National Wildlife Federation’s Post

This Species Mates for Life Did you know seahorses are quite the romantic creatures in the aquatic world? Unlike most fish, these fascinating creatures are monogamous, sticking to one partner for life. But here's the twist - it's the male seahorse that takes on the role of carrying the young! This parental care is crucial for seahorses, as they don't lay a large number of eggs like other fish, making every single offspring precious. So, next time you see a seahorse, remember, they're not just unique in appearance, but also in their family dynamics! Share this post if you learned something new about seahorses and want to spread the knowledge! #SeahorseFacts #ParentalCareInFish #DrTimsDiscount

Gulls exhibit extended lifespans compared to other bird species, with certain individuals capable of surviving up to four decades. Mature birds, typically aged three years and older, exhibit a strong tendency to revisit the same colony and nesting site within urban areas, often on an annual basis. This ingrained homing behavior makes it challenging to dissuade gulls from their preferred nesting spots once they have established themselves in an area. Learn more on deterrent methods on our website: https://lnkd.in/esAKdSPf #birds #gulls #seagulls

Crows and ravens are in fact two different species of the genus Corvus, making them both corvids. They are both incredibly intelligent bird species. Crows tend to socialize in larger groups, and a group of crows is called a murder. Ravens prefer to be solitary or travel in pairs. Crows help each other raise babies, whereas ravens do not. Crows are also more likely to form bonds with humans and are a partly migratory species, unlike ravens. Ravens are generally larger than crows; that being said there are smaller ravens and larger crows which makes size an inaccurate determinant of ID. Ravens tend to have greater wingspans than crows. When in flight, their necks will appear longer. Raven tails are also different than crows and can be seen clearly when in flight. Ravens have pointed wings and wedge-shaped tails. However, crows will have a splayed wingspan and fan-shaped tails. I could not find a good reference to support or refute the attached “pinion feather” statement.

Cliff swallows are one of North America's more adaptable species of #birds. They've evolved their nest-building habits to embrace human structures, especially bridges, where their nesting "colonies" often include mud nests built closely together. This affords them considerable protection from predators and positions them out of the wind and sun and other elements. It also places them in ideal locations over rivers where flying insects are prevalent. They can fly out and in minutes return with food for young. Identifiable by their russet throats and facial markings, dark blue cap and back, and gray breast, the best field mark of all is their buffy-tinged hindparts readily visible in the field. That and the short tail feathers separate them from the more common barn swallows that are sometimes seen in their company. Other swallow species that like rivers are rough-winged, bank and tree swallows, and purple martins. In our area it is possible to see all six #swallow #species over one stretch of river. (Photo of barn swallows by Christopher Cudworth)

Fascinating Facts Revealed! 🐆✨ 🏃♂️ Speed Demons: Cheetahs can sprint up to 70 mph, making them the fastest land animals. 🐾 Built for Speed: Their lightweight bodies and specialized muscles help them achieve incredible agility. 🔍 Unique Paws: Cheetahs have semi-retractable claws for better traction during high-speed chases. 🎨 Distinctive Spotting: Their spotted fur helps them blend into their grassland habitats. 👫 Social Behavior: Cheetahs form small groups called coalitions with siblings. 🍽️ Fast Eaters: They can consume up to 20 pounds of meat in a single meal. 🚨 Vulnerable Species: Cheetahs face threats like habitat loss and poaching, making them vulnerable. ☀️ Daytime Hunters: Unlike other big cats, cheetahs primarily hunt during the day. 🚀 Acceleration Masters: They can go from 0 to 60 mph in just a few seconds. 🌪️ Specialized Anatomy: Their long tails act as a rudder during high-speed chases, aiding balance. 👁️ Black "Tear Streaks": these "tear streaks" help reduce glare from the sun and enhance their vision during daytime hunts. #ClemsaSafaris #SpeedDemons #BuiltForSpeed #CheetahPaws #DistinctiveSpotting #CheetahCoalitions #FastEaters #SaveTheCheetahs #DaytimeHunters #AccelerationMasters #SpecializedAnatomy

Let us introduce you to the cheeky, playful “clown of the tundra," the Arctic fox! Here are a few fascinating facts about the animal that remind us of Theodore Roosevelt's transformation from a sickly, bookish, solitary boy to a powerful leader of men.  1. Arctic foxes are primarily solitary animals living on the Arctic tundra and pack ice. It's amazing how they can survive in such harsh environments. 2. Also known as Vulpes lagopus, the Arctic fox has adapted remarkably well to survive in the frigid Arctic, with average temperatures hitting -12 to -6 ° C (0 to 20° F). Ah, brrr! Their short legs, short muzzle, and rounded ears all help minimize the exposed surface area, reducing heat loss.  3 The Arctic fox has the warmest fur of any animal in the Arctic, able to withstand temperatures as low as -70°C. When it gets too cold, the fox's metabolism increases, providing warmth. 4. Arctic foxes are well-known for their hunting style. These cheeky carnivores and scavengers hunt rodents, birds, and even fish. But when winter comes, prey can be scarce, so they follow in the footsteps of the Arctic's premier predator, the polar bear, and feed on leftover scraps.  And now that we’ve given you a few deets about our thick-furred friends, the busy Beaver and the Arctic Fox have something in common. Let’s see if you can guess.  #arcticfox #wildlife #naturelovers #carnivores #scavengers #hunting #polarbear #adorableanimals #playful #cheeky #clownofthetundra #nature #animallovers #adorable #cute

🐋 The best-known marine mammals are the dolphins and whales that sailors come across on their voyages. They live permanently in the water, but come to the surface to breathe. 🐳 Whales and dolphins are cetaceans. Baleen whales are mysticetes, and include rorquals, right whales and gray whales. 🐬 Dolphins belong to the odontocetes (those with teeth), as do sperm whales, porpoises, beaked whales, belugas and the narwhal, also known as sea unicorns. 🦭 The sirenians, represented by the lamentines and dugongs, are herbivores. Other marine mammals, such as seals, sea lions or walruses (Pinnipeds) and certain species of otters (Lutrinae), are less dependent on water. 💥After the Great Mass Extinction 66 million years ago, four lineages of mammals returned to the marine environment, adapting to the aquatic environment while retaining their lungs, viviparous reproduction and homeothermy (warm-blooded animals). Their forelimbs became swimming paddles, while their hind limbs became paddles or regressed. #ocean #preservation #mammals #dolphin #whale #seals #otters #anaximandre #sciences

This remarkable shot of a flock as it swelled into an enormous bird-like murmuration What is a murmuration of starlings? Murmurations are huge groups of starlings that twist, turn, swoop and swirl across the sky in beautiful shape-shifting clouds. Just before dusk, small groups of starlings from the same area come together above a communal roosting site. The group grows ever larger, moving in unison in an aerial dance that casts gorgeous shapes against the waning daylight. Why do starling murmurations form? Starlings are known as ‘partial migrants’: birds that migrate in some places but not in others. Our own starlings tend to stay put while those from colder countries in eastern Europe head to our shores, swelling our numbers during autumn and winter to form seriously impressive flocks. Scientists believe that murmurations offer safety in numbers; protection from predators like peregrine falcons that are attracted by the sheer number of birds. After all, it can’t be easy to single out just one starling from a whirling group of hundreds or even thousands! Experts still aren’t completely sure how each starling knows which way to turn without bumping into the others.

Here are some interesting facts about the kudu: 1. Impressive Horns: Male kudus have long, spiraled horns that can grow up to 72 inches (1.8 meters) long, making them one of the most striking features of these antelopes. 2. Excellent Jumpers: Kudus are remarkable jumpers and can leap over obstacles up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) high, which helps them escape predators. 3. Camouflage Experts: Their coat, with its vertical white stripes, acts as effective camouflage in the dappled light of their woodland habitats, helping them avoid detection by predators. 4. Quiet and Elusive: Kudus are generally quiet and shy animals, often using their stealth and camouflage to remain hidden rather than fleeing from danger. 5. Large Ears: Kudus have large, rounded ears that give them excellent hearing, allowing them to detect predators from a distance. 6. Gregarious Females: Female kudus often live in groups called "herds," which can consist of up to 25 individuals, including their offspring. 7. Diet: Kudus are browsers, meaning they feed on leaves, shoots, and occasionally fruits, rather than grazing on grass like some other antelope species. 8. Lifespan: In the wild, kudus can live up to 7 to 8 years. #wanderlust #Kenya #Safari #bucketlist # #PerfectdestinationSafaris #Trip

A few days late sharing but here's to the beautiful Basking shark on World Basking Shark Day! Scientifically known as Cetorhinus maximus, a remarkable creature that inhabits the world's oceans and is the 2nd largest shark with adults reaching lengths of up to 12 metres (40 feet) or more. What sets the basking shark apart from its counterparts is its gentle nature and filter-feeding method. This species primarily feeds on plankton and small fish, which it filters through its enormous gill slits as it glides through the water with its mouth wide open. Their massive size and distinctive appearance, with a pointed snout and crescent-shaped tail fin, make them easily recognisable. Despite their size, basking sharks are known for their peaceful disposition. These magnificent creatures serve as a testament to the wonders of marine life, reminding us of the beauty and diversity that lies beneath the ocean's surface. Read our blog on the basking shark to learn more; https://lnkd.in/gXAvZCmA 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. #baskingshark #filterfeeders #SharkGuardian #OceanConservation #sharks #sharkguardian #savesharks #sharkconservation #sharkeducation #sharkawareness #sharkresearch #shark #sharklover #sharklove #sharklife #sharkaddicts #sharksofinstagram #lovesharks #protectsharks #sharkmeat #sharkfishing #sharkfin See less