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The perfect companion for anyone with a love of wildlife - World of Animals is the only magazine to offer a

truly entertaining, visually engaging and accessible exploration of Earth?s weird and wonderful creatures.

With breathtaking photography, captivating stories and stunning illustrations, each issue allows readers to

journey to all corners of the globe to discover the habitats, behaviours and extraordinary secrets of our

favourite animals.

A journey into nature like no other, World Of Animals allows its audience to learn the secrets to Earth’s weird and wonderful wildlife, offering a rich and wholesome educational experience. With spectacular photos,

stunning diagrams and captivating features, World Of Animals provides a rare opportunity for people of all

ages to enjoy their favourite creatures in a whole new way. It’s a brand that connects with audiences across

the world and across media as a celebration of one of the most enduring and beloved topics.

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Published by Read My eBook for FREE!, 2020-04-11 10:03:12

World of Animals - Issue #28 Magazine

The perfect companion for anyone with a love of wildlife - World of Animals is the only magazine to offer a

truly entertaining, visually engaging and accessible exploration of Earth?s weird and wonderful creatures.

With breathtaking photography, captivating stories and stunning illustrations, each issue allows readers to

journey to all corners of the globe to discover the habitats, behaviours and extraordinary secrets of our

favourite animals.

A journey into nature like no other, World Of Animals allows its audience to learn the secrets to Earth’s weird and wonderful wildlife, offering a rich and wholesome educational experience. With spectacular photos,

stunning diagrams and captivating features, World Of Animals provides a rare opportunity for people of all

ages to enjoy their favourite creatures in a whole new way. It’s a brand that connects with audiences across

the world and across media as a celebration of one of the most enduring and beloved topics.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WILDLIFE TRAVEL IN 2016


F r o m t h e m a k e r s o f
From the makers of




TM












GORILLAS PLUS



JELLYFISH
IN THE MIST BLUEFIN TUNA
SEA TURTLES
EXPLORING THE LUSH TROPICAL AFRICAN BATS
RAINFOREST AND ITS WILD INHABITANTS


FLYING

WITHOUT

WINGS


ANIMALS THAT GLIDE
THROUGH THE AIR
HARP FACTS ABOUT



20
SEALS


DON’T BE AFRAID
GOATS
DISCOVER THEIR INCREDIBLE JOURNEY













THE JUMPING SPIDER AND 10 OTHER AMAZING ARTHROPODS






THE ROBIN



INTERVIEW WITH BIRDER BILL ODDIE

THE SHARPEST EAR CHIMPANZEES MEET THE CRANES RAIN OR SHINE
The creatures with Conserving one of our Get acquainted with six Photography tips
phenomenal hearing closest living relatives of these bird species for all weather ISSUE 28

Become A Wildlife



Volunteer In Borneo











































Volunteer with
Orangutans in the
wilds of Borneo for
a truly life chang-
ing experience. The
memories you
create will last a

lifetime for not
only you, but the
Orangutans too, so
why not help make
a di erence now?


www.thegreatprojects.com

Volunteer with
+44 (0)208 885 4887

Welcome



Have you ever been
misunderstood? Spiders
and other creepy
crawlies are some of the
least popular creatures
on the planet. It could
be the number of legs
they have, or their
unfamiliar behaviour, but
if we take the time to learn about them,
they are truly fascinating. If you’re willing
to take a chance on bugs, turn to page 22
to meet the jumping spider and ten other
amazing arthropods.
It’s not only invertebrates that have a
misleading reputation. The robin is instantly
recognisable as one of our favourite,
cheerful garden birds, but have you seen
its dark side? We explore this songbird’s
aggressive personality and whether it
deserves its beloved title on page 56.
Whether they are admired or feared, we
have to bow down to some animals for
their incredible abilities. In this issue, we

reveal animals that can fly without wings
(page 40), glow in the dark (page 72) and
climb up vertical surfaces (page 64).
If you want to see some of these
extraordinary animals, read about the best
wildlife trips to take in 2016 (page 46).
From egg-laying turtles in Costa Rica to
polar bears in Norway, the world is full of
awe-inspiring, animal-filled destinations just

waiting to be explored.
Enjoy the issue!




Zara Gaspar
Editor
Follow us at…

@WorldAnimalsMag
worldofanimalsmag
w or l d o f a n i ma l s ma g
















Find out what
the green
©; Thinkstock; Joseph C Boone violetear uses its Discover the mountain gorilla’s
ears for on
page 66
incredible forest habitat on page 34…
visit www.animalanswers.co.uk for
Exclusive competitions Hilarious GIFs
Q&As Upload your photos and win prizes! 3

Welcome to Issue 28






06 Amazing animals 56 Robins: heroes or
villains? 46
12 Surviving the ice Find out if this friendly
Discover the incredible journey of garden bird has a dark side
the harp seal
64 20 facts about
22 Amazing arthropods goats
Meet the most fascinating Get clued up on these
invertebrates on the planet intelligent ruminants

30 Interview with a 66 All ears
wildlife vet Astonishing animal
Read what it’s like to save hearing revealed
the lives of wild animals on
a daily basis 71 Bizarre:
32 Meet the cranes star-nosed mole
Get acquainted with this Meet the strange-looking
mammal with fleshy tentacles

fascinating bird family on its nose
34 Wildlife of the 72 Living light
tropical African Explore the animals that use
rainforest bioluminescence to glow in
Meet the mountain gorilla and the dark
other inhabitants of this lush,
green habitat 80 Conserving the
chimpanzee
40 Animal gliders Learn about what is being done
Take a look at the species to protect our closest relatives

that fly without wings
86 Endangered
46 Explore the Earth Find out why the Atlantic 80

Uncover the best responsible bluefin tuna is under threat
wildlife trips for 2016
98 Quiz
54 Lost forever: Test your animal knowledge
Christmas Island
pipistrelle
Learn about the Australian 56
micro-bat and its tragic decline

THE IUCN RED LIST
Throughout World of Animals you will see
symbols like the ones listed below. These
are from the IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species, the most comprehensive inventory
of the global conservation status of animal
species in the world. Here’s what they mean:
EXTINCT
EXTINCT IN THE WILD
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
ENDANGERED
VULNERABLE
NEAR THREATENED
LEAST CONCERN







4 4

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx







88 Readers’ Q&A
22



















90 Wildlife
photography
Capture the best shots,
whatever the weather




JUMPING SPIDER








DON’T BE AFRAID OF THIS AMAZING ARTHROPOD






Y
94
94 ou r a m a z i n g
94 Your amazing
94
animal photos
animal photos






64 12




40 32

Enjoyed
the issue?
the issue?
s
t
cr
e
ib
u
S
Subscribe to
b
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save 25%
page 78
5

The amazing world of animals















































































© Marcus Siebert / imageBROKER/Rex Features A white-tailed eagle enjoys the thrill of the hunt




as it catches a pike with its sharp talons

This incredible predator is the UK’s largest bird of prey. It hunts by flying
low over the water, hovering and then swooping down to surprise its



6 prey and grab hold of it with its talons.

The amazing world of animals






























































































7

The amazing world of animals











































































© Laura Keene/Solent News/Rex Features These polar bear cubs appear to wave at the


photographer as they stand alert

These curious cubs are on the lookout as they have just spotted a male
polar bear nearby. Their mother, who is out of the shot, stands guard.
Female polar bears are very protective as males o en attack and kill cubs.








8

The amazing world of animals








A mischievous lion cub playfully grips on to its
mother’s head as it jumps up to climb on her
© Marja Schwartz/Solent News/Rex Features
Lion cubs stay with their mums for two years and they are very
affectionate with each other during this time, The cubs learn to walk a er
ten to 15 days and at around two years, their mother teaches them to hunt.













































































9

The amazing world of animals






























































































10

The amazing world of animals














































































© Tanto Yensen/Solent News/ Rex Features

This tiny little tree frog practises his gymnastic
skills as he tries to pull himself up on to a branch
This amphibian has sticky toe pads that help it cling to surfaces such as
thin leaves and tiny twigs. The microscopic texture of tree frog toes may
be borrowed by scientists to develop non-slip shoes and tyres.




11

Harp seal






























































































12

A l l a bou t t h e
All about the
a
l
e
p s
H
Harp seal
a
r
Some of Earth’s greatest voyagers,
harp seals roam the oceans alone,
on a never-ending journey from


feeding to breeding and back again


Words Naomi Harding







































13

Harp seal

Going the distance



Harp seals migrate with the seasons and steer by the stars

The harp seal is one of 19 species of ‘true seal’. This marine receding ice pack. Harp seals’ main territory is the open ocean,
mammal belongs to a group of animals known as pinnipeds with little in the way of landmarks, so how they manage to pick

(meaning fin-footed) and is the most abundant seal species in out their routes with such accuracy baffled scientists for a long

the Northern Hemisphere. The Latin name for the harp seal, time. It is now accepted that seals use their large bulging eyes to
Pagophilus groenlandicus, means ‘ice-lover from Greenland’, a nod gaze at the stars for orientation, much like sailors of the past.
to their icy habitat and northerly range. Harp seals meet in their tens and thousands for the breeding
Harp seals are strong swimmers, and although they are mostly season, which lasts just two months (February and March). This is
depicted on the ice, they actually spend most of their time in the the only time of year where they congregate with their own kind,
water. Their powerful flippers are able to propel them forwards on the thick ice of the south. The rest of the year is spent alone,

with graceful, coordinated strokes. When on land, however, cruising the oceans in search of their next meal. In the relentless,
these furry mammals are somewhat less agile, using their clawed churning slush of the Arctic seas, a harp seal’s diet is anything but
flippers in a cumbersome manner to drag themselves along the regular. They must take advantage when opportunity arises and


ice. The seals migrate great distances covering between 4,000 eat what is available. A plethora of fish – cod, herring, plaice and
to 5,000 kilometres (2,485 to 3,106 miles), one of the largest halibut – and crustaceans are all on the menu.
migrations recorded, in terms of distance. Once the ice packs of the south are behind them, they head Harp seals are
The seals move like ghostly apparitions through the chilly north, en route to their summer feeding ground in the Arctic. able to stay
waters in response to their changing environment. Like most Once summer is over in around late September, they start their underwater for

animals, their primary concern is finding food. They are excellent southward journey again, arriving back at the southern pack ice several minutes
by lowering their
navigators and take the same routes each year, following the by early winter, ready to start the cycle all over again. heart rate

















































“Their powerful fl ippers are
able to propel them forwards
Most of our knowledge of sea
with graceful, coordinated strokes”
turtles comes from egg-laying
females and their hatchlings
14

Life at sea Love on the ice

Courtship begins on the ice;
thousands of harp seals congregate
Harp seals are adapted for harsh in the hope of wooing a mate. There’s
lots of competition and males have to
conditions, enduring subzero work hard to grab a female’s attention.
temperatures for most of their lives

The harps seal’s life cycle starts on the ice and
plays out at sea. They have a tough start but if

they can survive the first few uncertain weeks, a
long life cruising the oceans awaits them.




Yellow jacket
Newborn harp seals have a
slight yellow colouration, the
result of staining by amniotic
fluid while in the womb. They


stay this colour for the first
two to three days of their life.
Motherly love
For the first 12 days,

harp seals make for
caring mothers. They will
shun food in an effort to
focus all their attention
on nursing their young.



A new white coat
Once the mothers leave, the
pups lose their yellow tinge as
it is bleached by the sun and
washed off by the rain. The
white coat helps them stay
hidden in their icy habitat.










Going the distance
Harp seals spend most of
their lives solitarily swimming
the seas and navigating their
way across long distances.


Fish supper
Much of their diet is made up
of fish and crustaceans. Harp

seals are skilled hunters and
will dive to depths of 200m
(660ft) to catch their dinner.











15

Harp seal

A mother’s bond is not so strong



From doting parent to abandonment; harp seal mothers are very quick to give the cold shoulder

After migrating for the winter, the large leaves her pups and never returns. The ice is one another using their sharp teeth and strong
expanse of unforgiving white tundra in the littered with stranded pups, crying for their flippers. They will also call out to grab attention,
south is where the seals retire. Here, icy gales mothers, alone and vulnerable to predators. shouting out over one another in a battle of
tear across frozen seas and the sun glares Mature males take this as their cue to roam vocal cords. Only the loudest and strongest
from the snowy ground. However, a habitat so the ice and look for a mate. When females seals make for potential suitors. What starts
seemingly lifeless holds much significance for leave their young, it’s not long before they are on the ice moves to the water, and copulation
harp seals. Crowds of thousands gather here ready to copulate once again, and they waste takes place submerged in the frosty ocean.
once a year to focus on continuing the species. no time in the search for a partner. Both males Once impregnated, females can delay
Female harp seals are almost always and females breed promiscuously, the rush to implanting, meaning the fertilised egg becomes
pregnant when they arrive here and give birth find a mate apparent before the pack ice melts an embryo, but does not implant in the uterus
to a single pup, usually in late February. While and migration must begin. wall immediately. This extends the gestation
young pups are nursing, the mothers do not eat Courtship begins on the ice through a period from 7.5 to 11.5 months, allowing the seal
and lose up to three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of fierce yet flamboyant display of dominance. enough time to complete migration and return
fat per day. After 12 days, each female abruptly In order to attract a female, males must fight to the pack ice before giving birth.



































































16

Small and vulnerable
Despite their chilly surroundings, pups
are born with little to no protection
from the cold. They have no blubber
and a small body weight of 10kg (22lb).
This makes them extremely vulnerable
and to compensate, the mother will
stay by her pup’s side.



Binge eating
To increase in weight and put on much-
needed fat to keep warm, the little harp
seals will gorge on their mothers’ rich
milk – which contains 50 per cent fat –
for around 12 days. In this time, they will
put on around 2.3kg (5lb) a day.



Crash dieting Sitting ducks
The mother leaves after 12 When the pups are left alone,
days, when the youngsters there are a number of other
are still unable to swim or animals they must be wary of.
find food. The mortality rate Polar bears, foxes, and wolves
is high, and pups will lose will all try to take advantage of
around 50 per cent of their the pup-buffet on display. Even
body weight. They will stay orcas are able to snatch the
here for around six weeks unfortunate few sitting by the
before they enter the water. water’s edge.






Maternal
instinct
In February, when the pack
ice becomes a nursery, there
can be as many as 2,000 seals
per square kilometre. This means
the mothers need a special skill to
determine which of the newborns
is theirs! Amazingly, they are able
to identify their own pups
among the masses by
smell alone.



























17

Harp seal

Rounded, streamlined head
Inside the Living in an environment as
Corneas

harp seal bright as the Arctic could lead
to snow blindness; however,
specially adapted corneas
allow harp seals to tolerate
Millions of years of the high levels of ultraviolet
radiation typical of bright,
evolution have prepared snowy environments.
harp seals well for the
unfavourable conditions
of a life in icy seas


HARP SEAL
Pagophilus groenlandicus Sharp canines
Class Mammalia



Territory North Atlantic and
Arctic oceans Strong throat
Diet Fish, crustaceans
Lifespan 20-30 years To avoid choking
Adult weight 130kg (290lb) when submerged
Conservation status underwater for long
periods, muscles in the
throat prevent all sea
LEAST CONCERN
water from entering.
Grey seal vs harp seal


These two relatives look alike and are o en
confused in the wild. However, grey seals have a
much longer nose and are more grey in colour. Harp
seals have a shorter snout, wider eyes, and have a
larger gap between the eye and the ear.











Heart


Grey seal

Flippers Large lungs Blubber

The front flippers are relatively Blubber is essentially a layer of fat, or adipose
short when compared to tissue, sitting beneath the fur. It provides
body size, but are powerful natural insulation to protect the internal organs
nonetheless. They have small, from the cold. The blubber also provides some
narrow claws and are capable buoyancy and can store energy in times of
of both propelling the seal food scarcity. It is particularly important for
through the water and moving harp seals as they feed and breed in different
across the ice. parts of the ocean and need to carry this
Harp seal energy store with them.

INFANCY JUVENILE MATURITY

Birth 0 days All alone 12 days The first molt 18 days Beaters 7-8 weeks Adult fur 5 years Sexual maturity (female) 5-6 years

Female harp seals give birth The mothers leave The pup’s white fur will At this age, they’re known as The face of an adult harp seal is Female harp seals mature faster than the
to one pup at a time in the and the little seals begin to molt in patches, ‘beaters’ because of their inability completely black. Adults typically males and are able to bear young a er

early spring, a er having been are le to fend for gradually creating a silver- to swim. They mostly just beat at carry these markings with them five or six years. She will give birth every




pregnant for 11.5 months. themselves. grey colour. the surface of the water. for the rest of their lives. year a er.
18

Digestive tract Eyes
When compared to other Instead of just
herbivores, seals have a closing their eyes
relatively short digestive system. underwater, harp
This is because a carnivorous seals have a special
diet provides such high quality membrane covering
nutrients; it takes less time to their eyes to protect
digest. This is in contrast to a them from the harsh
herbivorous diet, where more salty waters.
digestion is needed to acquire
the same amount of nutrients.






Nose
While underwater, harp
seals will sacrifice their

Insulating fur sense of smell and close
their nostrils to prevent
water entering.



Kidney
Whiskers
Even in the murky depths of
the sea, they are able to sense
their prey using their sensitive
Intestine whiskers, which can detect
movement and vibrations.



Colon



Hind flipper

Bladder The hind flippers are corrugated into
five digits, each with smaller, narrower


claws than the front flippers. They
are not able to rotate the hind flipper

underneath the body to walk, and
instead use their two front flippers to

pull themselves.




Closest family

Closely related to the harp seal are...
Liver

Fat layer





Northern fur seal Monk seal Hooded seal
This species was almost In ancient Greece, monk This seal is known and named
driven to extinction in the seals were placed under the for the large ‘hood’ of the male.
18th and 19th centuries due to protection of Poseidon and A unique appendage that can

Sexual maturity (male) Old age hunting pressures. They are Apollo because of their great be inflated to what resembles
6-8 years 20-30 years now protected, but face a new love of the sea and sun. The a red ball, it hangs from the
Males take slightly longer to mature. Harp seals live for a long time in the wild. threat through an increase of Mediterranean monk seal forehead and grows in size

They will become promiscuous, The average lifespan is around 20 years, krill fisheries depleting their is one of the world’s most when the male is threatened
breeding for the rest of their lives. but some have been recorded to live to 35. food source. endangered mammals. or excited.
19

Harp seal

Threats to their homes




Harp seals rarely set foot on land, but their landscape. Ice that melts too readily
when they do come ashore, they board puts pups at risk of falling into the sea too
the Arctic ice pack. A thick layer of frozen early, before they are able to swim. And
water sitting atop the ocean, the ice pack with no mother around to protect them, the
undergoes a regular seasonal melt. The ice results can be fatal. It is not just the weakest
begins to melt in the spring and summer, pups, or those with lower genetic diversity
with little left by mid-September. As that are in danger. During seasons of
autumn rolls back around, the ice starts extremely low ice cover, entire generations
to reform and doubles in cover for the may be wiped out due to the harp seals’
winter. Not all ice melts, and some survives reliance on the ice as a platform for giving
the warmer weather of the summers from birth and rearing their young.
year to year. Generally sea ice consists of A reduction in ice could also have an
first-year ice, which is thin, and thicker ice impact on reproductive success through
that has accumulated in volume over time, a loss of breeding ground, meaning fewer
called multi-year ice. pups being born. However, much of this is
There has been a trend, in recent speculation and the long-term effects are
decades, for a decline in the thicker multi- unknown. At present, the species is listed
year ice, due to a warmer global climate. as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN and there
Harp seals rely heavily on this ice for much are currently an estimated eight million harp
of their life cycle and it is a vital feature of seals in the Northern Hemisphere.

























“Harp seals rely heavily

on the pack ice for much
of their life cycle and it is a

vital part of their landscape”





Environmental factors
All the threats that harp seals face are down to humans








Habitat loss Collision Competition for food Oil spills
A warming climate Seals are oen As humans continue These are disastrous
has led to rising sea involved in collisions to deplete the oceans for not just seals, but
levels and a decrease with the propellers of of fish stocks, there all forms of marine
in the amount of sea large boats, as a lot have been reports life. Oil on the sea
ice. Harp seals rely of industrial fishing of starving and surface can coat a
on the pack ice for takes place in their emaciated vagrant seal’s fur, with fatal
mating and breeding. chilly habitat. seals found in Europe. consequences.

20

Nearest

Harping on neighbours
The name ‘harp’ comes A harp seal’s landscape is full of
from the characteristic harp- predators, on the hunt both on
shaped patch of fur that spans the ice and beneath the waves
the shoulders, stretching across
the back and down toward the
abdominal region, where it
continues to the posterior

flippers. This pattern is
most distinctive on
adult males.





Polar bear
Harp seals are not the polar bear’s

first choice of seal. They usually prefer
ringed and bearded seals, but have
no problem feasting on a harp seal if
these aren’t available.












Orca
Orcas are one of the harp seals’ main
predators; however, it takes cunning
to prey upon something as quick and
agile as a harp seal. Orcas have been
observed ganging up on the seals and
working in unison to take them down.


te
A
d
co
v
e
co

A coveted coat
t
a
A quick search on the Internet for ‘harp
seals and humans’, will tell you everything
you need to know about the relationship we
have with these intelligent creatures. Sadly,
almost every page is awash with stories
of hunting and sealing. The main attraction Arctic fox
for the hunting industry is the snowy white Hard to spot due to their thick white
pelts of the harp seal pups, an attraction fur, these foxes have the warmest pelt
that has led to more than one million of any Arctic animal and can endure
deaths in the past five years. The number of temperatures as low as -50 degrees

Celsius (-58 degrees Fahrenheit). They
seals killed each year is usually forecasted are known to prey on harp seal pups.
and regulated through the use of quotas.
However, it’s estimated that many catches
go unreported.
The fur is generally used for coat
making, while the meat is used as an
important source of protein for the
inhabitants of small coastal communities.
The blubber is broken down and used to
make seal oil, which is then used as a fish

oil supplement. The skin is also used in the © Thinkstock; The Art Agency/Peter Scott; Nature PL; Getty; Alamy
fashion industry and tailored to make warm
garments for colder climes. The act of harp Walrus
One of the largest pinnipeds, these
seal hunting has gathered much debate and ocean giants can dive for 30 minutes
attention among conservationists about the before needing to surface. They will
appropriate course of action to safeguard consume seal carcasses if necessary
the species for the future. and there is some evidence that large
males will feed on live seals.
21

Amazing arthropods











































































JUMPING SPIDER
Salticidae
Class Arachnida



Territory Worldwide
Diet Insects, spiders, nectar
Lifespan Up to a year
Adult weight 5g (0.2oz)
Conservation status

NOT EVALUATED


22

AMAZING













ARTHROPODS
















Look past their creepy-crawly qualities, and explore

the millions upon millions of arthropods that
dominate the land, sea and air


Words David Crookes
Arthropods are some of the most amazing creatures on And yet people may still flinch. Even those not suffering
Earth, with a history that is both long and fascinating. from arachnophobia may have cringed slightly at the
While they may account for a sizeable number of phobias jumping spider on this page. With eight eyes and sharp
among humans, their extraordinary diversity and cunning vision, these spiders can not only see all around them but
adaptations mean that once you get to know them, you they can also see more colours than us and can pick up
can’t help but like them. on green and ultraviolet light too.
In many ways, arthropods are the true kings and When it comes to actively stalking prey (they prefer
queens of the Earth, having roamed the planet for more this method over capturing victims in a web), the jumping
than 500 million years. They outnumber any other group spider’s vision, combined with its ability to make long and
of animals, so while it’s true that some of them sting agile leaps, creates a formidable opponent. Some species
and others are poisonous, arthropods play a vital role in can jump forward more than 50 times their body length.
nature, whether it’s through pollination, pest control or Given this head for heights, it’s no surprise that jumping
helping to maintain an ecological balance. spiders have even been spotted on Mount Everest!














23

Amazing arthropods


Thorn bugs are

named after the

odd-looking, pointed

spine on their back


Look at a tree inhabited by thorn bugs and you’ll do well
to spot one despite their colourful green, orange and red
bodies. That’s because these insects have sharp, hard
pronotums that make them look like rose thorns. They can
rest on a branch and suck sap while cleverly blending into
their surroundings and should a predator see and prey on
them, the sharp tip of their pointed spine can easily cause
an injury.
Thorn bugs don’t seek to hide from each other, though.
The males fly from tree to tree and vibrate their abdomens
when they land which makes a distinctive noise that
they hope females will be able to pick up and
respond to. Should there be a match, the female
thorn bug will lay her eggs into the bark and
spend two weeks protecting them.
BELOW A male thorn bug will attract
a mate using low vibrations that
reverberate through the plant

































What is an arthropod? The appendages have joints (indeed

There are more arthropods in the world than any the word arthropod actually means
other creature. From spiders to centipedes and ‘jointed feet’). Arthropods also
have many pairs of limbs.
crayfish to crabs, they roam the land, fill the air and
dominate the seas. Indeed, the phylum makes up
three quarters of all biological organisms. Their bodies are segmented,
Scientists have split arthropods into four with each part containing pairs
subgroups – insects, arachnids, crustaceans of appendages, whether they
and myriapods – but they all share the traits of be antennae, legs or wings.
a stiff exoskeleton, segmented bodies, bilateral
symmetry, jointed legs and multiple pairs of limbs. Arthropods have stiff exoskeletons,
In November 2015, preserved arthropod brains which are mainly composed of
were found that dated back 520 million years. chitin. These offer protection and
These remains are helping to shed light on the support, and are shed periodically.
evolution of this enormous phylum.

24

Amazing arthropods















































Tiger beetles can run fast but

it makes them go blind

When a tiger beetle is in pursuit of its tiger beetles to become temporarily
prey, it can really pick up some speed. blind, with their eyes becoming less
The fastest species can dash at nine receptive to photons. So once a spider
kilometres (5.6 miles) per hour, allowing or smaller insect has been spotted, the
it to cover a huge 2.5 metres (eight feet) tiger beetle runs, its vision blurs and it
every second. Unsurprisingly, this makes has to rely on its antennae to detect if
it the fastest insect in the world. it has bumped into something. During
It is not without consequence, though: the chase, it will stop a few times to
the Usain Bolt-like sprinting causes the reorientate itself.
“Usain Bolt-like sprinting causes its eyes

to become less receptive to photons”



This assassin bug stacks its
ASSASSIN BUG
Acanthaspis petax
Class Insecta victims’ carcasses on its back

Assassin bugs have a gruesome way of up on its back using a sticky secretion.
killing their prey. After piercing victims With up to 20 ants bound together, this
Territory Malaysia, east Africa with their curved proboscis, they paralyse provides the perfect camouflage for the
Diet Ants and other insects them with an injection of saliva before bug while also acting as additional armour.
Lifespan One year
Adult weight Unknown using a special enzyme to dissolve their Scientists have observed this to be a
Conservation status guts – an action that allows them to be highly effective technique. The assassin
sucked dry for a nourishing feed. bug’s natural predator, the jumping spider,
One species of assassin bug goes even is often unable to identify the bugs behind
NOT EVALUATED further. Acanthaspis petax takes the dead their morbid armour, while naked bugs are
bodies of the ants it kills and piles them devoured ten times more often.

25

Amazing arthropods


Giraffe weevils have

extended necks to

build better nests

and fight rivals



These highly unusual-looking flying insects, native only
to Madagascar, have long legs and short, red bodies but
their most notable attribute – thanks to their very long
necks – is their resemblance to giraffes. The necks serve a
multitude of purposes, from allowing the insects to reach
the leaves of the giraffe beetle trees in which they live, to
letting them build impressive nests – the females roll leaves
into tubes before laying a single egg into them. For males,
though, the necks are perfect for aggressive displays.
They use them to lash out at male rivals in fierce battles

for the right to mate with a female. A male’s neck is up to
three times as long as a female’s, making it effective for
wrestling and pushing opponents until one admits defeat.
GIRAFFE WEEVIL
Trachelophorus giraffa
Class Insecta



Territory Madagascar
Diet Leaves
Lifespan One year
Adult weight 2g (0.1oz)
Conservation status

NOT EVALUATED


Watch out for BELOW The asp caterpillar’s spines
connect to venom glands, each acting
the nasty sting like a miniature hypodermic needle

of the venomous

asp caterpillar



Asp caterpillars are easy to distinguish, not least
because they are covered in a mass of ‘hair’ that
gives them the appearance of a furry animal
or a tiny toupee. Don’t be fooled by their cute
appearance, though, as those hairs are actually
sharp, venomous spines that break off and
stick in the skin of curious humans or predatory
animals. During this process, venom is released,
causing acute pain in the victim. In some cases,
it induces fever or a drop in blood pressure,
making for a very effective defence mechanism.
It is one of the most poisonous caterpillars in
the US, where people are warned to be careful
around its natural home in trees and shrubbery.

“A mass of ‘hair’ gives
them the appearance

of a tiny toupee”


26

Amazing arthropods





















Golden tortoise

beetles are

able to change

their colour



The golden tortoise beetle is able to control
its own colour by altering the reflectivity of its

surface whenever it is agitated or looking for a
mate. It can change from shiny gold to reddish
brown in as little as two minutes in an amazing
process that involves tiny grooves running beneath the
insect’s transparent shell.

These channels are usually filled with a liquid red
pigment, which fully reflect light to give an illusion of gold but

when the pigment is drained, the reflective properties diminish

and the red colouring can be seen. Researchers say this not only aids
sexual signalling, but it helps to protect the beetle from danger.
Cyanide millipedes secrete symmetrical which means
Arthropods are bilaterally
toxic cyanide from sides are mirror images, and
that their left and right
tiny pores to defend they can be divided with a
straight line.
against predators or complete metamorphosis.
They undergo either simple
In the complete process, the
juvenile will look different
Cyanide millipedes are striking insects with flashes from its parent until it

of yellow running down the sides of their black undergoes its transformation.
bodies. But as with a lot of luridly coloured Their circulatory system
animals, these vivid markings are as a warning is open, unlike in humans
for predators to keep away. If they get too and vertebrates. The blood
close, predators may get a whiff of an almond-

CYANIDE MILLIPEDE scented gas – otherwise known as cyanide. flows freely in cavities and
Harpaphe haydeniana When they feel endangered, the millipedes directly touches organs and
Class Diplopoda internal tissue.
curl up, squeeze their muscles and shoot
cyanide through their glands. This usually kills Arthropods are cold-blooded
predators by preventing cells in their bodies and scientists have found
from taking in oxygen but even if the victim they grow larger when on
Territory North America survives, the foul taste and terrible pain will warm land but smaller in
Diet Dead leaves and decayed
wood ensure it leaves well alone next time. warm water.
Lifespan 2-3 years This tactic is not unique (other millipedes
Adult weight Unknown use this kind of chemical weaponry too) but it Most arthropods lay eggs.
Conservation status Thousands of eggs can be
has proved to be so effective for this particular
laid at one time in order
species, that only one predator – the ground to ensure enough young
NOT EVALUATED beetle, which can emit a smelly liquid of its own – survive to keep the
has adapted well enough to eat it.
species going.
27

Amazing arthropods


Giant water bugs

attack moving

prey bigger than

themselves


Giant water bugs have evolved an amazing
attack ability that involves them patiently
awaiting a victim and seizing it with
enormous pincers. They will then inject
poisonous digestive juices via its piercing
rostrum. Once the enzymes have broken
down the insides of its prey, the giant water
bug is able to suck out the liquified remains.

Researchers have observed this in action
many times over. The aquatic insect has been

observed eating pond turtles, snakes, fish and
frogs but it doesn’t only spend its time near
water. It is attracted to electric lights and
often appears around streetlights and houses.
However, one of the giant water bug’s
party tricks is an ability to survive underwater
for relatively long periods. It does this either
by storing air within a dedicated space
beneath its wings or by poking its lengthy
respiratory tube out of the water to draw in GIANT WATER BUG
fresh air, like a built-in snorkel. Belostomatidae
Class Insecta
“The aquatic insect has
been observed eating Territory Worldwide

pond turtles, snakes, Diet Invertebrates, fish,
amphibians
Lifespan One year
fish and frogs” Adult weight Unknown

Conservation status
ABOVE Giant water bugs are
usually found in ponds and NOT EVALUATED
freshwater streams



Male scorpionflies give
gifts to females to avoid


being gobbled up


Love is a life-or-death endeavour when you’re a male scorpionfly. These

insects are able to attract females with a pleasant courtship display
using their scorpion-like tails, but if they don’t do enough to distract their
chosen lady then they tend to become her next meal.
As gruesome as it sounds, the females like to eat their partner after
mating, which is why the male offers up a nuptial gift, typically involving
secretions of his own saliva. A measly quantity may not save him, since
the more he offers, the more attractive he becomes.
The size of the gift correlates with the nutritional condition of the male
and is an indicator of how strong his genetics are, and his suitability as a
father. Those unable to produce enough may offer a gift in the form of a
dead insect instead.

ABOVE Males of the species “The male offers up a nuptial gift,
can be distinguished by their
typically involving his own saliva”
enlarged, scorpion-like tails

28

Amazing arthropods

The tongue-eating louse lives



in the mouths of fish – and
becomes their new tongue



This arthropod could be the only critter It then simply lays in wait to feed on
to assume the role of an animal’s body whatever the fish decides to gobble up,

part, but in doing so the tongue-eating although it can also feed on the fish’s

louse proves itself to be a gruesome blood. Remarkably, this does not harm
little parasite. Relying entirely on its host the fish even when, as is common, more


for food, it enters the mouth of a fish via than one louse is living inside its mouth;
the gills and attaches itself to the host’s the fish will continue to feed as normal.

tongue. By severing the blood vessels, When the host dies, the louse leaves the
it causes the tongue to fall out, at which mouth and attaches itself to the dead
point it makes itself the replacement. body instead.
TONGUE-EATING LOUSE
Cymothoa exigua
Class Malacostraca




Territory Eastern Pacific,
Madagascar, Red Sea
Diet Blood, diet of fish host

Lifespan Unknown
Adult weight Unknown
Conservation status
NOT EVALUATED

RIGHT The parasites are all born as
males, but as they enter a fi sh, they
become female and increase in size





























© Alamy; Ardea; FLPA; Getty; Nature PL; Thinkstock













29

Interview with a…

Wildlife vet








Emma Lloret from Wildlife Aid lifts the lid on life as a wildlife vet, from

treating British wildlife to taking part in vital conservation projects

What made you want volunteers that make the centre run. All of Any kind of wildlife – both
to become a vet – and this makes my job very exciting and I enjoy domestic and foreign –

specifically one that it every day, without fail. could arrive for veterinary
attention, including
works with wildlife? vulnerable babies that
Since I was a little girl Have you been involved in any need caring for
I have always been conservation work? How does it differ
passionate about animals from your other experiences as a vet?
and caring for the ones I came across. Last summer, before I came to the UK,
Since then I knew I wanted to become I spent one month living in the Amazon
a vet. It is a really long path (five years rainforest (Yasuni National Park) in

of studies, lots of practical work, exams, Ecuador. This was part of an expedition, in
etc), but when you have this passion for which a group of biologists and vets were

something it’s definitely worth it. When working together to study the biodiversity
I went to university it really opened my of this area of the Amazon rainforest. We
eyes to the wildlife aspect of being a vet spent one month ringing birds, marking
surgeon, from that point I have never bats and looking for mammal footprints
looked back and have been working with (including jaguars), to collect as much data
wildlife ever since. as possible.
What’s the best part of your role as a
wildlife vet? “You are there to
The best part of this job is being face
to face with these amazing animals and help them, to be
knowing that you are there to help them,
to be their voice, and to give them a their voice, and to
second chance to be out there in the wild. Want to learn
Also, in this job you learn something new give them a second more about the
every single day, and it is very exciting to great work Emma
be growing professionally as a vet and as a chance to be out and the rest of the
team are doing at
human being. Wildlife Aid?
there in the wild” www.wildlifeaid.org.uk
Head over to
And what’s the worst part? to get involved.
Working in such a role can be pretty
overwhelming sometimes, especially if So you want to be
you want to give your patients the best
possible care. The worst part of my job is a wildlife vet?
the quick decisions that you have to take
every day about the life of another living As Emma mentions, the road to
being that is literally in your hands. In every becoming a vet of any kind is a long
case you have to think what is best for that one. If you’re looking to follow the

particular animal, uninfluenced by your academic route, you’ll probably
own personal feelings. need ten or more GCSEs grades
A and above and three or more
A-Levels of a similar standard.
Could you tell us about some of the
biggest challenges you have faced in the You’ll then need to take a veterinary
job so far? science degree at university, which
Each day is a new challenge, and includes placements and lasts

completely different from the one before. for five years. “The best advice
You never know what is going to be I could give to any colleague is
coming in through the reception door. keep following your dreams,” adds
The most peaceful day can turn into a Emma. “Keep working very hard,
crazy day in a matter of minutes and vice and keep learning, you can always
versa. The range of species that we treat learn something new. Sometimes Veterinary surgeons
is enormous; from a frog or a slow-worm it’s easy to give up but stick in there operate across the © Alamy; Dreamstime; Wildlife Aid
world, performing
to a deer or a badger, the list goes on and as there is nothing better than the procedures in
on. You have all of this plus managing a satisfaction of seeing those animals animal centres and

hospital and dealing with the amazing going back in the wild and being out in the field
free again.”
30

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far away... AA Inspector Colin Church




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For all offers please check:
* All offers subject to availability. Please note offers do not include public/bank holidays. durrell.org/camp
Each offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other.

Meet the family
Cranes








There are only 15 species of crane

worldwide. These large, charismatic
birds mate for life, dance for joy, and

sing in unison
BLA CK -CRO WNED The purpose of the black-
BLACK-CROWNED
crowned crane’s headgear
CRANE is unknown. It may be
Black-crowned crane Balearica pavonina used in courtship displays,
alearica pa
B
v
onina
or help shade the bird
The king of the cranes from the hot African sun.
The black-crowned crane may be one of the smaller cranes but it is certainly
the most regal, adorned with a large, yellow crown and smooth, black, velvety Class Aves
West Africa, Sudan
feathers on its head. This bird is unusual in the way it roosts; while most Territory West Africa, Sudan
and South Sudan
and South Sudan
cranes are ground-dwelling creatures, the black-crowned crane is the only one Diet Grains, plants, insects
Grains, plants, insects
20-30 years
known to take to the trees and build nests amongst the branches. Lifespan 20-30 years
Adult weight 3-4kg (7-9lb)
The cranes will search their surrounding area, looking for wetland edges Adult weight 3-4kg (7-9lb)
Conservation status
Conservation status
where the best grasses and sedges grow, and use these to construct their
nest. They hold an important place in Kenyan pastoralist (farming) culture,
where they are highly regarded as VULNERABLE
VULNERABLE
messengers of peace.
Black-necked crane
The world’s only alpine crane is the master of
T h e w o r l d ’ s o n l y a l p i n e c r a n e i s t h e m a s t e r o f BLACK-NECKED CRANE
Grus nigricollis
predator avoidance Class Aves
s t
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h
The sky is the limit for the black-necked crane; soaring high over the Himalayas, ,
T
e H
h
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h
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y
a
s
a
m
i
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a
i
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a
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a
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n
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n a
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p
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o s
e
r
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s i
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it is the only member of the family to spend its summers in alpine areas of
l
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e
o
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extremely high elevations. It is a particularly cautious species and employs a
d e
n
s a
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m
y
s a
o
p
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p
s s
u
m
r
i
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c
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a
s a p
s
t
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r
t
t i
a
i
. I
l
v
i
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i
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i
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a
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f
n
e s
a
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d
s w
n
p
u
e t
number of stealthy defence tactics. Always foraging in groups with one standing Territory China, India, Bhutan
h o
n
t
c
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y
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a
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s f
g
a
o
s
e
w
l
. A
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a
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e
s sentinel, and nesting in large open areas of water, ensures they stay ahead of Diet Roots, insects, snails
e
y s
h
n l
d o
s o
a
r
a
f
s
e
a
y a
t
f w
h
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u
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, e
, a
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n
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n a
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predators. They even settle down to roost at night while standing on one leg Lifespan 20-30 years
in shallow water, so if predators do try and sneak up on them, they will Adult weight 5-7kg (11-15lb)
Conservation status
be heard. They love to forage and spend around
75 per cent of their time searching for food
and eating, and sometimes will travel several VULNERABLE
kilometres in a day.
Easily confused with the common

crane, there is one key difference to help
distinguish between the two: the black-
necked crane has a black tail, whereas the
common crane has a grey tail.
The large wattles hanging from the bill are
covered in white feathers and small, round,
wart-like bumps. These appendages increase
in size if the bird becomes aggressive.
Wattled crane W A TTLED CRANE tus
WATTLED CRANE
Buger
Bugeranus carunculatus
anus caruncula
The nomadic member of the family
Most species coordinate their movements with the changing seasons, but
this fussy drinker roams the wetlands looking for the best quality water. Class Aves
They typically prefer saturated areas and it’s not uncommon to find them Territory Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa

congregating at flood sites. They are less house-proud than other species Diet Grasses, insects, fish
Grasses, insects, fi

sh
20-30 years
and their nests can be found at wetland edges more closely resembling Lifespan 20-30 years
Adult weight 6–9kg (14–20lb)
6–9kg (14–20lb)
a mass of crushed grass than a nest. Despite this, they are very territorial Conservation status
Conservation status
and nesting sites will always be kept a minimum of 500 metres (1,640 feet)
apart. When compared to other crane species, the wattled crane makes
for a dedicated parent. This species spends up to 36 days on average VULNERABLE
incubating their eggs, which is longer than any other crane.
32

Cranes


Sandhill crane The sandhill crane’s feathers are naturally

This chatty crane has grey, and their heads are crimson-capped. 4
However they can look brown in colour
stood the test of time as they transfer mud from their beaks,
accumulated through foraging, onto their
One of the more communicative species, the sandhill feathers during preening. 1
crane has a distinctive rolling cry that reverberates 3
through the wetlands. They are able to convey meaning 2
to one another through the
SANDHILL CRANE length, strength, and volume
Grus canadensis of the calls they make, with
different sounds being used for 1. Tallest 3. Longest
specifi c messages. Sarus crane migration
Sandhill cranes are one of the most Siberian crane
ancient species in the family; fossils found Standing at a
Class Aves towering 1.8m This species
Territory North America from ten million years ago show that their (5.9ft), the sarus migrates from
Diet Grains, small mammals, physiology has changed very little in that
insects, reptiles time. Today, they are the most numerous crane is the tallest northern Siberia

Lifespan 20 years flying bird in to China, India
Adult weight 3–6kg (7-13lb) and wide-ranging cranes in the world. the world, but is or Iran, travelling
Conservation status While many other cranes share nesting suffering from a up to 6,000km
responsibilities, it is the male of this species loss of habitat. (3,730mi).
that defends the nest. He will stand on
y
an
gu
guard looking out for any potential danger,
p
g
o
u
l
ook
n
or
g
ar
f
d
e
a
o
LEAST CONCERN gu ar d l ook i i n g o u t t f or an y p o t t e e n t t i i a l l d an g e r r , , 2. Smallest 4. Rarest
n
an
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s
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y t
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ready to fight any unwanted visitors Demoiselle crane Whooping crane
e
e
g
d p
and protect his offspring.
n
a a n d p r r o t t e e c t h i i s o f f f f s s p r r i i n g . .
c
p
s o
o
t h
n
The dance of the Pushed to the
demoiselle crane brink of extinction
has been likened in 1941, there
Blue crane to ballet. These were only 16 birds
remaining. A
pirouetting birds
Elegant but no less resilient
E l e g a n t b u t n o l e s s r e s i l i e n t are clever too, strong effort has
led to a limited
and sometimes
Historically, this species was only found in areas of low disturbance,
H i s t o r i c a l l y , t h i s s p e c i e s w a s o n l y f o u n d i n a r e a s o f l o w d i s t u r b a n c e , fake injury to recovery of 200
a
o
p
o t
h
g t
e c
s n
. Ad
n
s
but that is no longer the case. Adapting to the changing environment distract predators birds now living in
a
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i it finds itself in, this hardy crane is now thriving in areas of highly from nests. the wild.
l
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. I
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t transformed agricultural land. It is the national bird of South Africa, ,
n
n
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i
t
r
o
d a
g
h
f
a
o
an d ho l d s p ar t i c u l ar c u l t u r a l s i g n i fi c anc e f or t h e X ho s a p e op l e .
and holds particular cultural significance for the Xhosa people.
Traditionally, when a man had proved himself in acts of valour, a chief
T r a d i t i o n a l l y , w h e n a m a n h a d p r o v e d h i m s e l f i n a c t s o f v a l o u r , a c h i e f Not a crane
decorated him with feathers from a blue crane. It was also believed
d e c o r a t e d h i m w i t h f e a t h e r s f r o m a b l u e c r a n e . I t w a s a l s o b e l i e v e d
u
a
e
n
l
i
a
i
h
e c
b
m
u k
l
r o
y w
e
e
r f
o
l
a
t i
f y
u
m
o
e
e
, a m
d a b
that if you killed a blue crane, a member of your family would die. . Herons are o en mistaken for cranes and it’s
o
d d
l
f y
r
l
t
i
u

u
r
, b
y
t o
e m
r
s a
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i
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h
T
The birds are migratory, but only easy to see why. Both are tall wading birds
e b
d
r
i
r
t
a
o
n
within southern Africa, and generally
w i t h i n s o u t h e r n A f r i c a , a n d g e n e r a l l y of a similar build, with spindly legs and long
e b
l
g
e
i
r
migrate between varying altitudes BLUE CRANE necks. Despite their similarities they are
i
a
t
t
m
n v
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e
t
i
a
g a
s
d
e
t
w
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rather than areas of changing climate. . Anthropoides paradiseus genetically different, with herons being part of
r
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Class Aves
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While many cranes have a clear the Ardeidae family. They can be differentiated
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p r e f e r e n c e f o r w e t l a n d s , t h e b l u e c r a n e in flight. Herons have a heavier head and curve
preference for wetlands, the blue crane

s i
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s spends its time patrolling the dry, , their necks backwards onto their bodies during
p
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grassy uplands.
g r ass y u p l a n ds . flight giving an ‘s’ shape, whereas cranes fly


ory
ory
errit
errit
Territory South Africa, with their necks outstretched.
frica,
South A
T T
Namibia
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T The blue crane’s wingtip plumage Diet Plants, insects, worms

s w
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trails to the ground, giving the illusion
trails to the ground, giving the illusion Lifespan 15 years

of extra long tail feathers. The flight
of extra long tail feathers. The fl ight Adult weight 3.5kg (7.7lb)
feathers are all black or dark grey, in
feathers are all black or dark grey, in Conservation status
contrast to its uniform blue body.
contrast to its uniform blue body.
VULNERABLE
BROLGA CRANE
Grus rubicundus Brolga crane
The dancing crane from down under
Australia’s native crane is a tall bird standing at 130 centimetres (4.3
feet), with greenish-grey skin and a body plumage that is light blue in
Class Aves colour. Amazingly, they have evolved to possess a special skill they do Similar in appearance to the sarus
Territory Australia, Indonesia, crane, the two can be told apart by the
t s
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Papua New Guinea not share with any other crane. A specialised salt gland located near the red colouration on the face. The brolga
Diet Tubers, insects, molluscs e y e a l l o w s t h e b i r d t o e x c r e t e a c o n c e n t r a t e d s a l t s o l u t i o n f r o m t h e s a l t crane’s red markings are only on the head,
eye allows the bird to excrete a concentrated salt solution from the salt
Lifespan 20-25 years water they drink. Almost like a built-in filter, it means they do not have whereas the colour on the sarus crane

Adult weight 6kg (13lb) creeps down and extends to the neck.
to be too concerned with the quality of the water they drink. Once they
Conservation status to be too concerned with the quality of the water they drink. Once they
have paired up with a mate, they usually bond for life, taking part in a © Thinkstock; Dreamstime © Thinkstock; Dreamstime
display of affection where they will sing to each other, usually initiated
LEAST CONCERN by the female. When dancing, they will line up opposite each other,
bowing and throwing their heads back while trumpeting wildly.
33

Wildlife of the African




tropical rainforest








A humid landscape of creeping vines, lush

vegetation and towering trees, Africa’s tropical

rainforest is an incredible place to explore



Words Ella Carter









34

Wildlife of the African tropical rainforest






























































































35

Wildlife of the African tropical rainforest


n
e
i
f
i
ju
e
n
le
g
th
L
Life in the jungle
Encompassing landscapes from the colossal
Congo Basin to the volcanic mountains of the
east and spanning six countries, this habitat is
the second largest rainforest on Earth


Hagenia forest


This African tree with so leaves and flower sprays
provides the lush and leafy habitat preferred by
mountain gorillas. These trees can grow at high
altitudes and up to 20 metres (65 feet) in height,

and their flowers are known to have medicinal
properties for treating intestinal parasites.


















Okapi
The okapi sports black and white stripes on its
hindquarters like a zebra, but it’s actually the only living
relative of the giraffe! The stripes help these shy animals

hide in their rainforest home, and they use their long
tongues to strip leaves and shoots from lush greenery.
tongues to strip leaves and shoots from lush greenery.
Strange-nosed chameleon
Found hidden away, tucked inside the
many fronds of the plentiful treetop
canopy, this chameleon bides its time in
wait for the perfect insect dinner. Using
its green colouring to blend into the
leafy backdrop, and strong feet to cling
to branches, it is safe from any would-
be predators.
























36

Wildlife of the African tropical rainforest



Forest ground-thrush
Also known as Oberlaender’s thrush, this
little bird is only found in this part of the
world. It tends to stay close to its home
range, and feeds during the rainy season
on slugs and other tasty invertebrates that

can be easily snaffl ed from the leaf litter.





























Gallium vines
This family of creeping, sticky vines can
grow very quickly and cover a large area. In
the rainforest they can smother other trees,
growing towards the ground as well as
upwards from the undergrowth, and are known
to be a favourite snack for mountain gorillas.

Nahan’s francolin
With a mottled pattern of black, brown and grey, this Mountain gorilla
partridge has excellent camouflage. Picking its way The undisputed king of the rainforest, the mountain gorilla

through the rainforest floor, it feasts on small insects lives on the volcanic slopes bordering Rwanda, Uganda

plucked from the leaf litter. It also makes its nest in the and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These endangered

undergrowth, sheltered by the buttresses of large trees.
undergrowth, sheltered by the buttresses of large trees. primates can be found on the forest floor, in communities
presided over by a dominant silverback male.
































37

Wildlife of the African tropical rainforest


A forest under threat


This rich and diverse habitat is being eroded by human
activity, posing a threat to its many wild residents
The Congo Basin is one of the most
important wildernesses left on the planet.
Second only in size to the Amazon rainforest,
this habitat spans a huge area of over 340
million hectares (830 million acres) through
the Democratic Republic of Congo, the
Republic of Congo, Cameroon, the Central
African Republic, Equatorial Guinea and
Gabon. The lifeblood of the ecosystem is the
Congo River, which flows through the basin
to meet the Indian Ocean. Throughout this
habitat, dense rainforest is interspersed with
green savannahs, rivers and marshy swamps,
providing a huge range of niches for an
incredible number of species. This African
rainforest is thought to be home to over 400
species of mammal and 1,000 species of bird.
As well as having rich biodiversity, the area
is also abundant in natural resources, such
as timber, petroleum and even diamonds.
These are in high demand, and extraction
techniques pose a threat to wildlife – habitat
loss due to mining and logging, as well as
building of roads and dams are the biggest
threats to wildlife.
The illegal bushmeat trade is also a real
threat to many rainforest animals. Monkeys
and antelope are the animals most at risk,
and it’s estimated that in the Democratic
Republic of Congo alone, over a million
tonnes of bushmeat are eaten each year.

“Dense rainforest is interspersed
with green savannahs, rivers

and marshy swamps”


Rainforest natives


Introducing just a few of the jungle inhabitants that can be found in this vast and varied ecosystem


















African forest elephant African grey parrot Mandrill
An elusive relation of the African elephant, forest Africa’s largest parrot sports grey plumage with The largest of the monkeys, mandrills are only
elephants have more rounded ears and their a shock of red at the tail. Daytimes are spent found in African tropical rainforests. Their
tusks point downward. They are important to foraging for food on foot, using their strong, colourful red and blue facial markings are
the rainforest ecosystem, as they clear paths that curved beak to collect seeds, berries and fruit. unmissable, as are their large cheek pouches that
other creatures rely on, and they help to disperse During the evenings, huge numbers of grey they use to store food. They live in groups known
plants when seeds are deposited in their dung. parrots come together in the treetops to roost. as ‘troops’, led by a dominant male.

38

The importance
The tropical of ecotourism
equatorial rainforest
receives around 160- Justin Wateridge is managing director of Steppes
200 centimetres (63- Travel, a luxury travel provider that can take you
79 inches) of rainfall to explore the Congo in all its glory without leaving
per year, much of a bad mark on the ecosystem. He talks to us about how being an
which falls during the ecotourist can make all the difference.
rainy season.
What is ecotourism?
Ecotourism is simply described as sustainable travel to natural areas
that works to conserve the environment, sustain the wellbeing of the
local people living and working there and involves emphasis upon
interpretation and education for the travellers and visitors.

How does this benefit the rainforest ecosystem?
The rainforest benefits because the practice of ecotourism places
a high value on the forest as opposed to logging and other such
extractive (and very destructive) industries. Another benefit is that
the encouragement of conscientious travellers can bring revenue
and employment to local and indigenous peoples. Ecotourism can
also bring much-needed revenue to conservation agencies and
researchers who do essential work in managing and preserving the
forest ecosystem.

What kind of things can ecotourists do when visiting?
When you take a trip to the rainforest of the Congo River Basin
(and beyond), as an ecotourist you can see the wildlife in its natural
habitat and visit some of the incredible local communities that live in
the rainforest. In a forest such as in the Congo, the amazing wildlife
that lives there would include forest elephants, lowland gorillas
and sitatunga (a swamp-dwelling antelope) – fantastic creatures to
witness in the wild.

Is there an ecotourism code of conduct?
There is no one particular code. However, there are various bodies
that advocate best practice for tour operators and tourists alike,
such as respecting local communities and customs, not interfering
with wildlife, keeping to paths to protect the environment, eating and
ABOVE drinking locally and protecting local resources.
The armoured long-
tailed pangolin is a
critically endangered What can World Of Animals readers do to get involved?
rainforest mammal. When Anyone can get involved by joining a tour. Travelling to the region and
threatened, it rolls into a
ball to expose sharp scales exploring it makes a difference and monies go to local communities.
























Red river hog Gaboon viper Colobus monkey
This wild pig has bright red, coarse fur, with a Known as the heaviest venomous snake in Africa, These black and white monkeys have a surprising
contrasting black and white face. The tough the gaboon viper lives in the rainforest and adaptation: they lack thumbs. The word ‘colobus’ © Corbis; Sol90; Thinkstock; Dreamstime
tusks are used to dig around in the dirt for food. savannah areas of the region. With a triangular is derived from the Greek word for ‘mutilated’, as
These hogs aren’t fussy and will eat anything head and thick body, the viper uses its excellent these monkeys have evolved to have stubs where
they can find, from shoots and leaves to sheep camouflage to hunt with an ambush technique, thumbs ought to be. This allows them to run
and reptiles! lying in wait for unsuspecting prey to pass by. expertly along branches on all fours.

39

FLYING




























WITHOUT WINGS






Birds may be the true flyers of the animal

kingdom, but these creatures have found their
own ingenious ways of soaring through the air


Words Lauren Scott











































40

Flying without wings







































































The propelling body
of the flying fish

With a torso that’s streamlined to
perfection and four wing-like fins, flying
fish have evolved a remarkable ability
to break the water’s surface, gliding
through the air to escape predators.
They build up speed underwater, angle
themselves upwards then rapidly beat
their tail until they reach the surface.
This initial jump can carry them up to
200 metres (655 feet) and they can flap
their tail off the surface to continue for
400 metres (1,312 feet) in total, leaving
their predator far behind.

41

Flying without wings


The semi-graceful,
soaring mobula ray

Mobula rays bamboozle scientists with
their acrobatic displays, but it is still not
understood why they leap out of the
sea. These animals are related to sharks
but have longer, flatter bodies that are
ideal for swooping through the air as
high as two metres (6.6 feet) above
the waves. Landings are less graceful
though, ending in a loud belly-flop.











































































42

Flying without wings













































































The frog that chooses air
travel to avoid predators
Found in the dense, tropical jungles of Malaysia,
the Wallace’s tree frog lives almost exclusively
in the trees, and getting around quickly without
being eaten is no easy task. This ten-centimetre
(four-inch) long amphibian leaps from one tree
to another by splaying four webbed feet, and
its funky oversized toe pads helps it to make a
soft landing and stick to tree trunks.


43

Flying without wings



The southern flying

squirrel is a natural glider

The flying squirrel is an elusive creature,
but is instantly recognisable from its
gliding membrane, the flap of loose and

stretchy skin extending from its wrist to its
ankle. This little mammal soars through the

trees to avoid predators, and has its flight
paths perfected, using slight movements
of its legs to steer, and its tail as a brake.











































































44

Flying without wings












































































The flying dragon is not

just a mythical monster

The Draco lizard needs to avoid the forest

floors of its Southeast Asia habitat, where
predators lie in wait for tiny reptile snacks.
Instead, the Draco has evolved to take to
the air, using a set of extended ribs covered
in a generous layer of skin. They can unfold © Alamy; Corbis; FLPA; Nature PL
these appendages to form ‘wings’ and glide
up to nine metres (29.5 feet) through the air,
steering themselves with their long tails.

45

Explore the Earth


















































WILDLIFE









TRAVEL










IN 2016




By swapping sunbathing for a wildlife adventure,

you can help to protect the world’s most vulnerable
animals, with a responsible and unforgettable getaway


Words Naomi Harding




46

Wildlife travel in 2016


Travel expert

Dan Free is an operations manager at wildlife tour provider, Naturetrek
Wildlife holidays are becoming ever more popular, as people are
becoming more keen to see wildlife and visit wild places. Increased
media coverage of the natural world is one reason; programmes
such as BBC One’s Springwatch and Big Blue Live entice people Map key
to go and watch wildlife both in the UK and abroad. Running in 1 Sea Turtle Conservancy, Tortuguero, Costa Rica
tandem with this is an opening up of viewing opportunities in the wild, such as 2 Spitsbergen Island, Svalbard, Norway

a floating hotel in the Pantanal to see jaguars, and fantastic birdwatching from 3 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
eco-lodges in Honduras and the Gambia, for example. And with photographic 4 Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah, Borneo
equipment becoming more and more affordable, people want to see and record 5 Eastern Cape, South Africa

these life-changing experiences for themselves! These holidays are what dreams 6 Caye Caulker, Belize
are made of… and people are waking up to the idea that they beat a fortnight 7 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar
spent sweating on a crowded beach!

Belize Svalbard, Norway Borneo
Manatees prefer shallow waters and can It’s thought there are as many as 3,000 polar bears Malaysian Borneo
be found in rivers, lagoons, and along the in Svalbard, meaning you are likely to get a glimpse is a great place to
coasts. As the waters are warm enough in of one. Polar bear season is relatively short and the see orangutans as
Belize, they don’t need to migrate, so they best time to see them is in July and August. the area has some
can be seen all year round. Hop on a boat of the largest
to Caye Caulker, where there are plenty of sanctuaries in
companies offering manatee tours. the world.
2










6
1
4
3
Costa Rica
The six species of Uganda
sea turtle found in 7 There are no
Costa Rica have been 5 mountain gorillas in
around since dinosaurs captivity anywhere
roamed the Earth. in the world. So
Females return to your only chance
these shores year after to see one is in the
year to lay their eggs. wild, in the forests
Madagascar of Uganda.
There may be no
Eastern Cape, South Africa lemurs left in the

Sardines may not sound exciting at first wild in 25 years’ time,
but the sheer number that gathers in South according to experts.
Africa is staggering. The hub of activity So now is the best time
attracts so many sharks and birds it’s been to go and contribute to
dubbed ‘the greatest shoal on Earth’. lemur-saving charities.


Responsible travel

Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures and nothing is more exciting
than venturing out into the unknown and seeing animals in the wild
that you’ve only previously seen on television. The idea that we have
a greater duty of care to protect the places we explore is gaining
momentum and thankfully it’s becoming much easier to travel
responsibly – there are numerous ways to make your wildlife
holiday as eco- and animal-friendly as can be. Have a read of our
top tips on how to reduce your impact and if you’re searching
for inspiration, we’ve looked ahead to some of the most exciting
wildlife experiences you could have in 2016.


47

Explore the Earth






























































































48

Nepal: Admire the


rainbow colours of

the monal pheasant


Take advantage of guided walks through wildlife reserves
and daily game drives in search of tigers and leopards
in Nepal. Get in touch with nature by staying in tents
and eat outside with binoculars in hand. A mixture of
marshland and grassland habitats attracts as many as
500 avian species to the country, including the stunning
Himalayan monal, the national bird of Nepal. A great place
to spot feathered friends is Koshi Tappu National Park, a
birdwatcher’s paradise. But if birds aren’t your thing, there’s
plenty of other wildlife to get excited about, such as sloth
bears, crocodiles, elephants and swamp deer.
































Madagascar:

Witness lemur

behaviour


The biodiversity hotspot of Madagascar
is where many wildlife enthusiasts
make their pilgrimage. The island is
teeming with endemic species and
new animals are being discovered all
the time. Perhaps that’s what makes
Madagascar so exciting; the guidebooks
are constantly being rewritten. One
of the most recognisable animals is of
course the lemur. There are 101 species
of lemur living on the island, all of which
are found nowhere else in the world. It’s
possible to get guided lemur tours and
witness their natural behaviour, or you
can go on safari and experience all the
wildlife Madagascar has to offer.


49

Explore the Earth










Costa Rica:

Watch turtles


laying eggs


Costa Rica is a haven for sea turtles. It’s a
great place to go and experience first-

hand the life cycle of one of Earth’s most
ancient creatures. During nesting season,
turtles line the coasts, laying dozens of
eggs to bury beneath the sand for safety.
The six species have different nesting
seasons at different sites. There are
always turtles laying eggs somewhere in
Costa Rica, which means there are almost
always hatchlings emerging. The coasts
of Costa Rica are strongholds for these
turtles, particularly the leatherback sea
turtle that has declined by 90 per cent
since 1980, and much conservation work
goes on here. Its possible to stand back
and take in the sight of hundreds of small
turtles making their frantic dash to the
sea, or you can volunteer for one of the
many organisations working to protect the
turtle’s future.



Norway: See polar

bears on safari


Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago and one of
the best places to see polar bears and other iconic
Arctic wildlife. Race across the snowy tundra in
the company of an experienced guide and take
in the astonishing beauty of the icy landscape
and secluded fjords. Many companies
offer snowmobile safaris, giving you the
opportunity to witness wild polar bears
roaming the ice in their natural habitat.
You’re not guaranteed to see a bear but
to increase your chances, it’s best to visit
in the summer, before the ice freezes
over and the dark days draw in.
Zig-zagging across the ice sheets
on a snowmobile means you won’t
have to rely on husky-drawn sleds,
giving the dogs a break. If you’re

lucky, you may even fit in seeing
the Northern Lights.










50


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