Sperm Whale (Physeter Catodon)
This large whale weighs an average of 40 tonnes, and can reach weights of 50 tonnes. Large males can grow to 20 metres in length, and females only 12 metres. The females weigh on average one third of what the male whale weighs.
They have a large box type head, which makes it easily distinguishable and sets the sperm whale aside from other whales.
These whales can swim to extreme depths, going down as far as 3 kms. Given their size, they feed on very large sea creatures also. Amongst their favourite is the giant squid, which can range over 9 metres from top to tentacles. They also feed on seals, rays and even sharks up to a few metres long. The whales have no limit to how deep they can swim.
These whales can reach speeds of 30 km/h under the water if threatened, but generally attain a 10 km/h speed when moving through waters.
Did you know? The tooth of a sperm whale can grow to 23 cms long and weigh 3 kilograms!
The sperm whale is not as vocal as other whales, however it can still emite a variety of sounds from chirps or squeaks to groans and clicks. When the sperm whale interacts with another whale, they will sound a series of clicks anywhere between a few and fourty. This is known as the whale coda.
In the past sperm whales were hunted aggresively. Sperm whales were also feared by whalers with small-boats, as they had the ability to capsize such boats. In recent times whaler boats became more sophisticated and this was no longer a problem. These great creatures were unfortunately hunted for spermaceti. A substance located in the head of the sperm whale. It was used for a variety of lubricating purposes. It was found in automatic transmission fluid, burning oil for lamps, and other such purposes.
indonesiafauna
Showing posts with label P. Show all posts
Showing posts with label P. Show all posts
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Fin Whale (Balaenoptera Physalus)
Fin Whale (Balaenoptera Physalus)
The Fin Whale is found in oceans all over the world, from the tropics to the polar areas. They are known as a pelagic species, often occuring in shallow waters close to the shore. Even though they are found in oceans across the world, they are not as common in tropical waters or ice laden seas.
They are around 19 to 20 metres in length, and can weigh as much as an estimated 70 tonnes. Fin Whales found in the southern hemisphere have been reported up to 26 metres in length. They have a white underbelly, and are a brown-grey colour on top. They are migratory whales, and have been observed in groups of up to 300 whales. They normally however travel in a pod with 6 or 7 other whales. They have a narrow flat V-shaped head and two blowholes.
They are known by a number of other names such as the Finn, the Finner, the Finback, the Common Rorqual or the Herring Whale. The Fin Whale is currently (2003) listed as an endangered species.
Did you know? The Fin Whale is one of the fastest whales with the ability to swim and sustain a 37 km/h speed through the water.
From this feat, it is often referred to as "the greyhound of the deep". The Fin Whale also has the ability to leap completely out of the water. On the other extreme, they can reach depths of over 250 metres.
They have been known to consume one to one and a half tonne of food per day. They feed on a variety of aquatic species including squid, herring and capelin.
indonesianfauna
The Fin Whale is found in oceans all over the world, from the tropics to the polar areas. They are known as a pelagic species, often occuring in shallow waters close to the shore. Even though they are found in oceans across the world, they are not as common in tropical waters or ice laden seas.
They are around 19 to 20 metres in length, and can weigh as much as an estimated 70 tonnes. Fin Whales found in the southern hemisphere have been reported up to 26 metres in length. They have a white underbelly, and are a brown-grey colour on top. They are migratory whales, and have been observed in groups of up to 300 whales. They normally however travel in a pod with 6 or 7 other whales. They have a narrow flat V-shaped head and two blowholes.
They are known by a number of other names such as the Finn, the Finner, the Finback, the Common Rorqual or the Herring Whale. The Fin Whale is currently (2003) listed as an endangered species.
Did you know? The Fin Whale is one of the fastest whales with the ability to swim and sustain a 37 km/h speed through the water.
From this feat, it is often referred to as "the greyhound of the deep". The Fin Whale also has the ability to leap completely out of the water. On the other extreme, they can reach depths of over 250 metres.
They have been known to consume one to one and a half tonne of food per day. They feed on a variety of aquatic species including squid, herring and capelin.
indonesianfauna
Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis Larvatus)
Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis Larvatus)
Proboscis monkeys are confined to the island of Borneo; Indonesia and Malaysia. They prefer coastal regions to inland areas.
Proboscis monkeys inhabit mangrove forest along rivers and estuaries, swamp-land, and lowland rainforest
Proboscis monkeys are sexually dimorphic. The males have a length of 70 cm and weight of between 16 and 22 kg. Females measure 60 cm and weigh between 7 and 12 kg. Males have a large protruding nose, which enhances vocalizations through resonance. The nose of the female is smaller.
The fur of the adult proboscis monkey is pink and brown with red around the head and shoulders. The arms, legs, and tail are gray. Males have a black scrotum and a red penis. Infants are born with a blue colored face that at 2.5 months darkens to gray. By 8.5 months of age, the face has become cream colored as in the adults.
Proboscis monkeys have webbing between the digits to allow for swimming.
The basic social unit in proboscis monkeys is a single adult male with a harem of from 2 to 7 adult females. The males mate with females in their social group. Proboscis monkeys give birth to a single offspring after a gestation of 166 days. Births usually occur at night. The female sits on a tree branch during the birth. After the infant is born, the mother consumes the placenta.
The breeding season is from February until November. Copulation is initiated by the female through pursing of the lips, shaking of the head from side to side, and presentation of the hindquarters to the male. Females will continue to initiate copulations even after they have conceived.
Infants stay close to their mothers for about one year. Males reach maturity at about 7 years. As is the case for most primates, newborn proboscis monkeys are fairly helpless. They must be carried by their mother until they are able to walk on their own. Mothers provide their offspring with milk, nursing them until they are about 7 months old. They also keep their infants clean through grooming. Infants stay close to their mothers for about one year.
The lifespan in captivity is known as at least 23 years.
Proboscis monkeys are diurnal, preferring to be active from late afternoon until dark. They are primarily arboreal although they are never more than 600 m from a river. When moving through the trees, they are quadrupedal. These monkeys are good swimmers and will leap out of the trees into the water. They are capable of swimming 20 m underwater. They may cross rivers by swimming if alone or they may cross by jumping from a tree on one bank to one on the other side at narrow points if in a group.
There are two types of groups within the proboscis monkey society: unimale and all-male. These groups number 3-32 individuals. Several of the groups will come together in the evening to sleep. These multigroup gatherings are called bands. Proboscis monkeys sleep 0-15 m from the river's edge. They do not sleep in the same place on consecutive nights. The same groups associate regularly and there is little aggression between males in unimale groups.
Interesting fact:
The proboscis monkey has several sounds for communication. Growls are made by males and are used to calm the group members. Honks are made by males as a threat or to warn of predators. Shrieks are made by females and both sexes of juveniles to show aggitation or excitement, and screams are given during agonistic encounters. Social grooming is performed, usually between females. The grooming usually last 1 to 5 minutes and is performed by both individuals.
Proboscis monkeys are folivores and frugivores. They prefer fruits, seeds, young leaves, and shoots of mangrove. They may also eat some invertebrates such as caterpillars and larvae. They are more frugivorous from January through May and more folivorous from June through December.
Leopards are known to prey upon them, as are crocodiles. Adult males sometimes vocalize, apparently to scare off potential predators.
Proboscis monkeys are protected from hunting and capture in Borneo but the destruction of the mangrove forest has limited the population. They are listed as Appendix I by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). They are listed as endangered by the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (IUCN).
indonesianfauna
Proboscis monkeys are confined to the island of Borneo; Indonesia and Malaysia. They prefer coastal regions to inland areas.
Proboscis monkeys inhabit mangrove forest along rivers and estuaries, swamp-land, and lowland rainforest
Proboscis monkeys are sexually dimorphic. The males have a length of 70 cm and weight of between 16 and 22 kg. Females measure 60 cm and weigh between 7 and 12 kg. Males have a large protruding nose, which enhances vocalizations through resonance. The nose of the female is smaller.
The fur of the adult proboscis monkey is pink and brown with red around the head and shoulders. The arms, legs, and tail are gray. Males have a black scrotum and a red penis. Infants are born with a blue colored face that at 2.5 months darkens to gray. By 8.5 months of age, the face has become cream colored as in the adults.
Proboscis monkeys have webbing between the digits to allow for swimming.
The basic social unit in proboscis monkeys is a single adult male with a harem of from 2 to 7 adult females. The males mate with females in their social group. Proboscis monkeys give birth to a single offspring after a gestation of 166 days. Births usually occur at night. The female sits on a tree branch during the birth. After the infant is born, the mother consumes the placenta.
The breeding season is from February until November. Copulation is initiated by the female through pursing of the lips, shaking of the head from side to side, and presentation of the hindquarters to the male. Females will continue to initiate copulations even after they have conceived.
Infants stay close to their mothers for about one year. Males reach maturity at about 7 years. As is the case for most primates, newborn proboscis monkeys are fairly helpless. They must be carried by their mother until they are able to walk on their own. Mothers provide their offspring with milk, nursing them until they are about 7 months old. They also keep their infants clean through grooming. Infants stay close to their mothers for about one year.
The lifespan in captivity is known as at least 23 years.
Proboscis monkeys are diurnal, preferring to be active from late afternoon until dark. They are primarily arboreal although they are never more than 600 m from a river. When moving through the trees, they are quadrupedal. These monkeys are good swimmers and will leap out of the trees into the water. They are capable of swimming 20 m underwater. They may cross rivers by swimming if alone or they may cross by jumping from a tree on one bank to one on the other side at narrow points if in a group.
There are two types of groups within the proboscis monkey society: unimale and all-male. These groups number 3-32 individuals. Several of the groups will come together in the evening to sleep. These multigroup gatherings are called bands. Proboscis monkeys sleep 0-15 m from the river's edge. They do not sleep in the same place on consecutive nights. The same groups associate regularly and there is little aggression between males in unimale groups.
Interesting fact:
The proboscis monkey has several sounds for communication. Growls are made by males and are used to calm the group members. Honks are made by males as a threat or to warn of predators. Shrieks are made by females and both sexes of juveniles to show aggitation or excitement, and screams are given during agonistic encounters. Social grooming is performed, usually between females. The grooming usually last 1 to 5 minutes and is performed by both individuals.
Proboscis monkeys are folivores and frugivores. They prefer fruits, seeds, young leaves, and shoots of mangrove. They may also eat some invertebrates such as caterpillars and larvae. They are more frugivorous from January through May and more folivorous from June through December.
Leopards are known to prey upon them, as are crocodiles. Adult males sometimes vocalize, apparently to scare off potential predators.
Proboscis monkeys are protected from hunting and capture in Borneo but the destruction of the mangrove forest has limited the population. They are listed as Appendix I by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). They are listed as endangered by the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (IUCN).
indonesianfauna
Cendrawasih/Raggiana Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea Raggiana)
Cendrawasih/Raggiana Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea Raggiana)
Cendrawasih is the Indonesian word for the bird of paradise. The Raggiana bird of paradise (Paradisaea raggiana) is the national bird of New Guinea, and its figure graces everything from money to stamps to taxi cabs. Because they have such rare and beautiful plumage, birds of paradise have been hunted for centuries, and their feathers have been used for decoration and their supposed mystical properties. They are currently listed as endangered and trapping and export are illegal, but all species of the bird of paradise are still being traded illegally on the black market.
Interesting Fact: After trading plumes of birds of paradise with early European explorers, local tribes told them that the birds were the birds of the gods and never touched earth, feeding only on dew. This story accentuated the value of the birds for over 100 years, and the feathers were in such high demand that it almost killed off the species. The cendrawasih is only found on the island of New Guinea. There are at least 37 other species of the bird of paradise that also make their homes on this island. The males are known to gather in a specific tree together in the morning and will engage in mutual display, where they fluff out their extensive colorful feathers to try and attract a female. They live in the tops of trees and in the underbrush, making nests in tree branches and holes.
Cendrawasih, or Birds of Paradise, are considered by many to be the most beautiful birds on the planet. The females are a relatively drab, dull brown, which helps them take cover when they are nesting and raising the young. They average about 13 inches in length (33 cm), about the size and build of a crow. The males are covered with different sizes and shapes of feathers in every conceivable color, and they often have patches of skin without feathers that are wild, shocking colors as well. The Raggiana has very long, orange, trailing tail feathers. His head and the nape of his neck are yellow, and he has a green chin.
Cendrawasih are primarily fruit eaters, but they will also eat berries, leaves, and small animals, such as lizards and frogs. Their flight is slow and ponderous, contrary to their graceful appearance, and they stay in the same area all year, not following any sort of migratory pattern. Courtship is the main purpose of the cendrawasih’s gaudy appearance. The females outnumber the males, so the males must compete with each other to win favor of a female when she is ready to mate. The Raggiana especially is known for his overly energetic courtship dance. There are, however, some bird of paradise species that mate for life, and the males have drab brown feathers like the females and will help raise the young and tend the nest. Of the species that are polygamous, however, the female takes care of all nesting and raising duties, usually laying two eggs at a time.
indonesianfauna
Cendrawasih is the Indonesian word for the bird of paradise. The Raggiana bird of paradise (Paradisaea raggiana) is the national bird of New Guinea, and its figure graces everything from money to stamps to taxi cabs. Because they have such rare and beautiful plumage, birds of paradise have been hunted for centuries, and their feathers have been used for decoration and their supposed mystical properties. They are currently listed as endangered and trapping and export are illegal, but all species of the bird of paradise are still being traded illegally on the black market.
Interesting Fact: After trading plumes of birds of paradise with early European explorers, local tribes told them that the birds were the birds of the gods and never touched earth, feeding only on dew. This story accentuated the value of the birds for over 100 years, and the feathers were in such high demand that it almost killed off the species. The cendrawasih is only found on the island of New Guinea. There are at least 37 other species of the bird of paradise that also make their homes on this island. The males are known to gather in a specific tree together in the morning and will engage in mutual display, where they fluff out their extensive colorful feathers to try and attract a female. They live in the tops of trees and in the underbrush, making nests in tree branches and holes.
Cendrawasih, or Birds of Paradise, are considered by many to be the most beautiful birds on the planet. The females are a relatively drab, dull brown, which helps them take cover when they are nesting and raising the young. They average about 13 inches in length (33 cm), about the size and build of a crow. The males are covered with different sizes and shapes of feathers in every conceivable color, and they often have patches of skin without feathers that are wild, shocking colors as well. The Raggiana has very long, orange, trailing tail feathers. His head and the nape of his neck are yellow, and he has a green chin.
Cendrawasih are primarily fruit eaters, but they will also eat berries, leaves, and small animals, such as lizards and frogs. Their flight is slow and ponderous, contrary to their graceful appearance, and they stay in the same area all year, not following any sort of migratory pattern. Courtship is the main purpose of the cendrawasih’s gaudy appearance. The females outnumber the males, so the males must compete with each other to win favor of a female when she is ready to mate. The Raggiana especially is known for his overly energetic courtship dance. There are, however, some bird of paradise species that mate for life, and the males have drab brown feathers like the females and will help raise the young and tend the nest. Of the species that are polygamous, however, the female takes care of all nesting and raising duties, usually laying two eggs at a time.
indonesianfauna
Orangutan (Pongo Pygmaeus)
Orangutan (Pongo Pygmaeus)
The Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) is the only one of the great apes that makes its home on the continent of Asia. In the Malay language, ‘orangutan’ literally translates to “man of the jungle.” Currently listed as endangered, orangutans are in danger from forest clearing and especially poaching, even though it is currently illegal to own, kill, or export one. There are estimated to be only about 30,000 currently living in the wild.
Orangutans are only found on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia. Unlike other apes, they are solitary creatures, and males and females usually only associate when mating. Females will occasionally travel in groups, usually consisting of sisters or mother and daughter and various offspring. They are found most often in the trees and will only touch ground when absolutely necessary. They sleep in the trees in nests made of leaves and branches. When they do travel by ground, they walk on all fours, but this is very difficult as their feet are more like hands without a heel bone. Like humans, Orangutans have hands with opposable thumbs, and their feet also have an opposable toe. They are relatively large with the males weighing in at 170 pounds (77 kg) and reaching a length of 37 inches (95 cm). The females are smaller, usually weighing about 81 pounds (37 kg) and reaching a length of 31 pounds (78 cm). They are covered in long reddish-brown hair, except for their faces, which are black and hairless. The males develop puffy cheek pads that are attractive to the females, and they also have pouches under their throats that they use to amplify their voices.
Interesting Fact: Orangutans are very sophisticated creatures and have been known to use handfuls of leaves as napkins, wrapping them around their hands to protect them when they handle sharp or spiny objects, and use them as umbrellas to shade from the sun or protect from the weather.
Fruit is the main part of an Orangutan’s diet. They appear to know where all the fruit trees are in the areas where they live, even knowing when they will bear fruit. They have also been known to eat leaves, bark, insects, and even small mammals and birds. They appear to store fat for the monsoon season when the rains wipe away a lot of the food supply. Female orangutans reach sexual maturity at about 13-16 years old, but the males usually aren’t fully mature until they are at least 20 and their cheek pads have fully developed. They will, however, attempt to mate before that time, sometimes using force if necessary. Females will only have babies every seven to nine years, seeking out a male when she is ready. Gestation lasts eight to nine months, with usually a single baby being born after that time. The young are raised by the females, and they will nurse for up to four years, being carried by their mothers the entire time. They will stay close for at least eight years, sometimes up to 15 years. The average life span for an orangutan in the wild is 30-40 years.
indonesianfauna
The Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) is the only one of the great apes that makes its home on the continent of Asia. In the Malay language, ‘orangutan’ literally translates to “man of the jungle.” Currently listed as endangered, orangutans are in danger from forest clearing and especially poaching, even though it is currently illegal to own, kill, or export one. There are estimated to be only about 30,000 currently living in the wild.
Orangutans are only found on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia. Unlike other apes, they are solitary creatures, and males and females usually only associate when mating. Females will occasionally travel in groups, usually consisting of sisters or mother and daughter and various offspring. They are found most often in the trees and will only touch ground when absolutely necessary. They sleep in the trees in nests made of leaves and branches. When they do travel by ground, they walk on all fours, but this is very difficult as their feet are more like hands without a heel bone. Like humans, Orangutans have hands with opposable thumbs, and their feet also have an opposable toe. They are relatively large with the males weighing in at 170 pounds (77 kg) and reaching a length of 37 inches (95 cm). The females are smaller, usually weighing about 81 pounds (37 kg) and reaching a length of 31 pounds (78 cm). They are covered in long reddish-brown hair, except for their faces, which are black and hairless. The males develop puffy cheek pads that are attractive to the females, and they also have pouches under their throats that they use to amplify their voices.
Interesting Fact: Orangutans are very sophisticated creatures and have been known to use handfuls of leaves as napkins, wrapping them around their hands to protect them when they handle sharp or spiny objects, and use them as umbrellas to shade from the sun or protect from the weather.
Fruit is the main part of an Orangutan’s diet. They appear to know where all the fruit trees are in the areas where they live, even knowing when they will bear fruit. They have also been known to eat leaves, bark, insects, and even small mammals and birds. They appear to store fat for the monsoon season when the rains wipe away a lot of the food supply. Female orangutans reach sexual maturity at about 13-16 years old, but the males usually aren’t fully mature until they are at least 20 and their cheek pads have fully developed. They will, however, attempt to mate before that time, sometimes using force if necessary. Females will only have babies every seven to nine years, seeking out a male when she is ready. Gestation lasts eight to nine months, with usually a single baby being born after that time. The young are raised by the females, and they will nurse for up to four years, being carried by their mothers the entire time. They will stay close for at least eight years, sometimes up to 15 years. The average life span for an orangutan in the wild is 30-40 years.
indonesianfauna
Grizzled Leaf Monkey (Presbytis Comata)
Grizzled Leaf Monkey (Presbytis Comata)
The Grizzled Leaf Monkey (Presbytis comata) is currently listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is estimated that there are less than 1000 of these animals living in the wild, and, due to clearing of rainforests in Indonesia, only 4% of their natural habitat remains. It is estimated that the population of the Grizzled Leaf Monkey has decreased at least by 50% in the last 10 years.
Grizzled Leaf Monkeys are found only on the island of Java in Indonesia. Java is part of the Sundaland Biodiversity hotspot that contains some 82 threatened species and 13 critically endangered species. They have been seen all throughout the tropical rainforest, in both high and low areas. They are active during the day and live in the trees, rarely touching the ground. They seem to travel in groups of 3-12 monkeys each, averaging 6-7. Sometimes the groups are centered around a mated pair, but not always. There have been reports of all male groups as well. These groups tend to be very territorial, defending their areas against other groups, but there does appear to be pretty extensive overlapping edges between territories. The small areas that they occupy are relatively crowded, with sometimes up to 91 individuals per square mile or 35 per square kilometer. The average weight for a Grizzled Leaf Monkey is 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg). They are small and slender with small faces, tails, and long fur that ranges in color from dark gray to white on the underbelly. The fur on the top of their heads is darker, verging on black, and it is a longer fringe of hair. They also have large, rounded stomachs.
The Grizzled Leaf Monkey has an interesting adaptation to deal with the food that it eats. Since leaves are usually not very nutritious and are actually often toxic, most animals that live in the jungles of Indonesia supplement their diets with fruits, flowers, and the more nutritious parts of plants. Leaf Monkeys, however, have large stomachs with several chambers. The first chamber contains specialized bacteria that counteract the toxins in the leaves and break down the leaves so that the monkeys can get nutrition from them. About 70% of their diet consists of leaves, 62% young leaves and 6% mature leaves. They will also eat fungi and tips of branches.
Did You Know? The Grizzled Leaf Monkey’s stomach is so large that the contents alone account for 25% of their total weight. There isn’t a lot of information available on mating and reproduction in the Grizzled Leaf Monkey. Other leaf monkeys, however, such as the Francois Monkey, have been studied in more detail, and the females reach sexual maturity at three to four years old and the males at four. They reach their full adult size at about six or seven. Usually only one baby is born at a time after a gestational period of about 200 days. Babies are usually nursed for about two years and don’t have any contact with their mothers after they are weaned.
indonesianfauna
The Grizzled Leaf Monkey (Presbytis comata) is currently listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is estimated that there are less than 1000 of these animals living in the wild, and, due to clearing of rainforests in Indonesia, only 4% of their natural habitat remains. It is estimated that the population of the Grizzled Leaf Monkey has decreased at least by 50% in the last 10 years.
Grizzled Leaf Monkeys are found only on the island of Java in Indonesia. Java is part of the Sundaland Biodiversity hotspot that contains some 82 threatened species and 13 critically endangered species. They have been seen all throughout the tropical rainforest, in both high and low areas. They are active during the day and live in the trees, rarely touching the ground. They seem to travel in groups of 3-12 monkeys each, averaging 6-7. Sometimes the groups are centered around a mated pair, but not always. There have been reports of all male groups as well. These groups tend to be very territorial, defending their areas against other groups, but there does appear to be pretty extensive overlapping edges between territories. The small areas that they occupy are relatively crowded, with sometimes up to 91 individuals per square mile or 35 per square kilometer. The average weight for a Grizzled Leaf Monkey is 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg). They are small and slender with small faces, tails, and long fur that ranges in color from dark gray to white on the underbelly. The fur on the top of their heads is darker, verging on black, and it is a longer fringe of hair. They also have large, rounded stomachs.
The Grizzled Leaf Monkey has an interesting adaptation to deal with the food that it eats. Since leaves are usually not very nutritious and are actually often toxic, most animals that live in the jungles of Indonesia supplement their diets with fruits, flowers, and the more nutritious parts of plants. Leaf Monkeys, however, have large stomachs with several chambers. The first chamber contains specialized bacteria that counteract the toxins in the leaves and break down the leaves so that the monkeys can get nutrition from them. About 70% of their diet consists of leaves, 62% young leaves and 6% mature leaves. They will also eat fungi and tips of branches.
Did You Know? The Grizzled Leaf Monkey’s stomach is so large that the contents alone account for 25% of their total weight. There isn’t a lot of information available on mating and reproduction in the Grizzled Leaf Monkey. Other leaf monkeys, however, such as the Francois Monkey, have been studied in more detail, and the females reach sexual maturity at three to four years old and the males at four. They reach their full adult size at about six or seven. Usually only one baby is born at a time after a gestational period of about 200 days. Babies are usually nursed for about two years and don’t have any contact with their mothers after they are weaned.
indonesianfauna
Grizzled Leaf Monkey (Presbytis Comata)
Grizzled Leaf Monkey (Presbytis Comata)
The Grizzled Leaf Monkey (Presbytis comata) is currently listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is estimated that there are less than 1000 of these animals living in the wild, and, due to clearing of rainforests in Indonesia, only 4% of their natural habitat remains. It is estimated that the population of the Grizzled Leaf Monkey has decreased at least by 50% in the last 10 years.
Grizzled Leaf Monkeys are found only on the island of Java in Indonesia. Java is part of the Sundaland Biodiversity hotspot that contains some 82 threatened species and 13 critically endangered species. They have been seen all throughout the tropical rainforest, in both high and low areas. They are active during the day and live in the trees, rarely touching the ground. They seem to travel in groups of 3-12 monkeys each, averaging 6-7. Sometimes the groups are centered around a mated pair, but not always. There have been reports of all male groups as well. These groups tend to be very territorial, defending their areas against other groups, but there does appear to be pretty extensive overlapping edges between territories. The small areas that they occupy are relatively crowded, with sometimes up to 91 individuals per square mile or 35 per square kilometer. The average weight for a Grizzled Leaf Monkey is 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg). They are small and slender with small faces, tails, and long fur that ranges in color from dark gray to white on the underbelly. The fur on the top of their heads is darker, verging on black, and it is a longer fringe of hair. They also have large, rounded stomachs.
The Grizzled Leaf Monkey has an interesting adaptation to deal with the food that it eats. Since leaves are usually not very nutritious and are actually often toxic, most animals that live in the jungles of Indonesia supplement their diets with fruits, flowers, and the more nutritious parts of plants. Leaf Monkeys, however, have large stomachs with several chambers. The first chamber contains specialized bacteria that counteract the toxins in the leaves and break down the leaves so that the monkeys can get nutrition from them. About 70% of their diet consists of leaves, 62% young leaves and 6% mature leaves. They will also eat fungi and tips of branches.
Did You Know? The Grizzled Leaf Monkey’s stomach is so large that the contents alone account for 25% of their total weight. There isn’t a lot of information available on mating and reproduction in the Grizzled Leaf Monkey. Other leaf monkeys, however, such as the Francois Monkey, have been studied in more detail, and the females reach sexual maturity at three to four years old and the males at four. They reach their full adult size at about six or seven. Usually only one baby is born at a time after a gestational period of about 200 days. Babies are usually nursed for about two years and don’t have any contact with their mothers after they are weaned.
indonesianfauna
The Grizzled Leaf Monkey (Presbytis comata) is currently listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is estimated that there are less than 1000 of these animals living in the wild, and, due to clearing of rainforests in Indonesia, only 4% of their natural habitat remains. It is estimated that the population of the Grizzled Leaf Monkey has decreased at least by 50% in the last 10 years.
Grizzled Leaf Monkeys are found only on the island of Java in Indonesia. Java is part of the Sundaland Biodiversity hotspot that contains some 82 threatened species and 13 critically endangered species. They have been seen all throughout the tropical rainforest, in both high and low areas. They are active during the day and live in the trees, rarely touching the ground. They seem to travel in groups of 3-12 monkeys each, averaging 6-7. Sometimes the groups are centered around a mated pair, but not always. There have been reports of all male groups as well. These groups tend to be very territorial, defending their areas against other groups, but there does appear to be pretty extensive overlapping edges between territories. The small areas that they occupy are relatively crowded, with sometimes up to 91 individuals per square mile or 35 per square kilometer. The average weight for a Grizzled Leaf Monkey is 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg). They are small and slender with small faces, tails, and long fur that ranges in color from dark gray to white on the underbelly. The fur on the top of their heads is darker, verging on black, and it is a longer fringe of hair. They also have large, rounded stomachs.
The Grizzled Leaf Monkey has an interesting adaptation to deal with the food that it eats. Since leaves are usually not very nutritious and are actually often toxic, most animals that live in the jungles of Indonesia supplement their diets with fruits, flowers, and the more nutritious parts of plants. Leaf Monkeys, however, have large stomachs with several chambers. The first chamber contains specialized bacteria that counteract the toxins in the leaves and break down the leaves so that the monkeys can get nutrition from them. About 70% of their diet consists of leaves, 62% young leaves and 6% mature leaves. They will also eat fungi and tips of branches.
Did You Know? The Grizzled Leaf Monkey’s stomach is so large that the contents alone account for 25% of their total weight. There isn’t a lot of information available on mating and reproduction in the Grizzled Leaf Monkey. Other leaf monkeys, however, such as the Francois Monkey, have been studied in more detail, and the females reach sexual maturity at three to four years old and the males at four. They reach their full adult size at about six or seven. Usually only one baby is born at a time after a gestational period of about 200 days. Babies are usually nursed for about two years and don’t have any contact with their mothers after they are weaned.
indonesianfauna
Cendrawasih/Raggiana Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea Raggiana)
Cendrawasih/Raggiana Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea Raggiana)
Cendrawasih is the Indonesian word for the bird of paradise. The Raggiana bird of paradise (Paradisaea raggiana) is the national bird of New Guinea, and its figure graces everything from money to stamps to taxi cabs. Because they have such rare and beautiful plumage, birds of paradise have been hunted for centuries, and their feathers have been used for decoration and their supposed mystical properties. They are currently listed as endangered and trapping and export are illegal, but all species of the bird of paradise are still being traded illegally on the black market.
Interesting Fact: After trading plumes of birds of paradise with early European explorers, local tribes told them that the birds were the birds of the gods and never touched earth, feeding only on dew. This story accentuated the value of the birds for over 100 years, and the feathers were in such high demand that it almost killed off the species. The cendrawasih is only found on the island of New Guinea. There are at least 37 other species of the bird of paradise that also make their homes on this island. The males are known to gather in a specific tree together in the morning and will engage in mutual display, where they fluff out their extensive colorful feathers to try and attract a female. They live in the tops of trees and in the underbrush, making nests in tree branches and holes.
Cendrawasih, or Birds of Paradise, are considered by many to be the most beautiful birds on the planet. The females are a relatively drab, dull brown, which helps them take cover when they are nesting and raising the young. They average about 13 inches in length (33 cm), about the size and build of a crow. The males are covered with different sizes and shapes of feathers in every conceivable color, and they often have patches of skin without feathers that are wild, shocking colors as well. The Raggiana has very long, orange, trailing tail feathers. His head and the nape of his neck are yellow, and he has a green chin.
Cendrawasih are primarily fruit eaters, but they will also eat berries, leaves, and small animals, such as lizards and frogs. Their flight is slow and ponderous, contrary to their graceful appearance, and they stay in the same area all year, not following any sort of migratory pattern. Courtship is the main purpose of the cendrawasih’s gaudy appearance. The females outnumber the males, so the males must compete with each other to win favor of a female when she is ready to mate. The Raggiana especially is known for his overly energetic courtship dance. There are, however, some bird of paradise species that mate for life, and the males have drab brown feathers like the females and will help raise the young and tend the nest. Of the species that are polygamous, however, the female takes care of all nesting and raising duties, usually laying two eggs at a time.
indonesianfauna
Cendrawasih is the Indonesian word for the bird of paradise. The Raggiana bird of paradise (Paradisaea raggiana) is the national bird of New Guinea, and its figure graces everything from money to stamps to taxi cabs. Because they have such rare and beautiful plumage, birds of paradise have been hunted for centuries, and their feathers have been used for decoration and their supposed mystical properties. They are currently listed as endangered and trapping and export are illegal, but all species of the bird of paradise are still being traded illegally on the black market.
Interesting Fact: After trading plumes of birds of paradise with early European explorers, local tribes told them that the birds were the birds of the gods and never touched earth, feeding only on dew. This story accentuated the value of the birds for over 100 years, and the feathers were in such high demand that it almost killed off the species. The cendrawasih is only found on the island of New Guinea. There are at least 37 other species of the bird of paradise that also make their homes on this island. The males are known to gather in a specific tree together in the morning and will engage in mutual display, where they fluff out their extensive colorful feathers to try and attract a female. They live in the tops of trees and in the underbrush, making nests in tree branches and holes.
Cendrawasih, or Birds of Paradise, are considered by many to be the most beautiful birds on the planet. The females are a relatively drab, dull brown, which helps them take cover when they are nesting and raising the young. They average about 13 inches in length (33 cm), about the size and build of a crow. The males are covered with different sizes and shapes of feathers in every conceivable color, and they often have patches of skin without feathers that are wild, shocking colors as well. The Raggiana has very long, orange, trailing tail feathers. His head and the nape of his neck are yellow, and he has a green chin.
Cendrawasih are primarily fruit eaters, but they will also eat berries, leaves, and small animals, such as lizards and frogs. Their flight is slow and ponderous, contrary to their graceful appearance, and they stay in the same area all year, not following any sort of migratory pattern. Courtship is the main purpose of the cendrawasih’s gaudy appearance. The females outnumber the males, so the males must compete with each other to win favor of a female when she is ready to mate. The Raggiana especially is known for his overly energetic courtship dance. There are, however, some bird of paradise species that mate for life, and the males have drab brown feathers like the females and will help raise the young and tend the nest. Of the species that are polygamous, however, the female takes care of all nesting and raising duties, usually laying two eggs at a time.
indonesianfauna
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