TIGERS
The Tiger has a long body, a short neck, and a firm head with a short muzzle that contains a set of sharp teeth. Tigers have stout legs that end in broad paws. A well fed tiger is bulky, broad in the shoulders, back, and loins. Males are generally longer and heavier than females. The average length for males is about 6 feet long and with a tail length of 3 feet long. Females are usually 6 to 12 inches shorter in body length.
A tiger's fur color varies from orange-red to tawny yellow, with a lot of black stripes that have different lengths and widths. The cheeks, throat, and the insides of the ears and legs are white. The back of the ear is black with a white spot in the center. Read More...
LIONS
The lion (Panthera leo) is a large mammal of the Felidae(cat) family, and is often called the "king of the beasts". Lions are mostly found in Africa and in a small reserve inIndia. They can live in cool areas, very hot areas or in thickforests. In the past, there were wild lions in Europe. Today, many live in zoos around the world. In the past they have lived in Northern India, Pakistan, and Arabia. Lions are also used as symbols representing courage. They appear in heraldry more often than any other animal. They are considered the king of beasts and the icon of courage and royalty.
Lions live for 10 to 14 years when they are in the wild. When they are captured, they can live longer than 20 years. In the wild, males do not usually live longer than 10 years. This is because wounds from fighting with other males make their lives shorter.[3] They usually live in savanna and grassland, though they sometimes live in bushes and forests. Compared to other cats, lions are very social. A group of lions is called a pride. In a pride of lions, there are related females, their young, and a small number of adult males. Groups of female lions often hunt together. Read more..
LEOPARD
The Leopard is the fifth largest feline in the world behind the tiger, lion, jaguar and mountain lion. They have a body length between 0.9 and 1.9 m (3 - 6.25 ft), a tail length between 60 and 110 cms (24 - 43 inches) and they weigh between 82 and 200 lbs).
There can be considerable variations in the size of Leopards due to their distribution and available resources, for example Leopards that live in mountainous regions are smaller than those that live on savannahs due to their prey being smaller. Also typically female Leopards are 20 - 40 % smaller than males.
Leopards are strongly built and have a large head with extremely strong jaw muscles. They are graceful, stealthy animals and they are well known for their ability to go undetected. They are very agile climbers, good swimmers and probably the most accomplished stalker of all the big cats.
There can be considerable variations in the size of Leopards due to their distribution and available resources, for example Leopards that live in mountainous regions are smaller than those that live on savannahs due to their prey being smaller. Also typically female Leopards are 20 - 40 % smaller than males.
Leopards are strongly built and have a large head with extremely strong jaw muscles. They are graceful, stealthy animals and they are well known for their ability to go undetected. They are very agile climbers, good swimmers and probably the most accomplished stalker of all the big cats.
Leopards have a light tan base coloured coat with a black rosette pattern and a lighter coloured underside. The shade of their base coat depends on their location.
Melanistic or black Leopards are far less common than the spotted form. They are known as Panthers (as are black Jaguars). They appear to be entirely black, but their markings can be seen if examined closely.
Darker coloured individuals tend to be found in the dense forest areas of India and south east Asia as this helps them to stay hidden, and lighter coloured, larger animals tend to be found in the open plains.
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Melanistic or black Leopards are far less common than the spotted form. They are known as Panthers (as are black Jaguars). They appear to be entirely black, but their markings can be seen if examined closely.
Darker coloured individuals tend to be found in the dense forest areas of India and south east Asia as this helps them to stay hidden, and lighter coloured, larger animals tend to be found in the open plains.
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DOGS
A dog is a carnivorous quadruped land mammal, ranging in size from less than 10 pounds at maturity to over 200 pounds at maturity. Depending upon breed, the bone structure can vary from petite to substantial and from compact to extended. Dogs are naturally sociable animals and typically prefer to live in a pack or group; they are derived from wolves and most exhibit the innate need to run, dig and pounce on a daily basis.
Dogs have held a prominent place in mythology and literature. Dogs are mentioned in the Bible and in such historic works as The Odyssey. Prehistoric paintings of dogs have been discovered on the walls of some caves. Famous dogs from books, comic strips, television and motion pictures include Asta, Lassie, Rin-Tin-Tin, Benji, Toto, and Snoopy.
The domestic dog is Canis familiaris of the family Canidae, which also includes the coyote, jackal, and wolf. There are several species of wild dogs, including the dingo of Australia, the dhole of India, the raccoon dog of China, the hunting dog of South Africa, and the bush dog of South America.
Domestic dogs retain some wild instincts. This explains why some dogs chase moving objects, scavenge for food, and turn around several times before lying down, as their ancestors did to trample down high grass for a bed. Domestic dogs often sleep curled up with their tails over their faces, just as wild dogs do to protect their faces from the elements. Domestic dogs, like wild dogs, eat quickly and are protective of their food. Read more....
HORSE
The horse (Equus ferus caballus) is one of two extant subspecies of Equus ferus, or the wild horse. It is an odd-toed ungulate mammal belonging to the taxonomic family Equidae. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years from a small multi-toed creature into the large, single-toed animal of today. Humans began to domesticate horses around 4000 BC, and their domestication is believed to have been widespread by 3000 BC. Horses in the subspecies caballus are domesticated, although some domesticated populations live in the wild asferal horses. These feral populations are not true wild horses, as this term is used to describe horses that have never been domesticated, such as the endangered Przewalski's horse, a separate subspecies, and the only remaining true wild horse. There is an extensive, specialized vocabulary used to describe equine-related concepts, covering everything from anatomy to life stages, size, colors, markings, breeds, locomotion, and behavior.
Horses' anatomy enables them to make use of speed to escape predators and they have a well-developed sense of balance and a strong fight-or-flight response. Related to this need to flee from predators in the wild is an unusual trait: horses are able to sleep both standing up and lying down. Female horses, called mares, carry their young for approximately 11 months, and a young horse, called a foal, can stand and run shortly following birth. Most domesticated horses begin training under saddle or in harness between the ages of two and four. They reach full adult development by age five, and have an average lifespan of between 25 and 30 years. Read more...
MONKEY
A monkey is a primate of the Haplorrhini suborder and simian infraorder, either an Old World monkey or a New World monkey, but excluding apes (including humans). There are about 260 known living species of monkey. Many are arboreal, although there are species that live primarily on the ground, such as baboons. Monkeys are generally considered to be intelligent. Unlike apes, monkeys usually have tails. Tailless monkeys may be called "apes", incorrectly according to modern usage; thus the tailless Barbary macaque is called the "Barbary ape".
The New World monkeys (superfamily Ceboidea) are classified within the parvorder of Platyrrhini, whereas the Old World monkeys (superfamily Cercopithecoidea) form part of the parvorderCatarrhini, which also includes the hominoids (apes, including humans). Thus, as Old World monkeys are more closely related to hominoids than they are to New World monkeys, the monkeys are not a unitary (monophyletic) group. Rear more....
ELEPHANT
Elephants are large mammals of the family Elephantidae and the order Proboscidea. Traditionally, two species are recognised, the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the Asian elephant(Elephas maximus), although some evidence suggests that African bush elephants and African forest elephants are separate species (L. africana and L. cyclotis respectively).
 Elephants are scattered throughout sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Elephantidae are the only surviving family of the order proboscidea; other, now extinct, families of the order includemammoths and mastodons. The largest living terrestrial animals, male African elephants can reach a height of 4 m (13 ft) and weigh 7,000 kg (15,000 lb). All elephants have several distinctive features the most notable of which is a long proboscis or trunk used for many purposes, particularly for grasping objects. In addition to their trunks, their incisors grow into tusks, which serve as tools for moving objects and digging and as weapons for fighting. The elephant's large ear flaps help to control the temperature of its body. African elephants have larger ears and concave backs while Asian elephants have smaller ears and convex or level backs. Read more... |
GIRAFFE
The Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is the tallest terrestrial living animal in the world. They also the biggest ruminant in the world. Its specific name (camelopardalis)refers to its camel-like face and the patches of color on its fur seems like a leopard's spots. Giraffes belong to herbivore animals, so they eat leaves. They are big mammals, but they're tame.
Giraffes have very long neck and legs. Their tall body help them to identify their enemies (especially lions) while their enemies are hiding around them. The attacks of carnivores are rarely happened because of their big body and strong kick. However, a crocodile still can be a threat for giraffes while they're drinking.
Giraffes are Africa's endemic animal. They usually live in savannas, grasslands, and other open areas in tropical zone. Their foods are leaves on trees. Their tall body help them eat leaves in high places that can't be gotten by other species. They also have long, flexible tongue to help them fetch leaves. While drinking, they open their legs to form inverted V. This method is used in order to help their mouth to reach the water.
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CAMEL
Camels live in deserts, where it is hot and dry. Camels have adaptations that help them live in deserts. They have a thick coat of hair that protects them from the sun. They have wide, soft feet, so they can walk a long time in the hot sand.
Several adaptations help a camel save water. When there is food and water, a camel can eat and drink large amounts and store it as fat in the hump. Then, when there is no food or water, the camel uses the fat for energy, and the hump becomes small and soft. A camel’s waste contains very little water. Even the water from the camel’s breath flows back into its mouth.
A camel has a naturally adapted thermostat - it can change its bodily temperature by six degrees Celsius either way. It has two sets of eyelashes, closing muscles in the nasal passages with slited nostrils, hairy ears and tough, leathery skin to protect the camels skin in vital emergencies such as a sandstorm. It has thick rubbery lips to eat dry, prickly plants and a large, haired tail to swat pests such as mosquitos and flies.
It has a long slender neck in order to reach high leaves such as palm trees, and rubbery patches on the belly and knees to protect the skin when kneeling and sitting on the hot sand. These form after five years of age.
BEAR
Bears have huge, hairy heads with small eyes. Their ears are small and rounded. Bears have a very short tail. Bears have short, strong legs with large feet. Each foot have five toes. Each toe ends with a long heavy claw. Read more.... |
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RABBIT
 Rabbits are small, furry, mammals with long ears, short fluffy tails, and strong, large hind legs. They have 2 pairs of sharp incisors (front teeth), one pair on top and one pair on the bottom. They also have 2 peg teeth behind the top incisors. Their teeth are specifically adapted for gnawing and grow continuously throughout their lives.
Using their powerful hind legs, rabbits move by hopping. They have 4 toes on their hind feet that are long and webbed to keep them from spreading apart as they jump. Their front paws have 5 toes each. Some species of rabbit can reach speeds of 35 to 45 miles per hour (55 to 70 kilometers per hour). Young rabbits seem to walk instead of hop.
Rabbits vary in color and size, ranging in weight from 2 to 16 pounds (1 to 7 kilograms), depending on breed. Pet rabbits that have been well taken care of and spayed or neutered early in life have a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years.
Read more... FOX |
| The fox is a member of the dog family. Most foxes are about the same size. The red and gray foxes grow from 23 to 27 inches long. The tail measures an additional 14 to 16 inches. Most weigh from 8 to 11 pounds. |
Most foxes carry their tails straight backward when running. The tail droops when the animal walks.
True foxes include the arctic fox, the gray fox, and the red fox. The red fox have bright rusty red or red orange fur with a whitish fur on the belly. The gray fox is covered with fur that looks like salt and pepper mixed together. Its under parts are whitish. The sides of the neck, shoulders, and legs and the underside of the tail are rust colored. The arctic fox has fur which is brown or gray in the summer to white in the winter.
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DEER
They are brownish-gray in color, have a white rump patch and a small white tail with a black tip. The male deer grow antlers during the summer and fall and shed them each spring. The antlers split off from the main branch forming two branches, each branch has 2 or more tines.
These deer adapt to living in the desert by being active during the warm weather at night or during the early morning hours. They also have adapted to eating a wide variety of vegetation types in order to meet all of their nutritional needs.
Mule deer can be found throughout desert regions as long as there is enough vegetation to hide in and to eat. They will move to higher elevations during the hottest parts of the summer and move to lower elevations during the winter months. They also are found in mountain forests, wooded hills and in chaparral. Read more....
Donkey
Mammal. The smallest member of the horse family, the donkey was first domesticated about six thousand years ago. Donkeys can perform the same gaits as horses, but generally don't gallop. They can run up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) per hour. They have much longer ears than horses, and a "broomtail" similar to a cow's tail. They make excellent guard animals and will discourage canine attacks on a herd of cattle or sheep. Male donkeys bray (the characteristic “Aw-EE, Aw-EE” sound) and enjoy “sounding off” at any opportunity. Breeding a male donkey and a female horse produces a mule.
Truly wild, (as opposed to feral), asses are today confined to Northern Africa and Southern Asia. They are a dying race, and as their numbers dwindled, so the numbers of donkeys increased. Donkeys were called Asses until the 18th. Century, by which time they had been taken over a large part of the world by Man. They were important beasts of burden, were used for riding, also ploughing, turning wheels and many other forms of menial task. To a large extent, the donkey has been the helpmate of the poor man throughout the ages, and continues as such today in much of the Third World.
Truly wild, (as opposed to feral), asses are today confined to Northern Africa and Southern Asia. They are a dying race, and as their numbers dwindled, so the numbers of donkeys increased. Donkeys were called Asses until the 18th. Century, by which time they had been taken over a large part of the world by Man. They were important beasts of burden, were used for riding, also ploughing, turning wheels and many other forms of menial task. To a large extent, the donkey has been the helpmate of the poor man throughout the ages, and continues as such today in much of the Third World. Read more....
HIPPOPOTAMUS
Hippos are one of the largest land mammals. They are a bit smaller than a white rhino, but weigh more. They are about 12 - 15 feet long and generally weigh between 5,000 to 8,000 pounds, though they can get up to 10,000 pounds. They have gray, mostly hairless skin with pink bellies and pink around their mouths, eyes and ears. Their legs and tails are short and stubby. Despite their enormous size, they are surprisingly fast.
Hippopotamuses are located in central and southern Africa, south of the Sahara desert and near the Nile River. They are vegetarians and mostly eat grass. They may travel long distances during the night from their water source to reach the areas where they graze. They also sometimes eat fruit that has fallen off of trees or crops grown by local people.
Hippos have very delicate and sensitive skin. They excrete a reddish oil that helps to protect their skin from drying out. Because of this, it is sometimes thought that they sweat blood, which is not true. Another way they protect their skin is by spending a lot of time in the water. Their nostrils and ears are situated near the tops of their heads so that they can stay above water when most of their bodies are submerged. When the hippo goes completely underwater, the nostrils and ears will automatically seal up. Hippos have very long and sharp teeth. These teeth never stop growing, but stay worn down to a manageable size from frequent use.
KANGAROO
A kangaroo can reach heights from anywhere between 3- 8 feet (1 to 3 meters) and can weigh between 40 and 200 lbs (18-100kg). The eastern gray kangaroo is the heaviest marsupial in the world and the red kangaroo is the largest.
The kangaroo has powerful hind legs and large feet, and a large muscular tail to keep it balanced while in motion. It is the only large animal to use hopping as its primary means of locomotion. A male kangaroo can leap to lengths of close to 30 feet and at a height of up to 10 feet. Its can reach speeds of up to 40 mph (60kmh).
The kangaroo is endemic to Australia. The species is also found in Tasmania and nearby islands. Other marsupials can be found in some parts of Asia and the Americas, though the continent of Australia has by far the most, both in terms of species and population numbers.
Woods and bushland, as well as grassland, savannas, forests, and scrubland. The species is highly adaptable and can live successfully in a wide range of habitats.
PIG
Pigs are broad, stocky animals with four short legs and cloven hooves. Each hoof has four toes but the pig uses only two toes for walking. Pigs have coarse, bristly hair. Their snouts are cartilaginous and are used for digging. They have short tails, which can be straight or curly. When full-grown, a pig has 44 teeth. Some pigs, most commonly those in the wild, develop tusks.
SQUIRREL
Tree squirrels have slender, lanky bodies, long, muscular limbs, and furred feet. The forefeet have four long digits plus a short, stubby thumb, and the five-toed hind feet are narrow or moderately wide. The bald soles of the feet take the form of prominent, fleshy pads. Because the ankle joints are flexible and can be rotated, squirrels can rapidly descend trees headfirst with the hind feet splayed flat against the trunk. Their large, bright eyes convey an alert demeanour, and the broad, short head tapers to a blunt muzzle adorned with long whiskers. The rounded ears, small in relation to body size, are densely covered with short, fine hairs, which form a long tuft at the tips of the ears in some species. The tail is about as long as head and body or appreciably longer. Furred from base to tip, the tail appears bushy and cylindrical when the hairs grow evenly around the tail; the tail appears flatter if the fur originates only from opposite sides. Claws are large, strong, curved, and very sharp, which enables tree squirrels to navigate vertical surfaces and slim branches.
Variation in body size is considerable. Largest are the four species of Oriental giant squirrels (genusRatufa) native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Weighing 1.5 to 3 kg (3 to almost 7 pounds), it has a body length of 25 to 46 cm (about 10 to 18 inches) and a tail about as long. Two species of pygmy squirrels are the smallest: the neotropical pygmy squirrel (Sciurillus pusillus) of the Amazon Basinweighs 33 to 45 grams (1 to 1.5 ounces), with a body 9 to 12 cm long and an equally long tail; but theAfrican pygmy squirrel (Myosciurus pumilio) of the West African tropical forests is even smaller, at 13 to 20 grams, with a body length of 6 to 8 cm and a somewhat shorter tail.
Squirrels’ soft, dense fur is moderately long in most species but can be very long and almost shaggy in some. Colour is extraordinarily variable. Some species are plain, covered in one or two solid shades of brown or gray. A few species are striped along the sides and back; sometimes the head is also striped. Tropical species exhibit combinations of white, gray, yellow, orange, red, maroon, brown, and black, yielding a variety of complex coat patterns.
WOLF
Keen senses, large canine teeth, powerful jaws, and the ability to pursue prey at 60 km (37 miles) per hour equip the gray wolf well for a predatory way of life. A typical northern male may be about 2 metres (6.6 feet) long, including the bushy half-metre-long tail. Standing 76 cm (30 inches) tall at the shoulder, it weighs about 45 kg (100 pounds), but weight ranges from 14 to 65 kg (31 to 143 pounds), depending on the geographic area. Females average about 20 percent smaller than males. The largest wolves are found in west-central Canada, Alaska, and across northern Asia. The smallest tend to be near the southern end of their distribution (the Middle East, Arabia, and India). Fur on the upper body, though usually gray, may be brown, reddish, black, or whitish, while the underparts and legs are usually yellow-white. Light-coloured wolves are common in Arctic regions.
ZEBRA
Three species of zebra still occur in Africa, two of which are found in East Africa. The most numerous and widespread species in the east is Burchell's, also known as the common or plains zebra. The other is the Grevy's zebra, named for Jules Grevy, a president of France in the 1880s who received one from Abyssinia as a gift, and now found mostly in northern Kenya. (The third species, Equus zebra, is the mountain zebra, found in southern and southwestern Africa.)
The Burchell's zebra is built like a stocky pony. Its coat pattern can vary greatly in number and width of stripes. The stripes are a form of disruptive coloration which breaks up the outline of the body. At dawn or in the evening, when their predators are most active, zebras look indistinct and may confuse predators by distorting distance. Their shiny coats dissipate over 70% of incoming heat.