UHAIII

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3

The Pied Currawong
2007-07-12 09:41:00
The Pied Currawong is a large (44cm - 51cm), mostly black bird, with a bright yellow eye. Small patches of white are confined to the under tail, the tips and bases of the tail feathers and a small patch towards the tip of each wing (visible in flight). The bill is large and black and the legs are dark grey-black. Both sexes are similar, although the female may sometimes be greyer on the underparts. The main call is a loud "currawong", which gives the bird its name. Other frequent sounds include deep croaks and a wolf whistle. Young Pied Currawongs are duller and browner than the adults are.Two other species of currawong are found in Australia. The Grey Currawong, S. versicolor, lives in Australia's south, while the Black Currawong, S. fuliginosa, is restricted to Tasmania. Both of these species differ from the Pied Currawong in lacking white on the rump. The Grey Currawong is variable across its range, grey in the east, blacker in Tasmania and browner in the west, with regional dif...
More About: Wong

Indus River Dolphin
2007-07-10 18:49:00
Distribution:This species of river dolphin lives only in the Indus River which flows through the provinces of Punjab and Sind in Pakistan (Asia). They are mainly found in a 100 mile stretch of water which lies between two manmade river dams. These were built in the 1930's for farmers to water their crops, and for hydro-electric power generation, but they have separated the dolphins that live in the river, and have stopped them moving freely.Population Size:Sadly there could be less than 1000 Indus dolphins remaining in their natural habitat. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) lists the Indus river dolphin as one of five species of cetaceans that are known or suspected to be threatened with extinction.Threats:Boat traffic, dam building, hunting, habitat loss, human disturbance, chemical pollution, rntanglement in fishing nets.Fascinating Facts:The Indus river dolphin sometimes carries its young on its back, above the surface of the water.Although the species prefers deep water, the...
More About: Dolphin , Endangered

The Monarch Butterfly
2007-07-08 19:53:00
The Monarch is a common poisonous butterfly that eats poisonous milkweed in its larval stage and lays its eggs on the milkweed plant. Monarchs have a wingspan of 3 3/8 - 4 7/8 inches (8.6 - 12.4 cm).Butt er flies are beautiful, flying insects with large scaly wings. Like all insects, they have six jointed legs, 3 body parts, a pair of antennae, compound eyes, and an exoskeleton. The three body parts are the head, thorax (the chest), and abdomen (the tail end). The four wings and the six legs of the butterfly are attached to the thorax. The thorax contains the muscles that make the legs and wings move. enchantedlearning.comMore reading: Wikipedia, gpnc.orgImage from: Google Images
More About: Majesty , Butterfly , Narc

The Okavango
2007-07-07 07:48:00
Geographic Description: Described as "the river which never finds the sea", the Okavango in northwestern Botswana disappears into a 6,000-square-mile maze of lagoons, channels, and islands. The river system annually brings more than 2 million tons of sand and silt into the Delta, yet less than three percent of the water emerges at the other end to either flood Lake Ngami or cross another 300 miles of the Kalahari, then to enter Lake Xau and the Makgadikgadi Pans.The O kavango Delta, in the midst of the Kalhan sands, is Africa's largest and most beautiful oasis. The River Okavango, which rises in the highlands of Angola, never reaches the sea; instead its mighty waters empty over the sands of the Kalahari. Here the great Kalahari desert thirst is locally quenched in a blue-green wilderness of fresh water, with emerald reed beds and towering trees.It is a natural refuge and giant water hole for the larger animals of the Kalahari. The water gives rise to many forms of life unexpected i...
More About: Kava

The Ostrich
2007-07-06 06:29:00
The flightless ostrich is the world's largest bird. They roam African savanna and desert lands and get most of their water from the plants they eat.Though they cannot fly, ostriches are fleet, strong runners. They can sprint up to 43 miles (70 kilometers) an hour and run over distance at 31 miles (50 kilometers) an hour. They may use their wings as "rudders" to help them change direction while running. An ostrich's powerful, long legs can cover 10 to 16 feet (3 to 5 meters) in a single stride. These legs can also be formidable weapons. Ostrich kicks can kill a human or a potential predator like a lion. Each two-toed foot has a long, sharp claw.Ostriches live in small herds that typically contain less than a dozen birds. Alpha males maintain these herds, and mate with the group's dominant hen. The male sometimes mates with others in the group, and wandering males may also mate with lesser hens. All of the group's hens place their eggs in the dominant hen's nest?though her own ar...
More About: The O

In Support Of WWF
2007-07-05 06:53:00
A history of a global conservation organization In just over 4 decades, WWF (formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund) has become one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. With almost 5 million supporters distributed throughout 5 continents, WWF has offices in over 90 countries and can safely claim to have played a major role in the evolution of the international conservation movement. Since 1985, WWF has invested over US$1 billion in more than 12,000 projects . All these projects and activities play a part in the campaign to stop the accelerating degradation of Earth's natural environment, and to help its human inhabitants live in greater harmony with nature. This section explains how the organization grew from being a small group of committed wildlife enthusiasts into a global network, supported by people from all walks of life, who, like WWF, care about the welfare of our planet. WWFImage from: animalplanet.co
More About: Support

The Arabian Oryx
2007-07-04 13:38:00
The Arab ia n oryx (pictured) is a medium-sized, white antelope, with black patches on its face, and dark legs. It stands about one metre high and has two gently curving horns, which are about 50cm in length. Its grace and beauty are legendary.Before the beginning of the nineteenth century, oryx were abundant in all parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Since the advent of twentieth-century weapons and modes of transport, however, this beautiful animal has been extensively hunted until near-extinction. The few remaining animals retreated into the Rub' Al-Khali (the Empty Quarter) desert to escape from the hunter's gun. Arab.netMore: The A rabian Oryx ProjectImage: cjodell's

The Puff Adder
2007-07-04 13:32:00
Description: Yellowish, light brown, or orange with chevron-shaped dark brown or black bars.Characteristics: The puff adder is the second largest of the dangerous vipers. It is one of the most common snakes in Africa. It is largely nocturnal, hunting at night and seeking shelter during the day's heat. It is not shy when approached. It draws its head close to its coils, makes a loud hissing sound, and is quick to strike any intruder. Its venom is strongly hemotoxic, destroying bloods cells and causing extensive tissue damage. Habitat: Arid regions to swamps and dense forests. Common around human settlements. Length: Average 1.2 meters, maximum 1.8 meters. Distribution: Most of Africa, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. Wilderness SurvivalImage: venomsuppliesMore reading: Wikipedia, SurvivalIq, Botswana Tourism
More About: Puff

Do You Love Coconut?
2007-07-04 13:31:00
The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, which means "monkey face" because the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembles the head and face of a monkey. Nucifera means "nut-bearing."The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. On many islands coconut is a staple in the diet and provides the majority of the food eaten. Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy. Among these cultures the coconut has a long and respected history.Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional ...
More About: Love

Pygmy Hippopotamus
2007-07-04 13:29:00
The Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis) is a large mammal native to the forests and swamps of western Africa (the species name, meaning "of Liberia", reflects this). The pygmy hippo is a herbivore and also nocturnal. It is one of only two extant species in the hippopotamus family. Unlike its larger relative, the Hippopotamus, relatively little is known about the pygmy hippo's diet or behaviour, although it is clear that the pygmy hippo is adapted to forest environments rather than the more open plains and grasslands that the hippopotamus prefers. WikipediaMore on Pygmy Hippopotamus: National Zoological Park, ultimateungulate.com, WonderclubImage: Ipzoo
More About: Endangered

The Camel
2007-07-04 13:28:00
"Domesticated thousands of years ago by frankincense traders, who trained the gangly cud-chewer to make the long and arduous journey from southern Arabia to the northern regions of the Middle East, the camel went on to become the desert dweller's primary source of transport, shade, milk, meat, wool and hides." Arab.net"Camel s are even-toed ungulates in the genus Camelus. The Dromedary or Arabian Camel has a single hump, and the Bactrian Camel has two humps. They are native to the dry and desert areas of western Asia and East Africa, and central and east Asia, respectively. The average life expectancy of a camel is 50 to 60 years. The term camel is also used more broadly to describe any of the six camel-like creatures in the family Camelidae: the two true camels, and the four South American camelids: Llama, Alpaca, Guanaco, and Vicuña." Wikipedia"In order to produce milk, the female must be successfully mated and a calf must be born alive. The young calves can be a source of meat, e...

Th Bamboo
2007-07-04 13:26:00
Bamboos are a group of woody perennial evergreen plants in the true grass family Poaceae, subfamily Bambusoideae, tribe Bambuseae. Some of its members are giants, forming by far the largest members of the grass family. Younger tips of some of the larger species can grow over 1 meter per day.There are 91 genera and about 1,000 species of bamboo. They are found in diverse climates, from cold mountains to hot tropical regions. They occur from Northeast Asia (at 50°N latitude in Sakhalin), south throughout East Asia west to the Himalaya, and south to northern Australia. They also occur in sub-Saharan Africa, and in the Americas from the southeast of the USA south to Chile, there reaching their furthest south anywhere, at 47°S latitude. Major areas with no native bamboos include Europe, north Africa, western Asia, North America, most of Australia, and Antarctica. WikipediaBamboo's natural ranges includes every continent except Europe and Antarctica. We once had 5 million acres of native...
More About: Bamboo

White Tigers: Truth & Myths
2007-07-04 13:25:00
"Although white tigers are extremely beautiful animals, they serve no conservation purpose, with the exception of increasing attendance to zoos. Thus increasing public awareness and education of the plight of all endangered animals. For this reason, the SSP (Species Survival Plan) coordinators for the various surviving subspecies of tiger do not authorize breeding the white tiger in their managed programs. Still this remarkable animal continues to bring hundreds of thousands of fascinated visitors to zoos and educational facilities across the world. Public awareness is the first step in conservation." Tigerhomes"Did you know that the only way to produce a white tiger is through severe inbreeding of brother to sister, father to daughter and mother to son?Did you know that there is no such species as a Royal White Bengal Tiger?If you didn't know that, don't feel bad, you were deceived just like millions of others. Read on to learn the truth about white tigers, white lions, tabby tig...
More About: Truth , Tigers , Myths , Myth

The Predator
2007-07-04 13:24:00
The Nile perch (Lates niloticus) is a species of freshwater fish in family Centropomidae of order Perciformes. It is widespread throughout much of the Afrotropic ecozone, being native to the Lake Chad, Congo, Nile, Senegal, Volta, Lake Turkana and other river basins. It also occurs in the brackish waters of Lake Maryut in Egypt. Originally described as Labrus niloticus, among the marine wrasses, the species has also been referred to as Centropomus niloticus. Common names include the African snook and a large number of local names in various African languages.Lates niloticus is silver in colour with a blue tinge. It has a distinctive dark black eye, with a bright yellow outer ring. One of the largest freshwater fish, it reaches a maximum length of nearly two metres (more than six feet), weighing up to 200 kg (440 lb).Adult Nile perch occupy all habitats of a lake with sufficient oxygen concentrations, while juveniles are restricted to shallow or nearshore environments. A fierce preda...
More About: Predator

Amazing Ginger
2007-07-04 13:23:00
Ginger, the underground stem, or rhizome, of the plant Zingiber officinale has been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions since ancient times. In China, for example, ginger has been used to aid digestion and treat stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea for more than 2,000 years. Since ancient times, ginger has also been used to help treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea, and heart conditions. In addition to these medicinal uses, ginger continues to be valued around the world as an important cooking spice and is believed to help the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches, and even painful menstrual periods. Native to Asia where its use as a culinary spice spans at least 4,400 years, ginger grows in fertile, moist, tropical soil. umm.eduMore On Ginger: uni-graz.at, theepicentre, whfoods.com, wikipedia, Health & Yoga, NutraSanus, Vitaminstuff, ImmuneSupport, It's Your HealthImage: Educatepalate
More About: Amazing , Ginger

Steller Sea Lion
2007-07-04 13:22:00
"Stelle rs are the largest of all sea lions and they have an appetite to match. These giant pinnipeds hunt fish, squid, octopus and, rarely, smaller seals. They are found off northern Pacific coasts from Japan to California." National Geographic"The Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) is the largest member of the Otariid (eared seal) family. Males may be up to 325 cm (10-11 ft) in length and can weigh up to 1,100 kg (2,400 lb). Females are smaller than males, 240-290 cm (7.5-9.5 ft) in length and up to 350 kg (770 lb) in mass. Males and females are light buff to reddish brown and slightly darker on the chest and abdomen; naked parts of the skin are black. Wet animals usually appear darker than dry ones. Pups are about 1 m (3.3 ft) in length and 16-23 kg (35-50 lb) at birth and grow to about 30-40 kg (65-90 lb) after 6-10 weeks. Pups are dark brown to black until 4 to 6 months old when they molt to a lighter brown. By the end of their second year, pups have taken on the same pelage ...
More About: Lion , Endangered

Animal Of Note
2007-07-04 13:20:00
"The parable of those who take protectors other than God is that of the spider, who builds (to itself) a house; but truly the flimsiest of houses is the spider's house;- if they but knew." (029.041) The Holly Quran Spiders are ancient animals with a history going back many millions of years. They have always been with us, an ancient source of fear and fascination. They are abundant and widespread and are natural controllers of insect populations. Wherever you live, you're always close to a spider.Wherever you live, you're always close to a spider. Find out what spiders are, where they came from and how they got around, as well as Australia's own diverse spider fauna. amonline.netMore On Spiders: Wikipedia Image: spiderzrule
More About: Animal , Note

The Desert Fox
2007-07-04 13:18:00
Fennec foxes are among the most attractive desert mammals. Their most outstanding features are enormous ears, which are up to six inches long. Their ears have the dual purpose of helping track prey while remaining alert to enemies, as well as acting as a radiator to rid their small bodies of excess heat.Fennec foxes live in arid regions of North Africa, the Sinai and Arabian Peninsulas. Primarily found in sandy areas, they usually live in burrows lined with a collection of soft materials such as feathers and bits of fur. The fennec fox is similar in appearance and life-style to the North American kit fox. The Living Desert More Information: National Geographic, WikipediaImage: toughkidcst's
More About: The D

Army Ants
2007-07-04 13:16:00
What eats every animal in its path, raids other ant colonies, and migrates to find more food? An army ant colony! Army ants are amazing creatures! Not only have they founded nests, developed a social hierarchy, and migrated to other areas, but they also have a very interesting life cycle and colony structure. Insecta-InspectaFurther Reading: AnimaldiversityImage: Wildcaster's
More About: Ants

Soya Beans
2007-07-04 13:14:00
Soybeans belong to the legume family and are native to East Asia. They have been an important protein source in the Orient for millions of people for over five thousand years. Soybeans have been in the Western world since the 20th century. Soybeans can be grown on a variety of soils and a wide range of climates, ranging form tropical Brazil to the snowy island Hokkaido in the north of Japan. As soybeans mature in the pod, they ripen into a hard, dry bean. Although most soybeans are yellow, there are also rare varieties which are black, brown or green.In China, the soya bean has been cultivated and used in different ways for thousands of years. Soya was considered as one of the 5 holy crops, besides rice, wheat, barley and millet. Soya beans are very versatile: soya beans can be used as whole soya beans, soya sprouts, or processed as soya milk, tofu, tempeh, soya sauce or miso. Soya is also used as ingredient for non-food products, such as soy candles and biodiesel. Soy candles are b...
More About: Beans

The Dodo
2007-07-04 12:53:00
Dodo birds were once the inhabitants of Mauritius, a small, oyster-shaped island which lies approximately 500 miles east of Madagascar.Although many pictures and stories place the dodo along the shores of Mauritius, it was actually a forest-dwelling bird. The island of Mauritius is home to a variety of biomes, such as plains, small mountains, forests, and reefs all along the shores. However, the dodo made its home primarily in the forest.Our present day knowledge of what the dodo looked like is based on several sources. There are accounts from the diaries and writings of the sailors and captains who landed on Mauritius in the 16th and 17th century, drawings from the few humans who were able to witness them alive (although, it can't even be proven that all the artists who rendered the dodo ever actually saw one). There are a few fossils excavated from the island, which are kept at the British Museum, and a foot and a beak which are preserved at Oxford, but there are no complete stuf...
More About: The D

The Mediterranean Monk Seal
2007-07-04 12:51:00
Mediterranean monk seal is the most endangered pinniped species worldwide and is currently on the brink of extinction. Although formerly found all over the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and northwest African coast, the species' numbers have now been reduced to perhaps less than 400.The remaining individuals are found in remote and undisturbed areas around the Mediterranean Sea and northwest African coast. The most important populations are located in Mauritania / Western Sahara, Greece and Turkey, while small numbers are also present in Morocco, Algeria, Libya, the Portuguese Desertas Islands (Madeira), Croatia and Cyprus. Read more...More: Wikipedia, National Geographic, WeburbiaImage: WWF
More About: Monk , Seal , Endangered , Mediterranea , Mediterranean

Animal Of Note
2007-07-04 12:50:00
"In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful And your Lord inspired the bee: build homes in mountains and trees, and in (the hives) they build for you. Then eat from all the fruits, following the design of your Lord, precisely. From their bellies comes a drink of different colors, wherein there is healing for the people. This should be (sufficient) proof for people who reflect." The Quran [16:68-69]One of the most familiar insects in the world is the Honeybee. This member of the insect order Hymenoptera plays a key role in the human and natural world. More has been written about honeybees than any other species of insect. The human fascination with this insect began thousands of years ago when people discovered what wonderfully tasty stuff honey is! Read more...Read: Islamic Perspective On The BeesImage: Robert Silverwood's
More About: Animal , Note

The Beauty From Uganda
2007-07-04 12:45:00
Although still numerous in western Uganda , the kob is far less common now in other areas of East Africa. It was once found in western Kenya and northern Tanzania but has not been seen there in recent years. Kobs do still range across sub-Saharan Africa.The kob is similar in appearance to the impala, but the two species are not related. The Ugandan kob generally is reddish-brown, but other subspecies range from light brown to almost black. The underside of the body is white, a white ring appears around each eye, and a white patch or chevron appears on the throat; a black stripe runs down the front of each foreleg. Horns occur only in males, and though lyre-shaped, they are shorter, thicker and ringed almost to the tip. AWFDistribution is Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda, north eastern Zaire.The smooth, shiny coat ranges from golden brown to chestnut above, with the underparts bright white. The white-coloured facial markings include conspicuous eye rings, the insides of ears, and a thro...
More About: Beauty , Beau

Campaign Against Whaling
2007-07-04 12:43:00
Although commercial whaling has been banned since 1986, over 20,000 whales have been killed since the ban came into force. In addition, Japan and Norway have repeatedly announced their long-term intention of continuing whaling and resuming commercial trade in whale products.The technology used for killing whales has altered little since the 19th century, when the grenade tipped harpoon was invented. The harpoon is intended to penetrate the whale's body before detonating, killing it by inflicting massive shock or injury. Given the constantly moving environment in which whales live and are hunted, there are inherent difficulties in achieving a quick clean kill. Despite its destructive power, the whaler's harpoon often fails to kill its victim instantaneously and some whales take over an hour to die.Campaign Against WhalingImage: National Geographic

Polar Bear Status Report
2007-07-04 12:42:00
Polar bears are a potentially threatened species living in the circumpolar north. They are animals which know no boundaries. They pad across the ice from Russia to Alaska, from Canada to Greenland and onto Norway's Svalbard archipelago. No adequate census exists on which to base a worldwide population estimate, but biologists use a working figure of 20,000 to 25,000 bears with about sixty percent of those living in Canada. Read more...
More About: Polar Bear , Report , Status , Endangered , Polar

This Magnificent Colossus
2007-07-04 12:39:00
Description: Undoubtedly this magnificent colossus is the most frequently-discussed botanical phenomenon in Africa and its pre-historic appearance provides for one of the most dramatic landscapes Africa has to offer. Some specimens were possibly around before the birth of Christ, making them the oldest living relics of ancient times. Although many people think the Baobab tree is unique to Africa, six different species of Baobabs occur on the island of Madagascar, one of which is the same species that occurs in Africa. Botswana-tourismMore: Baobab Solutions
More About: Colossus , Majesty

Extinct?
2007-07-04 12:38:00
The Eskimo Curlew or Northern Curlew (Numenius borealis) was a medium-sized New World shorebird. It is believed to be extinct. Adults had long dark greyish legs and a long bill curved slightly downwards. The upperparts were mottled brown and the underparts were light brown. They showed cinnamon wing linings in flight. They were similar in appearance to the Hudsonian Curlew, the American subspecies of the Whimbrel, but smaller in size. In the field, the only certain way to distinguish the Eskimo Curlew are its unbarred undersides of the primaries (Townsend, 1933). Wikipedia
More About: Extinct

Animal Of Note
2007-07-04 12:36:00
Bonobos are humankind's closest relatives, along with chimpanzees, yet most people don't even know that bonobos exist! They live only in one country: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Bonobos were last great ape species to be discovered, and could be the first to go extinct if we do not act quickly to save them and their rainforest home. Bonobos stand apart from the other great apes in fascinating and important ways. But perhaps the most compelling aspect of bonobos is their society ... [More]Image: 0xDE's
More About: Animal , Note , Endangered