The iconic frog-eating bat (Trachops cirrhosus), best known for hunting amphibians in the Neotropics, is one of the most easily recognizable bat species. But new research, led by Angelo Soto-Centeno, who is joining the Museum as an assistant curator in the Department of Mammalogy next month, along with Museum Curator Nancy Simmons and colleagues at the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (Oficial) in Brazil, suggests that these bats actually comprise three separate species across their range—knowledge that’s vital for future conservation efforts. “Frog-eating bats are very iconic and easy to identify, with long woolly fur, large ears, and wartlike protrusions on its chin and snout that make it very recognizable,” Soto-Centeno said. “But that has led to underestimation of its diversity. Detailed taxonomic accounts like this are the first step for making effective conservation decisions concerning these animals.” Read more about their results, published today in the journal American Museum Novitates, in our latest blog post: https://bit.ly/3zpZC8r Photo: © Sherri and Brock Fenton #bats #research #mammalogy #conservation #biodiversity
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Scilly Shrews! The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust has been using the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Acoustic Pipeline https://lnkd.in/eXzVxdPc for two seasons now to process their bat recordings. In return for carrying out post-verification of their bat results each year for them, I have also been mining these triggered bat recordings (> 1 million wav files / year) for sound recordings of Lesser white-toothed shrew (Crocidura suaveolens). I wanted to collect recordings of this species to include in the book just published with Neil Middleton and Huma Pearce https://lnkd.in/egTEgMfm, but it also gave been an opportunity to build in the calls of this species to an AP 'bat' classifier that I had built for the Isles of Scilly, and to iteratively test and refine this AI / machine-learning algorithms over the past two years. It is very satisfying now, that in addition to routinely identifying bats, (and bush-cricket species), Lesser white-toothed shrew is now identified across the islands in the Isles of Scilly. With this work, this shrew species is also now routinely identified as 'by-catch' during bat surveys in the Channel Islands (Sark, Jersey), and in a number of other western European countries where this species is present and the AP is being used for bat surveys - So, it has been possible to go from nothing being known about the calls of Lesser white-toothed shrew, to being able to identify this species automatically. Before this work, I didn't know this, but interestingly, this species produces the highest frequency calls of any European shrew species that I have seen to date - where unless you have this species in mind, the calls could be overlooked as Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) calls - see the below playable spectrogram (played in 10 x time expansion), but the shrew warble to the calls help distinguish these species from Brown rat.
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Uganda has has 95% chances for you seeing this dinosaur like looking bird that inhabits the mabamba swamps surrounding lake Victoria basin. Tap me on [email protected] +25678814972 for more information and itinerary. The shoebill, also known as the whalehead or shoe-billed stork, is a large bird native to tropical swamps and wetlands in central tropical Africa. 2. With a distinctive shoe-shaped bill, the shoebill is known for its unique appearance and is often considered one of the world's most peculiar-looking birds. 3. Shoebills are solitary birds and are known for their patience while hunting. They primarily feed on fish, but they may also consume amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. 4. These birds can stand up to 5 feet tall and have a wingspan of around 7.5 feet, making them an impressive and sizable species within the avian world. 5. Shoebills are classified as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss, hunting, and disturbance in their native environments. Conservation efforts are being made to protect their habitats and ensure their survival.
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I am a native speaker of English, Spanish and Greek and I majored in English Pedagogy in UDLA, Viña del Mar.
Cobras are a group of venomous snakes belonging to the family Elapidae, known for their distinctive hoods that they can flare when threatened. Here are some key points about cobras: 1. **Venom and Fangs**: Cobras are venomous snakes with hollow fangs used to inject venom into their prey or predators. Their venom is primarily neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system and causing paralysis. 2. **Hood**: Cobras are famous for their ability to spread a hood, which is created by elongated ribs and loose skin around the neck. When threatened, they raise the front part of their body off the ground and spread their hood to appear larger and more intimidating. 3. **Species Diversity**: There are many species of cobras, found primarily in Africa and Asia. Some well-known species include the Indian cobra (Naja naja), king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), and Egyptian cobra (Naja haje). 4. **Habitat**: Cobras inhabit a range of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and even urban areas. They are adaptable and can be found near human settlements where rodents, their primary prey, are abundant. 5. **Behavior**: Cobras are generally solitary and nocturnal hunters. They use their keen eyesight and excellent sense of smell to locate prey. When hunting, they strike swiftly and can inject venom to immobilize their prey. 6. **Cultural Significance**: Cobras have significant cultural importance in various societies, often portrayed in mythology, religion, and folk tales. They are symbols of both fear and respect in many cultures. 7. **Conservation**: Some species of cobras are threatened due to habitat loss, persecution, and illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats and reducing human-wildlife conflict. Overall, cobras are fascinating and often misunderstood creatures with a range of adaptations that make them formidable predators in their ecosystems. #Cobras #VenomousSnakes #SnakeFacts #SnakeHood #WildlifeConservation #SnakeBehavior #Herpetology #SnakeSpecies #NatureFacts
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The feeding and predatory behaviour of three aquarium-housed elasmobranch species (blacktip reef shark, whitetip reef shark, pelagic stingray) were investigated in a study published in Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens MDPI: 🦈Four feeding methods tested (pole, short buoy, long buoy, and PVC) using five prey species. 🦈 All elasmobranch species interacted with all feeding methods, but the stingrays favoured the pole method. 🦈The whitetip and blacktip reef sharks favoured bony fish and cephalopod prey, respectively. 🦈Applications to the ex situ management and welfare of elasmobranches. --- Read paper (open access): https://lnkd.in/ecjwMb2a --- #ZooResearch #Aquarium #Elasmobranch #Sharks #Stingrays
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Vintage Collection | National Geographic Magazine | 1946 (Missing November) $55 The National Geographic Magazine from January to December 1946 featured a variety of fascinating articles. Here are some highlights: “England’s Wild Moorland Ponies” (January 1946): Each October, the wild ponies of Devon and Somerset are rounded up and auctioned at Bampton Fair. This annual event has taken place since the 13th-century reign of Henry III. “High Country of Colorado” (July 1946): The director of the Colorado Museum of Natural History explored the mountains of the High Country, a sparsely populated haven for diverse wildlife. “Mystery Mammals of the Twilight” (July 1946): This article aimed to dispel myths surrounding bats and provided insights into their true abilities Modernization in Syria and Lebanon: Both countries gained independence from France and began charting their own paths. The magazine covered their transition and newfound freedom. Mending Dikes in the Netherlands: A photographic essay showcased the repair work on dikes damaged by Royal Air Force bombs. The restoration efforts received assistance from the U.S., Great Britain, and Switzerland. Wildlife in the High Country: An article explored the sparsely populated mountainous region, known as the High Country, which serves as a haven for various wildlife species. Mystery Mammals of the Twilight: This piece aimed to dispel myths surrounding bats and shed light on their true abilities. Bats are often misunderstood, and the article provided valuable insights into their behavior and capabilities.
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West African Slender-Snouted Crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) St. Augustine, Florida St. Augustine Alligator Farm 09/16/2023 Rediscovered in The Gambia National Park in 2008, this crocodile was thought to have been locally extinct since 1991. It is, in fact, one of the most endangered crocodilians in the world and has been listed on the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered. Thought to be a member of the genus Crocodylus in the late 19th century, the genus name Mecitops wasn’t used to identify this creature until 2006. Two species now fall under the genus Mecitops after research was published in 2018. These two species are the Central-African Slender Snouted Crocodile (Mecistops leptorhynchus) and the West-African Slender Snouted Crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) that is pictured here. This is why I enjoy photography; I get the chance to read about so many interesting animals! . . . #westafricanslendersnoutedcrocodile #staugustineflorida #alligatorfarm #rediscovered #gambianationalpark #endangeredspecies #iucnredlist #genusmecitops #crocodile #wildlifephotography #centralafricanslendersnoutedcrocodile #interestinganimals #nikond850 #nikon #d850
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The American Ornithological Society will change names referencing people or deemed offensive for ones that better describe species. The decision follows months of meetings and discussions about how the group should handle birds named after problematic historical figures, including enslavers, colonialists, racists and grave-robbers. Eventually, rather than evaluating individual species on a case-by-case basis, the organization decided to change all eponymous bird names. https://lnkd.in/dBXQQqH6
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Do you want to know your goldcrests from your firecrests? Joanna Peaker from our Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre takes a look at some of the differences in her article for BBC Wildlife Magazine online. Goldcrests and firecrests are both members of the genus Regulus, hence the whole host of similarities in their appearance. But there are some very helpful differences in their plumage. Goldcrests have a bright yellow crest right in the middle of their head, with a dark black border. This is true for both the males and females, but the males have a thin line of even brighter orange feathers in the centre of the crest. They’ll puff these out during territorial displays. The goldcrest’s Latin name Regulus regulus (meaning ‘little king’) is fittingly inspired by their golden crests (or crowns!). But at a glance, especially when they’re quickly flitting about between branches, you may only notice their almost olive-green colour and pale fronts. Firecrests share this pale olive-green plumage – the most noticeable differences are on its face and its crest. The Latin name for the firecrest, Regulus ignicapilla, refers to its more ‘fiery’ crown (ignicapilla meaning ‘fire-capped’). Read more https://lnkd.in/eVjEzWRj #goldcrests #firecrests
Goldcrest or firecrest: What's the difference?
discoverwildlife.com
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CEO at Earthly | 4x Founder | WEF Top Innovator | Wilding Earth Host | Protecting & Regenerating >1% of the planet by 2030
🐈⬛ DNA Confirms Big Cat Presence in the British Countryside 🧬 A groundbreaking discovery was made last week when DNA from a 'Panthera genus' big cat (most likely a Leopard 🐾), was identified on a swab taken from a dead sheep in the Lake District. This is the first ever confirmed instance of big cat DNA found on a carcass in the UK. 🔬 The analysis, conducted at the University of Warwick's laboratory under the direction of Prof Robin Allaby, shifted his perspective dramatically. "It makes me a convert to the existence of non-native big cats in the UK," Allaby stated, lending credibility to over 2,000 reported big cat sightings across the UK in the last decade. Implications of the Discovery: 🐺 Supporting Predator Reintroduction: The confirmation of big cat DNA boosts efforts to reintroduce apex predators like Lynxes and Wolves in the UK, suggesting that local ecosystems could once again sustain these species. ⚖️ Restoring Ecological Harmony: Reintroducing apex predators is key to maintaining ecological balance by naturally regulating herbivore populations. This is particularly critical in areas like Scotland, where Deer overpopulation has led to degraded landscapes. 🌍 Amplifying Biodiversity: Apex predators such as Leopards can play a vital role in preventing overgrazing and sustaining diverse ecosystems. Their predatory habits support the health and resilience of plant and animal communities. Prof Allaby's venture into wildlife DNA analysis began 12 years ago following the discovery of a scavenged roe deer carcass near Stroud, Gloucestershire, which revealed only fox DNA, highlighting the underestimated predatory impact of foxes. His lab has since become a critical hub in uncovering the mystery of big cats in the UK, with evidence like a claw sent anonymously from northern England confirming the presence of a Panthera genus cat. (📷 Credit: Documentary ‘Panthera Britannia Declassified’, Dragonfly Films / SWNS) #BigCat #ApexPredator #Leopard
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If you wonder what my account photo is and why, read on! It's a gray catbird. I love to hear it's catlike "mew". It's related to thrashers and mockingbirds and will imitate the calls of other birds. Interestingly, the male/female pair will often defend their territory in the winter; most songbirds are territorial during mating season only. Want to learn more about the gray catbird or other bird species? Check out Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds website. It is my favorite online resource for bird identification and quick fact consumption. https://lnkd.in/esZ2heNR
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Retired Electrician
2mo🦇 Cool 😎