Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts

November 01, 2012

Giant Panda with the Bamboo: Beautiful Amazing Panda Animal Safari Travel Destinations

Giant Panda with the Bamboo: Beautiful Amazing Panda Animal Safari Travel Destinations







Beautiful Amazing Giant Panda Animal Safari Travel Destinations Around the world

The giant panda Scientific Classification (Genus and Species, Family, Order): Ailuropoda melanoleuca, Ursidae, Carnivora just as the beautiful dangerous grizzly bears and the polar bears have made names in the history as some of the most beautiful animals and the most endangered bear species in the world. Where in the world would you see the greatest number of pandas other than China in the deep bamboo forests where these pandas have been chewing the bamboo for as long as the crouching tigers and snow leopards have been roaming these great forests of China with all its endangered wild animals in their natural habitat sharing with the pandas as well. 


What is always so special about pandas? Why are pandas loved by people all over the world? I also love pandas and when the movie Kung Panda was released, I was very much inspired by this animated panda film such that it even made me fall in love with panda. With many famous panda zoos in the world coming up and helping in the conservation and protection of the panda among the children the youth and many animal safari lovers being informed about pandas, the plight of these endangered pandas across the world and the care they are given not forgetting the illegal panda poaching has really seen the numbers of panda population go down. 


While a lot of work about panda restoration is till taking place, many zoos where pandas are raised and kept have helped seen a steady increase in the panda population but these baby steps in raising pandas captivity is not as sufficient as the real life pandas would have in the wild. 





Do people really have to travel to China on a Panda animal safari to see these giant pandas? Many zoos of the world now days have managed to get a few pandas despite the pandas already facing great extinction in many parts of China and Asia and due to the endangered panda habitat among the beautiful panda habitat which is mainly composed of bamboo forest and famous might still be in danger if nothing is being done to eradicate the pandas from being endangered despite the continuous conflict of the  panda habitat and the ever ending man’s need for land for development, agriculture and for economic purposes as well. 


Despite the Chinese doing their efforts to spare more that 30 reserves for the plight of the pandas, progress is still being made for many people to realize that the Chinese are also doing their best in creating a home for thee giant pandas for people of all walks of life to come and see and at the same time share some of the pandas in many of the worlds famous zoos as well so that panda research and panda education can be ongoing in helping understand the panda even better. 



Seeing pandas in the zoo is not as interesting as when you would see pandas in the wild. The experience you get when you see pandas in their natural habitat, the bamboo and the sounds they make just thrills you up and makes your travel to this panda destination just a visit and a safari to remember.



Some of the famous beautiful Panda travel zoo destination in USA
Smithsonian National Zoo, Washington, USA
San Diego Zoo, San Diego, USA
Memphis Zoo, Memphis, USA
Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta, USA

Some of the famous beautiful Panda travel zoo destination in Mexico
Chapultepec Zoo, Mexico City, Mexico

Some of the famous beautiful Panda travel zoo destination in Spain
Madrid Zoo and Aquarium, Madrid, Spain

Some of the famous beautiful Panda travel zoo destination in Germany
Zoo Berlin, Germany




Some of the famous beautiful Panda travel zoo destination in
 Austria

Schönbrunn Zoo, Vienna, Austria

Some of the famous beautiful Panda travel zoo destination in Australia
Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide, Australia

Some of the famous beautiful Panda travel zoo destination in Hong Kong 


Ocean Park, Hong Kong 

Some of the famous beautiful Panda travel zoo destination in Thailand 
Chiang Mai Zoo, Chiang Mai, Thailand 

Some of the famous beautiful Panda travel zoo destination in Taiwan 
Taipei Zoo, Taipei, Taiwan 

Some of the famous beautiful Panda travel zoo destination in Japan
Kobe Oji Zoo, Kobe, Japan 
Adventure World, Shirahama, Japan 


Some of the famous Panda travel zoo destination in China

Zhengzhou Zoo. Zhengzhou, China
Yunnan Safari Park. Kunming, China
Xixiakou Park. Shandong, China
Xiangjiang Safari Park. Guangzhou, China
Shanghai Zoo. Shanghai, China
Shanghai Wild Animal Park. Shanghai, Putong, China
Seven Star Park. Guilin, China
Macau's Panda Pavillion
Hongshan Forest Zoo. Nanjing, China
Hong Kong Ocean Park. Hong Kong
Giant Panda Ecological Park at the Wannan National Wild Animal Center “Eco Eden” Anhui, Xinuning, China
Fuzhou Panda World. Fuzhou, China
Chongqing Zoo. Chongqing City, China
Beijing Zoo Beijing, China



Panda natural habitat and protection of the Panda Reserves

With every ecosystem in any natural habitat, wildlife and any other living organisms depend upon each other and the survival of one species of organism always has an impact depending whether the endangered panda are not on top of the food chain in the beautiful dangerous bamboo forests of China. While life in the zoo is as artificial as it can be with little provision of the natural habitat of the panda China is all geared up in helping conserve the panda and lessons to be learned all over the world as well. While china is being blamed for the plight of panda being on the verge of extinction despite the fact that China still has the highest number of pandas in the world, the cultural and medicinal aspects of panda body parts is still one are which needs to be addressed and help quell this ever ending struggle between pandas and the bear species with all the norms regarding their body parts as well. 

While much is being done in the protect of the national forests of China with all its animal species and mostly where pandas reside, the panda breeding grounds and the panda feeding grounds as well. Since pandas eat mostly bamboo, the protection of the staple diet of the panda ensures adequate food for the pandas so that they don’t have to venture far from their natural habitat thereby having less contact with humans apart from other animals of predators which also tend to hunt pandas such as the snow leopard and the Asian tigers and since like all animals use their own animal instincts to look for water and pasture, it comes a time when these pandas have to migrate due to weather conditions and hence the provision of these reserves best serve as a connection between the different panda habitat hence opening of the panda migratory routs which need to be kept open for the pandas to breed well with other pandas from different forests as well hence ensuring that inbreeding does not take place as well. 


To some extent, the protectors of panda need to come from within the places where these pandas are residing. The proper panda protection can only be done if the panda habitat is accessible such that there is policing of may of the routs where logging in the panda habitat is taking place which always results in illegal panda poaching for its body parts to be sold in the local market and many of the panda babies end up as pets in the international market as the unchecked logging activities continue to diminish the panda’s habitat and in the whole degrading the natural forest where pandas and other animal thrive in these natural forests. 


With little resources available to help the pandas the reserves were made so that communication in and out of the panda reserves can be established in rescuing pandas that are sick or needed medical attention and to some extent where baby pandas end up being abandoned by their mothers as is always some of the rare cases in the animal kingdom. With a lot of information still not being known about pandas, Eco tourism in these panda reserves have encouraged people to venture into the world of panda and have had the chance to see these giant pandas in the wild. While research about pandas is till shading some light about the giant panda the locals are also having an opportune it to be part of the conservation efforts of the pandas and a win, win situation for the panda the locals and all those conducting research as well.



What are some of the best know facts about the Giant Panda?

The Giant pandas as beautiful as they can be are black and white bears. These beautiful endangered animals of Asia are mostly found mostly in the temperate-zone with the entire natural habitat which is mainly composed of bamboo forests in central China.  If people know Africa for its big wild animal safaris, China is no doubt the home for the giant pandas as these great beautiful animals have been cherished by all from tradition to the modern age and the plight of the pandas despite all, China still is one of the best places to travel to see these giant pandas readily available in the wild and in the protected areas as well. 

If you want to relate any thing which has of very high status as far as animals are concerned, the giant panda has made a name not only in the real conservation effort bat both the rich and the poor have found ways and means to find a link in creating awareness and as an animal of National pride to the Chinese as well.


Giant Panda migration and Geographic Distribution

The giant panda Scientific Classification (Genus and Species, Family, Order): Ailuropoda melanoleuca, Ursidae, Carnivora is found in some of the best animal habitat in china. When you talk of bamboo and pandas, there is no other better destination to see these giant pandas other than the beautiful mountain ranges in central China’s Sichuan, Gansu provinces and Shaanxi. Many of the pandas once thrived in the lowland areas where life was heaven for the pandas but with the advent of time, animal competition and man’s need for land use and for other economic benefits such as farming to make china self sufficient in its already food supply, forest clearing, the making of roads and the opening of the hinterland has cut off most of the pandas migration routs  and as a result there are not as many pandas in China even  today as one would have expected despite the fact China has the biggest number of the giant panda population in the wild and in the zoos as well

Great Giant Panda Natural Habitat

If water is to fish, the lion is to the African Savannah, the giant panda is defiantly at home at any bamboo natural forest and that is where these Giant pandas are comfortably at home. While most of the pandas in china are found in the forest, pandas mostly prefer the coniferous forests with all the rich vegetation which makes most of the giant panda’s diet which is mostly composed of bamboo shoots and bamboo leaves as well.  With such a natural habitat for the pandas to move, these pandas have the perfect feeding and breeding grounds with the abundant of moisture and the water needed  by the pandas which is easily available due to the cloud cover and the mist making it a perfect habitat for the pandas.







Endangered Giant Panda Physical Description

Pandas are such amazing creatures. A giant panda with all its beautiful back and white colors is just like a bear as far as the shape is concerned. All giant pandas have beautiful black fur on their ears, eye patches, muzzle, legs, and shoulders. The other parts of the panda bear's coat or skin is white. Many animals with their natural instincts have managed to survive and blend easily with their surroundings. The coat of the animal plays an important part while blending with its natural environment and natural habitat in terms of predators which are there in the wild but as far as the giant panda predators are concerned. If the beautiful Chinese forest came in shades of black and white, it would clearly state why the giant pandas are having black and white coat or fur. 


But when you come to think of it, the moisture and the mist in the  air covered by cloudy weather day in and day out makes the giant panda to blend in such thick smoky weather conditions such that it blends perfectly but  there are still many other reasons which keep on puzzling scientists as exactly why the panda was blessed with a shade of black and white for its coat. Despite the fact scientists do not know reasons to the mysteries of the unusual bears are black and white, some speculate that the bold coloring provides effective camouflage into their shade-dappled snowy and rocky surroundings. The giant panda's thick, wooly coat keeps it warm in the cool forests of its habitat. If you think the grizzly bears are the only animals on the planet which have razor sharp teeth, well the giant pandas have large molar teeth and amazing strong jaw muscles for crushing tough bamboo.


If you think the mahogany tree or the tick tree are some of the hardest tree in the world, you better guess again the bamboo tree is just as tough and if the pandas can tear them down and munch them, you just need to have that power to be able to bite through the bamboo. In the wild and in captivity, these beautiful endangered animals have all played their art as far as animal attacks are concerned  despite their friendly nature and a little bit of chubbiness, there are many cases where the giant pandas have attacked people and people are always warned not to get closer to them unless they are in the company of a trained animal handler or in a protected area. Remember giant pandas are just like any other bear in the wild and they can attack without warning. Whether its a provoked attack or just a giant panda protecting its baby, the cases are just the same as far as bears which have young ones respond in almost the same manner.


The Size of the Giant Panda


When you really want to how big a giant panda is, you will always be amazed by the size of pandas as they are as big as any other bear species in the world. In fact, there is very little comparison as far as the panda bear and the greatest beautiful dangerous grizzly bears and the polar bears that exist in the different parts of the world. As far as the height of the giant panda is concerned can reach about 4ft to 6ft long and when these panda sometimes stand between two and three feet tall at the shoulder. 


The giant male pandas are larger than the giant female pandas. As far as the general weights of the pandas are concerned  pandas weight about 250 pounds in the wild. With the different diet plans for most of the panda zoos in the world, some pandas might weigh even more due to the enriched fortified food to supplement their diet as well hence keeping wild animals in captivity can prolong their lives but the life they live is not as what is always expected for such animals ti life a full life.

The giant panda endangered status status


If there is an animal which has gotten all the attention as far as conservation and protection of an endangered species is concerned  the giant panda tops the list as the most endangered animal in the planet. A lot of awareness and campaigns have been launched not only by panda loving people, panda enthusiasts or panda photographers and celebrities from all walks of life, with the number of pandas The giant panda is listed as endangered in the World Conservation Union's (IUCN's) Red List of Threatened Animals. 





It is one of the most critically endangered species in the world. There are about 2,000 to 3000 left in the wild. About 240 pandas live in zoos such as Smithsonian National Zoo, Washington,San Diego Zoo, Memphis Zoo, Zoo Atlanta USA, Chapultepec Zoo, Mexico City, Madrid Zoo, Kobe Oji Zoo, Adventure World, Shirahama Japan  Chiang Mai Zoo, Chiang Mai, Thailand and Aquarium, Ocean Park, Hong Kong , Schönbrunn Zoo, Vienna Austria Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide, Australia, Zoo Berlin, Germany and breeding centers around the world, mostly in China. 




The Giant Panda Bear Life Span


How many people have spent life with these beautiful creatures while they are in the wild? If people have managed to live with lions while in the wild when they were still young, very few animal activists and researchers have managed to be with these great animals while in the wild.  Despite all the efforts which are now ongoing, the present pandas are the ones which people are now researching as far as the lifespan of the giant pandas is concerned  Scientists are not sure how long giant pandas live in the wild, but they are sure it is shorter than lifespans in zoos. 


Why do pandas have a short life in the wild?  its very simple. survival for the fittest and only the strong survive. Natural weather condition, pest and diseases, pandas predators and old age which also makes the panda become vulnerable to other predators as well. Its all part of natural selection and the food web as well where by each and a very animal in the pandas habitat is just linked to one another Chinese scientists have reported zoo pandas as old as 35.



Giant Panda with the Bamboo Diet

Pandas find most of their food in the forest which is mainly composed of bamboo  Pandas will eat and eat bamboo day in day our come rain come sunshine. In fact a giant panda's diet is almost 100% bamboo while in the wild. Although the panda is classified in the taxonomy of living things as a carnivore, its diet is primarily herbivorous. A giant panda's diet consists mainly of bamboo, while in captivity giant pandas are also fed apples, sweet potatoes and carrots.
The balance consists of other grasses and occasional small rodents or musk deer fawns. In zoos, giant pandas eat bamboo, sugar cane, rice gruel, a special high-fiber biscuit, carrots, apples, and sweet potatoes.


Panda Breeding Habits 

Female giant pandas are notorious for not breeding easily, only ovulating once a year, in the Spring, and for only two to three days during this time. Other than that, they show little interest in mating. While many of the giant pandas which are raised in the wild are also aimed of being introduced back into the wild, not all re-introductions go smoothly. In 2007, a five-year-old male named Xiang Xiang was let into the wild after three years of training, but was was later found dead in a remote part of the reserve. Currently it is estimated that about 2,000 to 3,000 giant pandas live in the wild worldwide, and about 239 in captivity. 


The giant Pandas are slow to reproduce, as litters usually and mainly consist of one cub. When the cub is born, the cute little panda bear will stay with its mother for up three years after birth. You find that in the wild a giant female panda can only have new young once every two years at a time at the most. This slow breeding rate of the giant panda bear, combined with a seeming reluctance to reproduce in captivity, has contributed to the panda's precarious grip on existence in the face of human-related survival pressures.



Giant Panda Social Structure

Adult giant pandas are generally solitary, but they do communicate periodically through scent marks, calls, and occasional meetings. Offspring stay with their mothers from one and a half to three years.



  1. Those who read about Giant Panda with the Bamboo: Beautiful Amazing Panda Animal Safari Travel Destinations also likes The Brown bear lessons after Hybernation
  2. Animal rescue animal shelter animal protection Animal adoption Societies
  3. The endangered green Turtles
  4. Orangutans The most endangered primates in Asia 
  5. Save the African Elephant and the Asian Elephant







Baby Panda: The Challenges and Joys of Raising a Giant Panda Cub

If you've ever seen a baby panda, you know how cute and cuddly they can be. But behind their adorable exterior lies a tough start to life. In this post, we'll explore the challenges and joys of raising a baby panda, as well as the conservation efforts in place to protect this beloved species.

The Life of a Baby Panda

Baby pandas are born pink and hairless, weighing only around 100 grams. They are completely dependent on their mothers for the first few months of life, relying on them for food, warmth, and protection. At around 6-8 weeks, they start to develop black and white fur, and by 3-4 months they begin to crawl and explore their surroundings.

The Challenges Faced by Baby Pandas

One of the biggest challenges faced by baby pandas is their low survival rate. In the wild, only about half of all panda cubs survive their first year, due to factors such as disease, malnutrition, and predation. Even in captivity, where they receive top-notch care, it can be difficult to ensure their survival.

The Dangers of Baby Pandas

In addition to natural threats, baby pandas also face dangers from humans. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities such as logging and farming have greatly reduced the pandas' natural range, leaving them vulnerable to extinction. Poaching for their fur and body parts also continues to be a threat.

Conservation Efforts to Protect Baby Pandas

Thankfully, there are many conservation efforts in place to protect baby pandas and their habitat. Organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund work to restore and protect panda habitat, as well as to combat illegal poaching. Breeding programs in zoos and research centers also help to increase the panda population and genetic diversity.

Fun Facts About Baby Pandas

  • Baby pandas are born blind and deaf, but develop these senses over the first few weeks of life.
  • They start to eat bamboo at around 6 months of age, but will continue to nurse for up to a year.
  • Baby pandas have a special adaptation on their wrists that helps them grip bamboo stalks and climb trees.

Challenges of Raising Baby Pandas

Raising baby pandas can be a difficult and labor-intensive process, as they require round-the-clock care and attention. In captivity, zookeepers and researchers must closely monitor their diet, weight, and health to ensure their survival. It's also important to provide them with enrichment activities to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Interesting Facts About Baby Pandas in Culture

Baby pandas have become a cultural icon around the world, beloved for their cute and cuddly appearance. They have been featured in movies, TV shows, and even the mascot for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In Chinese culture, pandas are seen as a symbol of peace and friendship.

Conclusion

Raising a baby panda is no easy feat, but the rewards are great. With proper care and attention, these cute cubs can grow up to be healthy and thriving adults. But we must also continue to work to protect their habitat and prevent illegal poaching to ensure their survival in the wild.


The Challenges of Raising a Baby Panda

  • Raising a baby panda is no easy feat. One of the main challenges is their diet. Panda cubs are exclusively fed on their mother's milk for the first six months of their life. As a result, mother pandas have to produce milk that is high in fat and protein to meet the nutritional needs of their growing cubs. This can be a challenge for mother pandas, who have to consume large amounts of bamboo to produce enough milk.
  • Another challenge is keeping the baby panda safe from potential predators. In the wild, baby pandas are at risk of being attacked by other animals, such as leopards and jackals. In captivity, the pandas are kept in enclosures that are designed to keep them safe from harm.

Interesting Facts about Baby Pandas

  • Baby pandas are born blind and only open their eyes after 6-8 weeks.
  • The mother panda produces milk that is 5 times higher in protein and 10 times higher in fat than cow's milk.
  • Baby pandas can weigh as little as 3.5 ounces at birth.
  • Pandas have a pseudo-thumb, which helps them to grip bamboo shoots.
  • Baby pandas can start eating bamboo at 6 months old, but they will still nurse for up to a year.
  • Pandas in Culture
  • Pandas have become a cultural icon in many countries, especially in China, where they are considered a symbol of peace and good fortune. The giant panda is also an important symbol for the conservation movement, and many zoos around the world have breeding programs to help preserve the species.

Conclusion

Baby pandas are adorable creatures that face many challenges in their young lives. From the dangers they face in the wild to the challenges of being raised in captivity, panda cubs require a great deal of care and attention. Fortunately, there are many conservation efforts underway to help protect these amazing animals, and we can all do our part to support them.

Further Reading and Resources

If you're interested in learning more about pandas and their conservation, here are some recommended books and resources:

  1. "Pandas: The Complete Guide for Beginners" by Mark Smith
  2. "The Last Panda" by George B. Schaller
  3. World Wildlife Fund's Panda Conservation website (https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/giant-panda)
  4. "Pandas: The Journey Home" by Jennifer S. Holland
  5. World Wildlife Fund - Giant Panda Conservation
  6. Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute - Giant Panda Information

You might also be interested with:






#GiantPanda #PandaConservation #SaveThePandas #PandaLove #PandaCub #EndangeredSpecies #WildlifeConservation #BambooForest #ChinaWildlife #PandaResearch #PandaFriends #PandaAwareness #PandaFamily #PandaSanctuary #PandaHabitat #BlackAndWhiteBears #CuteAnimals #ConservationEfforts #PandaPhotography #PandaEnthusiast


December 10, 2011

Snakes attacks and venomous dangerous snakes

World's most Endangered poisonous snakes species



BANDED KRAIT-Bungarus fasciatus

Bungarus fasciatus is Extremely toxic, but so disinclined to bite that Malayan villagers believe it is not a venomous species.
DESCRIPTION
1- 2 meters in size. It has black and yellow cross bands on  its entire length.
DISTRIBUTION
 India Mayurbhanj district  and the malay archipelago.
HABITAT
banded krait is found in bamboo groves in the  forests,plantation and farms, where It hides during the day in burrows under stones or logs, becoming  active at night.
FOOD
like all kraits other snakes are the preferred food.
BREEDING
The female lays eggs.

 (VIPERS (FAMILY VIPERIDAE)


About 190 species. Arguably the most advanced snakes, a group which includes the rattlesnakes, the European adder (vipera berus) , and the gaboon viper (bitis gabonica), which hold the record for length of fangs. This is possible because, as in all vipers , the fangs can be folded into the roof of the mouth and are swivelled forward during a bite. Sometimes the pit vipers (rattlesnakes and their kin) are placed in a separate family. All of them have a heat-sensitive pit on each side of their face, for detecting the body warmth of mammals or birds, enabling them to strike accurately in pitch darkness. 


FER-DE-LANCE-Bothrops atrox

More correctly known as barb amarilla, this snake has a virulent venom and reputedly responsible for the most snake-bite related deaths in south America of any species. The true fer-de-lance occurs only on island of Martinique.

DESCRIPTION
Averages 2 metres (6 ½ ft). One of its many common names refers to it as a “lancehead”; its triangutar head with light stripes behind the eyes produces an arrow point marking towards the snout. Mostly some shade of brown with darker brown triangles radiating off the back.
DISTRIBUTION
From Mexico down through Brazil.
HABITAT
Found in plantations and forest, especially along streams.
FOOD 
Venomous, feeding on small mammals and birds, frogs and lizards.
BREEDING
  A large female can produce an astonishing litter of up to 70 young measuring 30cm (12in).

The largest dangerous venomous snake in the world



EASTERN HOGNOSE SNAKE
Heterodon platyrhinos
Like the western hognose this snake may provide clues as to how venom evolved; though it has enlarged rear teeth and very mild venom, it has no real mechanism for introducing this venom to prey.
DESCRIPTION: 51-1 15cm (1 ½ - 4 ft).
A Stocky snake with a distinctly less upturned nose than its western counterpart. The ground colours are variable, ranging from yellow through grey, brown to even red; some individuals are plain black or grey, but spotted specimens are the norm.
DISTRIBUTION: Much of eastern and central USA.
HABITAT: Active during the day it spends most of its time foraging for prey, often burrowing into root systems to locate toads. Like the Western Hognose, it will feign death as well as inflate the neck and strike.
FOOD: Mildly venomous. Toads form the majority of its diet, but frogs may also be eaten.
BREEDING: Lays a clutch of 5 – 61 eggs.


SCARLET SNAKE
Cemophora coccinea
An impressive mimic of the eastern coral snake when seen at a distance, easier to identify if you can get a closer look.
DESCRIPTION: 36 - 82cm (1¼ - 2½ft).
Distinguished by having markings that form a saddle pattern rather than a banded pattern, a very pointed, red snout and a plain whitish belly.
DISTRIBUTION: USA, in many of the eastern seaboard states north to New Jersey, down to Florida, through to Texas and north to Montana.
HABITAT: Found in loose-soiled open woodland.
A burrower rarely found at the surface, more normally disturbed under logs or by agricultural practices.
FOOD: A constrictor, feeding on small mice, lizards and snakes, and proving very partial to snakes’ eggs.
BREEDING: Females lay 3-8 leathery and elongated eggs in a clutch.





SMOOTH GREEN SNAKE
Opheodrys vernalis  
The green dorsal colour of this snake changes to a dull blue or grey after death.
DESCRIPTION: 30-65cm (1-2ft).
A slender plain green snake with a white or yellow under the tail.
DISTRIBUTION: Occurs in much of northeastern USA and some parts of southern Canada as well as isolated populations in southern Texas and Idaho, New Mexico and Wyoming.  
HABITAT Mostly terrestrial in grassy areas in forests, prairies and along river edges.
FOOD East mainly insects and spiders.
BREEDING Several females may share a nest site where each will lay a clutch of 3-48 eggs.


MANGROVE SNAKE
Boiga dendrphila


A spectacular animal that is a popular “draw” in snake charming shows.
DESCRIPTION: Grows up to 2.5 meters (8ft).
A glossy black snake with 40-50 sulphur yellow bars. The eye has vertical pupils like a cat’s.
DISTRIBUTION: Thailand and Malay peninsular, Philippines and Indonesia.
HABITAT: Mangroves and tropical rain forests, where it is often found in the trees.
FOOD: Small mammals, birds, eggs and reptiles. Large fangs at the back of its mouth can deliver quite potent venom.
BREEDING: Lays a clutch of eggs in damp soil or rotting wood.
BOOMSLANG
Dispholidus typus


When angered, this snake inflates its throat to produce an alarming thereat display to potential predators.
DESCRIPTION: Averages 120-15cm (4-5ft).
It possesses a very short head with large eyes and a slender body. The colour varies markedly, even within the same geographic location.
DISTRIBUTION: Africa, south of the Sahara.
HABITAT: Totally arboreal, the name boomslang comes directly from the Afrikaans meaning “tree snake”.
FOOD: One of the most notorious and venomous snakes in Africa, back-fanged but in fact relatively near the front of the mouth. It preys on chameleons, other lizards, amphibians and birds, often found raiding weaver bird colonies.
BREEDING: Up to 24 eggs deposited that require about 6 months’ incubation before the 30cm (1ft) hatchlings emerge.
GOLDEN FLYING SNAKE
Chrsopelea ornata


One of the 5 species of snakes that can spread their ribs and glide from tree to tree.
DESCRIPTION: Grows to about 1.3 meters (4ft).
An athletic, slender snake with large eyes. Its coloration is green with each bordered and bisected by black.
DISTRIBUTION: India and Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Southern China and the Malay peninsular.
HABITAT: A denizen of tropical rain forests, it is diurnal, arboreal and sun loving. Moves with alacrity in the tree tops by climbing, jumping and gliding. Back-fanged, but they have weak venom.
FOOD: Lizards and frogs. May take an hour or more to subdue a lizard.
BREEDING: Comes down to the ground to lay eggs in leaf mould on the forest floor.
VINE SNAKE
Oxybelis aeneus


May attempt to mimic the branches they habitually lie along by appearing to sway in the breez.
DESCRIPTION: 90-150cm (3-5ft).
An incredibly slender and long-headed snake, with comparatively small eyes and a long tail (up to half its body length). Generally grayish-brown above, grey below, with white or yellow under the head, an eye stripe and distinctive cream lips.
DISTRIBUTION: Extreme South Arizona into Central and South America.
HABITAT: Active during daylight hours, mainly arboreal, often being found along thin branches, in a range of arid to moist habitats. Bluffs when disturbed with a wide-gaping mouth.
FOOD: Back-fanged and mildly toxic, feeds mainly on lizards.
BREEDING: A clutch of 3-5 eggs is laid in spring and summer.
SEA KARIT
Laticuda colubrina


Can be found in large numbers when they come shore to breed.
DESCRIPTION: Up to 1.5 metres (5ft) in length.
Its coloration is bluish grey with cross bands of black. They head is marked with black and yellow.
DISTRIBUTION: Tropical seas and shores from India through Indonesia, Malaysia, New Guinea, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
HABITAT: Mainly aquatic, but also found on the land in rocky and coral crevices. Venom is toxic but this snake has a placid disposition and does not bite even when freshly caught.
FOOD: Forages at night, grabbing sleeping fish from rock crevices.
BREEDING: It comes ashore to lay eggs.

FIERCE SNAKE
Parademansia microlepidota


The land snake with the most potent venom. A large one has the potential to dispatch 250,000 mice.
DESCRIPTION: 2 metres (6½ft) is the average length.
Usually a brown snake, with some of its scales edged with black or brown. Some populations have a distinct black head.
DISTRIBUTION: Australia in western Queensland, northwestern South Australia and western New South Wales.
HABITAT: Found in stony deserts or dry flood plains with deep cracking clays and soils. Abroad in daylight, it often lives in the burrows of its main prey, the plague rat.
FOOD: Rodents.
BREEDING: Lays a clutch of 9-12 eggs which hatch in about 70 days.
COLLETT’S SNAKE
Pseudechis colletti


Potentially fatal to people, this rare and beautiful Australian snake keeps itself to itself and there is no proof that it has ever bitten anyone.
DESCRIPTION: Total length is about 2.5 metres (8ft).
The snake has a brown or black body colour, with blotches of orange or red that merges together at the sides.
DISTRIBUTION: Only found in central Queensland, Australia.
HABITAT: Generally near rivers in black soil flood plains or riverine forests. It is so uncommon and elusive that little is known about its behavior.
FOOD: Small mammals, lizards, forgs and brids.
BREEDING: Lays 7-14 eggs in October to December.


EASTERN TIGER SNAKE
Notechis scutatus


The venomous snake that is common in the most densely populated areas of Australia.
DESCRIPTION: A bulky snake that can grow to nearly 2 metres (6½ft) in length.
Very variable in colour, can be grey, green brown or even black with a series of lighter cross bands.
DISTRIBUTION: East and south eastern Australia.
HABITAT: Usually found in damp habitats.
Unaggressive, but holds its ground, so it can be trodden upon accidentally; before an anti-venom was developed it was responsible for human fatalities.
FOOD: Specializes in frogs, but will take birds and rodents.
BREEDING: Males indulge in “ritualized combats” during the spring. After mating the female retains her eggs within her body, eventually giving to 30 or so young.
BLACK TIGER SNAKE
Notechis ater


Some island populations of this snake fast for 10 months of the year.
DESCRIPTION: There are a variety of subspecies that range in size from 1-2.4 metres (3-8ft). All are heavily built, with broad heads. The colour is dark brown or black, with some of the western populations having lighter bands.
DISTRIBUTION: Western Australia, southern Australia’s Tasmania and small islets and islands off Australia’s southern coast.
HABITAT: Found in marshlands, sand dunes or dry rocky deserts. Some of the island forms spend most of their time in sea bird burrows.
FOOD: frogs, birds and rodents. Two of the island subspecies survive by feeding upon mutton bird, a type of shearwater. The snakes must gorge on chicks when the shearwater are breeding, then fast for 10 months, when the mutton birds are out at sea. Juvenile tiger snakes live on lizards until they are big enough to eat a bird.    
BREEDING: females give birth to 6-20 young (sometimes more) in mid to late summer.
TAIPAN
Oxyuranus scutellatus
the largest and most notorious venomous snake in Australia, with the longest fangs(12mm [1/2 in ] ) to boot.
DESCRIPTION: can grow to 3.5 metres (111/2ft) but more usually 1.5 metres (5ft). it has large glittering eyes set in a creamy head, with a body of light to dark brown becoming lighter at the sides. 
DISTRIBUTION: north and northeastern Australia.
HABITAT: Found in sugar cane fields, farms, rubbish dumps and woodlands. If given the chance a taipan will always retreat from people but if provoked will strike repeatedly.  
FOOD:  A rodents specialist, which is why it is attracted to farms and dumps where there are large populations of mice.  
BREEDING: lays 10-12 eggs.
DEATH ADDER
Acanthophis antarcticus
Perfectly camouflaged, it wiggles the tip of its tail to lure unwary prey.
DESCRIPTION: fat body usually under 1 metre (3ft) in length very variable in colour; red, grey or brown with
DISTRIBUTION: north and northeastern Australia.
HABITAT: Found in sugar cane fields, farms, rubbish dumps and woodlands. If given the chance a taipan will always retreat from people but if provoked will strike repeatedly.  
FOOD:  A rodents specialist, which is why it is attracted to farms and dumps where there are large populations of mice.  
BREEDING: lays 10-12 eggs.


KING BROWN SNAKE
Pseudechis australis
Under threat in the northern part of its range from the lethal effects of swallowing cane toads.
DESCRIPTION: Up to 2 metres (6 ½ ft) long.
Each scale can be edged or tipped with black, resulting in a reticulated pattern on an all ground colour of copper or brown.
DISTRIBUTION: The whole of Australia, except the south and the east.
 HABITAT: Found in nearly every type of habitat from tropical forests to arid desert. In cool weather this snake is active during the day, becoming nocturnal in hotter seasons or climates.
FOOD:  Small mammals, birds and frogs. For the snake, cane toads seem a prefect food except that they are toxic and eating one causes death. Native animals have yet to come to terms with an introduced species.
BREEDING: ritualized combat has been observed between males during the breeding seasons (October and November). After mating the females lays about 10 eggs.
CORAL SNAKE
Micruroides euryxanthus
Despite processing a potent venom, this snake generally defends itself with sound; waving its tail above its body and extruding its cloaca produces “Popping” sounds.

DESCRIPTION: No more than about 50cm (20in) long. The body is totally encircled by clearly defined glossy, black, yellow and red bands.
The edges of the scales are tipped black, while the head is black from the snout to just behind the termination of the mouth.

DISTRIBUTION: Northern Mexico into New Mexico and Arizona.

 HABITAT: Found in areas of sandy soil in rocky locations emerging from burrows or under rocks at night and during overcast conditions.

FOOD:  Venomous, feeding almost entirely on snakes, especially the bind snake, Leptotyphlops.

BREEDING: 2-3 eggs laid under a rock or in a burrow.
EASTERN CORAL SNAKE
Micrurus Fuluius
Highly venomous but inoffensive, will rarely bite except under extreme circumstances.

DESCRIPTION: Up to around 90cm (3ft). The yellow bands are narrow and border the black and red bands; there is some flecking o black in the red bands. The black on the head reaches only to just beyond the eyes.

DISTRIBUTION: southeastern USA, and from southern Arkansas west into Taxes and south into Mexico.

HABITAT: A secretive snake, it often remains hidden in leaf debris or burrows, only emerging into its woodland or riverine habitat on humid or overcast days.

FOOD:  Venomous, feeding on small prey items, snake, lizards and nestling rodents.

BREEDING: Deposits up to 18 eggs in rotten logs or stumps.

BUSHMASTER
Lachesis Muta
It is reputed that female bushmaster actively and aggressively guard their nest sites.

 DESCRIPTION: Normally 210-240cm (7-8ft), but sometimes up to 350cm (12ft). The ground colour can vary between yellowish , reddish and grey-brown blotches that stretch down the sides to form dark lateral triangles.

DISTRIBUTION: Much of Central America and into Peru, the Guians and into Brazil.

HABITAT: Resides almost exclusively in primary and secondary forests and adjacent cleared areas, mostly nocturnal, foraging for prey on the ground, in burrows and around exposed root systems.

FOOD:  Venomous, most normally feeding on small mammals, but occasionally eating birds and amphibians.

BREEDING: Lays about 12 eggs in a clutch.



SOUTH AMERICAN SPITTING COBRA
Hemachatus Hemachatus
“Rinkhals” is the Afrikaans name, referring to the distinctive white throat band.

DESCRIPTION: A large stout cobra that is dingy black or brown. Average about 1 metre (3ft) in length. The only cobra with keeled body scales.

DISTRIBUTION: Zimbabwe and South Africa.

HABITAT: Found in a variety of habitats where it hides in scrubby vegetations or rock piles. When defending itself it can spit venom for up to 3metres (10ft).

FOOD:  Rodents and toads.

BREEDING: A live-bearer, which is unusual for a cobra. It gives birth to a litter of 63 young in the autumn.

MOZAMBIQUE SPITTING COBRA
Naja mossambica
The “red spitter” can spray two jets venom from tiny holes in the tips fangs for up to 2.5 metres (8ft).

DESCRIPTION: Usually attaining a length of 1.5 metres (5ft) but on occasions reaching up to 2.8 metres (9ft). Its coloration ranges from brown –red, pinkish to orange-red; there are often black cross bands or blotches on the throat.

DISTRIBUTION: Southern Tanzania, Mozambique, Botswana and Northern South Africa.

HABITAT: Ground dwelling, sheltering in termite mounds and rock crevices, it basks during the day and forages at night. Quick to rouse and to spit, it will also bite readily, through the venom rarely causes fatalities.

FOOD:  Venomous, eating toads, snakes, birds, rodents and even eggs.

BREEDING:  Between 10 and 22 eggs are laid in summer.

FOREST COBRA
Ophiophagus hannah
Through a slender snake it is the largest of the African cobras.

DESCRIPTION: Up to 2.5 metres (8ft). It appears black unless in good lights. When a distinct pale flecking of the scales is obvious. The front of the snout, parts of the face and the underside are a bright orange-yellow; on the belly this is broken by a black band under the hood. 

DISTRIBUTION: Central Africa, South to Angola and eastern parts of South Africa.

HABITAT: Occurs in heavily forested areas or along forest edges.

FOOD:  Venomous, Small mammals.

BREEDING:  Lays 15-26 large eggs in leaf litter or hollow logs.

KING COBRA
Ophiophagus hannah
The largest venomous snake in the world with gigantic long enough to penetrate the hide of an elephant and enough venom to kill it.

DESCRIPTION: Usually 4 metres (13ft) in lengths, but the maximum ever recorded was over 5.5 metres (18ft). Medium to dark brown with dull light and dark cross bands along the body.

DISTRIBUTION: India, Indo-China to Southern India, and the Indo-Australia Archipelago.

HABITAT: A denizen of tropical rain forests. For most of the years shy and wary of human beings, but females can become aggressive when guarding the nest. A king cobra rearing up over 1 metre (3ft) off the ground in a threat display can make for an exciting encounter.

FOOD: Rodents and reptiles, with a predilection for other snakes.

 BREEDING:  the only snake in the world that builds an elaborate nest. The female lays up to 40 eggs, staying on guard until they hatch.


GABOON VIPER-Bitis gabonica

This large viper has massive fangs of up to 5cm (2in), a record for any snake. The fangs are folded  against the roof of the mouth, but are raised and extended when the snake goes to strike.
DESCRIPTION: The largest and fattest of the puff adders at up to 1.8 metres (6ft) and 12kgs (26lb). Very heavy-bodied with a wide head and silvery eye marked out by a triangle of brown or black extending from the jaw. The colours of the amazingly cryptic body patterm range from brown, beige, yellow, black and purple.



DISTRIBUTION:
much of eastern, central and western Africa.
HABITAT:
Found on the floors of rain forests and woodland, its remarkable patterning camouflages it wonderfully in leaf litter
FOOD:
Venomous, eating a variety of terrestrial the small royal antelope.
BREEDING:
live-bearing, up to 60 young in a litter.




PUFF ADDER-Bitis arietans

Male puff adders may be seen performing strange ritualized combats or dances together during the  breeding season.
DESCRIPTION: A very heavy-bodied snake, perhaps only 1 metre (3-4ft), but extremely variable in colour, ranging from yellow-brown through reddish brown or grey with heavy black markings.
DISTRIBUTION: Africa south of the Sahara, southwest Arabia and Yemen.
HABITAT: Most active at night, but in fact generally an ambush feeder, waiting for its prey to pass its silent, camouflaged form. Usually hisses very loudly when threatened.

FOOD:
Venomous, eating mainly rodents which are quickly digested with the aid of the tissue-destroying nature of the venom.
BREEDING:
Able to produce massive litters of over 80 live offspring.

CANTIL SNAKE-Agkistrodon bilineas

The newly hatched young are able to attract their prey by using extraordinary movements of their bright yellow tail lure.

DESCRIPTION: A blue-back to chocolate brown snake, with creamy-white markings taking the form of two narrow lateral stripes and regular thin cross bars.
DISTRIBUTION: Through much of southern Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras and Belize.
HABITAT: Mainly nocturnal, it generally resides near water.
FOOD: Venomous, feeding on amphibians, fish, mammals and reptiles.
BREEDING: Live-bearing, giving birth to over a dozen young.

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