Humpback Whale (Megaptera Novaeangliae)
This large whale weighs an average of 30 tonnes, ranging in length from 12 to 16 metres. The female Humpback Whale is normally one or two metres longer than the male Humpback Whale. They have two blowholes. They range in colour from almost white through to gray and black. The word "Megaptera" translates to "huge wings" referring to the large flippers the whale possesses.
If a Humpback is spotted along the coast, it turns immediately into a great tourist attraction. Locals and visitors stop to see the amazing whale leap out of the water in gigantic somersaults, before crashing back through the sea. Other times they are known to roll on the surface of the water. When out of the water, they flap their flippers. An amazing sight to witness.
Humpbacks are found all over the world, however there are only about 2,500 remaining thus making this an endangered species world wide. Even with their huge size they still have predators. Killer Whales are known to attack Humpbacks, and unfortunately, so too are humans. These amazing creatures have been hunted to near extinction.
Did you know? A large humpback whale can weigh up to 60 tonnes!
The Humpback Whale has a bulky head with protuberances, which makes it easily identifiable. They usually travel in groups, travelling at around 10 km/h through the water. They have been reported to reach speeds of just over 25 km/h when threatened.
Humpbacks are known to be the most vocal of all whales, emitting long complex sounds. They also have the largest frequency range out of any other known whales, reaching 20 to 9,000 Hz.
indonesianfauna
Showing posts with label H. Show all posts
Showing posts with label H. Show all posts
Thursday, October 18, 2007
White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates Lar)
White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates Lar)
The White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar) is an endangered, tree-living primate. Because of hunting and clearing of the rainforests where they make their home, these animals are in danger of extinction. It is estimated that a mere 10% of their natural habitat remains, and most of this falls in protected sanctuaries. The young are often captured and sold as pets.
White-Handed Gibbons are found in the tropical rainforests of Indonesia, southern China, Burma, Malaysia, and Thailand. They are most often found in the treetops, swinging from branch to branch. They don’t build nests for sleeping like other apes, but, instead, they sleep sitting upright on a tree branch. Usually they have “sleeping trees” that are used every night by each group of gibbons and not used by any other groups. They are able to walk upright, using their long arms for balance, but they don’t use that form of transportation often and prefer to travel through the trees. They avoid crossing water as they don’t know how to swim. Gibbons travel in family groups which usually consist of a mated pair and their offspring. They are very territorial, sometimes holding areas of 30-100 acres.White-Handed Gibbons have very thick, soft fur that ranges in color from black to a reddish-tan. They have essentially hairless black faces which are ringed in white, and, true to their name, the upper parts of their hands are white with an opposable thumb. They have very long arms which are well suited for tree swinging. An adult gibbon can reach a height of 25 inches (63 cm) and a weight of 14 pounds (6 kg). They are tail-less and have coarse pads of skin on their rears that help protect and give comfort when they are sitting or sleeping on tree branches.
Primarily herbivorous, White-Handed Gibbons most often eat fruit and leaves, and they appear to be most fond of figs. However, they will eat insects, bird eggs, and the occasional bird, which they snatch out of the air as they swing by. They forage during the day, often stopping at more than 16 different trees to find food and will rest during the heat of the day.
Interesting Fact: White-Handed Gibbons often get their needed water by licking the moisture off of their fur after a rainstorm or by rubbing it on wet foliage. White-Handed Gibbons reach sexual maturity at six to eight years of age, when they leave the family groups to find their own mates. Female gibbons give birth to young every three to four years, and one baby is born at a time. The pregnancies last approximately 210 days, and the young gibbons are born nearly hairless, except for a small tuft of hair on the top of their heads. The young gibbons cling to their mothers night and day until they begin to swing through the trees at six months of age. They will stay close to their families, only leaving when they are of breeding age and are kicked out of the group by a parent. Communication in White-Handed Gibbons is extensive, relying mostly on lengthy calls that are very musical. They use these to communicate within the family groups and to protect their territories against other family groups. They use different tones to their voices to announce their presence, give details about who is in their family, the sex of the members, and whether or not there is a youngster about to leave the group. They also have a specific warning call that they use if there is danger.
indonesianfauna
The White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar) is an endangered, tree-living primate. Because of hunting and clearing of the rainforests where they make their home, these animals are in danger of extinction. It is estimated that a mere 10% of their natural habitat remains, and most of this falls in protected sanctuaries. The young are often captured and sold as pets.
White-Handed Gibbons are found in the tropical rainforests of Indonesia, southern China, Burma, Malaysia, and Thailand. They are most often found in the treetops, swinging from branch to branch. They don’t build nests for sleeping like other apes, but, instead, they sleep sitting upright on a tree branch. Usually they have “sleeping trees” that are used every night by each group of gibbons and not used by any other groups. They are able to walk upright, using their long arms for balance, but they don’t use that form of transportation often and prefer to travel through the trees. They avoid crossing water as they don’t know how to swim. Gibbons travel in family groups which usually consist of a mated pair and their offspring. They are very territorial, sometimes holding areas of 30-100 acres.White-Handed Gibbons have very thick, soft fur that ranges in color from black to a reddish-tan. They have essentially hairless black faces which are ringed in white, and, true to their name, the upper parts of their hands are white with an opposable thumb. They have very long arms which are well suited for tree swinging. An adult gibbon can reach a height of 25 inches (63 cm) and a weight of 14 pounds (6 kg). They are tail-less and have coarse pads of skin on their rears that help protect and give comfort when they are sitting or sleeping on tree branches.
Primarily herbivorous, White-Handed Gibbons most often eat fruit and leaves, and they appear to be most fond of figs. However, they will eat insects, bird eggs, and the occasional bird, which they snatch out of the air as they swing by. They forage during the day, often stopping at more than 16 different trees to find food and will rest during the heat of the day.
Interesting Fact: White-Handed Gibbons often get their needed water by licking the moisture off of their fur after a rainstorm or by rubbing it on wet foliage. White-Handed Gibbons reach sexual maturity at six to eight years of age, when they leave the family groups to find their own mates. Female gibbons give birth to young every three to four years, and one baby is born at a time. The pregnancies last approximately 210 days, and the young gibbons are born nearly hairless, except for a small tuft of hair on the top of their heads. The young gibbons cling to their mothers night and day until they begin to swing through the trees at six months of age. They will stay close to their families, only leaving when they are of breeding age and are kicked out of the group by a parent. Communication in White-Handed Gibbons is extensive, relying mostly on lengthy calls that are very musical. They use these to communicate within the family groups and to protect their territories against other family groups. They use different tones to their voices to announce their presence, give details about who is in their family, the sex of the members, and whether or not there is a youngster about to leave the group. They also have a specific warning call that they use if there is danger.
indonesianfauna
Sumatran Flying Squirrel (Hylopetes Winstoni)
Sumatran Flying Squirrel (Hylopetes Winstoni)
The Sumatran Flying Squirrel (Hylopetes winstoni) is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), partially due to their isolated location and partially due to clearing of the forests where they make their homes. The Sumatran Flying Squirrel lives in what is known as the Sundaland biodiversity hotspot, which is home to 82 threatened and 13 critically endangered species. Unfortunately, little is known about this species in particular as not a lot of research has been done in their natural habitats.
The Sumatran Flying Squirrel is only found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, discovered in 1949 and only known by a single specimen. Flying squirrels usually live in hollows of trees, sometimes taking nests of other animals, and they are most often found in dense, forested areas. They are also nocturnal animals, spending the days holed up in their nests and coming out at night on a hunt for food. Unfortunately, there is no current estimate of how many of these animals are currently living in the wild. Flying squirrels don’t “fly” in the traditional sense, rather they have membranes that run along their sides, attached to the wrists and ankles. They typically use these membranes to glide from upper branches of trees to the lower branches, although some have been seen to flap these membranes, often with an almost frenzied motion. It is not certain whether this actually gives any benefit, however. The Sumatran Flying Squirrel is classified as an Arrow-Tailed Flying Squirrel. Some larger flying squirrels have been recorded gliding extreme lengths, up to 1500 feet (450 meters). Reported glides for an arrow-tailed squirrel, however, have been recorded at up to 443 feet (135 meters).
In general, flying squirrels vary in size, ranging from 4-10 inches (110-330 mm) in length. They have a relatively long, flattened tail that can measure anywhere from 3-11 inches (80-292 mm) curves up at the tip, and helps them in controlling the glide. Unlike other kinds of flying squirrels, the Arrow-Tailed flying squirrels don’t have a membrane that attaches to the tail. They are covered with soft, thick fur that ranges in color from grayish-brown to black.
Flying squirrels are omnivorous, eating fruits, nuts, leaves, insects and, sometimes, small snakes. One species of flying squirrel is very fond of spiders, crickets, and locusts, and a squirrel in captivity caught, killed, and consumed a small snake that was placed in its cage. Unfortunately, little is known about the Sumatran Flying Squirrel’s preferred diet. Arrow-tailed flying squirrels don’t seem to have a specific breeding season, but there does appear to be a triggering event as the females in a particular area tend to be pregnant at the same time. The gestational period is estimated to be about 40 days, and each litter can be between one and four young, but two is the average number of young born at one time. Because of the limited field research on this small animal, there is no reproductive information available that is specific to the species.
indonesianfauna
The Sumatran Flying Squirrel (Hylopetes winstoni) is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), partially due to their isolated location and partially due to clearing of the forests where they make their homes. The Sumatran Flying Squirrel lives in what is known as the Sundaland biodiversity hotspot, which is home to 82 threatened and 13 critically endangered species. Unfortunately, little is known about this species in particular as not a lot of research has been done in their natural habitats.
The Sumatran Flying Squirrel is only found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, discovered in 1949 and only known by a single specimen. Flying squirrels usually live in hollows of trees, sometimes taking nests of other animals, and they are most often found in dense, forested areas. They are also nocturnal animals, spending the days holed up in their nests and coming out at night on a hunt for food. Unfortunately, there is no current estimate of how many of these animals are currently living in the wild. Flying squirrels don’t “fly” in the traditional sense, rather they have membranes that run along their sides, attached to the wrists and ankles. They typically use these membranes to glide from upper branches of trees to the lower branches, although some have been seen to flap these membranes, often with an almost frenzied motion. It is not certain whether this actually gives any benefit, however. The Sumatran Flying Squirrel is classified as an Arrow-Tailed Flying Squirrel. Some larger flying squirrels have been recorded gliding extreme lengths, up to 1500 feet (450 meters). Reported glides for an arrow-tailed squirrel, however, have been recorded at up to 443 feet (135 meters).
In general, flying squirrels vary in size, ranging from 4-10 inches (110-330 mm) in length. They have a relatively long, flattened tail that can measure anywhere from 3-11 inches (80-292 mm) curves up at the tip, and helps them in controlling the glide. Unlike other kinds of flying squirrels, the Arrow-Tailed flying squirrels don’t have a membrane that attaches to the tail. They are covered with soft, thick fur that ranges in color from grayish-brown to black.
Flying squirrels are omnivorous, eating fruits, nuts, leaves, insects and, sometimes, small snakes. One species of flying squirrel is very fond of spiders, crickets, and locusts, and a squirrel in captivity caught, killed, and consumed a small snake that was placed in its cage. Unfortunately, little is known about the Sumatran Flying Squirrel’s preferred diet. Arrow-tailed flying squirrels don’t seem to have a specific breeding season, but there does appear to be a triggering event as the females in a particular area tend to be pregnant at the same time. The gestational period is estimated to be about 40 days, and each litter can be between one and four young, but two is the average number of young born at one time. Because of the limited field research on this small animal, there is no reproductive information available that is specific to the species.
indonesianfauna
Sun Bear (Helarctos Malayanus)
Sun Bear (Helarctos Malayanus)
The Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest bear in the world, but it is also considered by many to be the fiercest. It is currently listed as endangered, mostly due to hunting. In many countries, bile from the gallbladders of Sun Bears is praised for its medicinal qualities, and their paws are used for soup. In some countries, Sun Bears are kept as pets.
Sun bears are only found in southeast Asia. They are extremely good climbers, often found in the treetops. Because of this, Sun Bears are known as “basindo nan tenggil” in Malay, which translates to “he who likes to sit high.” There is evidence to suggest that the bears spend a great deal of time in the treetops, even sleeping up high in the trees. They are nocturnal, resting and enjoying the sunlight during the day, and do not hibernate as other bears do and are active all year. As not much study has been done on these bears, no one is certain how many actually still exist in the wild.The Sun Bear’s small size, with the males only growing to reach about 145 pounds (65 kg) and the females only reaching 60 pounds (30 kg), makes them very distinctive. They have dark brown to black fur, which is very thick, and their skin is actually loose, which allows them to turn and bite when attacked and held by a predator. The bear’s muzzle is very short and is lighter than the rest of the fur, sometimes ranging to a light orange color. Their most distinctive feature is the crescent-shaped patch of fur on the chest that ranges from white to golden yellow. They have very long claws, which help them to climb trees. At sometimes up to 6 inches (15 cm), these claws are also used to defend against the bear’s natural predators.
Did You Know: The Sun Bear is named for the patch of fur on their chests which was once thought to resemble a rising or setting sun?
Sun Bears are complete omnivores. They have very long tongues that allow them to get to hard to reach honey and insects. They have been known to eat termites, birds, small animals, honey, and fruit, and, as their habitats decline and food become scarce, it is not unusual for a wild Sun Bear to raid commercial crops, such as oil palms. Due to their decreased numbers and lack of information, not much is known about their breeding and reproductive patterns, unfortunately. It seems that they reach full sexual maturity at about three years in the female and four years in the male. There are many differing reports as to the gestational period for the Sun Bear. Nothing is known about their reproductive habits in the wild, but, in captivity, most Sun Bears give birth after a length of only 95-96 days. There doesn’t appear to be a peak mating season, as these bears seem to give birth throughout the year. They usually bear litters of two or three cubs, and these cubs are nursed until about 18 months of age, but they tend to stick with their mothers until they are fully mature and ready to mate.
indonesianfauna
The Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest bear in the world, but it is also considered by many to be the fiercest. It is currently listed as endangered, mostly due to hunting. In many countries, bile from the gallbladders of Sun Bears is praised for its medicinal qualities, and their paws are used for soup. In some countries, Sun Bears are kept as pets.
Sun bears are only found in southeast Asia. They are extremely good climbers, often found in the treetops. Because of this, Sun Bears are known as “basindo nan tenggil” in Malay, which translates to “he who likes to sit high.” There is evidence to suggest that the bears spend a great deal of time in the treetops, even sleeping up high in the trees. They are nocturnal, resting and enjoying the sunlight during the day, and do not hibernate as other bears do and are active all year. As not much study has been done on these bears, no one is certain how many actually still exist in the wild.The Sun Bear’s small size, with the males only growing to reach about 145 pounds (65 kg) and the females only reaching 60 pounds (30 kg), makes them very distinctive. They have dark brown to black fur, which is very thick, and their skin is actually loose, which allows them to turn and bite when attacked and held by a predator. The bear’s muzzle is very short and is lighter than the rest of the fur, sometimes ranging to a light orange color. Their most distinctive feature is the crescent-shaped patch of fur on the chest that ranges from white to golden yellow. They have very long claws, which help them to climb trees. At sometimes up to 6 inches (15 cm), these claws are also used to defend against the bear’s natural predators.
Did You Know: The Sun Bear is named for the patch of fur on their chests which was once thought to resemble a rising or setting sun?
Sun Bears are complete omnivores. They have very long tongues that allow them to get to hard to reach honey and insects. They have been known to eat termites, birds, small animals, honey, and fruit, and, as their habitats decline and food become scarce, it is not unusual for a wild Sun Bear to raid commercial crops, such as oil palms. Due to their decreased numbers and lack of information, not much is known about their breeding and reproductive patterns, unfortunately. It seems that they reach full sexual maturity at about three years in the female and four years in the male. There are many differing reports as to the gestational period for the Sun Bear. Nothing is known about their reproductive habits in the wild, but, in captivity, most Sun Bears give birth after a length of only 95-96 days. There doesn’t appear to be a peak mating season, as these bears seem to give birth throughout the year. They usually bear litters of two or three cubs, and these cubs are nursed until about 18 months of age, but they tend to stick with their mothers until they are fully mature and ready to mate.
indonesianfauna
Humpback Whale (Megaptera Novaeangliae)
Humpback Whale (Megaptera Novaeangliae)
This large whale weighs an average of 30 tonnes, ranging in length from 12 to 16 metres. The female Humpback Whale is normally one or two metres longer than the male Humpback Whale. They have two blowholes. They range in colour from almost white through to gray and black. The word "Megaptera" translates to "huge wings" referring to the large flippers the whale possesses.
If a Humpback is spotted along the coast, it turns immediately into a great tourist attraction. Locals and visitors stop to see the amazing whale leap out of the water in gigantic somersaults, before crashing back through the sea. Other times they are known to roll on the surface of the water. When out of the water, they flap their flippers. An amazing sight to witness.
Humpbacks are found all over the world, however there are only about 2,500 remaining thus making this an endangered species world wide. Even with their huge size they still have predators. Killer Whales are known to attack Humpbacks, and unfortunately, so too are humans. These amazing creatures have been hunted to near extinction.
Did you know? A large humpback whale can weigh up to 60 tonnes!
The Humpback Whale has a bulky head with protuberances, which makes it easily identifiable. They usually travel in groups, travelling at around 10 km/h through the water. They have been reported to reach speeds of just over 25 km/h when threatened.
Humpbacks are known to be the most vocal of all whales, emitting long complex sounds. They also have the largest frequency range out of any other known whales, reaching 20 to 9,000 Hz.
indonesianfauna
This large whale weighs an average of 30 tonnes, ranging in length from 12 to 16 metres. The female Humpback Whale is normally one or two metres longer than the male Humpback Whale. They have two blowholes. They range in colour from almost white through to gray and black. The word "Megaptera" translates to "huge wings" referring to the large flippers the whale possesses.
If a Humpback is spotted along the coast, it turns immediately into a great tourist attraction. Locals and visitors stop to see the amazing whale leap out of the water in gigantic somersaults, before crashing back through the sea. Other times they are known to roll on the surface of the water. When out of the water, they flap their flippers. An amazing sight to witness.
Humpbacks are found all over the world, however there are only about 2,500 remaining thus making this an endangered species world wide. Even with their huge size they still have predators. Killer Whales are known to attack Humpbacks, and unfortunately, so too are humans. These amazing creatures have been hunted to near extinction.
Did you know? A large humpback whale can weigh up to 60 tonnes!
The Humpback Whale has a bulky head with protuberances, which makes it easily identifiable. They usually travel in groups, travelling at around 10 km/h through the water. They have been reported to reach speeds of just over 25 km/h when threatened.
Humpbacks are known to be the most vocal of all whales, emitting long complex sounds. They also have the largest frequency range out of any other known whales, reaching 20 to 9,000 Hz.
indonesianfauna
White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates Lar)
White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates Lar)
The White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar) is an endangered, tree-living primate. Because of hunting and clearing of the rainforests where they make their home, these animals are in danger of extinction. It is estimated that a mere 10% of their natural habitat remains, and most of this falls in protected sanctuaries. The young are often captured and sold as pets.
White-Handed Gibbons are found in the tropical rainforests of Indonesia, southern China, Burma, Malaysia, and Thailand. They are most often found in the treetops, swinging from branch to branch. They don’t build nests for sleeping like other apes, but, instead, they sleep sitting upright on a tree branch. Usually they have “sleeping trees” that are used every night by each group of gibbons and not used by any other groups. They are able to walk upright, using their long arms for balance, but they don’t use that form of transportation often and prefer to travel through the trees. They avoid crossing water as they don’t know how to swim. Gibbons travel in family groups which usually consist of a mated pair and their offspring. They are very territorial, sometimes holding areas of 30-100 acres.White-Handed Gibbons have very thick, soft fur that ranges in color from black to a reddish-tan. They have essentially hairless black faces which are ringed in white, and, true to their name, the upper parts of their hands are white with an opposable thumb. They have very long arms which are well suited for tree swinging. An adult gibbon can reach a height of 25 inches (63 cm) and a weight of 14 pounds (6 kg). They are tail-less and have coarse pads of skin on their rears that help protect and give comfort when they are sitting or sleeping on tree branches.
Primarily herbivorous, White-Handed Gibbons most often eat fruit and leaves, and they appear to be most fond of figs. However, they will eat insects, bird eggs, and the occasional bird, which they snatch out of the air as they swing by. They forage during the day, often stopping at more than 16 different trees to find food and will rest during the heat of the day.
Interesting Fact: White-Handed Gibbons often get their needed water by licking the moisture off of their fur after a rainstorm or by rubbing it on wet foliage. White-Handed Gibbons reach sexual maturity at six to eight years of age, when they leave the family groups to find their own mates. Female gibbons give birth to young every three to four years, and one baby is born at a time. The pregnancies last approximately 210 days, and the young gibbons are born nearly hairless, except for a small tuft of hair on the top of their heads. The young gibbons cling to their mothers night and day until they begin to swing through the trees at six months of age. They will stay close to their families, only leaving when they are of breeding age and are kicked out of the group by a parent. Communication in White-Handed Gibbons is extensive, relying mostly on lengthy calls that are very musical. They use these to communicate within the family groups and to protect their territories against other family groups. They use different tones to their voices to announce their presence, give details about who is in their family, the sex of the members, and whether or not there is a youngster about to leave the group. They also have a specific warning call that they use if there is danger.
indonesianfauna
The White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar) is an endangered, tree-living primate. Because of hunting and clearing of the rainforests where they make their home, these animals are in danger of extinction. It is estimated that a mere 10% of their natural habitat remains, and most of this falls in protected sanctuaries. The young are often captured and sold as pets.
White-Handed Gibbons are found in the tropical rainforests of Indonesia, southern China, Burma, Malaysia, and Thailand. They are most often found in the treetops, swinging from branch to branch. They don’t build nests for sleeping like other apes, but, instead, they sleep sitting upright on a tree branch. Usually they have “sleeping trees” that are used every night by each group of gibbons and not used by any other groups. They are able to walk upright, using their long arms for balance, but they don’t use that form of transportation often and prefer to travel through the trees. They avoid crossing water as they don’t know how to swim. Gibbons travel in family groups which usually consist of a mated pair and their offspring. They are very territorial, sometimes holding areas of 30-100 acres.White-Handed Gibbons have very thick, soft fur that ranges in color from black to a reddish-tan. They have essentially hairless black faces which are ringed in white, and, true to their name, the upper parts of their hands are white with an opposable thumb. They have very long arms which are well suited for tree swinging. An adult gibbon can reach a height of 25 inches (63 cm) and a weight of 14 pounds (6 kg). They are tail-less and have coarse pads of skin on their rears that help protect and give comfort when they are sitting or sleeping on tree branches.
Primarily herbivorous, White-Handed Gibbons most often eat fruit and leaves, and they appear to be most fond of figs. However, they will eat insects, bird eggs, and the occasional bird, which they snatch out of the air as they swing by. They forage during the day, often stopping at more than 16 different trees to find food and will rest during the heat of the day.
Interesting Fact: White-Handed Gibbons often get their needed water by licking the moisture off of their fur after a rainstorm or by rubbing it on wet foliage. White-Handed Gibbons reach sexual maturity at six to eight years of age, when they leave the family groups to find their own mates. Female gibbons give birth to young every three to four years, and one baby is born at a time. The pregnancies last approximately 210 days, and the young gibbons are born nearly hairless, except for a small tuft of hair on the top of their heads. The young gibbons cling to their mothers night and day until they begin to swing through the trees at six months of age. They will stay close to their families, only leaving when they are of breeding age and are kicked out of the group by a parent. Communication in White-Handed Gibbons is extensive, relying mostly on lengthy calls that are very musical. They use these to communicate within the family groups and to protect their territories against other family groups. They use different tones to their voices to announce their presence, give details about who is in their family, the sex of the members, and whether or not there is a youngster about to leave the group. They also have a specific warning call that they use if there is danger.
indonesianfauna
Sumatran Flying Squirrel (Hylopetes Winstoni)
Sumatran Flying Squirrel (Hylopetes Winstoni)
The Sumatran Flying Squirrel (Hylopetes winstoni) is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), partially due to their isolated location and partially due to clearing of the forests where they make their homes. The Sumatran Flying Squirrel lives in what is known as the Sundaland biodiversity hotspot, which is home to 82 threatened and 13 critically endangered species. Unfortunately, little is known about this species in particular as not a lot of research has been done in their natural habitats.
The Sumatran Flying Squirrel is only found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, discovered in 1949 and only known by a single specimen. Flying squirrels usually live in hollows of trees, sometimes taking nests of other animals, and they are most often found in dense, forested areas. They are also nocturnal animals, spending the days holed up in their nests and coming out at night on a hunt for food. Unfortunately, there is no current estimate of how many of these animals are currently living in the wild. Flying squirrels don’t “fly” in the traditional sense, rather they have membranes that run along their sides, attached to the wrists and ankles. They typically use these membranes to glide from upper branches of trees to the lower branches, although some have been seen to flap these membranes, often with an almost frenzied motion. It is not certain whether this actually gives any benefit, however. The Sumatran Flying Squirrel is classified as an Arrow-Tailed Flying Squirrel. Some larger flying squirrels have been recorded gliding extreme lengths, up to 1500 feet (450 meters). Reported glides for an arrow-tailed squirrel, however, have been recorded at up to 443 feet (135 meters).
In general, flying squirrels vary in size, ranging from 4-10 inches (110-330 mm) in length. They have a relatively long, flattened tail that can measure anywhere from 3-11 inches (80-292 mm) curves up at the tip, and helps them in controlling the glide. Unlike other kinds of flying squirrels, the Arrow-Tailed flying squirrels don’t have a membrane that attaches to the tail. They are covered with soft, thick fur that ranges in color from grayish-brown to black.
Flying squirrels are omnivorous, eating fruits, nuts, leaves, insects and, sometimes, small snakes. One species of flying squirrel is very fond of spiders, crickets, and locusts, and a squirrel in captivity caught, killed, and consumed a small snake that was placed in its cage. Unfortunately, little is known about the Sumatran Flying Squirrel’s preferred diet. Arrow-tailed flying squirrels don’t seem to have a specific breeding season, but there does appear to be a triggering event as the females in a particular area tend to be pregnant at the same time. The gestational period is estimated to be about 40 days, and each litter can be between one and four young, but two is the average number of young born at one time. Because of the limited field research on this small animal, there is no reproductive information available that is specific to the species.
indonesianfauna
The Sumatran Flying Squirrel (Hylopetes winstoni) is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), partially due to their isolated location and partially due to clearing of the forests where they make their homes. The Sumatran Flying Squirrel lives in what is known as the Sundaland biodiversity hotspot, which is home to 82 threatened and 13 critically endangered species. Unfortunately, little is known about this species in particular as not a lot of research has been done in their natural habitats.
The Sumatran Flying Squirrel is only found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, discovered in 1949 and only known by a single specimen. Flying squirrels usually live in hollows of trees, sometimes taking nests of other animals, and they are most often found in dense, forested areas. They are also nocturnal animals, spending the days holed up in their nests and coming out at night on a hunt for food. Unfortunately, there is no current estimate of how many of these animals are currently living in the wild. Flying squirrels don’t “fly” in the traditional sense, rather they have membranes that run along their sides, attached to the wrists and ankles. They typically use these membranes to glide from upper branches of trees to the lower branches, although some have been seen to flap these membranes, often with an almost frenzied motion. It is not certain whether this actually gives any benefit, however. The Sumatran Flying Squirrel is classified as an Arrow-Tailed Flying Squirrel. Some larger flying squirrels have been recorded gliding extreme lengths, up to 1500 feet (450 meters). Reported glides for an arrow-tailed squirrel, however, have been recorded at up to 443 feet (135 meters).
In general, flying squirrels vary in size, ranging from 4-10 inches (110-330 mm) in length. They have a relatively long, flattened tail that can measure anywhere from 3-11 inches (80-292 mm) curves up at the tip, and helps them in controlling the glide. Unlike other kinds of flying squirrels, the Arrow-Tailed flying squirrels don’t have a membrane that attaches to the tail. They are covered with soft, thick fur that ranges in color from grayish-brown to black.
Flying squirrels are omnivorous, eating fruits, nuts, leaves, insects and, sometimes, small snakes. One species of flying squirrel is very fond of spiders, crickets, and locusts, and a squirrel in captivity caught, killed, and consumed a small snake that was placed in its cage. Unfortunately, little is known about the Sumatran Flying Squirrel’s preferred diet. Arrow-tailed flying squirrels don’t seem to have a specific breeding season, but there does appear to be a triggering event as the females in a particular area tend to be pregnant at the same time. The gestational period is estimated to be about 40 days, and each litter can be between one and four young, but two is the average number of young born at one time. Because of the limited field research on this small animal, there is no reproductive information available that is specific to the species.
indonesianfauna
Silvery Gibbon (Hylobates Moloch)
Silvery Gibbon (Hylobates Moloch)
The Silvery Gibbon
The Silvery Gibbon (Hylobates moloch) is currently listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are in danger mostly because of commercial clearing of the forest where they live. It is estimated that only 4% of their original native habitat is still available to the species. They are, of course, in danger from poachers who sell their meat, pelts, and take the babies for pets.
The Silvery Gibbon is only found on the island of Java in Indonesia. Because of their isolated location, it is estimated that there are less than 2000 of these animals currently living in the wild. They are usually found in the upper reaches of trees, and they travel in small family groups that consist of a mated pair and their offspring in various stages of development. They travel by swinging from branch to branch, using their long fingers to hook the branches as they swing forward for the next branch. At times, their swings are so powerful that it allows them to be completely airborne and reach greater distances in one swing. Gibbons are able to walk on the ground if they need to, and they walk on two legs, holding their arms up above their heads to help balance. In each family’s territory, there are trees that are used for specific purposes, like sleeping and calling. They repeatedly use the same trees for these functions. Interesting Fact: Every morning, the female Silvery Gibbon will arise and announce her presence to the forest by shrieking and calling. These calls can be heard for at least a kilometer in all directions.
Silvery Gibbons, as their name suggests, are fluffy with grayish-white fur. The fur is very long and dark gray on the top of their round heads. The arms are extremely long, the span at least twice their height, and they are very slender, which allows them to travel through the trees more easily. The average weight for an adult Silvery Gibbon is approximately 13 pounds (6 kg), and the males and females are very similar in appearance and size.
Silvery Gibbons exist primarily on fruit. Since fruit-bearing trees are usually scattered in the jungle, they must travel extensively to find food, and each gibbon family usually has a territory that they travel through that averages about 42 acres (17 hectares). Sometimes these territories will overlap, allowing several families to share the same fruit trees. They have also been known to eat flowers and leaves.Silvery Gibbons mate for life, and the female will produce offspring about every two to three years. Pregnancies usually last seven to eight months, and only one baby gibbon is born at a time. Gibbons are born essentially hairless with only a small tuft of hair on the top of their heads. Gibbon families are usually very closely linked, and they stay close together when traveling. Adolescent gibbons will stay with the family until they are ready to get off on their own and find a mate. If threatened in their territories, the gibbon female will sing and scream while the male chases off the intruder, usually with a lot of noise and crashing through branches.
indonesianfauna
The Silvery Gibbon
The Silvery Gibbon (Hylobates moloch) is currently listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are in danger mostly because of commercial clearing of the forest where they live. It is estimated that only 4% of their original native habitat is still available to the species. They are, of course, in danger from poachers who sell their meat, pelts, and take the babies for pets.
The Silvery Gibbon is only found on the island of Java in Indonesia. Because of their isolated location, it is estimated that there are less than 2000 of these animals currently living in the wild. They are usually found in the upper reaches of trees, and they travel in small family groups that consist of a mated pair and their offspring in various stages of development. They travel by swinging from branch to branch, using their long fingers to hook the branches as they swing forward for the next branch. At times, their swings are so powerful that it allows them to be completely airborne and reach greater distances in one swing. Gibbons are able to walk on the ground if they need to, and they walk on two legs, holding their arms up above their heads to help balance. In each family’s territory, there are trees that are used for specific purposes, like sleeping and calling. They repeatedly use the same trees for these functions. Interesting Fact: Every morning, the female Silvery Gibbon will arise and announce her presence to the forest by shrieking and calling. These calls can be heard for at least a kilometer in all directions.
Silvery Gibbons, as their name suggests, are fluffy with grayish-white fur. The fur is very long and dark gray on the top of their round heads. The arms are extremely long, the span at least twice their height, and they are very slender, which allows them to travel through the trees more easily. The average weight for an adult Silvery Gibbon is approximately 13 pounds (6 kg), and the males and females are very similar in appearance and size.
Silvery Gibbons exist primarily on fruit. Since fruit-bearing trees are usually scattered in the jungle, they must travel extensively to find food, and each gibbon family usually has a territory that they travel through that averages about 42 acres (17 hectares). Sometimes these territories will overlap, allowing several families to share the same fruit trees. They have also been known to eat flowers and leaves.Silvery Gibbons mate for life, and the female will produce offspring about every two to three years. Pregnancies usually last seven to eight months, and only one baby gibbon is born at a time. Gibbons are born essentially hairless with only a small tuft of hair on the top of their heads. Gibbon families are usually very closely linked, and they stay close together when traveling. Adolescent gibbons will stay with the family until they are ready to get off on their own and find a mate. If threatened in their territories, the gibbon female will sing and scream while the male chases off the intruder, usually with a lot of noise and crashing through branches.
indonesianfauna
White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates Lar)
White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates Lar)
The White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar) is an endangered, tree-living primate. Because of hunting and clearing of the rainforests where they make their home, these animals are in danger of extinction. It is estimated that a mere 10% of their natural habitat remains, and most of this falls in protected sanctuaries. The young are often captured and sold as pets.
White-Handed Gibbons are found in the tropical rainforests of Indonesia, southern China, Burma, Malaysia, and Thailand. They are most often found in the treetops, swinging from branch to branch. They don’t build nests for sleeping like other apes, but, instead, they sleep sitting upright on a tree branch. Usually they have “sleeping trees” that are used every night by each group of gibbons and not used by any other groups. They are able to walk upright, using their long arms for balance, but they don’t use that form of transportation often and prefer to travel through the trees. They avoid crossing water as they don’t know how to swim. Gibbons travel in family groups which usually consist of a mated pair and their offspring. They are very territorial, sometimes holding areas of 30-100 acres.White-Handed Gibbons have very thick, soft fur that ranges in color from black to a reddish-tan. They have essentially hairless black faces which are ringed in white, and, true to their name, the upper parts of their hands are white with an opposable thumb. They have very long arms which are well suited for tree swinging. An adult gibbon can reach a height of 25 inches (63 cm) and a weight of 14 pounds (6 kg). They are tail-less and have coarse pads of skin on their rears that help protect and give comfort when they are sitting or sleeping on tree branches.
Primarily herbivorous, White-Handed Gibbons most often eat fruit and leaves, and they appear to be most fond of figs. However, they will eat insects, bird eggs, and the occasional bird, which they snatch out of the air as they swing by. They forage during the day, often stopping at more than 16 different trees to find food and will rest during the heat of the day.
Interesting Fact: White-Handed Gibbons often get their needed water by licking the moisture off of their fur after a rainstorm or by rubbing it on wet foliage. White-Handed Gibbons reach sexual maturity at six to eight years of age, when they leave the family groups to find their own mates. Female gibbons give birth to young every three to four years, and one baby is born at a time. The pregnancies last approximately 210 days, and the young gibbons are born nearly hairless, except for a small tuft of hair on the top of their heads. The young gibbons cling to their mothers night and day until they begin to swing through the trees at six months of age. They will stay close to their families, only leaving when they are of breeding age and are kicked out of the group by a parent. Communication in White-Handed Gibbons is extensive, relying mostly on lengthy calls that are very musical. They use these to communicate within the family groups and to protect their territories against other family groups. They use different tones to their voices to announce their presence, give details about who is in their family, the sex of the members, and whether or not there is a youngster about to leave the group. They also have a specific warning call that they use if there is danger.
indonesianfauna
The White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar) is an endangered, tree-living primate. Because of hunting and clearing of the rainforests where they make their home, these animals are in danger of extinction. It is estimated that a mere 10% of their natural habitat remains, and most of this falls in protected sanctuaries. The young are often captured and sold as pets.
White-Handed Gibbons are found in the tropical rainforests of Indonesia, southern China, Burma, Malaysia, and Thailand. They are most often found in the treetops, swinging from branch to branch. They don’t build nests for sleeping like other apes, but, instead, they sleep sitting upright on a tree branch. Usually they have “sleeping trees” that are used every night by each group of gibbons and not used by any other groups. They are able to walk upright, using their long arms for balance, but they don’t use that form of transportation often and prefer to travel through the trees. They avoid crossing water as they don’t know how to swim. Gibbons travel in family groups which usually consist of a mated pair and their offspring. They are very territorial, sometimes holding areas of 30-100 acres.White-Handed Gibbons have very thick, soft fur that ranges in color from black to a reddish-tan. They have essentially hairless black faces which are ringed in white, and, true to their name, the upper parts of their hands are white with an opposable thumb. They have very long arms which are well suited for tree swinging. An adult gibbon can reach a height of 25 inches (63 cm) and a weight of 14 pounds (6 kg). They are tail-less and have coarse pads of skin on their rears that help protect and give comfort when they are sitting or sleeping on tree branches.
Primarily herbivorous, White-Handed Gibbons most often eat fruit and leaves, and they appear to be most fond of figs. However, they will eat insects, bird eggs, and the occasional bird, which they snatch out of the air as they swing by. They forage during the day, often stopping at more than 16 different trees to find food and will rest during the heat of the day.
Interesting Fact: White-Handed Gibbons often get their needed water by licking the moisture off of their fur after a rainstorm or by rubbing it on wet foliage. White-Handed Gibbons reach sexual maturity at six to eight years of age, when they leave the family groups to find their own mates. Female gibbons give birth to young every three to four years, and one baby is born at a time. The pregnancies last approximately 210 days, and the young gibbons are born nearly hairless, except for a small tuft of hair on the top of their heads. The young gibbons cling to their mothers night and day until they begin to swing through the trees at six months of age. They will stay close to their families, only leaving when they are of breeding age and are kicked out of the group by a parent. Communication in White-Handed Gibbons is extensive, relying mostly on lengthy calls that are very musical. They use these to communicate within the family groups and to protect their territories against other family groups. They use different tones to their voices to announce their presence, give details about who is in their family, the sex of the members, and whether or not there is a youngster about to leave the group. They also have a specific warning call that they use if there is danger.
indonesianfauna
Dwarf Gymnure (Hylomys Parvus)
Dwarf Gymnure (Hylomys Parvus)
The Dwarf Gymnure (Hylomys parvus) is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Gymnures are cousins of the hedgehog, sometimes called furred hedgehogs, and are insectivores. The Dwarf Gymnure was first discovered in 1918, but it was not considered a valid species until it was more fully studied in 1994.
Now, it is in danger because it is in a very limited location, and its habitat is rapidly being cleared. Little is known about the Dwarf Gymnure, partially because of their scarcity and the remoteness of their location. They do intermix with the Lesser Gymnure, however, in the lower parts of the moss forest that they live in, and their appearance is very similar to the Lesser Gymnure. Interesting Fact: Gymnures and hedgehogs have been noted to be modern animals that are most similar to the very earliest mammals. The Dwarf Gymnure has only been located on Mount Kerinci, which is on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. They live in a moss forest at the peak of the mountain. A moss forest is a high-elevation rainforest where the trees and ground are covered in a thick carpet of moss. Lesser Gymnures use regularly-traveled paths on their hunts for food, and they usually build themselves a nest on the forest floor in a pile of leaves or under a rock. They are good climbers, but they appear to stay on the ground as much as possible and can be very speedy when they are threatened.
The Dwarf Gymnure slightly resembles a hedgehog, but it has soft, silky fur rather than spines. They are small animals, with the length, not including a 1/2 to 1 inch (12-30 mm) long tail, only being about 4-5 inches (105-146 mm). The weight is uncertain and has been reported at 45-80 gm and 15-20 gm. The fur is a rust-brown color that verges to gray or yellow on its underbelly. It also has a long snout. The gymnure, especially the Lesser Gymnure, has an associated foul odor, especially when they feel threatened.
Gymnures are insectivores, meaning that they eat invertebrates, mostly insects. Lesser Gymnures have been noted to eat earthworms and insects, and they may also eat fruit for extra supplementation. They appear to have home ranges that are approximately 40 meters in diameter, and they can be seen foraging at infrequent times throughout the day and night. They find their food by rummaging through the leaves and other litter on the forest floor with their mobile snout. It is estimated that gymnures in the wild are able to live about two years. There doesn’t seem to be any specific part of the year that is prime for breeding as they have been noted to breed throughout the year. The gestation period is approximately 30-35 days, and the mother gymnure can give birth to litters of two to three babies at a time. They are noted to be relatively solitary creatures, but sometimes are found in very small groups, with only two or three animals together at once.
indonesianfauna
The Dwarf Gymnure (Hylomys parvus) is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Gymnures are cousins of the hedgehog, sometimes called furred hedgehogs, and are insectivores. The Dwarf Gymnure was first discovered in 1918, but it was not considered a valid species until it was more fully studied in 1994.
Now, it is in danger because it is in a very limited location, and its habitat is rapidly being cleared. Little is known about the Dwarf Gymnure, partially because of their scarcity and the remoteness of their location. They do intermix with the Lesser Gymnure, however, in the lower parts of the moss forest that they live in, and their appearance is very similar to the Lesser Gymnure. Interesting Fact: Gymnures and hedgehogs have been noted to be modern animals that are most similar to the very earliest mammals. The Dwarf Gymnure has only been located on Mount Kerinci, which is on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. They live in a moss forest at the peak of the mountain. A moss forest is a high-elevation rainforest where the trees and ground are covered in a thick carpet of moss. Lesser Gymnures use regularly-traveled paths on their hunts for food, and they usually build themselves a nest on the forest floor in a pile of leaves or under a rock. They are good climbers, but they appear to stay on the ground as much as possible and can be very speedy when they are threatened.
The Dwarf Gymnure slightly resembles a hedgehog, but it has soft, silky fur rather than spines. They are small animals, with the length, not including a 1/2 to 1 inch (12-30 mm) long tail, only being about 4-5 inches (105-146 mm). The weight is uncertain and has been reported at 45-80 gm and 15-20 gm. The fur is a rust-brown color that verges to gray or yellow on its underbelly. It also has a long snout. The gymnure, especially the Lesser Gymnure, has an associated foul odor, especially when they feel threatened.
Gymnures are insectivores, meaning that they eat invertebrates, mostly insects. Lesser Gymnures have been noted to eat earthworms and insects, and they may also eat fruit for extra supplementation. They appear to have home ranges that are approximately 40 meters in diameter, and they can be seen foraging at infrequent times throughout the day and night. They find their food by rummaging through the leaves and other litter on the forest floor with their mobile snout. It is estimated that gymnures in the wild are able to live about two years. There doesn’t seem to be any specific part of the year that is prime for breeding as they have been noted to breed throughout the year. The gestation period is approximately 30-35 days, and the mother gymnure can give birth to litters of two to three babies at a time. They are noted to be relatively solitary creatures, but sometimes are found in very small groups, with only two or three animals together at once.
indonesianfauna
Sun Bear (Helarctos Malayanus)
Sun Bear (Helarctos Malayanus)
The Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest bear in the world, but it is also considered by many to be the fiercest. It is currently listed as endangered, mostly due to hunting. In many countries, bile from the gallbladders of Sun Bears is praised for its medicinal qualities, and their paws are used for soup. In some countries, Sun Bears are kept as pets.
Sun bears are only found in southeast Asia. They are extremely good climbers, often found in the treetops. Because of this, Sun Bears are known as “basindo nan tenggil” in Malay, which translates to “he who likes to sit high.” There is evidence to suggest that the bears spend a great deal of time in the treetops, even sleeping up high in the trees. They are nocturnal, resting and enjoying the sunlight during the day, and do not hibernate as other bears do and are active all year. As not much study has been done on these bears, no one is certain how many actually still exist in the wild.The Sun Bear’s small size, with the males only growing to reach about 145 pounds (65 kg) and the females only reaching 60 pounds (30 kg), makes them very distinctive. They have dark brown to black fur, which is very thick, and their skin is actually loose, which allows them to turn and bite when attacked and held by a predator. The bear’s muzzle is very short and is lighter than the rest of the fur, sometimes ranging to a light orange color. Their most distinctive feature is the crescent-shaped patch of fur on the chest that ranges from white to golden yellow. They have very long claws, which help them to climb trees. At sometimes up to 6 inches (15 cm), these claws are also used to defend against the bear’s natural predators.
Did You Know: The Sun Bear is named for the patch of fur on their chests which was once thought to resemble a rising or setting sun?
Sun Bears are complete omnivores. They have very long tongues that allow them to get to hard to reach honey and insects. They have been known to eat termites, birds, small animals, honey, and fruit, and, as their habitats decline and food become scarce, it is not unusual for a wild Sun Bear to raid commercial crops, such as oil palms. Due to their decreased numbers and lack of information, not much is known about their breeding and reproductive patterns, unfortunately. It seems that they reach full sexual maturity at about three years in the female and four years in the male. There are many differing reports as to the gestational period for the Sun Bear. Nothing is known about their reproductive habits in the wild, but, in captivity, most Sun Bears give birth after a length of only 95-96 days. There doesn’t appear to be a peak mating season, as these bears seem to give birth throughout the year. They usually bear litters of two or three cubs, and these cubs are nursed until about 18 months of age, but they tend to stick with their mothers until they are fully mature and ready to mate.
indonesianfauna
The Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest bear in the world, but it is also considered by many to be the fiercest. It is currently listed as endangered, mostly due to hunting. In many countries, bile from the gallbladders of Sun Bears is praised for its medicinal qualities, and their paws are used for soup. In some countries, Sun Bears are kept as pets.
Sun bears are only found in southeast Asia. They are extremely good climbers, often found in the treetops. Because of this, Sun Bears are known as “basindo nan tenggil” in Malay, which translates to “he who likes to sit high.” There is evidence to suggest that the bears spend a great deal of time in the treetops, even sleeping up high in the trees. They are nocturnal, resting and enjoying the sunlight during the day, and do not hibernate as other bears do and are active all year. As not much study has been done on these bears, no one is certain how many actually still exist in the wild.The Sun Bear’s small size, with the males only growing to reach about 145 pounds (65 kg) and the females only reaching 60 pounds (30 kg), makes them very distinctive. They have dark brown to black fur, which is very thick, and their skin is actually loose, which allows them to turn and bite when attacked and held by a predator. The bear’s muzzle is very short and is lighter than the rest of the fur, sometimes ranging to a light orange color. Their most distinctive feature is the crescent-shaped patch of fur on the chest that ranges from white to golden yellow. They have very long claws, which help them to climb trees. At sometimes up to 6 inches (15 cm), these claws are also used to defend against the bear’s natural predators.
Did You Know: The Sun Bear is named for the patch of fur on their chests which was once thought to resemble a rising or setting sun?
Sun Bears are complete omnivores. They have very long tongues that allow them to get to hard to reach honey and insects. They have been known to eat termites, birds, small animals, honey, and fruit, and, as their habitats decline and food become scarce, it is not unusual for a wild Sun Bear to raid commercial crops, such as oil palms. Due to their decreased numbers and lack of information, not much is known about their breeding and reproductive patterns, unfortunately. It seems that they reach full sexual maturity at about three years in the female and four years in the male. There are many differing reports as to the gestational period for the Sun Bear. Nothing is known about their reproductive habits in the wild, but, in captivity, most Sun Bears give birth after a length of only 95-96 days. There doesn’t appear to be a peak mating season, as these bears seem to give birth throughout the year. They usually bear litters of two or three cubs, and these cubs are nursed until about 18 months of age, but they tend to stick with their mothers until they are fully mature and ready to mate.
indonesianfauna
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