Named for its crown of stiff golden feathers, the grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) rules over the savannahs of Southern and Eastern Africa. They may also be found in wetter habitats such as marshes and around lakes. Although its plumage is mainly grey, it exhibits shades of white, gold, red and black. They reach around 1 … Continue reading The Grey Crowned Crane
Month: Mar 2019
The Topi
Antelopes are some of my favourite animals to write about. Seemingly mundane to some, I just love the elegance and majesty of these hoofed mammals. When I picture an African sunrise, I see antelopes like impala and topi wandering across the amber horizon, just carrying out normal day-to-day activities. I think that it's the simplicity … Continue reading The Topi
The Slow Loris
Furry but fierce, the slow loris is the world's only venomous genus of primate. Their genus (Nycticebus) consists of several species, all of which live in South East Asia. Aptly named, this arboreal mammal moves slowly through the tropical forests of S.E. Asia. Their nocturnal lifestyle helps them to avoid competing with other diurnal primates that share … Continue reading The Slow Loris
The Blue-Spotted Ribbontail Ray
Unsurprisingly, the blue-spotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma) is well-known for its array of electric blue spots splashed upon its murky yellow skin. These rays are found in the tropical Indian Ocean and Western Pacific Ocean, specifically in sandy patches of coral reefs. Here, they prowl over the sandy floor, using their mouth to extract molluscs, crabs, … Continue reading The Blue-Spotted Ribbontail Ray
The Polar Bear
Last Wednesday (27/02/19) was world polar bear day - a day dedicated to the world's largest carnivore on land. The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a powerful predator, excellently adapted to the Arctic habitat in which it lives. Polar bears spend most of their time on Arctic sea ice where they hunt for seals. However, they … Continue reading The Polar Bear
