Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel

This is one of the flying squirrel species. They are smaller as compared to Japanese giant flying squirrels. Majorly, this species lives in sub-alpine forest that is found in Japan. They are 14-20 centimeters and their tail is about 10-14 centimeters. They approximately weigh 150- 220 grams. They are nocturnal; both female and male are of the same size. Their berry is white and their back covered with grey brown hair. It has a tail that is flattened and large eyes. During the day, you can only find them in holes in trees. The nests that these types of squirrels live are called dreys and can easily are seen on trees. These nests are made on tree cavities and tree trunks. Such nests are build using leaves and sticks wrapped with strands of grass. Western squirrel makes two nests. One of these two nests is larger in size and well covered. They use this nest in winter and also taking care of young ones. It leaps from one tree to the other using a membrane known as patagium. The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel eats various types of foods. They include seeds, walnuts, acorns and other types fungi that are found in the forest. It takes a hanging posture when eating. In case it wants to pick food that is spread on the ground, it will only extend its body within its immediate radius without necessarily moving the hind legs. This species was first found in Canada, western North America and in the United States. It is the only species that has evolved differently from other sciuridae. If you compare the morphology of mandible and genetic code, you will realize a great difference between Japanese dwarf flying squirrel and other sciuridae. The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel has a mandible which has a coronoid process which the dwarf tree squirrel lacks. It has also a less elongated mandible compared to marmot. Though they are of the same species, they as well have different genetic codes. Pteromys Volans and pteromys momonga have different karyotypes but same number of chromosomes. This difference came about due to tandem fusion, inversion or deletion of Y chromosomes and autosomes. Pteromys Volans has fifteen percent DNA as compared to pteromys momonga. This is a brief history of Japanese dwarf flying squirrels, how they live and their habitat and what they feed on. They are very unique species in the flying squirrels family.

Greater Glider

The greater glider (Petauroides volans) is a small gliding marsupial found in Australia. It is not closely related to the Petaurus group of gliding marsupials but instead to the lemur-like ringtail possum (Hemibelideus lemuroides), with which it shares the subfamily Hemibelideinae. The greater glider is nocturnal and is a solitary herbivore feeding almost exclusively on Eucalyptus leaves and buds. Like its relative the lemur-like ringtail, the greater glider is found in two forms: a sooty brown form, or a grey-to-white form. The greater glider is found in eucalypt forest from Mossman, Queensland, to Daylesford, Victoria. Greater gliders have a head and body about 39 to 43 centimetres (15 to 17 in) long, with the females being generally larger than the males. Their body is covered with a shaggy coat of fur that increases their apparent size, and the tail is long and bushy, ranging from 44 to 53 centimetres (17 to 21 in). The head is short, but with a pointed muzzle, and large ears fringed and backed with long fur. Each side of the body bears membranes stretching between the elbow and the ankle, that give the animal the ability to perform controlled glides. This is in contrast to other gliding marsupials (such as the sugar glider) that have gliding membranes stretching from the wrists to the ankles. The feet have strongly recurved claws to grip onto bark or other surfaces. There are five toes on each foot, with the first toe on the hind foot, and the first two toes on the fore foot, being opposable. The fur is soft and up to 60 millimetres (2.4 in) long; the colour is variable within the same populations, ranging from white to brown and charcoal. Body mass varies clinally from about 1,600 grams (3.5 lb) in southern Victoria to about 600 grams (1.3 lb) in north Queensland. Heat management in the greater glider is performed by licking extremities and the ventral body surface, with direct evaporation being the main method of the cooling. Furthermore, the glider can use its gliding membranes to reduce heat loss by increasing the layer of insulation at the skin surface. However, the greater glider is not well equipped to handle high ambient temperatures, as it inefficiently uses water for evaporation via salivation even though arboreal habitats are often limited in water accessibility.

Sea Otter

This aquatic member of the weasel family is found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean in North America and Asia. The sea otter spends most of its time in the water but, in some locations, comes ashore to sleep or rest. Sea otters have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. Sea otters often float at the water's surface, lying on their backs in a posture of serene repose. They sleep this way, often gathered in groups. Otters sometimes float in forests of kelp, or giant seaweed, in which they entangle themselves to provide anchorage in the swirling sea. These aquatic otters do more than sleep while floating on their backs. They are often seen with a clam or mussel and a rock that has been deftly snared from the ocean floor. Otters will place the rock on their chests, and repeatedly smash the shellfish against it until it breaks open to reveal the tasty meal inside. They also dine on such aquatic creatures as sea urchins, crabs, squid, octopuses, and fish. Sea otters are the only otters to give birth in the water. Mothers nurture their young while floating on their backs. They hold infants on their chests to nurse them, and quickly teach them to swim and hunt. Sea otters are meticulously clean. After eating, they wash themselves in the ocean, cleaning their coat with their teeth and paws. They have good reason to take care of their coats—it helps them to remain waterproof and insulated against the cold. Sea otters have thick underfur that traps air to form an insulating layer against the chilly waters (they have no insulating fat). This coat is invaluable to otters, but it has worth to some humans as well.

Japanese Long Tailed Tit

The long-tailed tit is a small, fluffy, pinkish bird; it would be the Bridget Jones of the bird world if only it were better fed. The flanks and shoulders are pink-brown; the eyes red; the wings black; and the tail, which is longer than the body, is black with a thin, white border. Like the English name, the Japanese name for the bird refers to the distinctive tail: It means “long handle.” Total length (including tail): 15 cm; wingspan: 18 cm. The bill is very small, and although long-tailed tits do not have much of a song, they make high-pitched “tsee-tsee-tsee” calls. Long-tailed tits are common residents of Japan, found from Hokkaido to Kyushu. They can be seen year-round. A social bird, they are often found in flocks of 20-30 birds, twittering in tall trees. They are acrobatic and energetic, and can be seen hanging upside-down on twigs searching for food. Their favored habitat is woodland, scrubland, farmland, parks and gardens. In winter they form flocks with other tit species. The nest of the long-tailed tit is a globular masterpiece of careful construction. Both the male and female in a pair cooperate to build it, using moss and lichen, animal wool, hair and fur, and silk from spiders’ webs. The resulting nest is lined with feathers (sometimes more than 2,000), forming a warm, elastic ball with a tiny side entrance. Construction may take up to three weeks. In this nest the female lays around a dozen small eggs that are about 14 × 10 mm and white with pink-red spots. As the chicks grow, the elastic nest grows too. Timing is crucial: If the nest is built before the spring leaves have opened, then jays and magpies will be able to see it and plunder it for eggs. The ready social behavior of the long-tailed tit pays off during the raising of the young: Other birds that have failed to breed often assist the parents, bringing food for the young. With so many mouths to feed, the parents benefit from the extra help. Long-tailed tits are vulnerable to the weather, and cold winters kill many individuals. However, their large brood sizes mean the populations can quickly recover. There is some data suggesting that long-tailed tits are starting to lay their eggs earlier in the year. The shift might be due to climatic changes and global warming.

Ili Pika

You could call it one of the world's longest games of hide and seek. For more than 20 years, the Ili pika (Ochotona iliensis), a type of tiny, mountain-dwelling mammal with a teddy bear face, had eluded scientists in the Tianshan Mountains (map) of northwestern China. People have seen the furry critter only a handful of times since it was discovered by accident in 1983. In fact, people have spotted only 29 live individuals, and little is known about the animal's ecology and behavior. (Also see "Newly Discovered Carnivore Looks Like Teddy Bear.") Then, in summer 2014, researchers rediscovered the pika. Weidong Li, the species' original discoverer and a scientist at the Xinjiang Institute for Ecology and Geography, had gathered a group of volunteers in the Tianshan Mountains for some pika searching. At noon one day, as they were setting up camera traps, the team spotted their prize. "They found it hiding behind a rock, and they realized they had found the pika. They were very excited," said Tatsuya Shin, a naturalist in China who works with the pika's discoverers. In 1983, the Chinese government sent Li to the mountainous Xinjiang Province to study natural resources and infectious diseases. As Li explored a valley by Jilimalale Mountain, he saw a small, gray head sticking out from a crack in the rock. As he edged closer, Li got a look at its whole body. The animal was about 8 inches (20 centimeters) long, with large ears and several small brown spots in its gray fur. Li wasn't familiar with the species, nor were nearby herdsmen. Li caught a specimen and sent it to a scientist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who said he believed the pika was a new species. Although Li couldn't find any more pikas on a second trip to the area in December 1983, a third trip in 1985 was more successful, and the additional specimens allowed academy researchers to confirm that the Ili pika was new to science.

Miniature Southdown Sheep

Olde English Miniature Babydoll Southdown sheep are an ancient breed with sweet, teddy bear faces. Because of their diminutive size, miniature Southdowns make outstanding weeders for use in orchards and vineyards -- they are only 24 inches tall when mature, and so can't easily reach tree branches or trellised grapes. Their small hooves help break the soil surface without compacting it. They move easily up and down hills, and can get into a field or vineyard much earlier than machinery can. And not only do they provide an organic alternative to pesticides and expensive mowing operations, their recycled grass (manure) helps improve soil fertility as well. Miniature Southdowns are usually white; however, there are also black (or brown) ones. They are easy to handle and are not aggressive. They are not wanderers and do not bother fences. Ewes are good mothers and often have twins and occasionally triplets. Care for miniature Southdown's is similar to that of other sheep, including sheering, vaccinating, foot trimming, and worming, however, as an ancient breed they are resistant to foot root and more resistant to parasites than other breeds. Their wool is short stapled and fine with a 19-22 micron count, which puts it in the class of cashmere. The Southdown breed of sheep originated in the South Downs of Sussex county, England.  They are one of the oldest of the Down breeds.  English farms kept these sheep for their dual-purpose--flavorful meat and fine fleece.  Early literature suggests that Southdowns were among the animals brought into the English colonies as early as 1640.  During this time, Britain strictly forbade the importation of sheep and the formation of America's budding woolen textile industry.  In fact, in 1698, the penalty for wool-trading or sheep-trading in the American colonies was having one's right hand cut off!  So spinning or weaving was an act of patriotism.  Wearing clothing crafted of American woolens was done with pride.  Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson raised sheep and both chose American-made woolens to wear to their Presidential inaugurations. 

Eurasian Red Squirrel

Sciurus vulgaris, also known as the Eurasian red squirrel, can be found throughout the forests of Europe and northern Asia. Over the past century S. vulgaris population densities have changed greatly. The species has remained very common in central Europe, but on Great Britain they are now extirpated from much of their range. Sciurus vulgaris lives and nests in deciduous and coniferous forests. These squirrels prefer to live in large, mature trees that can provide them with an abundant supply of food in the form of seeds or acorns. Trees chosen as nesting sites usually have hollowed out cavities or large holes in their trunks which can be used as nests. A high quality nest may be used for several years, and individuals always maintain several nests to which they can escape when being pursued by a predator. This species has more variation in coat color than almost any other mammal in the Palearctic region. The color of these squirrels varies from light-red to black on their heads and backs. All individuals (except those that are completely melanistic), have white or creamy fur on their stomachs. Like many other tree squirrels, S. vulgaris has long tufts of hair on its ears and long furry tail. In most areas where they are common, such as central Europe, the pelage coloration of individuals varies from red to black, with individuals of many differently color morphs co-occurring. However, in some areas, whole populations may have almost identically colored coats. Examples of populations in which all of the squirrels share the same coat color can be found in Great Britain, where only red members of this species live; and in the Sila region of southern Italy, where only black individuals are found. The body hair of these squirrels changes twice annually, while the tail hair changes only once. The winter coat covers more of the soles of the feet, has longer ear tufts, and is thicker than the spring/summer coat.

Matschie's Tree Kangaroo

Tree kangaroos are found only in the rain forests of Australia, West Papua, and Papua New Guinea. Six of ten species are found in Papua New Guinea, in some of the last undisturbed rain forest habitat in the world. The Matschie's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) is endemic to the Huon Peninsula on the northeast coast of Papua New Guinea. It is classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2004 Red List as endangered. Matschie's tree kangaroos live in mountainous cloud forests at elevations of up to 11,000 feet (3,350 meters). They spend most of their time in trees. Tree kangaroos primarily eat tree leaves. They also consume flowers, grass shoots, ferns, moss, and bark. Female tree kangaroos give birth to one offspring after a gestation period of approximately 44 days. After birth, the fetus-like young, called a joey, crawls to a teat located inside the mother's pouch, where it attaches itself to nurse. The majority of the infant's development occurs during this lactation phase. The joey remains in the pouch for about ten months. The mother will clean her pouch and groom the infant often during this phase. After the infant initially leaves the pouch at eight months, it will continue to return to the pouch to nurse. This "in and out" phase lasts for one or two months. During the final phase, the young still nurses but never climbs completely into the pouch. Young tree kangaroos are weaned when they are approximately 13 months old. They stay with their mothers until they are about 18 months old, when they disperse and establish a home range.

Marbled Polecat

One of the most widely distributed small carnivores in Europe and Asia, the European marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna) is a small mustelid with a short muzzle and short, strong limbs with long claws. It is strikingly patterned, with the reddish-brown fur on its back being mottled with irregular lines and patches of yellowish fur. The limbs and underparts of the European marbled polecat are dark brown or blackish, and its head is dark brown with a white band across the forehead. It has a long, hairy tail, which is dark brown with a yellowish band in the middle, and ends in a black tip. The ears of this species are large, rounded and white. During the breeding season the male European marbled polecat undergoes a colour change, with the patches of yellow fur changing to bright orange. Shy and elusive, the European marbled polecat is generally active during the night or at dawn and dusk, with occasional daytime activity having been recorded. Outside of the breeding season it is solitary, using its strong paws and claws to excavate its own burrow in which it spends the day. The European marbled polecat will also use the burrows of other animals, such as large ground squirrels or other rodents . The European marbled polecat is known to travel up to one kilometre each night in search of food, with its prey including rodents, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. It has poor eyesight, and therefore relies mainly on its sense of smell to locate prey. As well as using the typical musteline killing method of biting the base of the prey’s neck to severe the spinal cord, the European marbled polecat also uses alternative methods depending on the prey type. Small prey are killed with a crushing bite to the chest, whereas defensive prey are typically bitten on the throat.

Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur

 The species of dwarf lemur found at the DLC, Cheirogaleus medius, is native to the dry deciduous forests of western and southern Madagascar. These small lemurs can live in primary forests, established secondary forests as well as the gallery forest of the southern spiny desert. Typically solitary foragers, the dwarf lemurs have a diverse diet consisting mostly of fruit and flower nectar. While they are thought to be less carnivorous than mouse lemurs, they too eat insects and small vertebrates. Dwarf lemurs may be responsible for pollinating some species of baobab trees. In addition, they play an important role in the ecology of the tropical forest by aiding in the dispersal of small seeds. As a part of their normal scent marking routine, dwarf lemurs often smear feces onto branches as they walk along well-traveled arboreal pathways through the forest, thereby providing a perfect microclimate for the germination of parasitic plants common in the forest. The fat-tailed dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus medius, can increase its body weight by 75g (about 40%) at a time. It effectively gorges during times of food abundance, to prepare for Madagascar’s dry season when its diet of fruits and flowers is scarce. In the winter months, most dwarf lemurs enter a state of torpor. While mouse lemurs also enter into a winter torpor, only dwarf lemurs experience it for such a long time each year. Neither captive nor wild mouse and dwarf lemurs actually hibernate, but they do experience a slow-down in their metabolic rates and show a marked decrease in activity and appetite which may last for up to six months. During this period of increased torpor, these lemurs live off of fat stored in their tails. Dwarf lemurs forage in solitude at night. During the day they congregate, in packs of up to five to a tree hole, while they sleep. The composition of these sleeping groups changes seasonally, and often animals do choose to sleep alone. Sleeping sites generally consist of hollow trees, whose cavities have been cushioned with leaves. Otherwise, they are spherical nests made of dead leaves concealed in heavy undergrowth. Females generally occupy “home ranges” in central areas of a group’s range, while a single male may overlap his home range with those of several females. Female prosimians, in general, are considered dominant to males.

Coquerel's Sifaka

Coquerel’s sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) are delicate leaf-eaters from the dry northwestern forests of Madagascar. The Sifaka of Madagascar are distinguished from other lemurs by their mode of locomotion: these animals maintain a distinctly vertical posture and leap through the trees using just the strength of their back legs. Their spectacular method of locomotion is known as vertical clinging and leaping and their long, powerful legs can easily propel them distances of over 20 feet from tree to tree. On the ground, the animals cross treeless areas just as gracefully, by an elegant bipedal sideways hopping. The Malagasy name ‘sifaka’ comes from the distinct call this animal makes as it travels through the trees: “shif-auk.” Coquerel’s Sifaka feed on young leaves, flowers, fruit, bark and dead wood in the wet season, and mature leaves and buds in the dry season. Leaves make up a significant portion of the sifaka diet both in the wild as well as in captivity. In fact, the digestive system of these folivorous primates requires that a certain percentage of the diet be in the form of browse. As many as 98 different plant species have been recorded in their diet. However, only 12 of these plants make up two thirds of the diet. Foraging activities occupy between 30 and 40% of the day. During the warmer months, sifakas at the Lemur Center receive a daily selection of fresh browse harvested from nearby fields and forests. This browse consists of a variety of some of the ten different species of North Carolina leaves the sifakas enjoy. In the fall, six chest freezers are each filled with packages of sumac leaves, so that our sifakas have leaves to eat during the winter months.

Golden Brushtail Possum

Golden Brushtail Possums are a striking animal covered in a soft golden fur. They are slightly larger and plumper than the size of the average domestic cat. They have strong claws and sharp teeth. Due to their colouration they are often thought to be albinos although this is not correct as they do have coloured pigmentation for their skin and eyes. Golden Brush-tail Possums are a genetic mutation of the well-known Common Brushtail Possum. They also nest in tree hollows or cavities in buildings. Although Common Brushtails are widespread through Mainland Australia the Golden form has only been found in the eucalypt forests of Tasmania and south of Sydney. Golden Brushtail Possums feed on eucalypt leaves, blossoms and fruits. Their tail is prehensile and allows them to reach long distances to reach the freshest and tastiest of foods whilst still being secured to the tree. As with all possum species they are nocturnal and only emerge at night to forage for food and search for a mate during the breeding season. They are solitary animals only coming together for mating. Males are strongly territorial and will engage in aggressive encounters to ensure rights to food and females. Females become sexually mature at 2-3 years of age. The female comes into season every 54 days with a gestation period of 44 days. This is the longest gestation period of any marsupial. Females give birth to single young which climb into a forward facing pouch and attach to a teat. Young are considered to be independent at around 18 months – 2 years of age. However the female may already have another young in her pouch at this stage.

Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is a breed of small dog named after the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland in North East England. Originally bred to hunt vermin in mines, the Bedlington Terrier has since often been used in dog racing and in conformation shows numerous dog sports, and as a companion dog. It is closely related to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Whippet and Otterhound. It is described as a very versatile yet contradictory dog, being both good with children and "fit to kill any other dog of his weight". They have powerful swimming skills, comparable to those of water dogs such as the Newfoundland, and are noted for being very quick and having high endurance. Bedlingtons are noted for their similarity in appearance to lambs. The dogs have blue, liver or sandy colouration, all three of which may have tan points. Their fur forms a distinctive top knot on the dog's head. Originally known as the Rothbury or Rodbury Terrier, the name Bedlington Terrier was not applied to the breed until 1825, but some dogs have pedigrees that can be traced back as far as 1782. The first dog shows with a class for Bedlington Terriers was held in 1870 at Bedlington. Bedlington Terriers shown at early shows were frequently dyed to improve the look of their fur. In 1948, a Bedlington Terrier known as Rock Ridge Night Rocket won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The breed has a high instance of copper toxicosis, but with the exception of eye problems, it is mostly free from health complaints.

Southern Lesser Galago/Bushbaby / Mohol Bushbaby

Bushbabies are primates, but they are not monkeys. Along with lemurs, pottos and lorises, they form the primate suborder of prosimians or "pre-monkeys". Like most prosimians, bushbabies are nocturnal and they have a reflective layer in their large eyes that allows them to see in the dark. Prosimians also have an elongated nose, almost like a snout, and are heavily reliant on their sense of smell. Including their relatively long, fluffy-tipped tails, these tiny primates are only about 37cm in length and weigh around 150g when fully grown. They have large orangey-brown eyes encircled by dark fur. Other than that, their fur is grey, with a lighter tummy and white stripe down the pinkish nose. Their ears are large and can be swivelled independently of each other.Until very recently, only 6 species of bushbaby were recognised. However, more intensive studies over the past 2 decades have proven that there are at least 25 different bushbabies, many of which look extremely similar (known as cryptic species). Detailed analysis has shown that some bushbaby species are even more distantly related to each other than humans are to gorillas! Bushbabies inhabit all types of habitat in much of sub-Saharan Africa, except the most southern parts of South Africa. Southern lesser bushbabies (the particular species found at Birds of Eden) can be found in the region between Angola, Tanzania and South Africa. They like to live in semi-arid territories, such as savannah, scrub forest or on forest edges, especially in the vicinity of acacia and mopane trees. Although they are not normally found as far south as Birds of Eden, our animals did just fine during the winter months since they have a heat lamp near their cosy sleeping boxes.

Woolly Pig / Mangalitza

The pig  shown above is a Mangalitza or Woolly Pig found in Austria, Germany, Hungary, Romania and Switzerland.  The whole Mangalitza breed was almost lost with the total population world-wide down to less than 150 sows in 1993. Thanks to the work of a small group of dedicated breeders, the Mangalitza has been brought back from the verge of extinction. It is now farmed on large units in Hungary and has been exported to North America as well as the UK. Imported into the UK in 2006, there are 7 female lines and 3 boar lines established. There are three distinct types within the breed : the Blonde, the Red and the unique Swallow Bellied (above) with its white underline. All three types are very hardy. The Swallow bellied Mangalitza was developed in the 1800’s from crossing the Blonde with the Black Mangalitza. Unfortunately the Black pig became extinct in the 1970’s with the last known herd on the Serb islands in the Danube. They are a fairly primitive breed, lively and friendly, with strong maternal instincts. Litter sizes are currently not large, averaging about 6. Once renowned as a Lard Pig capable of producing 70 litres of rendered fat, the Mangalitza has carved out new niche markets in forestry projects and the production of special hams and salamis. The breed was featured at the Salone Del Gusto in Turin in 2004. The meat is well marbled so that it is tastier and less dry than that from more modern breeds. The fat is also special as it has a higher level of monounsaturated fats, meaning it goes rancid less easily which is good for long curing. It also has a healthier balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty acids than seed oils which have become so popular in modern cookery. The Mangalitza is an unusual, very attractive breed, and has a serious contribution to make as a specialist food product.

Valais Blacknose Sheep

Although the earliest mention of these sheep dates back to the 1400's this large framed docile mountain sheep was first recognised as a separate breed in 1962. It has adapted well to life in the high mountains and grazes even on the steepest, stoniest slopes. The black patches on its nose, eyes, ears, knees, hocks and feet and otherwise light woolly coats make it quite unmistakeable.  They are mostly found in the mountains of Switzerland, there are a couple of breeders in Germany. Valais Blacknose sheep are known to be good for their meat as they are large animals, they are also well known for their wool, which is best used for felting and for carpets. These sheep are very rare and there are only a few thousand left. Their existence is currently threatened by the recent return of the Wolf to Switzerland.  Although the earliest mention of these sheep dates back to the 1400's this large framed docile mountain sheep was first recognised as a separate breed in 1962. It has adapted well to life in the high mountains and grazes even on the steepest, stoniest slopes. The black patches on its nose, eyes, ears, knees, hocks and feet and otherwise light woolly coats make it quite unmistakeable. They are mostly found in the mountains of Switzerland, there are a couple of breeders in Germany. Valais Blacknose sheep are known to be good for their meat as they are large animals, they are also well known for their wool, which is best used for felting and for carpets. They have placid natures and are easily tamed, combined with their striking appearance they make the perfect pet sheep. These sheep are very rare and there are only a few thousand left in the world, with only a few hundred in the UK. Their existence is currently threatened by the recent return of the wolf to Switzerland.

Masked Palm Civet

The masked palm civet is a smaller species of civet found throughout the jungles of south-east Asia and across the Indian sub-continent. The masked palm civet is also known as the Himalayan Palm Civet and is most well known to the general public as it is thought to have introduced SARS disease to human inhabitants of the native habitats. The masked palm civet is found inhabiting the tropical jungles and rainforests throughout much of south-east Asia, and throughout India and China. The masked palm civet is also found on a number of the tropical islands surrounding the Asian continent including Taiwan, Borneo and Sumatra. Unfortunately, masked palm civets have been drastically affected by increasing deforestation (and therefore habitat loss) in their native regions. The masked palm civet is widely spread and fairly commonly found throughout much of south-east Asia and despite their cat-like appearance and behaviours, masked palm civets are not felines at all but are in fact more closely related to other small carnivores including weasels and mongooses. The eyes of the masked palm civet are masked by two black bands and are surrounded by a series of white spots. The masked palm civet is solitary animal that only comes out under the cover of night to hunt and catch food. These nocturnal animals are primarily ground-dwelling and highly terrestrial as they mark their ranges by dragging their anal glands along the ground. Despite being predominately ground-dwelling though the masked palm civet is known to climb up into the trees either in search of food or to hide from approaching predators.

Golden Mole

Golden mole is a small mammal of the Chrysochloridae family. There are 21 species of the golden moles. All of them are endemic (live only there and nowhere else) to South Africa. They can be found only in the Pretoria, the Nylsvley region and southwestern parts of the Kruger National Park. Golden moles live underground in the sandy soil under grasslands with scattered trees and bushes (also known as bushveld). 11 out of 25 species of golden moles are endangered due to habitat loss (and/or destruction) and because they are often killed by cats and dogs. Golden mole is a tiny creature. It reaches 3.9 inches in length and 1.23 ounces of weight. Body of the golden mole is covered with silky cinnamon-brown fur that is getting darker toward the back and paler toward the belly. Golden moles are highly specialized for the underground life. They have muscular shoulders and short, but strong legs, equipped with curved claws, designed for digging of the tunnels. Webbed hind legs allow shoveling in backwards. Species of golden moles which live in desert area "swim" through the loose sand and form visible ridges on the surface of the sand. Those that inhabit more compact terrains dig permanent underground burrows, which are complex and consist of deep chambers designated for the rest and for the personal hygiene (something like toilets). Recent genetic analyses showed that golden moles belong to the ancient group of African mammals, called Afrotheria. Golden moles are more closely related to elephants, hyraxes and sea cows than with the true moles.

Honduran White Bat

With an average length of 3.7 - 4.7 cm, Honduran white bats are tiny for a bat. True to their name, they have a fluffy white coat. Their ears, face, nose and parts of their legs and wings are bright orange. Almost no hair grows on their black wings. Since their nose protrudes from their face in a triangular shape, scientists call members of their family "leaf-nosed bats." There is a thin, black membrane covering their skull that might provide the bats with protection from ultraviolet radiation -- a natural form of sunscreen! Honduran white bats live only in the lowland rainforests of eastern Honduras, northern Nicaragua, eastern Costa Rica and western Panama. They live in rainforests that have heliconia plants. By cutting along the veins of heliconia leaves, these bats force the leaves to collapse into upside-down V-shaped "tents" that might shelter only one bat, or as many as twelve bats. When they roost, they hang close together upside down in the center of the leaf. The tents help protect them during the daytime from rain, the hot sun and predators. In fact, the bats choose leaves that are six feet off the ground -- high enough to be out of the reach of terrestrial predators. Also, the stems of heliconia plants are not very strong, so any predator brushing against the leaf causes the bats' tent to shake. This alerts the bats to danger and they fly quickly away. Why do Honduran white bats have bright white coats? Why are they not green like the leaves they hide inside? When the sun shines through the leaves of their tent, it makes the bats' white coat appear green, making them hard to spot! However, their tent is not home sweet home for long. The bats rarely return to the same tent for more than a day.

Sloth Bear

Shaggy, dusty, and unkempt, the reclusive sloth bear makes its home in the forests of South Asia. Emitting noisy grunts and snorts, it wanders alone, usually at night, in search of insects and fresh fruit. Sloth bears feed predominantly on termites and ants and employ a well-evolved method to dig them out. Their long, curved claws are used for penetrating nest mounds, which can be rock-hard. Once they’ve opened a hole, they blow away excess dirt then noisily suck out the insects through a gap in their front teeth. To do so, they close their nostrils and use their lips like a vacuum nozzle. Beyond insects, sloth bears feast on a variety of fruit and flowers, including mango, fig, and ebony. They are also known to scale the occasional tree to knock down a bee honeycomb, which they will then enjoy on the ground below. It is this habit that’s given rise to their nickname, honey bears. Sloth bears are solitary creatures and generally nocturnal. They grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length, and males can weigh up to 310 pounds (140 kilograms), while females weigh up to 210 pounds (95 kilograms). When threatened they respond by standing on their hind legs and displaying their formidable foreclaws. They wear an extremely shaggy black coat and a cream-colored snout, and their chest is usually marked with a whitish “V” or “Y” design. After a six- to seven-month gestation period sloth bears normally give birth to a litter of two cubs in an underground den. The cubs will often ride on their mother’s back, a unique trait among bears. Sloth bears are considered vulnerable animals. They are threatened by habitat loss and are sometimes captured for use in performances or hunted because of their aggressive behavior and destruction of crops.