Saturday 15 December 2012

Giant Anteater

Giant_Anteater
The Giant Anteater lives in forests, swampy areas and open plains of Mexico, Central America and South America. It walks and roams around in densely populated areas during the night.
    It eats insects and picks its prey up by rapidly flicking its long sticky tongue in and out. Its mouth is long and tubular and does not have any teeth. Of all the anteaters, it is the largest species and can weigh up to 39 kg or 86 lbs. Its body is covered with a coarse coat with a gray stripe running down each shoulder. Its tail is long and bushy. It has long front claws which is used for defense against enemies and tearing apart termite mounds. Their claws are so long that they are tucked under its feet and the anteater walks on its knuckles.
    It is a solitary animal and gives birth to only one young. It carries the young on its back for almost a year during its growth.
    The Giant Anteater's numbers have depleted due to the loss of its habitat to human construction. The fact that its reproduction rate is very low does not encourage the increase of its numbers.

Endangered Gorillas



Endangered_Gorillas
Gorillas, the largest of the apes inhabiting our planet, have been a source of awe and inspiration to humans since centuries. Unfortunately though, they are on the verge of extinction today. Here's a bit about the plight of these endangered primates.

Gorillas, the largest of the apes inhabiting our planet, have been a source of awe and inspiration to humans since centuries. Unfortunately though, they are on the verge of extinction today. Here's a bit about the plight of these endangered primates.

FUN FACTS

  • Gorillas are the closest relatives of humans, after chimpanzees, with almost 98 % of their DNA being similar to us humans. 
  • They are non-aggressive and apprehensive species that do not attack humans, unless they are provoked. However, they are often perceived to be aggressive animals. 
  • Just like humans, the fingerprints of every gorilla is unique, and no two match each other. 
  • Nose-print of every Gorilla is also unique. 
  • Gorillas can walk erect much like humans but prefer not to do so. On the contrary, they walk on their knuckles, by putting all their weight on them 
  • It is believed that the HIV/AIDS infection can be transmitted through the body of the western lowland Gorilla, alongside the other transmission causes. 
  • On an average, a Gorilla can survive in the wild for about 35 years. But it can live for more than 50 years, if well cared for, in captivity. 
  • Contraceptives have the same effect on gorillas as they have on humans. 
  • Gorillas do not sleep at the same place for more than one night. 
  • Gorillas have the ability to hold things in their hands as well as their feet.