Of Fearlessness and Audacity: The Honey Badger

     Previously an animal known only by followers of the Big Ten Conference and a bookmarked page to marvel at in your childhood Zoobooks, the honey badger, also known as the ratel, has recently gained viral popularity on the internet for its remarkable absence of fear.

www.youtube.com/v/4r7wHMg5Yjg (Check this out for an example!)

     Although it looks like Pepe Le Pew succeeded in his conquests if he were to pursue a bear instead of a cat, there is much more to this unique mammal. Mellivora capensis is a 5.5-14kg is a omnivorous member of the weasel family characterized by a jet black color and a single wide white longitudinal stripe spanning its back. Their gait is like that of a clumsy fox due to their bulky frame with short limbs bearing long and vicious claws, which are perfect for fast and efficient digging. They prefer a wide range of conditions from dry open plains to lush forests and are found all over Africa, India, and the Arabian Peninsula. A species on decline, this animal faces danger, largely at the hands of humans, resulting in threatened status in some areas and protected and endangered in others. Social patterns indicated that a male in a given area will establish dominance and contribute upwards of 50% paternity of the subsequent generation. The loose skin, strength, and offensive characteristics of the animal including its teeth and fangs contribute to the ability of this animal to fear no master. Also, it has developed a tolerance to most types of natural toxins. This has allowed them to develop a taste for honey and ravage bee nests without regard for the stings that deter most potential predators. It also is notorious for antagonizing venomous snakes, consuming them and their eggs. It also willingly attacks porcupines and small crocodiles, and will not hesitate to feast on a human corpse if it comes across one. The honey badger continues to hold its title as the “World’s Most Fearless Animal”.

References:

Hiskey, Dave. "The World's Most Fearless Creature Is the Honey Badger." Today I Found

       Out RSS. N.p., 9 Aug. 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2014 <http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2011/08/the-worlds-most-fearless-creature-is-the-honey-badger/>.

"Ratel." African Wildlife Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014.

<http://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/ratel>.

"The Honey Badger - Associations." The Honey Badger - Associations. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr.

2014. <http://www.honeybadger.com/associations.html>.

Axolotl: The Amazing Walking Fish

     Known to the citizens of Oceania as the “Mexican walking fish”, this bizarre creature looks like a realistic rendition of an artist’s sketch of the transition from aquatic fish to terrestrial reptiles thought to have occurred many moons ago in the process of evolution. This phylogenic “missing link” isn’t photoshopped: it is in fact a member of the order Caudata, meaning it is a salamander just like the ones you would find under a rock in Fowler Woods. Well, not just like it. Many differentiations distinguish organisms the more specific the taxonomy gets. Ambystoma mexicanum is the scientific name of the organism, nonetheless just as difficult to pronounce as its common name, pronounced “Axe-oh-lot-uhl”. Its name stems from the Aztec name for the god of deformation, but can also be translated to “water-dog” from the same language. Its odd features result from the retention of its larval characteristics throughout its adult life. Despite what would be considered by the standards of most species as a defect condemning them to death, the adult axolotl is a perfectly functional organism capable of reproduction. This phenomenon known as “neoteny” is passed down genetically, and is now definitive of the axolotl although it is capable of metamorphosis, spontaneous or hormonally induced. Although there are no issues threatening the individual salamander, the axolotl does face threats to its existence on this planet as a whole. Not only is it listed as an endangered animal by CITES, but its home range is very specific, confined to the lakes and canals in direct proximity of Mexico City. Their endangered status is not aided by their exotic appearance appealing to black market animal traders or their demand as a delicacy. They can grow up to a foot long and can live up to 15 years! They are carnivores that eat small mollusks, worms, insect larvae, and small fish, just like your typical salamander. It also can regenerate limbs. Also, as an aquatic organism, it breathes through gills and to an extent, its skin.

References:

Clare, John P. "Introduction." Axolotls: The Fascinating Mexican Axolotl and the Tiger

Salamander. Caudata.org, 2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. <http://www.axolotl.org/>.

"Mexican Axolotls, Mexican Axolotl Pictures, Mexican Axolotl Facts - National Geographic."

National Geographic. National Geographic, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. <http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/axolotl/>.

Lionfish: The Unwelcomed Guest

Everybody knows someone whom they don’t particularly enjoy being around. In the Marine world, specifically the eastern coast of the U.S., this unwelcomed guest is the Lionfish. You may ask what does this fish do to make everyone hate them? Well for starters, this alien fish is highly toxic and likes to kill smaller fish and invertebrates. They are starting to become a major problem in the eastern U.S. because they are indigenous to the Indo-Pacific region and have few predators here. Therefore, nothing is keeping their numbers under control (besides humans). Allow me to explain their toxicity. The Lionfish has spines that it uses to sting its prey. When it strikes its prey, acetylcholine and a neuromuscular toxin are released. This can cause tremendous pain, respiratory distress, and even paralysis. (Lionfish Biology Factsheet). Because of these things they are considered one of the world’s greatest conservation issues (sort of a “Most Wanted” list­­). Basically these are some bad dudes!

            The research article, “Invasive Lionfish Drive Atlantic Coral Reef Fish Decline”, gives a great insight into what effects the Lionfish are having on the indigenous fish in the Atlantic and Caribbean. There are numerous invasive species found throughout the U.S., but the article tells us that the Lionfish invasion is of “unparalleled speed and magnitude” (Green). In other words, we aren’t dealing with your average, run-of-the-mill, invasive species. In fact, the research done by Green et al., which was performed off of New Providence Island, Bahamas in nine different coral reefs showed that “40% of the total predator biomass” was comprised of the lionfish. That is a tremendous amount when you think about how much the predatory biomass comprised of lionfish should be (zero: they shouldn’t live there). Perhaps an even more shocking statistic is that in just two years there was a “65% decline in the biomass” of the 42 fish species in the Atlantic that fall victim to the lionfish. The lionfish were present in the Atlantic prior to 2008 when the later report was performed. Therefore it is fair to assume that the total decline is greater than just 65%.

The graph above gives a good depiction of the native fish species biomass between 2008 and 2010. As you can see, the small-bodies prey had about 65% decline in biomass as mentioned, and the large-bodied competitors and non-competitors alike had a decline. Only the small-bodied non-prey species have benefited from the lionfish. This is probably because of less competition with other small-bodied fish and less predation by the large-bodied fish.

            It appears that the lionfish is causing an underwater apocalypse and by this point your probably asking yourself if this is any hope? Well to be quite frank with you, we don’t know. The research article warns that the fish will have the same impact elsewhere in the Atlantic when it reaches the more northern waters. Additionally, when small-bodied prey become scarce they could go after the young from the large-bodied fish. All of these species of fish have their own niche and duty in the ocean and such a drastic reduction in biomass could be truly detrimental to the ocean. This is especially true when over-fishing, disease, toxins and other threats are impacting these species as well. Green et al. state that “given the geographic extent of the invasion, complete eradication of lionfish from the Atlantic appears unlikely”, but it could be possible to keep them out of important nursery sites and protected areas. Some regions are actually giving prizes and money to people to catch these bad guys.

            The fate of the oceans and lionfish is still yet to be determined, but with any luck their numbers will be controlled. For if not, their impact will be tremendous.

References:

Corbis. Unknown in the Amercias 30 years ago, lionfish have multiplied at a rate that is almost unheard of in marine history. Picture. Visuals Unlimited. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/invasion-of-the-lionfish-131647135/?no-ist

Green, Stephanie J., John L. Akins, Aleksandra Malijkovic and Isabelle M. Cote. “Invasive Lionfish Drive Atlantic Coral Reef Fish Declines.” PLoSOne 10.1371 (2012):Web.

Lionfish Biology Fact Sheet. NOAA, 31 May 2011. Web. 30 march 2014. http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/stories/lionfish/factsheet.html 

Osprey: A Tale of Perseverance

In all its majesty, it soars over the marsh. Suddenly its bright yellow eyes notice lunch swimming below, an unlucky fish. Within a split second it folds its wings back and prepares for a dive. A few seconds more and splash. The Osprey briefly disappears into the water only to emerge with a 12 inch fish locked into its specialized talons. That’s right; the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is the best fisherman you will ever meet, averaging a mere 12 minutes per hunt (all about birds). Although this fascinating bird of prey seems to be “king of the air”, it has undergone many adversities in the past 60 years.

You see, there used to be this pesticide, DDT, which was commonly used. However, DDT (and other contaminants) was proven to lower productivity of the Osprey and it weakened their shells, as you would expect this greatly decreased the Osprey’s population. In fact, a study by K.E. Clark et al estimated that the pre-DDT population in New Jersey was between 350-400 pairs and in 1975 it plummeted to only 66 pairs (Clark)! I’m getting ahead of myself though. Before I tell you about the hardships encountered by the Osprey, you must first have a respect for them. I don’t know to what extents you would go to for a chance at breeding, but the Osprey seems to have no limits. Over the winter months (non-breeding), the Osprey is found typically in Central and South America and as far north as the southeastern U.S. However, come spring time these birds migrate north, inhabiting most of Canada and the east coast of the U.S. for the summer. They travel thousands of miles twice a year for a chance at breeding and to raise their young in hospitable habitats. For an adult Osprey nearing old age, (15-20 years) it will have traveled up to 160,000 miles in its lifetime just to breed (all about birds)! You can see how egg shell thinning by DDT is such a big deal! Now you understand the level of investment the Osprey puts into their offspring.

In Pamela C. Toschik’s article, “Effects of Contaminant Exposure on Reproductive Success of Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Nesting in Delaware River and Bay, USA” eggs were collected from 39 nests to look for various contaminants. All of the study’s together had at least one young Osprey fledge in 66-75% of the nests. They concluded that “contaminant concentrations were predictive of hatching success” and thus it is still a major stress for the productivity of Osprey (Toschik). Since contaminations are still such a major concern, researchers like Robert A. Grover are using the Osprey as an “sentinel species”, a species to get a broad idea of what the contaminants can do to other species. In an article by Grover he states that the Osprey is a perfect organism to study because contaminates effect the birds immune system, reproduction, behavior, and anatomically through bird defects. Thus, it is a good model species to get a better understanding of broad effects of chemical contaminants on Avian (bird) species. The study did show that populations have recovered nearly everywhere (even in some of the most polluted era) from the initial DDT destruction (Grove).

            Now that you have an understanding for the level of perseverance displayed by the Osprey you cannot help but have respect for these birds. Although they have undergone many hardships, they have rebounded. Although contamination is still a major concern for the Osprey and many animals, we now know how important it is to limit the contaminants and keep our waters clean.

References

1. Clark, K.E., et al. “Changes in Contaminant Levels in New Jersey Osprey Eggs and Prey, 1989 to 1998” Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 40 (2001): 277-284. Web. http://www.pdcbank.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ensp/pdf/literature/osprey-contaminant-levels_1989-1998.pdf

2. Grove, Robert A., et al. “Osprey: Worldwide Sentinel Species for Assessing and Monitoring Environmental Contamination in Rivers, Lakes, Reservoirs, and Estuaries.” Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health 12b (2009): 25-44. Web. http://www.pdcbank.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ensp/pdf/literature/osprey-contaminant-levels_1989-1998.pdf

3. Toschik, Pamela C., et al. “Effects of Contaminant Exposure on Reproductive Success of Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Nesting in Delaware River and Bay, USA.” Environmental Toxicology and Chemsitry 24.3 (2005): 29. Web.

4. All About Birds. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, N.D. Web. 16 March 2014.

5. Kruitbosch, Scott. “Osprey at sandy beach.” Photograph. Long Island Sound Study. Osprey Makes Comeback, n.d. Web. 16 March 2014.

6. BBC. “Ospreys Catching Fish-The Animal’s Guide to Britain, Episode 1 Preview-BBC Two”. Video. YouTube. YouTube, 13 April 2011. Web. 16 March 2014.

It's a Fox, It's a Deer, It's a ... Wolf?

The South American Maned Wolf is one of those animals you look at and think that it looks familiar, but can’t quite place it. It has the body shape and overall features of a fox, with long legs that resemble a deer. Along with containing the name of a wolf, what exactly is this creature mash-up?

The Maned Wolf is technically not a wolf, or a fox, but it is a member of the canid family, which relates it to a wolf. A huge difference between the Maned Wolf and other wolves is that they are solitary in nature, meaning they will not typically travel in groups and prefer to be alone. Even though these creatures typically care for themselves, a male and a female typically share a home range and remain monogamous throughout their lives. Even though they live in the same area, the male and female will only come together during the mating season in which the female delivers up to 5 adorable pups (picture below). The pups are cared for primarily by the female for about 2 and a half months before becoming independent. After the pups grow to a year old, they typically leave to find their own home range and mate.

Although these creatures look majestic, they have a side that is not so glamorous as well. Each monogamous pair “owns” a territory that is about 10square miles, so how do they defend this if they never see each other? They pee and poop. That’s right, every night they make sure that they deposit their extremely powerful urine and feces around the edge of their territory to warn others to stay away. It has been said that this herbal smell is so strong it is often compared to the smell of marijuana or a skunk. The smell is so similar to cannabis that Netherlands police were once searching the Rotterdam zoo for a pot-smoker, only to find out that it was the urine of the Maned Wolf.

These creatures can still be found in the wild near the central part of South America, usually in the thick brush. The Maned Wolf is an omnivore that has an extremely diverse diet consisting of small mammals, fish, fruits, insects, and even road kill. There are no natural predators to the Maned Wolf, however humans are the main source in their decline in population. Since these animals require such a large home range, they often venture into agricultural areas and onto highways. Even though there are preserves for these animals, about half of the pups each year are killed on highways that border these preserves. Another major reason for population decline is human sport. There are some people in South America who believe that this animal holds medicinal or magical purposes which leads to an increase in hunting. Who knows, maybe the natives are onto something and this “fox-on-stilts” is magical after all.

Sources and Picture References 

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/03/maned-wolf-pee-demystified/

http://seancrane.com/2011/02/maned-wolf-2/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthpicturegalleries/7326646/Animal-pictures-of-the-week-26-February-2010.html?image=8

http://www.arkive.org/maned-wolf/chrysocyon-brachyurus/

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/amazonia/facts/manedwolves.pdf

Water Bears - The Invertebrate that is Out of This World

Tardigrades have been named the most resilient animal both in and out of this world.  You read right, these creatures, also known as water bears, can happily survive in space as well for a period of time.  The only way to see these tiny, water-dwelling creatures, is under a microscope.  A scanning electron micrograph shows the water bear up-close and personal, which in my opinion looks less like a bear and more like a headless Heimlich, the caterpillar from A Bug’s Life.

                These invertebrates have four pairs of stumpy legs which allow them to move very slowly.  Water bears only reach half a millimeter on average, yet research shows these creatures have anatomy and physiology similar to larger animals.  Its tube-like digestive system begins with a pharynx which leads to an esophagus, stomach, intestine and anus.  Below is a picture that shows more internal structures, indicating the water bear is much more complex than what meets the eye. 

                Many water bears have been found to live in areas with dense moss and ferns, where they feed off of plant cells, algae, and other microscopic animals.  Yet, because water bears are able to adapt and survive almost any environment on earth, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that these creatures have been discovered all over the world, from the arctic poles to the equator, the deep ocean and the top of forest canopies. 

                These extremophiles can also withstand a lack of oxygen, exposure to harmful chemicals and pollution, temperature extremes, even in chilled liquid helium that approaches absolute zero, high levels of radiation, and no food or water for a decade.  The unique characteristic that contributes to the resiliency of the water bear is known as cryptobiosis.  This is considered to be a state which shows no signs of life and limited or ceased metabolism, yet they are not dead.  This adaptation is reversible and protects the water bear from extreme conditions.  Anhydrobiosis is the best understood type of cryptobiosis, and is triggered in an environment of extreme dryness.  During this period, the water bear dehydrates itself while synthesizing proteins and sugars that serve to protect its cells.  Once these preparations have been implemented, the water bear stops metabolism and is practically indestructible.  When the time is right and the water bear comes into contact with even a drop of water, they are able to resume normal metabolism and mosey along on their stubby legs.

                Current research involves the water bear’s role in extraterrestrial exploration.  Astrobiologists and molecular biologists are particularly fascinated in discovering how their genetic information stays intact even under harsh conditions, such as the high levels of radiation that exist in space.  Some scientists even believe understanding the survival tactics of the water bear could be the key to unlocking a way to protect humans from space as well.

               

References

Brennand, E. (2011, May 17). Tardigrades: Water bears in space. BBC Nature. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/12855775

Clegg, J.S. (2001, April). Cryptobosis: A peculiar state of biological organization. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol. 128(4): 613-624. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11290443

Miller, W.R. (2011, October). Tardigrades. American Scientist. Retrieved from http://www.americanscientist.org/issues/pub/2011/5/tardigrades/1

Clownfish : Twisted and Confused

  

    

     One of America’s most famous and adored marine fish, the Clownfish, may be even goofier than their name suggests.  These cute orange and white fish that we have grown to love, thanks to the Disney movie “ Finding Nemo”, actually live a very twisted sexual life.  You see, the clownfish is hermaphroditic, meaning that they can play the role of both male and female fish.  Although this seems very strange to us humans, it is actually a fairly common practice in the aquatic world. There are said to be as many as 21 families of fish that behave in this kinky manner (Stephens). I don’t know about you but that makes me think twice about the cleanliness of the ocean we swim in.

     The clownfish specifically is known as a protandrous sequential hermaphrodite, not to be confused with the protogynous sequential hermaphrodites.  To break this down, sequential hermaphrodites are those which “develop as one gender before changing to the other gender” later in life (Cooney).  Of the sequential hermaphrodites there are the two types.  The protandrous start out as males and can later switch to females, while the protogynous develop as females first and then switch to males.  So let’s tie this all together in terms of the clownfish. 

     Imagine you are a clownfish that just hatched from its egg.  You start off life as an undifferentiated male with just your mom and dad around.  Sadly, something happens to the mother and she’s gone which just leaves you and your dad living in this small hypothetical population.  In the name of procreation your dad changes into a female to allow for spawning.  As if it isn’t weird enough, you now must breed with your female father to start a new generation.  This happens and a new generation of undifferentiated males is hatched.  Tragically, after the spawning season is over a shark swam in and ate the father! Being the oldest male you take a long look around and find that there aren’t any clownfish ladies swimming around and thus it becomes your turn to become a female.  This is the reproductive behaviors of the clown fish and in general for any sequential hermaphrodite (Cooney). 

     Although this seems very strange to us humans who don’t naturally change genders, it is both commonplace and beneficial for these fish.   For a small clownfish, it is a truly a “fish-eat-fish” ocean out there.  Living this type of hermaphroditic lifestyle ensures that there are always both male and females around to safeguard the population density.  

Sources:

BeckmanInstitute. “Sex-Changing Clownfish.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 27 September 2012. Web. 23 February 2014.

Chow, Samuel. Clownfish and Anemone. 7 October 2010. Ask Nature. Web. 23 February 2014.

Cooney, Patrick. “Finding Nemo Lied…” The Fisheries Blog.” The Fisheries Blog.com Web. 18 February 2014.

Stephens, Christina. “List of Hermaphrodite Animals.” Animals. Demand Media. Web. 18 February 2014.