waters of the ocean. They tend to be ready to mate about 8 to 10 years of age. A female will only have a pup every couple of years due to the fact that the mating season overlaps with the time of year when she will be ready to give birth.

It takes a full year from conception until they pup is born. It is ready to swim instinctively when it is born. They aren’t small and defenseless like some animals in the water. They are huge at a size of about 20 feet and about 3 tons in weight when they arrive. They aren’t ready to consume krill though until they are about six months old. Until that time they will survive off of the milk their mother’s produce.

They grow at an amazingly fast rate by gaining about 200 pounds a day. They will consume milk from their mother for the first six months of life before beginning to hunt for their own food. They will remain with their mother for about another six months before separating.

Blue Whale Predators

The Blue Whale does survive well due to its size. They don’t have any natural enemies except for the Orca. They may become something that the Orca wants but they won’t give in without a fight. In fact, many Blue Whales out there have the scars from their battles with them to prove that they aren’t easy prey at all.

Of course many humans love the thrill of the kill for such a huge animal. This became such a problem that the government had to step in around 1966 and make it against the law to do so. Of course we all know too well that people will continue to break the laws so that isn’t enough.

Due to the illegal hunting by humans as well as global warming and pollution in the ocean, the Blue Whale is an endangered animal. There are an estimated 12,000 out there still remaining. If we all do our part though they will have a bright future and they can start to get their numbers to increase.

 

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American Alligator

American Alligator

 

 

American Alligator - Alligator mississippiensis

American Alligator - Photographer Donald W. Deloach Jr.

American Alligator Description

There is plenty to be learned when it comes to the American Alligator. A common question is about them being white in color. While it is true that they can be it is also very rare. Only a fraction of them actually have this coloring as both of the parents must have the gene for it. Today, genetic testing can be done that shows which ones have it. This is why there are higher numbers of such offspring born in captivity.

Most of these alligators feature a very dark coloring though – much darker than any of the other species of alligators out there. They can grow to be quite large too with the males usually close to 14 feet and the females close to 10 feet. Their weight varies significantly depending on the location where they are found.

American Alligator Anatomy

Like all alligators they feature very strong jaws and very sharp teeth. These are the tools that help them to successfully take down prey that is much larger than they are. The use of their tail is also a weapon to corral their prey when they need additional strength to keep them in place. The tail can account for several feet of the overall body size for these animals.

American Alligator Evolution

There isn’t much to explain when it comes to the evolution of the American Alligator. What you see is what you get and that same concept has been true all through time. There is very little evidence of any alligators evolving which shows how the complex nature of their bodies has been a very good design. They have been able to survive what nature and man has sent their way.

American Alligator Behavior

Even though the body of the American Alligator hasn’t changed much, they have been successful in a variety of others ways. Experts that have carefully studied them are truly amazed by the level of intelligence that these animals display. They are able to problem solve which definitely helps them to adapt to their environment.

They are careful observers, and know what movements different animals will make. This is why they make it seem so effortless to successfully take down their prey. They have studied them and know with some certainty what they will be doing and what they will be evaluating in their surroundings.

American Alligator Habitat and Distribution

This particular species of alligator is only native to areas of the United States. They require an environment is humid and has warm temperatures. They are able to live in both saltwater and freshwater. However, more than 90% of them live in freshwater areas. It seems that many of them are being pushed into saltwater though due to a lack of location. They are at the mercy of humans because they continue to take over land these alligators once freely roamed.

Florida has more American Alligators than any other place. The last estimated count was approximately 2 million of them. Additional millions of these animals are scattered around Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana. They try to remain in one area but if they feel threatened for food is hard to find they may branch out. This is why territories there were once unknown to have them seem to be detecting larger numbers of them.

American Alligator Feeding Habits

You may assume that such animals have to eat constantly. However, they have a very slow metabolism so they are able to eat infrequently. This could be a primary reason why they have been able to survive for millions of years and other animals simply couldn’t. They can eat lots of different mammals but rodents are a huge part of their diet. For the larger American Alligators it isn’t unreasonable for them to consume deer and cattle.

They are also known to consume humans even though they don’t hunt for them as some people think. Yet they are instinctive predators and they aren’t about to pass up a chance to get a great meal. Humans that live in these areas or that visit need to be fully aware of the danger that may be lurking in the waters.

Believe it or not, the American Alligator actually serves a purpose when it comes to the rodents in their habitat. Without so many of them being consumed by these animals it would be an epidemic to contend with. The living conditions are right for them and they have an extremely fast rate of reproduction.

They swallow food in very large pieces that sit heavily at the pit of the stomach. To help with digestion they consume stones. The grinding action of them helps to break down the food. For those that have seen the American Alligator consuming rocks and was puzzled, you now have an understanding of why it takes place.

American Alligator Reproduction

Even though it is always warm where these alligators live, in the spring time that is kicked up a couple of notches. As the heat rolls in so does the urge for mating. The males are the pursuers and they will go to great lengths to get other males out of the way. Once they have mated with a female they will leave her. Their goal is to mate with as many of them as they can.

Each female can create from 20 to 50 eggs with her body. She has the duty of creating a sizable nest on the land for them to be placed in. She will stay close to her eggs as much as she can. However, it takes about 65 days for them to emerge. Realistically, she can’t go without food that long. She also needs the water so she can cool her body from the heat.

Instinctively though she has a good idea of when the young will be born. Her duty is then to help them out of the shells and into the water. There she will do all she can to protect them from birds and turtles trying to feed on them. Even so, a large number of them will be lost due to these predators.

American Alligator Predators

As an American Alligator gets larger though it has less and less to be afraid of. Well, at least in terms of other animals. By the time it is full grown there isn’t a single one that will challenge it. The aggressive nature and power of this animal has a reputation that none will mess with.

The challenges for it come from humans that don’t like sharing the same areas with them. Of course the American alligator was there first but most humans tend to forget that quickly enough. As a result of this they are constantly hunting them in an effort to clear them out. They also hunt them so that their skin can be sold to be offered for leather goods. That is a million dollar industry so there is plenty of incentive to take part in it.

There are also thrill seeking hunters that want to do all they can to get a good hunt it. With the high number of American Alligators out there, they don’t have to worry about laws to prevent it. In fact, such hunting is often encouraged to keep the population of these alligators from becoming overwhelming.

 

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American Black Bear

American Black Bear

 

 

American Black Bear Facts

American Black Bear - Ursus americanus

American Black Bear Description

American Black Bears are very different in their size depending on where they live. This is why some of them are only a couple of hundreds pounds while others are more than twice that size. The majority of them do end up being about 5 feet tall though. They are often mistaken for other types of bears due to their different sizes. They can be brown or black in color.

American Black Bear Anatomy

These are very fast moving bears when they need to, up to 40 miles per hour. They generally don’t have to move along at that rate in the wild. However, when they need to run from danger or they need to be faster than their prey it isn’t hard for them to do so. Many people are amazing to see bears with such a stocky build being able to run so fast!

Like other species of bears they do have very sharp claws. Those do allow them to perform many different things. For example they are able to climb, to get their prey, to defend themselves, and even to take bark off of trees. They happen to have two layers of fur instead of just one.

The outer later protects them from bugs and the sunlight. The inner coat offers them a line of defense against water and the wind. This is why the American Black Bears are able to survive in a variety of different environments without any problems. Their ability to adapt due to their anatomy is something that continues to fascinate researchers.

It is known that they have amazing abilities when it comes to smelling and when it comes to their hearing. However, they have the worst vision of any species of bear out there. They are able to make out shapes but not fully make out what they see. This is why they can sometimes be aggressive because they aren’t sure if they are in danger or not.

American Black Bear Evolution

The American Black Bear has been able to evolve for more than three and a half million years. That is absolutely remarkable given all that has changed over that period of time. They have been able to rely heavily upon plant life instead of just meat to be able to survive during this period of time.

While it may be difficult to believe, the early ancestors of these bears actually are related to felines. This could account for the amazing speed and agility this species continues to have today. There are theories including the possibility of these bears having tails long ago.

American Black Bear Behavior

Sleeping during the heat of the day is the common behavioral pattern for these bears. They are active in the early morning light and as the sun starts to go down. While resting they can be found in shady areas that are nice and cool. They can wake up easily during the day though if they smell or hear something out of the ordinary.

While they do have their own territory, they have no problem moving beyond it to find food, to mate, or when their curiosity is peaked. This is why they seem to have so many run ins with humans. It is also why they end up in battles with each other. Most of these battles are between two males, but not always.

American Black Bear Habitat and Distribution

The American Black Bear is very diversified when it comes to where you will find them. They are going to be able to thrive where they have lots of shade from trees, plenty of food, and places where they can hibernate. This can be in the mountains, along the plains, and even in swamps.

As their natural environment changes they are able to move in new directions to be able to get their basic needs met. This is why it isn’t uncommon for humans that live close to the wilderness to find these bears around their homes when that was never a problem in the past. Canada, Mexico, and the United States are all countries where you will find the American Black Bear living.

American Black Bear Diet and Feeding Habits

Like most bears they love to consume fruits, berries, and nuts. They also consume other types of plant life include leaves, bark off of trees, and grass. They have a sweet tooth as well that is hard to satisfy. Some items that they enjoy are honey and yams. It is this desire for sweets that can also lead them into trouble. They will find such foods that humans have left uncontained.

Meat is also part of the diet for the American Black Bears. They are able to easily hunt both small and large animals. They are very fast, have sharp claws, and have amazing strength. This has also led them to killing cattle that are raised close to their environment so the battle between them and humans continues.

Some very crazy things have been found in the stomach contents of these bears. They including clothing, toys, shoes, tools, and more. This has lead researchers to believe that the American Black Bear isn’t worried at all about what they consume. They have healthy appetites and they will consume just about anything to satisfy it.

A huge problem though is that once these bears start an unhealthy diet of human food they seem to be turned off by their normal diet. This can continue to bring bears and humans too close to each other. Successfully removing these bears and introducing them into new environments hasn’t been very successful either.

American Black Bear Reproduction

Mating of the American Black Bear takes place in the spring and summer months. The males can travel a great distance in order to reach the females. They may battle with each other to get to mate with one of the females. The biggest and strongest males will get that right. The courting and mating process can last for several days.

The females are able to delay when the embryo begins to grow in her body. This allows the young to be born in the first two months of the following year. When they are born she will be in a den hibernating. The fat that she stored up over the summer and the fall will be used to feed her and the young. When they are a couple of months old she will bring them out to the rest of the world. She can have from two up to four cubs at a time.

American Black Bear Predators

The conflicts that erupt between American Black Bears can result in death. Generally this will occur between two males that are fighting over food, territories, or mating rights. Full grown ones may eat the younger ones when food is scarce. There are a variety of other animals out there including different species of bears that can try to feed from them as well.

Hunting of these bears is very common, and in most areas it is very legal. There are about 400,000 of them left in the wild so controlling that population is why it is legal in controlled situations. A certain number of tags are offered in order for hunting in a specific season are available annually. There are some trapped though and sold for profit as people find them to be a type of pet they are willing to pay lots of money for.

 

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Common Chimpanzee

COMMON CHIMPANZEE

 

Common chimpanzee Facts

Common chimpanzee - Pan troglodytes

Common Chimpanzee Description

There is plenty to explore and evaluate when it comes to the Common Chimpanzee. They belong to the class of great apes. With hairy bodies, small ears, and big eyes they can melt out hearts. They also have pouty lips and eyes that seem further back into the head due to the protrusion of the ridge above the eyebrows.

There are many similarities between them and humans that you will want to explore. With a genetic profile that is very similar it is fascinating to see all about them. They have very long jaws that house flat molars in the back. At the front they have sharp incisors. There is more to the Common Chimpanzee though than just their physical attributes.

Common Chimpanzee Anatomy

Taking a closer look at the anatomy of the Common Chimpanzee, you will soon see it is a work of art. They have everything they need to successfully move around both on land and in the trees. They have a strong upper body with shoulder muscles that are very mobile. This gives them the agility and the movements for swinging back and forth in the trees.

They can also stand up while on land or in the trees. Yet you will rarely see them do so because it is a posture that is slow to them. It is also one that consumes lots of energy. Instead they are often seen on land walking on their knuckles. They are very strong and so this process doesn’t hurt them. It also doesn’t consume very much energy.

Common Chimpanzee Evolution

There is still plenty of speculation out there when it comes to the evolution process. It is believed that these animals were able to separate from the great apes around 20 million years ago. Further separation occurred about 1 million years ago. That is why we now have two species of Chimpanzees – this one and the Bonobo.

The study of Common Chimpanzee evolution continues to be one of interest. Yet it takes lots of time and money to be able to move forward. The lack of fossilized remains that have been discovered so far also make it difficult to say with certainty what has occurred over the span of millions of years.

Common Chimpanzee Behavior

It is very exciting to observe the behaviors of the Common Chimpanzee. They seem so human like in many of their characteristics. For example they can use tools to find food and even to defend themselves. They also have been seen playing and laughing just like human children do. The source of entertainment can often cause us to forget they are wild animals though. They have been known to attack humans and should never be raised as pets.

They need their natural environment to thrive and lots of interaction. One that is in captivity without the right environment can become depressed. They can also end up not eating and becoming very ill. You also have to worry about human illnesses that can be deadly to these animals.

They can be very aggressive towards each other and to other animals. They’ve been known to injure or kill humans too when they feel they are in danger. They are manipulative and you really never know what they will do. They are able to problem solve and they can remember things that have occurred in the past.

In their social structure though they are also very loving and caring. Their well being is often connected to this relationship. They need to be able to cooperate in their movements and for hunting. The females take excellent care of the young and they will even adopt those that have become orphans. There are many sub groups that are found within the larger troops.

Common Chimpanzee Habitat and Distribution

There are many locations all over Africa where the Common Chimpanzee lives. You may already know that they are found in the rainforests as that is the common home for them. Yet they are also living in the savannah woodlands and the mountains. As humans continue to invade their natural habitat, they seem to be forced to adapt to new regions.

There could be only 100,000 of them in the wild and there can be up to 200,000 of them out there. The number game is hard to get accurate due to how spread out they are. Add in the fact that they often move around and you will see that experts have trouble keeping track of what is a new troop of them and what they have already seen before.

Common Chimpanzee Diet and Feeding Habits

There are lots of different food sources out there that the Common Chimpanzee depends on for their survival. They are known to eat meat which some people don’t know. They can hunt as a group to be able to take down other animals. They use sticks as tools for getting into termite mounds.

There are plenty of plants and leaves that they consume as they wonder through their home range. They also look for seasonal fruits that will come and go throughout the year. They will feed for several hours a day – both in the early morning hours and then in the late afternoon before the sun goes down.

Common Chimpanzee Reproduction

The rainy season is the main time of year when they will mate. However, it is an occurrence that can occur at any time of the year. When they have lots of food though is when they are the most likely to take part in the mating process. They don’t mate until they are at least 10 years of age. That is also a reason why it is hard to get their numbers back up.

The mother will carry the baby in her body for about 200 days. When it emerges covered with hair and just a few pounds in size she will make it the center of her world. Should her baby die due to a fall or a predator she will greatly mourn that loss. There are several years between the birth of one and the next for the mothers. This gives them time to help their young to mature.

Common Chimpanzee Predators

Some people believe that the Common Chimpanzee doesn’t have any predators. They don’t have too many in the wild but a couple that can create problems for them. Since the Common Chimpanzee is often in the trees they can be attacked by dangerous snakes. They can also be attacked either on land or in the trees by the big cat called the leopard.

Humans have been in the same areas as the Common Chimpanzee for a very long time. The villagers of Africa have often hunted them for a source of meat. That continues to be a big problem even though the African government has made it illegal to do so. Now they have figured out they can make money by guiding hunts and selling the young Common Chimpanzees.

Humans continue to destroy the natural environment of the Common Chimpanzee. They introduce disease, they clear out the trees so they can sell the wood from the trees, and they clear land so they can farm on it. All of this results in a fight for them to find enough food and shelter to be able to survive.

 

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Cheetah

Cheetah

 

 

Cheetah Facts

Cheetah - Acinonyx jubatus

Cheetah Description

Do you know that the black spots of the Cheetah are very unique for each of them? They have golden brown fur with black spots on them. Yet if you compare the design of the spots on various ones you will quickly see that they all have a pattern that is original. These are very fast animals and they move gracefully. You won’t be able to easily find them in their environment though as their coloring gives them great camouflage.

Cheetah Anatomy

There is no question that the Cheetah is one of the most powerful and elegant animals out there. The sheer speed of it is something that many people are impressed with. The body of this animal has an overall design that gives them every advantage when it comes to movement. This includes a long tail for balance and the ability to see for a very long range.

They have padded feet that offer them plenty of traction. There will be times when this helps them to get their prey with ease. As their prey is sliding around on the mud they are able to continue being balanced and in control of the situation.

Cheetah Evolution

We don’t know as much as we would like to when it comes to the evolution process for the Cheetah. They have been around the Earth for the past 26 million years in some form. Most of the fossil remains we have from them have been located in the various areas of Africa. Those that are from Asia date back 11 million years so they did migrate that direction in order to survive. Many experts believe that was during the Ice Age.

The fact that the evolution process seems to be very slow for these animals could be why so many of the subspecies haven’t survived. The biggest concern with this is that they don’t have a diverse genetic profile. That makes it hard for them to change and also hard to survive now with such low numbers of them remaining.

Cheetah Behavior

The Cheetah isn’t nearly as aggressive as other felines. However, they are dangerous and they are going to show aggressive when they feel threatened. The females are more likely to live alone. However, they do have smaller home ranges that overlap. It is possible that the mothers and daughters stay very close to each other even though they have their own habitat areas.

For the males though they spend their lives in groups. There may be only 2 or as many as 6 of them. The males stay with each other from birth until death in many instances. For the females they will leave their siblings at about 2 years of age. They will be alone except when a male comes to mate or they have young to care for.

Cheetah Habitat and Distribution

There aren’t very many Cheetah that are left in the wild. Those that do remain are in Africa and Asia. They do live in zoos all over the world due to the fact that people love to see them. They are a prime attraction at many of these places but they have a hard time adapting. They can be very dangerous to care for in captivity and are very strategic when it comes to their movements.

In the wild there are  plenty of places for the Cheetah to live. The fact that they do blend into the surroundings so well makes it hard to successfully always locate them. They may be spread out in the mountain terrain areas. Others are doing well along the plains or they hide in the very tall grassy areas.

Cheetah Diet and Feeding Habits

Some days a Cheetah is able to consume very large sums of meat. Then there are days when they don’t get anything at all. They have to find food at least every three days or they can get too weak to continue hunting. You will find they are very careful when they attack. They do trip their prey but they make sure they don’t get in the way. If they get hurt they won’t be able to find additional prey and then they will die.

When they do take down prey they will consume it extremely fast. This isn’t due to them being famished in most cases. Instead it has to do with the fact that they know there are other predators around the area. They don’t want to have to give up their kill to those animals. Yet if they emerge that is exactly what the Cheetah will do so that they don’t get hurt in a fight.

Cheetah Reproduction

Even though the Cheetah males are ready to mate at about a year old they don’t have very high sperm counts. As a result of this they don’t always impregnate the females. It is possible for the young from a mother to have more than one father. Some of the litters only offer one or two cubs. Others have four time that many and it can be hard for her to successfully care for all of them.

Only the strongest will survive though due to the fighting among them for her milk. They also fight over the meat she offers from her hunts. Almost all of the young though fall victim of the various predators. It is too complicated for the Cheetah mother to go find food and to also protect these cubs. They are very vulnerable when she is away.

Cheetah Predators

The young Cheetah has many predators to worry about. Among them are other felines including the leopards and lions. They also have to worry about hyenas and eagles. They will go after the very young ones so as these cubs get older they are less likely to become a victim of such predators.

Humans are also known to capture these young cubs when the mother is away. They will be sold as pets because many people love to keep them. They enjoy the idea of a pet that is so original. There are stories of the Cheetah being domesticated as far back as the Egyptians. Still, they are wild animals by nature and have been known to attack their human owners.

Life for the Cheetah becomes very hard when they don’t have much land to explore for food sources. That is what happens as humans continue to move into these areas. They erect homes and businesses in these areas. They also kill other animals that the Cheetah needs for food. There aren’t too many farmers or ranchers that are happy with the Cheetah being around their land.

One of the main reasons why this animal has such low numbers is due to the demand for their fur. The upper class used to wear them as a sign of status and so they were sold for huge sums of money. The more unique the pattern of the spots was the more money that the fur would be sold for.

The success of some conservation groups is credited with the fact that the Cheetah is still alive today. However, the slow rate of reproduction, shallow genetic pool, and threats to their natural environment make it very uncertain about how long they will be able to continue living.

 

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Cougar

Cougar

 

Cougar Facts

Cougar - Puma concolor

 

Cougar Description

Many people think that the Cougar is a big cat but it is one of the smaller ones. The fact that is the second largest in that category though is why it is often misclassified by those not familiar with the various types of felines out there. The Cougar is a great looking animal with a body that is very lean. The shoulders are well defined and extremely powerful.

They have small heads and small ears. They have a very long tail that has a black tip on it. This tail is for balance and it can measure up to three feet for the adults. They are a light brown or light tan color. Some of them also have areas of silver, black, or gray on them. They have a huge variation in weight with the heaviest ones being 265 pounds. Typically they are on the smaller size and that can be as low as 115 pounds.

Cougar Anatomy

The small head of the Cougar is where they have powerful jaws. There are also rows of sharp teeth with the canines being pointed. They are built for speed with up to 40 miles per hour for short distances. They are able to rely on their smell and vision to help them find prey. They have the amazing ability to leap up to 45 feet in the air and 16 feet forward so they have the agility on their side that so many other animals lack.

Cougar Evolution

It is believed that the evolution process has something to do with the speed and agility of the Cougar. Were they once very large animals that had teeth several feet long? Many people believe the earlier version was very similar to that of the Saber Toothed Tiger. However, we simply don’t have enough information about the Cougar to give that theory credibility.

The fossil remains that we do have indicate that they were in Asia about 11 million years ago. These are highly adaptable animals and have been for millions of years. That is part of the reason why so many experts want to find out much more about the evolution process of the Cougar.

Cougar Behavior

This is an animal that enjoys being alone and being able to venture around its habitat. They don’t like company of each other with the exception of when they are mating. The females also are accepting of their young and do seem to enjoy caring for them and interaction. A great deal of the information we have about Cougar communications comes from observing the mothers with the young.

These felines don’t roar but they do use hissing, growling, and deep purring for communicating. They also have a piercing screaming sound that is generally offered during mating for the males and females to be able to find each other.

The Cougar is very aggressive when it comes to their territory and they will fight with each other to protect it. They will also attack humans that venture too far into that habitat. They don’t always attack as many of them will retreat when humans are around. Some believe the females are more likely to attack as they are trying to protect their young.

Cougar Habitat and Distribution

The fact that the body of the Cougar allows for them to live in a variety of habitats is influential for the rate of survival for them. There are more Cougars in the wild than other felines – about 50,000 of them. It is hard to get an accurate count though due to where they are spread out. You will find Cougars living in the mountains as well as on the plains. You will find them living in desert regions and in the forests. They also survive in swamp areas.

Where they live is determined by availability of food rather than the type of terrain or the temperatures. The fact that humans continue to take over the natural habitat of the Cougar means they are starting to be identified in regions where they never were in the past. That does make many humans uneasy. They never thought they would have to worry about such animals around them but the risk is always there with the Cougar.

Cougar Feeding Habits

For the Cougar a diet of only meat will do, and they will consume up to 10 pounds of it a day. They search for hoofed animals including deer and elk. In some regions they will also feed on big horned sheep. When these are hard to find they will also feed on rodents and birds. Since the Cougar can take down food supplies much bigger than themselves they will have food for several days at a time. They will hide the remains of it so that other predators aren’t able to benefit from it.

Problems with the Cougar consuming cattle, horses, and even domestic dogs has infuriated many. They don’t feel save around such locations with the Cougar there. Yet in many of these scenarios the humans have moved into territory where these animals used to freely hunt. In other areas though the Cougar has become a nuisance recently as they aren’t able to find food where they used to roam. They are moving into new areas in order to survive.

Cougar Reproduction

Several times per year a female can enter an estrus cycle. She will give of very strong smells and that brings the males to her. A female may mate with several males during the window of  7 to 10 days so there is a very good chance she will conceive. It also means that some of the young may have different fathers.

The females wait about 90 days before the young are born. At that time they will be in a den so that they can be well protected. They are very small at birth and won’t open their eyes for about 10 days. They drink milk that the mother’s body offers for the first three months of life. She may have up to six kittens to care for and has to leave them unattended so she can find herself food.

By the time they are six months of age they have emerged from the den. These Cougar kittens are very playful but they are also learning a great deal. They have to help with hunting when they are about six months of age. They need to be strong enough and skilled enough to hunt alone by the time they are two years old and have to leave their mother.

Cougar Predators

For the young the risk of predators is there when the mother is out getting food. She will do all she can to protect them from predators in her presence though. Sadly, only a small portion of the young will make it to adulthood. The adults have no predators in the wild but they continue to have more and more problems with humans.

The fact that the Cougar does require a very large home range – up to 100 miles, means that the actions of humans moving into such areas can be very difficult for them. They do adapt to changes but that often means they start to be in areas where humans are more and more often. That has led to hunting them and poisoning them in many areas.

The Cougar population has increased in some areas and people aren’t happy with that. They don’t want to have more of these aggressive animals to content with. The fact that they overlook though is that the Cougar has a natural instinct to survive. Humans have the choice of where they will live and where they will venture.

 

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Deathstalker Scorpion

Deathstalker Scorpion

 

Deathstalker Scorpion - Leiurus quinquestriatus

Deathstalker / Photographer: Tola Kokoza

Deathstalker Scorpion Description

Regardless if you call it the Israeli Yellow Scorpion or the Deathstalker Scorpion, this is very dangerous arachnid to come into contact with. They have some of the most dangerous and powerful venom in the world. This is why  they are a type of Scorpion that many people are fearful of.

They have a powerful sting when they do inject the venom. The sight of the wound may hurt for many hours. There are studies though that show some forms of health problems may be able to be offset with this type of venom used correctly. Only time will tell if they are able to use it without side effects or long term problems. That is why the study of their venom continues to take place.

The Deathstalker Scorpion falls into the category of a medium sized Scorpion. They can range in size depending on their location and amount of food. However, they won’t get more than 4 inches in size. The females are usually a full inch larger than the males. They have different coloration too depending on where you find them.

This is one Scorpion that has the florescent coloring to them. They have a glowing yellow or green to them. They also have limbs that are very thin. This gives them the impression that they are very fragile and even gooey looking.

While they do have pinchers that are larger than other species of Scorpions they aren’t very powerful at all. In fact they can’t hold on to their prey long at all with them. They must rapidly inject the venom if they want to secure a meal. Otherwise it will be getting free of their grasp in a few seconds.

Deathstalker Scorpion Behavior 

This is also believed to be one of the most aggressive types of Scorpions. They are highly unpredictable. They will bite if they are threatened but they will also bite in order to defend their territory. In spite of such facts though the demand for them as pets continues to grow.

Many people own them illegally too. This is because they have to hold a special license in many locations to have one. They don’t want to deal with all of that so they buy it on the black market. Should they get bitten though or someone else be bitten you can be sure that the medical facility is going to be reporting it for investigation to see if such licensing is in place or not.

Deathstalker Scorpion Habitat and Distribution

Even though you can now find the Deathstalker Scorpion just about anywhere, they originally are found inNorth Africaand theMiddle East.Egypt,Ethiopia, and areas ofAlgeriaare common locations where they are found. They tend to do the best in areas that offer plenty of humidity as well as warm temperatures. They can adapt to less humidity and less than 75 degrees Fahrenheit though. However, they tend to be more aggressive when they are in different living conditions.

Since many people love to have this type of Scorpion as a pet they have made their way all over the world. It isn’t always legal but the demand for them is so high that they are often sold on the black market. It is very difficult to estimate how many of them are kept as pets or what all regions this covers.

Deathstalker Scorpion Feeding Habits 

If you do have a Deathstalker Scorpion as a pet you need to limit the amount of food you give it. They have the ability to store up large amounts of food. However, they really don’t need it in order to survive. You can feed them crickets, meal worms, and grasshoppers a couple of times a week.

They mainly dine on crickets in the wild. They will find live prey when they can but when that is tough they will submit to considering what has died and been left behind. They have to inject venom into prey to create a liquid they can suck out of them.

Deathstalker Scorpion Reproduction 

Mating can be a complex process with the female in complete control over it. The males will come looking for her and she will decide to let them stay and perform dances for her or not. She may decide to mate, to chase them off, or to eat them. There is no real understanding of why she makes a particular choice.

They are going to be mature around 5 years of age and that is also about their average life span. This is why they will only get one real chance to mate. Many of the males will die before they have successfully done so.

The gestation period will range from 2 up to 5 months, based on location and food availability. There can be as many as 30 born at one time. They will crawl onto the back of their mother and remain there until they molt the first time. This generally occurs when they are several weeks old. Then they will have to try to survive on their own.

Venomous Bite or Danger to Humans 

In spite of such as serious name, the Deathstalker Scorpion is responsible for very few deaths. Those that due die from it usually don’t seek medical treatment. They often have serious allergies or a heart condition too and that means the venom can spread fast and do lots of damage. It can result in the lungs filling up with fluid or the air ways closing up.

Bite Treatment or Care 

This is why you should always be well prepared. Any time you or someone you know is bitten by a Scorpion it needs to be looked at by medical professionals. If it is a Deathstalker Scorpion there is a great anti venom that can be administered. Combined with painkillers and antihistamines most people start to feel much better in a couple of hours. Within a day or two they will be released from the hospital with further instructions for care.

Enroute to the hospital you need to apply ice to the area of the bite. This will help to reduce pain and to slow the process of swelling. When you are in a facility where you can wash it with soap and water you should do so. Have someone else drive to the hospital too as some of the serious effects including fatigue and drowsiness so you have no business behind the wheel of a vehicle.

The pain will be very intense which is why the first course of action is going to be giving pain medication. Be prepared for paint to come and go over the next several months. It is mainly going to be felt around the joint areas of the body. This is especially true if the bite location is close to a joint.

Many people find that they become very tired after they have had such a sting. They will find it takes several weeks to get their strength back. Try to exercise daily, eat right, and get plenty of sleep to help speed up the recovery process. Headaches are very often reported and they may be mild or a migraine. They may come and go or they may linger for days at a time.

 

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Eastern Gray Kangaroo

Eastern Gray Kangaroo

Eastern gray kangaroo - Macropus giganteus

Eastern gray kangaroo - Photo taken by Sklmsta

Eastern Gray Kangaroo Description

As you can guess from their name, The Eastern Gray Kangaroo is grayish in color. This can include a variety of different shades of it, even on the same one. Looking at the front of them you will see a long area of white that blends in very well. They are spectacular looking animals.

The females are about 100 pounds when fully grown and the males have about an additional 20 pounds to offer. The females are about 4 feet tall and the males have a full foot on them. They also have ears that are very long and fully erect on top of their heads. The small face is one that most people find to be adorable.

Eastern Gray Kangaroo Anatomy

Kangaroos have short and slender upper limbs but they can pack a punch to them. They use them for boxing – well that is the males do. They also use them for grabbing food and for digging. If you look closely you will see that they have claws on them which are very sharp.

It is the tail that is really the core of the anatomy for the Kangaroo. Without this powerful and large muscle they won’t be able to stand or to hop in the manner that they do. They can go a distance of about 30 feet with each leap that they make. They can also leap higher than 5 feet off the ground. They use very little energy to move this way and they can travel at a speed of around 30 miles per hour.

You will notice that they have very large legs and wide feet. The internal parts of them are like springs with lots of flexibility. That is why they are able to make their movements appear to be effortless. No other animal in the world has an anatomy that is structured like this.

Eastern Gray Kangaroo Evolution

There is a believe that the Eastern Gray Kangaroo has been around for millions of years. Yet we are missing the pieces that help us to connect them at that point in time to now. We don’t fully understand what all has gone on in history to provide us with them as they are now know. One thought is that they used to be more similar to possums but that hasn’t yet been confirmed.

Eastern Gray Kangaroo Behavior

The males are extremely aggressive towards each other due to the desire to be the leader of their group called a mob. They want to take over so that they can become the dominant one and able to mate with all the females that are in that group. That is a very important role that they all strive for.

Boxing battles often take place among them so that they can challenge the leader. They will fight with each other to build up their strength of when that moment comes. Changes in leadership occur all the time and that is part of how the genetic pool continues to be very strong for these animals.

The females behave very differently in the mob, taking the time to interact with each other and to develop strong relationships. The females that are related are very favorable towards each other. They don’t turn their backs on their offspring once they reach the age of maturity.

Eastern Gray Kangaroo Habitat and Distribution

Areas throughout Australia and Tasmania are where you will find the Eastern Gray Kangaroo. They look for areas that have moisture in them. That is why they find homes where they have lots of shade from the trees. In fact, you may not see very many of these Kangaroos at all. That is because they will stay in those cool areas during the day and then emerge at night.

They do come out to the open grasslands through to find food. They have a wide range that they do cover in order to make sure they are able to find plenty of food. When the food supplies start to run low in a given area the mob will move on to evaluate other locations. They do seem to be able to adapt very well to different areas.

Eastern Gray Kangaroo Diet and Feeding Habits

Finding enough to eat is a very important element of the life for an Eastern Gray Kangaroo. They will spend hours every single night either eating or looking for food. For the females it is even more important as they need to be able to produce milk for the young joeys to be able to consume for their own survival.

Some of the common foods that they eat include grass, trees, and shrubs. They really aren’t picky so they will take just about any opportunity out there to eat what they come across. They can end up depleting vegetation in an given area though because their sharp teeth cut so far down. They will then use flat teeth to grind it up before swallowing it – they don’t chew.

The food will later come back up in a process known as regurgitation. Then they will chew it more and swallow it again. Cud has to be produced by the Kangaroos in order for them to adequately be able to digest the food. They do need water, but they get so much of it from the foods they consume that it usually isn’t a big issue to have to go in search of it by itself.

Eastern Gray Kangaroo Reproduction

The females won’t mate if they don’t have their basic needs met. The males also won’t produce enough sperm. This is nature’s way of helping to balance out the population when it needs to. This can be a concern in some areas though where the numbers continue to drop and new offspring isn’t being created to replace them. The females do love caring for the joeys though so as long as conditions are right they will be a willing participant for mating.

An extremely small joey will go to the pouch and find a warm shelter as well as milk. As it starts to grow it will be peeking out of that shelter. In time when it is safe enough it will hop out to explore a bit. Should it feel in danger though it will quickly go back to the pouch for protection. At about 10 months of age it will leave the pouch for good.

Eastern Gray Kangaroo Predators

The only real predator to worry about in the wild for the Eastern Gray Kangaroo is the Dingo. These canines have a terrible reputation in the wild and they will do all they can for their own survival. Even though Kangaroos can move quickly a pack of Dingos often proves to be too much for them. Even if they injure or kill one of them they others move in for the kill.

Humans continue to make problems for these Kangaroos. The fact that they have been used as a source of meat for centuries by the Aborigines is seen as a way of life. They aren’t going to give that up in search of other options. Hunters are a huge problem because they want to kill these animals simply so they don’t have to share the land. Ironically, they take over the natural habitat and then want to control what can come into that space.

 

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