Wildlife Archives - Page 2 of 3

Jul242018 by Paul LinusNo Comments

Whales, Dolphins and Ocean Noise

Wildlife

In the wake of multiple mass strandings of varied species of whales, the link between naval exercises and these events has become a very controversial topic. And there are other sources of noise that are also affecting marine mammals. Boats, Oil and Gas Exploration, and Industry Engine noise from large ships and even recreational boats causes dolphins and whales to alter their behaviour. Oil and gas exploration, construction, power plants and factories all contribute to the problem. Whales and dolphins exist in a world of underwater sound. Most people are familiar with the clicks and whistles of dolphins and the eerie sounds of humpback whale songs. Some of these sounds can carry up to a mile away and are a vital part of cetacean communication. In addition, dolphins and toothe...

May292018 by Paul LinusNo Comments

Hiking in Rattlesnake Country

Wildlife

Rattlesnakes are a common feature in the western United States. Hikers can potentially come across one while on the trail, so knowing what to do can be important to prevent injury. How to Identify a Rattlesnake The Western Diamondback rattlesnake is part of the pit viper family of snakes. The holes on the triangular head of the snake allow it to detect the heat of prey. The other obvious sign of a rattlesnake is their distinctive rattle, which can be visible on the tail, and heard when one approaches a snake. The venom produced by the Western Diamondback can cause swelling, pain, bleeding, edema, and tissue necrosis. How to Prepare to Hike in Rattlesnake Country If planning to hike in an area that has rattlesnakes, think of what to bring ahead of time. Wear leather hiking b...

Apr202018 by Paul LinusNo Comments

Basic Nutrition Needs for Horses

Wildlife

Horses' basic nutritional requirements can be divided into different categories, each with its own unique requirements. Energy Requirements The amount of calories that a horse consumes need to meet his energy requirements. Too few calories and the horse will be too thin, too many calories and the horse will become overweight. This is one of the most commonly made errors. A good rule to follow is approximately 2 pounds of hay per 100 pounds of horse. To see if the horse is being fed enough check the visibility of his ribs. Fiber Requirements Horses need fiber for proper stomach functioning of their intestinal tract, and it is often overlooked. Horses get fiber from good hay and pasture grazing. The oats in some grains can also provide a significant amount of fiber. However, ...

Mar232018 by Paul LinusNo Comments

Installing a Barn Owl Nest Box

Wildlife

Barn owls (Tyto alba) are found around the world, with the exception of regions that experience extreme hot and cold temperatures. Like most owls, barn owls are nocturnal and use their powerful wings to fly silently over open woodlands and grassy areas as they hunt for their favorite foods -- rodents and other small vertebrates. Putting up a barn owl box near your home lets you provide shelter for an owl family and offer your own family a real-life glimpse into wild bird life. But before you buy or build a backyard owl box, there are a few important factors to consider. Where to Install an Owl Box Above ground noise. The ideal location for an owl nesting box is in a tree about 15 feet above the ground and away from both human interaction and street noise. Out of direct sunl...

Mar102018 by Paul LinusNo Comments

The Penguins of Antarctica

Wildlife

The penguin is the most common species of bird found in the Antarctic. Although there are 17 species of penguin, only four actually breed on the continent of Antarctica. These are Adelie, Emperor, Chinstrap and Gentoo. Most of the others are found in sub Antarctic regions which includes many coastal islands and they can also be seen as far north as the Galapagos Islands. The Penguin Name There is no known origin of the word penguin although some believe it could have come from the welsh "pen gwyn" which means white head or the Latin "pinguis" which refers to the fat or blubber of a bird. The Penguin's Appearance All species of penguin have a stricking black and white coat. The distinguishing features and colours are on the head and neck. They vary greatly in size from the l...

Feb282018 by Paul LinusNo Comments

Elephant Rehabilitation in Sri Lanka

Wildlife

As of June 2008, over 60 orphaned elephants have been returned to the wild by the Elephant Transit Home which was opened in 1995 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Ongoing tracking of these animals has revealed that one of the elephants released in 1998 has given birth to a calf in the wild, the ultimate goal of endangered species rehabilitation. Threats to the Asian Elephant in Sri Lanka The Sri Lankan subspecies of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) is faced with shrinking and degraded habitat. Irrigation programs for agriculture, which allow for human settlements in traditionally dry parts of the country, create problems for the Sri Lankan elephant population in several ways. The encroachment of humans into this elephant habitat has resulted in increased ...