Giant isopods are one of the largest species of crustaceans. Found in the deep, cold Atlantic, the isopods seem to thrive here. First discovered in 1879 in the Gulf of Mexico by Alphonse Edwards, a French zoologist, it was a major and exciting discovery for both the public and scientists around the world. Due to their habitat it is very difficult to be caught, therefore they are of little use to the fishing industry. However in Taiwan, Isopods are boiled and served cut in half. The taste is similar to crab and lobster meat.
Growing to a size of between 7.5 and 15 inches, with a maximum weight of roughly 1.8 kilograms.
Giant isopods are a good example of deep sea creatures that are similar to unusual animals, such as Giant squid. Other isopods range from 0.39 to 2.0 inches, making this species one of the biggest by far. Isopods are very similar to the woodlouse. Their bodies are protected by a rigid, exoskeleton made of various segments. Like woodlouse, they are able to curl up into a "ball", where only the shell is visible. This provides protection for larger creatures that would eat them. Also, like the woodlouse, they have two sets of antennae.
Isopods are deep sea scavengers. Although some are found at roughly 170 meters, over 80% are found at between 365 and 730 meters. While leading solitary lives, meeting only to mate, they rummage through mainly clay and mud in order to find food.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Chinchilla
Similar to squirrels, these rodents are native to the Andes mountain range in South America. Named after the indigenous people of this mountain range its name literally translates into "little Chincha". Due to a large demand for their fur, chinchillas became very rare during the 19th century. Because of this most chinchillas are born on special farms, bred for domestic uses or in extreme uses- their fur.
Chinchillas were not a confirmed species until 1600's, when the first literature reference appeared in Seville written by a Father Jose de Acosta. Keeping chinchillas as domestic creatures was not thought of until a Jesuit Priest, Juan Molina, however the first successful attempt was not until 1900.
In their own habitat, chinchillas live in holes and cracks in rocks. They are brilliant jumpers and can jump extemely high, up to 1.5 metres. Animals in the wild that will hunt them include snakes, birds of prey and skunks . Chinchillas have some defensive tactics including urinating on attackers and losing fur if attacked. In their own habitat, chinchillas have been seen eating mainly plants and small insects, even though this diet could be fatal as chinchillas diet should be primarily hay-based.
In the wild, chinchillas live in large groups that act like colonies but are actually called herds. Chinchillas are not restricted to breeding at any time of the year. Due to a long pregnancy, chinchillas are born fully furred and with eyes open. Litters are usually small in number, predominately triplets or twins.
Similar to squirrels, these rodents are native to the Andes mountain range in South America. Named after the indigenous people of this mountain range its name literally translates into "little Chincha". Due to a large demand for their fur, chinchillas became very rare during the 19th century. Because of this most chinchillas are born on special farms, bred for domestic uses or in extreme uses- their fur.
Chinchillas were not a confirmed species until 1600's, when the first literature reference appeared in Seville written by a Father Jose de Acosta. Keeping chinchillas as domestic creatures was not thought of until a Jesuit Priest, Juan Molina, however the first successful attempt was not until 1900.
In their own habitat, chinchillas live in holes and cracks in rocks. They are brilliant jumpers and can jump extemely high, up to 1.5 metres. Animals in the wild that will hunt them include snakes, birds of prey and skunks . Chinchillas have some defensive tactics including urinating on attackers and losing fur if attacked. In their own habitat, chinchillas have been seen eating mainly plants and small insects, even though this diet could be fatal as chinchillas diet should be primarily hay-based.
In the wild, chinchillas live in large groups that act like colonies but are actually called herds. Chinchillas are not restricted to breeding at any time of the year. Due to a long pregnancy, chinchillas are born fully furred and with eyes open. Litters are usually small in number, predominately triplets or twins.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Giant Anaconda
Giant Anacondas
Giant Anacondas, or their latin name - Eunectes murinus, are a dangerous and carnivorous snakes. Found mainly in forests and junges of southern America, they are solatary and evasive creatures of which very few have been found.
Most reports of giant anacondas come from South America, in large, dense jungles such as Brazil and Venezuela, first discovered by European explorers from Spain and Portugal. Natives in jungles, like the Amazon, reported seeing anacondas of 10.5 meters plus however, although there have been many reports, no anaconda over 9 meters has ever been caught. The Wildlife Conservation Society has had a reward of 50,000 dollars since the early 20th century, however so far nobody has claimed the reward yet.
Many reports of anacondas have been made, mainly by scientists, however most of their accounts have been ridiculed.
They have extremly large stomachs and mouths capable of eating anything from rodents to jaguars. Although extremly rare, anacondas have been known to eat young native children who stray too far from there settlements.
Giant Anacondas, or their latin name - Eunectes murinus, are a dangerous and carnivorous snakes. Found mainly in forests and junges of southern America, they are solatary and evasive creatures of which very few have been found.
Most reports of giant anacondas come from South America, in large, dense jungles such as Brazil and Venezuela, first discovered by European explorers from Spain and Portugal. Natives in jungles, like the Amazon, reported seeing anacondas of 10.5 meters plus however, although there have been many reports, no anaconda over 9 meters has ever been caught. The Wildlife Conservation Society has had a reward of 50,000 dollars since the early 20th century, however so far nobody has claimed the reward yet.
Many reports of anacondas have been made, mainly by scientists, however most of their accounts have been ridiculed.
They have extremly large stomachs and mouths capable of eating anything from rodents to jaguars. Although extremly rare, anacondas have been known to eat young native children who stray too far from there settlements.
Monday, September 7, 2009
An Introduction to Wombats and Other Unusual Animals
Creating a blog is never an easy thing. Getting people to read it is even harder. Finding an interesting topic is harder again. So hopefully this is a good blog and i hope you enjoy it....
Wombats:
Wombats are marsupials found in the south east of Australia and Tasmania. They are small, four legged animals (normally a metre in length) with an extraordinarily small tail for an animal of that size, especially as most other animals use their for balance.
The name wombat was given to this small marsupial by the 'Eora' aboriginals occupying the area now surrounding Sydney in the 15th century. In the late 17th century, when the first settlers came to Australia from Ireland, England or as convicts, they believed wombats to be a rare sort of badger. As a result many areas in Southern Australia and Tasmania are named Badger Creek or Badger Corner are actually named after wombats.
Like many nocturnal animals, wombats dig large burrow systems with large front teeth reminiscent of rodents and large, sharp claws. Being marsupials, wombats have a pouch in which the young are kept. The only difference between wombats and other marsupials, like kangaroos and wallabies, is that the pouch is on the wombats back. This is because backwards-facing pouches prevent covering their young in dirt when digging. Although nocturnal, wombats will often go out to feed on cold or cloudy days.
Wombats:
Wombats are marsupials found in the south east of Australia and Tasmania. They are small, four legged animals (normally a metre in length) with an extraordinarily small tail for an animal of that size, especially as most other animals use their for balance.
The name wombat was given to this small marsupial by the 'Eora' aboriginals occupying the area now surrounding Sydney in the 15th century. In the late 17th century, when the first settlers came to Australia from Ireland, England or as convicts, they believed wombats to be a rare sort of badger. As a result many areas in Southern Australia and Tasmania are named Badger Creek or Badger Corner are actually named after wombats.
Like many nocturnal animals, wombats dig large burrow systems with large front teeth reminiscent of rodents and large, sharp claws. Being marsupials, wombats have a pouch in which the young are kept. The only difference between wombats and other marsupials, like kangaroos and wallabies, is that the pouch is on the wombats back. This is because backwards-facing pouches prevent covering their young in dirt when digging. Although nocturnal, wombats will often go out to feed on cold or cloudy days.
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