Curious Cuttles – Dwarf Cuttlefish (and friends)

    There appears to be some unspoken rule that tiny versions of things are exponentially more adorable. Take for instance hummingbirds, pygmy marmosets, dwarf elephants, pygmy hippos, or Brookesia micra (the chameleon that fits comfortably on the head of a match). The dwarf cuttlefish (Sepia bandensis), with a mantle length of under three inches, is no exception. Dwarf cuttlefish are at home in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific including, but not limited to, the Philippines, New Guinea, and Sulawesi. Living mostly in shallow coastal waters, these tiny cephalopods are most active at night, feeding on small crustaceans or fish found over sand and reef. Like almost all members of their group, dwarf cuttlefish are exclusively shallow water inhabitants. This is because of the vestigial cuttlebone that’s contained within the mantle. The cuttlebone is a remnant from the ancient history of cephalopods. Like the ancestral shell, it still retains tiny chambers filled with gas that assist with buoyancy. As a consequence, the cuttlebone will implode if the poor creature swims too deep. Being relatively restricted to shallow water does have its perks, though. Since there is so much light, cuttlefish get to fully utilize their incredible skin to create a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures to communicate with each other and other animals.

     One of the most spectacular displays used by these tiny cuttles is known as the “passing cloud”. It consists of dark bands of color moving down the animal’s mantle via the pulsing of chromatophores in the skin. While this occurs, the cuttlefish keeps the rest of its body’s color and pattern static (unchanging).

Here you can see the passing cloud display in action on this dwarf cuttlefish that I filmed at the Seattle Aquarium. It does it at the beginning and the end of the video.

S. bandensis is not the only cuttlefish species to display these strange, psychedelic waves. Many other cuttlefish do this as well, and also some octopuses. Not surprisingly, the display differs in each species and there are many variations of it. These bands can occur on almost any part of the body and go in different directions depending on the species. The delightfully named Wunderpus photogenicus, an octopus, pulses dark bands over its eyestalks. Perhaps the most interesting thing about pulsing displays like the passing cloud is that no one knows for sure what the purpose is.

Did you notice the pulses on Wunderpus’s eyestalks?

     There is a myriad of possibilities of what the displays could be used for. Some cephalopods, such as the broadclub cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus), almost certainly use these displays for hunting. These cuttlefish can sometimes be seen rapidly pulsing the chromatophores on their arms before pouncing on prey. It’s possible that the chromatic pulses mesmerize prey, holding them in place while the cuttlefish positions itself for a deadly strike. The Australian giant cuttlefish (Sepia apama) has been observed using pulse displays in spawning aggression and while drifting in and out of seaweed. These are both notable examples of how pulse displays can be used. Male cuttlefish are well known for displaying aggression to rivals with one half of the body, while showing receptivity to females with the other half. Communication is extremely important among cephalopods and pulse displays seem to serve this purpose well. Camouflage is also a famous attribute of cuttlefish and octopuses alike. Creating rhythmic waves that mimic the rippling light coming from the surface while drifting with the weeds is an excellent way to hide. It definitely puts those chromatophores to good use by helping protect the animal from predators.

This broadclub cuttlefish is using its chromatic pulses to hypnotize a crab. It has its two outer arms positioned in what is called a “branched coral” pose.

     The functions of chromatic pulse displays like the passing cloud are not as obvious in other contexts. The extraordinarily cute and adorably named flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi) will pass waves over its body in as simple a situation as sauntering over an open mudflat. There is a possibility that, along with its bright colors, this could serve as a warning to potential predators. Cephalopod expert Mark Norman has found that the flesh of this little cuttlefish is incredibly toxic. However, this is only anecdotally recorded in the NOVA special Kings of Camouflage and there has been no scientific study published yet that analyzes the toxins. Toxic or not, the flamboyant cuttlefish uses it’s chromatophores to send a message, supporting the potential communication function of pulse displays.

This tiny flamboyant cuttlefish is too cute as it walks around strutting its stuff. Could it be saying “Don’t eat me, I’m toxic!”?

     It’s pretty clear that passing clouds and other pulses have specific uses depending upon the environmental or behavioral context of the animal creating them. That is, it’s pretty clear for most of the cuttlefish I’ve mentioned. Alas, the star of this article – the diminutive dwarf cuttlefish – still hides its secrets. Although I am privileged to have seen and video recorded the passing cloud behavior at the Seattle Aquarium many times, I still can’t figure out what these little cuttles are using it for. One minute, an individual may be hovering in place with wave after wave passing over its mantle and the next it will be almost completely black and fighting with a tank mate. From my pathetically inferior human perspective, it seems random. There is the possibility that these captive bred cuttlefish are behaving a little differently than they would in the wild, or that they are influenced by the presence of people. With so many variables, it’s difficult to tell what the dwarf cuttlefish are using it for without a full blown scientific study. Even with the most skilled researchers giving it their all, we will probably never know just what goes on in the minds of these tiny cuttlefish (or any of the other species).

This is a photo I took at the Seattle Aquarium. You can see the tiny suckers on this dwarf cuttlefish’s adorable little arms as it watches me through the glass.

     Cephalopod nervous systems are so different from our own that we can only make feeble guesses at how they think and feel about the world. Can you imagine having your brain directly connected to your skin so you could change color and texture in fractions of a second just by thinking? Me neither, but wouldn’t it be cool? That’s an everyday reality for almost all modern cephalopods and something we can’t even begin to relate to. As our understanding of these fascinating creatures improves and science gives us new ways of studying them, we may come closer to discovering what it all means. Until then, let’s just admire their beautiful and complex alien language for what it is – one of the many wonderful mysteries of the natural world.

References:
1. Mustain, Andrea. “World’s Tiniest Chameleon Discovered.” LiveScience. Purch, 14 Feb. 2012. Web. 12 July 2017

2.“Stumpy-spined Cuttlefishes, Sepia bandensis.” MarineBio.org. MarineBio Conservation Society, n.d. Web. 2 March 2017.

3. How, Martin J., et al. “Dynamic Skin Patterns in Cephalopods.” Frontiers in Physiology, vol. 8, 2017, Accessed 31 July 2017.

4. Cuthill, Innes C. “Animal Behaviour: Strategic Signalling by Cephalopods.” Current Biology, vol. 17, no. 24, 2007, pp. 1059–1060. ScienceDirect, Accessed 31 July 2017.

5. Hanlon, Roger. “Cephalopod Dynamic Camouflage.” Current Biology, vol. 17, no. 11, 2007, pp. 400–404. ScienceDirect, Accessed 31 July 2017.

6. Osorio, Daniel. “Cephalopod Behavior: Skin Flicks.” Current Biology, vol. 24, no. 15, 2014, pp. 684–685. ScienceDirect, Accessed 31 July 2017.

7. Laan, Andres, et al. “Behavioral Analysis of Cuttlefish Traveling Waves and Its Implications for Neural Control.” Current Biology, vol. 24, no. 15, 2014, pp. 1737–1742. ScienceDirect, Accessed 31 July 2017.

8. Kaufmann, Gisela, director. Kings of Camouflage. NOVA, 2011.

9. Staaf, Danna. “Sheathing the Shell.” Squid Empire: the Rise and Fall of the Cephalopods, ForeEdge, an Imprint of University Press of New England, 2017, p. 112.

Video Links:
1.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u76P3gCLWn4

2.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baNp8bgOtok

3.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjloPutUCeo

4.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51jB8YljliM

The Origin of the Super Mario Bros. Tanooki Suit

It’s a raccoon! It’s a dog! No, it’s a raccoon dog!
The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), also called tanuki, is a very strange little canine that sports a black bandit mask, a wonderfully fluffy coat, and short, stubby legs. It’s also freaking adorable! These pups are small members of the family Canidae that share many morphological features with foxes, as they are closely related. They get the name raccoon dog from the black, mask like markings, bushy tails, and brownish gray coat that looks a lot like raccoon fur. Their resemblance to raccoons is also reflected in their species name, procyonoides, which means raccoon-like. Raccoons belong to Procyonidae – a family including coatis, ringtails, kinkajous, and olingos, among others.

Credit: Michelle Bender

The raccoon dog is historically native to East Asia, but was introduced from the late 1920s into the ‘50s over much of Europe and European Russia for fur trapping. There are now established populations in more than 20 countries outside its endemic range. Though most of these populations are stable, the animals are widely killed for the fur trade and eaten in some countries such as Japan. Despite this, the IUCN lists them as “Least Concern”, as there is no major threat to the species’ survival as a whole.

Raccoon dog pelts from the Chinese fur trade.

Being the dogs that they are, tanukis are omnivorous and will eat anything they can find, much like domestic dogs. In many areas of their range, they come into contact with humans and dwell near urban areas. This gives them access to unlimited buffets of delicious garbage, just like a real raccoon! Though they can tolerate living in close proximity to humans, raccoon dogs prefer the wilderness. They can be found in forests with dense vegetation, mountainous regions, and even along the coast.

Credit: Tambako the Jaguar

In day to day life, raccoon dogs tend to stay together and travel in pairs or small family groups. In the wild, tanukis are generally monogamous when it comes breeding time. Males and females will form a pair bond and stay together to raise their 5-7 puppies until they are ready to become independent. Raccoon dogs are altricial, meaning they are helpless when they are born. At birth, they have downy black fur and their eyes are closed. By 9 or 10 days, their eyes open and teeth can be seen on average at about 14 days. These dogs grow quickly and will reach sexual maturity by 10 months.

Like all dogs, raccoon dogs have an exceptional sense of smell. This super sense is used as a primary means of communication amongst a family or strangers. Groups of these animals will share communal “latrines” (because they are fancy) where they urinate and defecate. The scents associated with the leavings can reveal a lot about an individual dog, and this information is “read” by others like a Facebook status.
Vocal communication is also used, but, funnily enough, these dogs are the only member of their family that do not bark. Vocalizations consist of whines, mews, whimpers, and growls, which correspond to friendly, submissive, or aggressive behaviors.
So now that we’ve established how cute and awesome these creatures are, what does any of this have to do with Shigeru Miyamoto’s Super Mario Bros. franchise? I’ll tell you. The raccoon dog is actually the inspiration for the very useful Tanooki Suit that occurs in many Mario games. Although this suit is based on the Japanese mythology behind the small canid, it is often mistaken by people or mistranslated as a raccoon suit. This is not helped by the fact that the suit has a striped raccoon tail that is not shared by raccoon dogs. Japanese myths surrounding these dogs include their ability to use leaves to shape-shift and cause mischief. This is paralleled in the way that Mario can become Tanooki Mario by obtaining a Super Leaf, resulting in the ability to fly and transform into a statue to avoid or attack enemies.

Tanooki Mario.

Unfortunately, or fortunately (depends on how you look at it), real tanukis can’t fly or use leaves to transform themselves. Despite that, though, they’re pretty special pups that deserved to be acknowledged, if only for their cute little raccoon masks. From ancient legends, to Super Mario, to Animal Crossing’s Tom Nook, it’s no wonder they’ve become such an icon in Japanese culture. Animals that have such striking visual resemblance to completely unrelated species always offer something to talk about.

References:
1. Carr, Kelly and Shefferly, Nandy, ed. “Nyctereutes procyonoides”. Animal Diversity Web. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, 2004 Web. 3 September 2015. < http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Nyctereutes_procyonoides/>

2. Kauhala, K and Saeki, M. “Nyctereutes procyonoides (Raccoon Dog).” Red List. International Union for the Conservation of Nature, 2008. Web. 3 September 2015. <http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/14925/0&gt;.

3. “Raccoon Dog, Tanuki.” WAZA. World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, n.d. Web. 03 Sept. 2015. <http://www.waza.org/en/zoo/visit-the-zoo/dogs-and-hyenas/nyctereutes-procyonoides&gt;.

4. “Raccoon Dog – Nyctereutes Procyonoides (Eurasia’s Carnivores).” Large Herbivore Network. European Centre for Nature Conservation, n.d. Web. 3 Sept. 2015. <http://www.lhnet.org/raccoon-dog/&gt;.

5. “Tanooki Suit.” Super Mario Wiki, the Mario Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2015. <http://www.mariowiki.com/Tanooki_Suit&gt;.

Photo Links:
1.http://www.factzoo.com/sites/all/img/mammals/raccoon-dog.jpg

2.https://flickr.com/photos/-mbender

3.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chinese_raccoon_fur_skins.jpg#filelinks

4.https://flickr.com/photos/tambako/

5.http://retrieverman.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/raccoon-dogs1.jpg

6.https://www.mariowiki.com/File:Tanooki_Mario_Artwork_-_Super_Mario_3D_World.png

Eight-legged, Bouncing Ball of Cute! – Peacock Jumping Spider

All Photo and Video Credits go to Jürgen Otto. Please visit his amazing website, Flickr, and YouTube accounts!
https://www.peacockspider.org/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/59431731@N05/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA1shkhjIY_QiDdYfEYDqew

Peacock spiders of the genus Maratus are tiny jumping spiders barely four millimeters in length that are endemic to Australia. 53 species of Maratus spiders have been named as of 2015, 20 of which were recently discovered by researcher Jürgen Otto and his team. Though extremely small, these little jumping spiders make up for it with their spectacular colors and mating dances. It’s the males who are really the stars of the show. Females are all dull brown in color and don’t perform any sort of courtship display. They just watch and judge as the little males strut their stuff, trying to win some love.

M. volans.

Males are equipped with elongated third legs which they wave and vibrate in accompaniment with their dance. The back of the abdomen is covered with a flap (which I like to refer to as the “butt flap”) containing brightly colored scales that form special patterns in separate species. These are held up over their heads like miniature peacock tails as they dance around in front of their potential mates. As a male dances, he slowly and cautiously approaches the female and gently places his front legs on her head. If he’s lucky, he will get to mate with her. If not, he must get away quickly to avoid being eaten. These displays can last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour!
Just recently, three new specie, M. jactatus, M. sceletus, and M. elephans were discovered. M. jactatus has been affectionately nicknamed “Sparklemuffin” by the graduate student who discovered it.

Sparklemuffin.

M. sceletus (Skeletorus)

Peacock spiders have also been known as “flying” spiders because of their special flaps. This was because they were first falsely thought to use these flaps as wings to glide through the air, much like a flying squirrel. However, it has since been observed that they engage in no such behavior. When they jump, their flaps have no significant effects on their speed or trajectory. In fact, courtship is the only activity where these flaps are unfolded. One species, M. vespertilio, is an exception and displays his fan while sparring with other males. None of the other species have shown these male to male contests yet and this behavior was discovered accidentally while filming was taking place.

M. vespertilio males facing off

These spiders are a perfect example of all the bizarre and amazing creature that we still haven’t found. It is amazing that something so tiny possesses such complex, fascinating, and adorable behavior. Until peacock spiders were observed, scientists had no idea that spiders displayed to each other like this. This just goes to show that there will always be more to learn and every tiny creature that we find is worth protecting.

References:
1. Girard, Madeline B., and John A. Endler. “Peacock spiders.” Current Biology 24.13 (2014): R588-R590.

2. Otto, J. C., and D. E. Hill. “Contests between male Maratus vespertilio (Simon 1901)(Araneae: Salticidae).” Peckhamia 98 (2012): 1-17.

3. Framenau, Volker W. “Australasian Arachnological Society.” (2006).

4. Arnold, Carrie. “Behold Sparklemuffin and Skeletorus, New Peacock Spiders.” National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 24 Mar. 2015. Web. 10 Aug. 2015. <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/03/150324-australia-peacock-spider-sparklemuffin-new-species/&gt;.

A Feathery Facade

Photo by Jan-Cor Jacobs

It may be hard to believe when you first look at it, but this is not a hummingbird. This is a hummingbird hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) from the Old World. It comes from the family Sphingidae, which contains the hawk moths, also called sphinx moths or hornworms. Unlike many moth species, this little one likes to be out during the day. Their hummingbird disguises are so superb that they even have tiny tails with markings on them and hold their legs against their bodies to make it appear as if they only have two. This is an excellent example of convergent evolution, in which unrelated species independently develop the same design or biological traits and fill the same niche.

Hummingbird hawk-moths feed on nectar like most other moths. Some other their favorite plants include butterfly bush, honeysuckle, foxgloves, and delphiniums. Just like hummingbirds, they hover by beating their wings with blinding speed and fly with extreme precision. The moth somehow knows not to visit the same flower twice in a row, as this would be an unnecessary expenditure of energy for nothing in return. How they keep track of which flowers they have gone to and which they have not isn’t currently known. Flying like they do takes so much energy that they must spend almost every minute feeding to replenish what they burn. Even while mating, the female moth may continue to feed.

Although it looks so bird-like in the air, the hummingbird hawk-moth looks very much like the moth that it is when perched.

A resting hummingbird moth by Christophe Quintin

The larvae, of course, are even less bird-like. It’s remarkable that this large grub turns into such a dainty and elegant little moth.

Hummingbird moth caterpillar

Hummingbird hawk-moths have relatively good vision and are able to recognize different colors quite well. Perhaps this is one of the ways they visit the individual flowers of a plant only once. They also have good navigation as they have been found to visit the same flower patches daily, similar to bees. Hummingbird hawk-moths like to fly most in bright sun, but they will also feed at dawn, dusk, and occasionally while it is raining.

Photo by Frans (fotoopa)

So next time if you are somewhere in Southern Europe, Asia, or North Africa, find some flowers and watch them to see if you can get a glimpse of this beautiful little moth.

References:
1. Jacinto, Valtar. “Macroglossum stellatarum” Encyclopedia of Life. Eol.org, n.d. Web. 25 June 2015. < http://eol.org/pages/396579/overview&gt;

2. Kelber, A. L. M. U. T. “Colour learning in the hawkmoth Macroglossum stellatarum.” The Journal of experimental biology 199.5 (1996): 1127-1131.

3. Kelber, Almut, and U. Henique. “Trichromatic colour vision in the hummingbird hawkmoth, Macroglossum stellatarum L.” Journal of Comparative Physiology A 184.5 (1999): 535-541.

Photo and Video Links:
1.https://flickr.com/photos/135003221@N02/

2.http://www.jochemnet.de/fiu/BSC1011/BSC1011_2/sld007.htm

3.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87EPaLYVA88

4.https://flickr.com/photos/34878947@N04/

5.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Macroglossum.stellatarum.caterpillar.3088.Liosi.jpg

6.https://flickr.com/photos/fotoopa_hs/

Little Kitty – Kodkod

If you have never loved and been loved in return by a cat or other pet, I would argue that you have never really lived. The love you feel for a cat and the love that a cat gives to you is among the truest and purest form that love can take. When you experience that love, you become a better person with a greater capacity to share that love with others in your life.
I have very recently lost the light of my life, Elly, the cat that has been with me for 18 years. She went on her own time out in the garden where she loved to be and had loving support all the way. I have never missed anyone so much and the pain of her death is still raw. But that pain comes from my love for her. I am so thankful for the time I was given with her and will always love her infinitely. She was the most special friend that anyone could ever have and I am glad that she went peacefully and didn’t have to suffer.
This is for Elly. I will love you forever, little girl!

The kodkod (Leopardus guigna) is the smallest wild cat in the Americas, and rivals several other species for the title of smallest cat in the world. This tiny cat barely reaches 6 pounds (smaller than the average house cat) and lives in the montane areas of Chile and a small portion of Argentina. It prefers dense undergrowth in its moist, temperate evergreen forest habitat, and can be found up to the tree line at around 6,300 feet. Although this cat is usually brownish yellow with black spots, melanism is common. The paws are large with black pads and its ears are rounded with a white spot on the back of each one. The kodkod’s short, bushy tail, small frame, and petite facial features give it the appearance of a kitten, even when it is a full grow adult.

There is still not much known about this small cat, and its populations are dwindling. An estimated 10,000 cats are left in the wild, no single population exceeding 2,000 individuals. Kodkods are sometimes killed for raiding chicken coops or accidentally caught in fox traps. The cats are also illegally trapped for their fur. Perhaps the biggest threat to the kodkod, though, is habitat loss and fragmentation. Kodkods don’t do well in deforested areas. They need at least a thick ground cover such as scrub to survive, and stick exclusively to the forested corridors around developed or farmed areas.

In contrast to other cats, kodkods are equally active at night and during the day. Around humans, however, they are strictly nocturnal. They appear in areas where there are high numbers of small, mouse sized prey and not many larger predators. This relative lack of competition gives them the opportunity to flourish on the abundance of food and raise their one to three kittens.

There are many conservation laws and programs in place to protect this special little cat and its close relatives like the oncilla and Geoffroy’s cat. We treat our pets as family and give them all the love we have, doing whatever we can to support them. Why can’t we show wild cats this same love? They’re really not that different.

References:
1. “Kodkod.” Felidae Conservation Fund. Felidae Conservation Fund, 2013. Web. 22 July 2015. <http%3A%2F%2Fwww.felidaefund.org%2F%3Fq%3Dspecies-kodkod>.

2. “Guigna Facts.” Big Cat Rescue. Bigcatrescue.org, 15 Mar. 2015. Web. 22 July 2015. <http%3A%2F%2Fbigcatrescue.org%2Fkodkod-guigna-facts%2F>.

3. “Kodkod.” International Society for Endangered Cats (ISEC) Canada. ISEC Canada, 2014. Web. 22 July 2015. <http://www.wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/south-america/kodkod/&gt;.

4. Napolitano, C., Gálvez, N., Bennett, M., Acosta-Jamett, G., and Sanderson, J. “Leopardus Guigna (Chilean Cat, Guiña, Kodkod).” Red List. International Union for the Conservation of Nature, 2015. Web. 22 July 2015. <http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/15311/0&gt;.

Photo and Video Links:
1.https://flic.kr/p/2iVdFMV

2.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFA6hxfnVjM

3.http://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1360845/chile-cat.jpg

So i herd u liek mudkipz – Axolotl

Just as the “so i herd u liek mudkipz” meme has popularized the water type starter, Mudkip, from the beloved Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Pokémon games (and, recently Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire), the internet seems to have somewhat familiarized the public with a peculiar and endangered salamander.

Mudkip beside an axolotl Photoshopped to be the same colors.

The Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) lives exclusively in the fragmented remains of Central Mexico’s Lake Chalco and was once present in Lake Xochimilco before it was drained. These salamanders can come in a variety of different colors, two of them being wild type and the other two present in mutations. The wild colors are brown and black, while the mutant colors are leucistic and albino. Although both the leucistic and albino axolotls are varying shades of pinkish white, the albino has pink eyes and the leucistic has black eyes. They are closely related to tiger salamanders, sharing the same genus, and in fact look very similar to the larvae of tiger salamanders. Unlike other salamanders, axolotls normally never undergo metamorphosis into an adult form. This does not mean that they are not sexually mature, however. The average axolotl reaches maturity at 18-24 months of age with a typical length of around nine inches. They have both rudimentary lungs and gills so they are able to take oxygen from the water and gulp air at the surface. The gills are arranged on three stalks on each side behind the head. An axolotl also retains fins running from the end of its body to the tip of the tail.

Barred tiger salamander larva (Ambystoma mavortium mavortium).

Adult axolotl with wild type coloration

Retaining larval characteristics throughout life is called neoteny. Other salamanders can become neotinic if conditions in the environment put an unusual level of stress on the animal, but the axolotl is exclusively neotinic within its species. On extremely rare occasions, axolotls will progress to adult form. They most often remain strictly aquatic, though. They are naturally top predators in the areas they inhabit and feed on mollusks, crustaceans, water insects, and small fish. Since they are neotinic, their teeth are not fully developed and are only rough stumps in their jaws. They use these tooth stumps to grasp a prey item and position it before swallowing it whole. Unfortunately, since the introduction of large, nonnative fish, there is more competition for food and occasional predation upon axolotls by these fish. Additionally, axolotls are sold in markets as a delicacy which further reduces their population and they are now a red listed species that is critically endangered.

Metamorphosed leucistic axolotl

Another very intriguing aspect of the axolotl is its Wolverine-like ability to heal itself. This trait has made it one of the most heavily studied salamanders in the world. Axolotls can completely regenerate their limbs, spinal cords, and even some organs in a matter of a couple months. The younger the salamander, the faster it heals. Older axolotls can still regenerate, but it takes much longer. The oldest axolotl in captivity, named Tiger Girl, in the Axolotl Center of Hanover, Germany was 16 years old (as of 2010) and it took her a year to grow back a leg that was bitten off by one of her tank mates. This research center is dedicated to the conservation of axolotls and studies their regeneration abilities in a humane, minimum stress environment. Researchers will anesthetize a salamander and cut off part of its limb to study the healing process. This doesn’t hurt the animal due to its incredible healing abilities and it is well cared for and eventually left to a life of retirement with no more testing.

Video about the Axolotl Center:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/miracle-healer-scientists-attempt-to-crack-secret-code-of-the-axolotl-a-732283.html

Research institutions like the one in Hanover are helping to strengthen the international breeding program of axolotls and conserve this very remarkable and interesting species. It may give us clues about how to help humans who are injured to heal more effectively, such as burn victims. It is not only a fascinating animal, but also a valuable source of information for science and medicine that is imperative to save.

References:
1. Luis Zambrano et al. “Ambystoma mexicanum”. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 2015. Web. 23 June, 2015. http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/1095/0

2. Taurog, Alvin, et al. “The role of TRH in the neoteny of the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum).” General and comparative endocrinology 24.3 (1974): 267-279.

3. Kragl, Martin, et al. “Cells keep a memory of their tissue origin during axolotl limb regeneration.” Nature 460.7251 (2009): 60-65.

4. Hamm, Magdalena. “Miracle Healer.” Speigel Online International. Speigel, 2 Dec. 2010. Web. 23 June 2015. <http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/miracle-healer-scientists-attempt-to-crack-secret-code-of-the-axolotl-a-732283.html&gt;.

Photo and Video Links:
1.https://creaturefacts.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/afa4f-axolotl-totally-looks-like-mudkip.jpg

2.http://www.axolotl.org/images/tiger/tiger-salamander-larva.jpg

3.https://flic.kr/p/7XW67M

4.https://alphynix.tumblr.com/post/145316913155/edge-of-existence-edge-it-is-oddly-enough/embed

5.http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/miracle-healer-scientists-attempt-to-crack-secret-code-of-the-axolotl-a-732283.html

6.http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/05/17/article-2326057-19D49A37000005DC-864_634x419.jpg

Foxy Faced – Mariana Fruit Bat

This leathery winged, furry bodied creature is not nearly as creepy as a good number of its relatives. In fact, depending on who you talk to (are they afraid of bats?), it’s downright adorable. The Mariana fruit bat (Pteropus mariannus), or Mariana flying fox, is a large, fuzzy, and endangered bat living primarily on Guam in the Pacific Islands. Although mostly nocturnal like the majority of bat species, these fruit bats will also use the day to breed, mark their territories with scent, or groom each other to form and strengthen social bonds. They live in large colonies together in tropical and subtropical forests with sparse undergrowth and relatively taller trees scattered throughout that reach above the main canopy. Roosting mainly takes place in different species of fig, pandanus, coconut, and hibiscus trees.

Mariana fruit bats are quite strikingly colored for a bat, and possess coats of blackish brown fur with silvery streaks and golden-brown or yellow necks and shoulders. Their faces have very canine features, hence the name “flying fox”, with their pointed snouts, slightly rounded ears, and large eyes. Their powerful wings are black and account for the majority of their total size. Wingspans can range from a little over 33 inches to almost 42 inches while the body is less than a foot long at just a bit over eight inches. It is not known for sure how long this particular species of bat lives, but similar species have been recorded to live for about 30 years in captivity.
When a bunch of Mariana fruit bats form colonies together, these colonies are usually made up of many breeding harems consisting of several females (2-15) and a male. Some other groups contain non-breeding bachelor males and there are also often a few lone, non-breeding males near the edges of the colony. There is no specific mating season for these bats and breeding takes place throughout the year. However, female bats will only produce one pup per year and take care of that pup until it can fend for itself. Babies cling their mothers and are carried around until they are too big. When roosting, a mother bat will envelop her baby in her wings to protect it.

Though they lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle and only stay in one specific spot, Mariana fruit bats are strong fliers and can travel long distances to find food. This food is (obviously) fruit, but flowers and leaves will occasionally be chosen as well. Many different fruits are eaten by these bats and preferred fruits include coconut, figs, papayas, cycad seeds, breadfruit, pandanus fruit, and umbrella tree fruit. Bats will normally fly six to seven miles to feeding sites, but will sometimes even go as far as 60 across to other islands. The phrase “blind as a bat” does not apply to these fruit bats, as they navigate and seek out fruit using their excellent vision and keen sense of smell.

Traditionally, and even still today, native Pacific Islanders would kill and eat these bats, considering their meat a delicacy. Thankfully, they are protected as an endangered species now and there are fines and the threat of imprisonment to discourage hunting or poaching of Mariana fruit bats. In addition to legal protection, it has also been found that these fruit bats are major bioaccumulators. They build up toxins in their bodies from the poisonous cycad seeds they eat and from pesticides such as DDT and other toxic chemicals. Eating the meat of the bats can lead to a neuropathological degenerative disease identified as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Parkinsonian dementia complex. The long and obnoxious-to-say name reflects the seriousness of a disease such as this. It keeps progressing until it eventually leads to death. This disease comes from the toxins accumulated from the cycad seeds that bats feed on. You’d think this would be enough of a deterrent to keep people from trying to eat the poor creatures, but humans seem to prove themselves over and over again as being notoriously stubborn and nonsensical. Maybe if this continues and more and more people get sick, they will finally stop and the Mariana fruit bats will be safer. You never know.

References:
1. Wilson, Don E., and DeeAnn M. Reeder. “Order Chiroptera.” Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins UP, 2005. 340. Print.

2. Crichton, Elizabeth G., and Philip H. Krutzsch. “Year-round Harems with Less Stable Female Composition.” Reproductive Biology of Bats. San Diego, CA: Academic, 2000. 334. Print.

3. Pickrell13, John. “Bat-Eating Linked to Neurological Illness.” National Geographic News. National Geographic Society, 13 June 2003. Web. 23 June 2015. <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/06/0613_030613_bateaters.html&gt;.

4. “Endangered Species in the Pacific Islands.” Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office. US Fish and Wildlife Service, 20 Sept. 2012. Web. 23 June 2015. <http://www.fws.gov/pacificislands/fauna/marianabat.html&gt;.

Photo Links:
1. http://animal.memozee.com/ArchOLD-4/1128059751.jpg

2. https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5511/9159953896_b358c98425_b.jpg

3. https://flic.kr/p/eZTqQf

4. https://flic.kr/p/eXeKG6

UPDATE: NEW CLOUDED LEOPARD CUBS!

UPDATE!!! 6/5/15
Four new clouded leopard cubs that were born in May at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington are now officially on display! Go see them if you’re in the area! 🙂

http://www.king5.com/story/news/2015/05/19/1-week-old-clouded-leopard-cubs-at-point-defiance-healthy-and-adorable/27613921/

American Marten

The American marten (Martes americana) is without a doubt one of the cutest North American mammals. Quick, agile, and active, it is an opportunistic predator that loves to eat small mammals like mice, voles, snowshoe hares, and squirrels. It will also take insects, birds, and a variety of fruit when it finds them. The marten is a mustelid, or member of the weasel family, and is found throughout Northern North America in mature coniferous and mixed hardwood forests. It has a very large territory for being such a small animal and this can be up to about six square miles. It is mostly solitary and male and female interaction doesn’t occur often at anytime other than during breeding season. Even then, there is no bond formed between pairs and a female will go into heat several times, taking a different male as her partner each time. After courtship and mating, the female goes off alone to raise her young, called kits. The kits are adult size and ready to go off on their own by three and a half months of age.

American martens are largely arboreal and spend a good amount of their time in the trees. They generally do their hunting on the ground, but will occasionally go on fast chases through the trees after squirrels, which are a particularly special treat. Living in cold, Northern climates, martens are very well adapted to the snow. In fact, you are more likely to find a marten where there is a thick covering of snow on the ground. These little mammals have a hard time retaining their own body heat because they have very limited fat reserves, so snow provides a safe place to hide and insulate their bodies while they enter a shallow torpor on colder days. A torpor is a thermoregulatory process that slows down an animal’s metabolism and reduces body heat. It is used to conserve energy when food supplies get low or when it is too cold for the animal to function normally. This saves energy that would have otherwise been used to maintain body heat. In some periods of the winter, American martens will go into a torpor almost daily. The rest of the time, they will thermoregulate themselves by changing their activity and behavior. Hunting and foraging is one way that they keep themselves warm. Another way is tunneling long distances under the surface of the snow. Some marten snow tunnels can reach up to almost 100 feet!

A common misnomer is to call these animals pine martens. True pine martens (Martes martes) occur in Europe, not North America. However, our martens are sometimes also called American pine martens, which could be considered more correct, as it designates their geographical origin. When unsure of an animal’s common name, it is always better to go by its scientific name, if known, to avoid error.

Credit: Allison Gregor

American martens measure from 1.8 to 2.2 feet long and weigh up to three pounds. They have sharp, semi-retractable claws like a cat as well as rounded, catlike ears. Their fur is very soft and silky which led to them being heavily trapped for their pelts during the early 1900s. This drastically reduced their populations, but now the species has recovered and American martens have been introduced in areas where they were once extinct. Today, there are still periodic pelt collections for the purpose of population control, but this doesn’t make a significant impact on overall marten numbers. I personally don’t think they should be trapped at all. American martens are important predators in their ecosystems and keep other small mammal populations in check through their predation. If there is a marten population boom, there will be less food available for each marten and the population control will occur naturally because of that prey scarceness. It shouldn’t be up to humans to decide when the population of an animal becomes too large. Especially with animals as adorable as the American marten. I’m sure their fur is lovely, but it looks much better on a live, frisky marten running through the snow and playing in the trees.

References:
1. Stone, Katharine. 2010. Martes americana. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2015, May 20].

2. “American Pine Marten.” The Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy, n.d. Web. 21 May 2015. <http://www.nature.org/newsfeatures/specialfeatures/animals/mammals/pine-marten.xml&gt;.

Photo Links:
1. http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma7nv7qdtg1rzpxtno1_400.jpg

2. https://flic.kr/p/2n8kxTC

3. http://seancrane.com/blogphotos/pine_marten_4.jpg