The Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana

A black spiny-tailed iguana basking in the mexican sun. These are the world’s fastest lizards, with a max speed of 34.6 km/h or 21.7mph. As more of their natural habitat is destroyed, the iguana populations continue to decline. Although black spiny-tailed iguanas are not considered endangered, there are several other iguana species that are endangered. Such asContinueContinue reading “The Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana”

The Great Gerenuk

Gerenuks are considered near threatened by the IUCN. Meaning that their population is decreasing. Their biggest threat is the loss and fragmentation of their habitat.  Gerenuks are also known as giraffe gazelles. In order to reach certain foods gerenuks stand on their hind legs and stretch out their necks.

Great Horned Owl

A family of great horned owls nesting in a dead tree.  They are monogamous birds that share in parenting duties. They are very protective of their young and have been known to attack humans that come too close to their nest.  Owls can turn their heads up to 260 degrees in either direction to compensateContinueContinue reading “Great Horned Owl”

Black-and-White ruffed Lemurs

The black-and-white ruffed lemur is Critically endangered! Deforestation/habitat destruction for agricultural use is their primary threat. They are also hunted for bushmeat.   Like all lemurs the black and white ruffed lemur is native in Madagascar. Madagascar has lost more than 90%  of its original forest. Forest loss is primarily due to the increase in theContinueContinue reading “Black-and-White ruffed Lemurs”

Alligator Snapping Turtle

The prehistoric looking alligator snapping turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles. They are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list. Habitat destruction and game hunting are the main reasons for their decline.  Alligator snapping turtles are not aggressive predators They use their worm-like tongue to lure fish to their mouth. Then snap theirContinueContinue reading “Alligator Snapping Turtle”

The Lifeblood of the Earth

The ocean is essential to all life. It covers 71% of the earth’s surface and produces around 70% of the world’s oxygen.   Humans are destroying the ocean. Overfishing, pollution, oil spills,  dumping garbage, and saturating the atmosphere with CO2 all contribute to the demise of the ocean and life on earth.   

The Secretary Bird

The secretary bird is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list. Their biggest threat is habitat loss. These birds live across sub-Saharan Africa. They can fly but they prefer to walk.    Secretary birds have the longest legs of any bird of prey. They prey on snakes, lizards, amphibians, and small mammals.  They use theirContinueContinue reading “The Secretary Bird”

Snakes with eyelashes….

The eyelash viper is a species of venomous pit viper. They are native to Central and South America. Eyelash vipers are ambush predators that hunt mainly at night. They have a pair of special pits on the sides of their faces called pit organs that can detect infrared radiation from body heat, similar to infraredContinueContinue reading “Snakes with eyelashes….”

Earth Day 2020

Today we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth day, but everyday should be considered earth day. We don’t have time to only think about saving the earth one day a year.  Join the initiative to S.A.V.E the world.  S- Speak up A- Act V- Vote E- Educate    Educating students around the world gives them theContinueContinue reading “Earth Day 2020”