Wildlife Wednesday: The Koala





How can you not love this cute, small, and furry marsupial? They kind of look like little cartoons. They have gray to brown colored fur with a white underbelly. They lazily make their way through the tree branches to eat, sleep, and nurse its young. Spending most of their lifecycle in the trees, they only descend to the ground if necessary.

Mothers give birth and raise only one baby koala at time. During the mother’s lifecycle she will produce up to six cubs. A newborn koala baby is called a “joey” and does not resemble an adult since it is born blind with undeveloped features. A joey measures less than one inch in length. Upon birth the joey makes its way to the mother’s pouch and attaches itself inside. It then develops its eyes, legs, and fur. In fact it lives in the mother’s pouch for about six months. When it emerges from the pouch it takes on the familiar cute and cuddly appearance of an adult. Eventually the baby koala transfers itself to the mother’s back to hitch a free ride. It continues to nurse off the mother’s milk for up to a year and eats eucalyptus leaves. Some baby koalas want to use the safety of the pouch longer than necessary but their size prohibits them from climbing back inside. When the next joey is born it is time for last season’s baby to say goodbye.



Eucalyptus leaves is the only food koalas eat. Although the leaves are poisonous to most animals, they have special bacteria that live in their stomachs to break down and digest them. Their diet includes up to one pound of leaves a day. The koala has special teeth adapted for their eucalyptus diet. The majority of their front and back teeth act like scissors to chop the leaves into pieces suitable for digestion and eucalyptus leaves have a fair amount of moisture hence koalas seldom drink water. There are many different varieties of eucalyptus trees in the wild. In fact each koala is particular about what kind they will eat. Baby koalas acquire their taste for specific varieties by adulthood. One of the main reasons koalas are endangered in some areas is the destruction of native eucalyptus forest habitats. Eucalyptus leaves are high in fiber and low in nutrients. In addition to eating large amounts, koalas are able to survive on their diet since they have a slow metabolic system to conserve nutrients and energy. Since they have no natural predators in Australia, this adaptation is not to their disadvantage.

The koala’s habitat is in the country of Australia. Their range is between the eastern and southern parts of the country. Information facts about their population and habitat vary, but they live mainly in the Australian states of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria.  Although their habitat is in four states of Australia, they live in fragmented territories separated by various man made development activities. Their entire life cycle is restricted by these artificial borders. Their habitat continues to decline as human populations demand more land resources, endangering some koalas. Human pet predators are an additional threat. Baby koalas in particular are vulnerable.

Although the koala does not live in the United States, it is in fact listed under the United States Endangered Species Act as threatened. In its native country of Australia there is no uniform status definition. Their status is dependent on each particular region of each Australian state, which in turn is dependent on population and habitat information. Some areas list it as vulnerable or rare, yet others list it as common.

Although it has no natural predators, the area where it is at risk is highest where the koala’s habitat has been destroyed and/or poaching and hunting is prevalent. In areas where they are common there is a danger of over feeding since they all eat the same kind of plant.

Overall stress on the livelihood of these animals is increasing as threats caused by manmade activities shrink and impact their natural environment. Conservation measures will ultimately be necessary to save their habitat and population. Although they have unique adaptations for living in their habitat of eucalyptus forests, wildlife in general cannot adapt as fast as the rapid changes brought on by mankind.

Although they are cute, cuddly, and baby like, wild Koalas should not be approached or handled. Information on koala attacks are very rare and they are not considered dangerous. Still, wild animals in general should be respected from a distance. They do have sharp claws and teeth and can use them if necessary.

In Australia koalas that live in the wild have no natural predators. They are in fact at the top of the food chain in their habitat. Large birds such as owls have been known to prey on baby koalas, although such information is scarce. By definition koalas eat only eucalyptus leaves, they do not prey on other animals.

A Few Fun Facts:

Kolas can grow Up to 3 feet in length.

Koalas weigh 20 to 30 pounds.

Koala information gathered from both wild and captive habitats suggest koalas live to be around 15 to 20 years.

Definition: The koala is a nocturnal marsupial and is a herbivore.

Fun fact: The word “marsupial” is from the Latin word “marsupium”, which translates to “pouch”.

Body structure: Its head has a long black nose, small round eyes, and big ears. It has strong limbs and the claws of its paws are designed to grasp and climb branches easily. The koala body structure is small and not “top heavy”, enabling it to maneuver and balance on tree branches.

Sleeping time: Up to 20 hours a day!

Communication: Scratch and scent markings. Vocalization sounds: screeches, bellows, murmurs.

Diet: Koalas eat only eucalyptus leaves.

Habitat: Majority populations are in the south eastern regions of Australia.

Baby Koalas: Weight: under 0.04 ounces. Size: under 1 inch in length.

Mating Season: Breeding is from October through March.

Gestation period: 30 to 35 days.

Age of Maturity: 2 to 3 years.

Koalas have no natural predators and no prey

Koala’s biggest enemy is mankind.

They are from the subspecies Northern (adustus), Intermediate (cinereus), and Southern (victor).

Koalas have a slow metabolism, paws with claws adapted for climbing/hanging, and scissor like teeth for processing eucalyptus leaves.

Work Cited:

All Photos Courtesy of Bing.com Images

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koala

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/koala/

http://www.thekoala.com/koala/

Wildlife Wednesday- The Peacock

bing images



bing images



   The peacock (also known as peafowl) is a medium sized bird most closely related to the pheasant. Unlike its common pheasant cousin that inhabits areas of the Northern Hemisphere, the peacock is found in warmer climate of the Southern Hemisphere, with the peacock being most commonly found in India.

bing images

There are three main types of peacock, the African Congo peacock, the Indian peacock and the Green peacock all of which are thought to have originated in Asia but are today found in Africa and parts of Australia. All of the three different species of peacock are known for their elaborate male peacocks and dull, brown female peacocks (in comparison to the males).

bing images

The male peacock is most well-known for its enormous tail feathers that fan out behind the peacock and can be nearly two meters in length. This colorful display of the peacock is thought to be used for both mating and defense purposes. The male peacock attracts a female to mate with by showing off his array of elaborate feathers, and when the male peacock feels threatened, he will fan his tail out in order to make himself look bigger and therefore try to intimidate approaching predators.

bing images

The peacock is an omnivorous bird and feeds on insects, plants, seeds, and flower heads. Peacocks have also been known to munch on small mammals and reptiles in order to supplement their diet, which ensures that they are getting the right nutrients. Peacocks have a number of natural predators in the wild that include wild dogs and cats, medium sized mammals such as raccoons and even tigers have been known to hunt peacocks.

Peacocks commonly get to about 20 years old, although some peacock individuals have been known to get to older ages particularly those peacock individuals that are in captivity. Generally, the peacock populations are not under great threat although the green peacock is listed as being vulnerable to extinction mainly due to hunting and habitat loss.

Male peacocks are known as peacocks and female peacocks are known as peahens (in a similar way to chickens and pheasants). The male is peacock is generally about twice the size of the female peahen and even larger when the male peacock is displaying his plumage (feathers). When the male peacock does not have his brightly colored and very elaborate tail feathers on display, they drag behind him. This is known as a tail or a train.

During the mating season, the male peacock may mate with up to six different female peahens. The female peahen lays between 4 and 8 brown colored eggs. The female peahen incubates her eggs by sitting on them, and the peacock chick’s hatch after an incubation period of about a month. The female peacock looks after and rears her peacock chicks on her own without any help from the male peacock.

Peacocks are most commonly found in deserts and dry savanna areas. Peacocks are also found in forests and dense foliage particularly during the breeding season when the female peacocks are trying to incubate their eggs and rear their chicks without any unwelcome predators spotting them.

Work Cited:

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/peacock/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peafowl

http://animal.discovery.com/birds/peacock-info.htm

Go With Your Gut

 

Bing Images

Intuition is "knowing" something without being able to explain how you came to that conclusion rationally. It's that mysterious "gut feeling" or "instinct" that often turns out to be right, in retrospect.

Everyone has those gut feelings or instincts to tell them whether something is right or wrong, which way to go, etc. Some people just pass them off.

Other people will follow their gut instincts on everything they do. By following their gut instincts, these groups of people often have a better turn around on aspects of their lives. They often have better health, financial, and personal gains by following their instincts.

When it comes to their health, once they have their gut instinct of something being wrong. They will seek the advice of their doctor. Often in cases like these health issues, a physician can detect and fix immediately. Often health issues will surface slowly. Nevertheless, there are times when the slow signs of an illness don't give enough of an inkling for a visit to the doctor. Often a person's instincts will then take affect telling them to visit their doctor.

Many people will use their gut instincts on making financial decisions. Often the financial decisions include purchasing large ticket items such as cars, homes, appliances, and other various items. In these cases, when their gut instincts take over, they have found bargains and other ways to save money on their investments.

Not only have people who use their gut instincts for financial gains saved on the basics mentioned, they also find monetary gains in stocks, savings plans, and gambling. While sometimes gut instincts in these situations do not always pay off the way one wants. They can still tell a person whether or not it is a good or bad idea.

The health and financial gains or conflicts from gut instincts often help people in their personal affairs as well. Consider the gut instinct that you may have had about a date on which you were about to go. Ever have a bad feeling about not going on the date? A good feeling about going on the date?

As you can see, gut instincts often have their ways of telling about good and bad things. Gut instincts often show themselves to remind you of whether or not you should do certain things.

The next time your gut instincts give you a warning before attempting something in your life, take heed of the warning. The warning signs could help or hinder you in the area of your life.

Having trouble honing in on those feelings?  

Just remember:

Intuition is basically how you quickly tap into your subconscious mind, which is where you "archive" all kinds of information that you don't remember on a conscious level. Sometimes you pick up on things subconsciously without realizing it, such as body language. It'll register as a certain "feeling" that you can't articulate at that moment, but it could very well be valid.

Without intuition, you're no different than a computer. You only make decisions based on facts, and you don't always have all the facts. So unless you're functioning like a computer, you're already making decisions based on various factors other than logic...why not learn how to use your intuition as well?

Even some of the world's greatest scientists, the most logical thinkers of all time, have made their greatest discoveries based on flashes of intuition (think of Newton and the apple that fell on his head or Archimedes shouting "Eureka!" in his bathtub).

Ask yourself questions and listen to the first answer that pops into your mind. That isn't easy, because several thoughts will flood your mind at once. Don't dwell on it. Just pick something. It's scary...what if you make the wrong choice? But you'll be fine.

Meditate. Clearing your mind of repetitive thoughts and worries will make it easier to listen to your intuition. Find a meditative technique you are comfortable using and practice.

Listen to your gut. There's a reason it's called a "gut feeling". Many times, a decision that you "know" is wrong makes you feel discomfort in your stomach area.

Listen to and communicate with your multiple brains. Neuroscience research has shown we have functional and complex brains in both our heart and gut. These brains have memory and intelligence. As the points above indicate, your gut and heart brains know when something isn't right and will tell you through feelings, hunches and messages. You can communicate with these brains through simple language, imagery and touch.

Work Cited: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gut_reaction

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-gut-instincts-you-shouldnt-ignore.html

http://healing.about.com/od/intuition/a/gut-instincts.htm

The Ticking Clock

The need for men to have children at an earlier age can be found in scientific culture; however men have a mind of their own. Each one of them has been brought up differently by their families and influenced through their cultural backgrounds. There is a certain age and it is different for every woman, when she stops ovulating and aunt flo doesn’t visit anymore.   This unfortunate time in a woman’s life is called menopause.  Most people think it’s just women who go through menopause, while it is true that men cannot experience any of the physical symptoms of menopause, they can experience the emotional symptoms just like women. Are you a man above 40, constantly fatigued and experiencing a low sex drive? You could be going through male menopause, according to recent but somewhat controversial scientific findings. While many men, unlike women can produce children way into their eighties, the idea that men too experience changes in their hormonal levels akin to women’s menopause is a painful pin in their bubble of sexual invincibility.

 Once a woman turns 30 the countdown is on, nudging, criticising, pressuring and ridiculing.  I am 32 and I personally would have had a child 5 years ago if the situation had presented itself, and I can’t wait to have one now, my clock is ticking so loud the world can hear it.  Luckily I am married and hoping someday we can start trying. Nothing would make me happier, but what about those women who haven’t met “the one” yet? Where people speak of the dreaded age of 35, where many presume a woman will have insurmountable challenges trying to have a baby.”

An accomplished woman who does not have a partner or children is nowadays labelled “beautiful but unlucky.” But a man in the same situation is an “eligible bachelor.” It’s not very fair is it?

Think about this:  on average Ugandan women marry at the age of 17.9 and Ugandan men are 22.3.This is generally very low. However, today more men and women, particularly those in the elite class, are postponing marriage for other endeavours. But it is not a levelled playing field as, according to psychologists, men are expected to pursue things beyond marriage but a woman who does is viewed as somewhat wayward.

“It is a matter of social construction,” says Counsellor Harriet Nabuduwa. “Even if as a woman you tried to ignore it, you risk feeling incomplete because you are not married.”

The pressure for 35 year old women to get married and have children is backed by evidence that younger women are more likley to have healthier pregnancies and babies. But now, it turns out, these bachelors experience a drop in their hormonal levels similar to that of women, and maybe it is time for them to rethink their decision to wait longer before having children.

Men’s testosterone levels begin to drop at about 50, says Dr Collins Kasirye.  This can cause low libido, fatigue, joint pains, headaches, draught (swollen limbs) and lower back pain. But it is nothing comparable to what premenopausal women go through, Kasirye says.

“Some men experience it and some do not. Even the age at which it happens varies from man to man, Kasirye says, adding that “many times men are too proud to admit these symptoms, let alone recognise it as a male menopause. Instead, they simply view it as another change that comes with old age.

Older men are also prone to diseases like diabetes and obesity that can reduce their testosterone levels. But the fact is, unlike women, men still maintain the ability to have children almost all their lives.

But their chances of fathering children somewhat declines, according to an article published by the journal Fertility and Sterility. Statistics show that men above 45 are five times less likely to cause a woman to conceive than their younger counterparts, particularly those that are 25 and younger. As women grow older, their oestrogen levels and egg production reduces. Also they produce more abnormal eggs and risk having children with genetic disorders. The same is true for men. As men get older, they see a decline in the male hormone testosterone, a decline in fertility, and a greater chance of fathering children with genetic problems.

The Fertility and Sterility article research found that between the ages of 30 and 50, the average man’s sperm declines by up to 30 per cent in volume, swims up to 37 per cent slower. Babies fathered by these men are thus more at risk of dwarfism, schizophrenia and Down syndrome.

Yet men remain unbothered about the age at which they marry or have children. Some have blamed the increasing number of grey haired men at nursery school speech days on cross generational sex, others on life’s financial pressures that require that a man first establish himself before he starts a family. But Nabuduwa says men feel like they can get a woman at any time.

Society thinks men do not age. They also never totally lose their sexual prowess. So, they can marry and have children at any time, she explains.
Nabuduwa says that in her job, she has met some men who are under pressure to get married. The pressure is usually from a few family members and is not as overt as that experienced by women, she says.

Asked whether he ever felt pressure to get married, Nelson Owere, who married at 42, says: There were whispers. But I had not met a woman fit for me. I was not about to marry just anyone.

Asked whether he is not worried about the health of children he might have at an advanced age, he says: That research is questionable. My father had children until he was 70 and we are all fine.