Mountain lions, also known as Cougars are opportunistic carnivores. In Utah, the mule deer makes up over 80% of the mountain lions’ diet. Cougars primarily eat large vertebrate prey. such as elk, bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), moose (Alces alces) and pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) may also be eaten. Although cougars feed primarily on large ungulates, small […]
Mountain lions, known as “pumas” and “cougars,” are large, powerful predators that have an important role in the ecosystem. Their main food source is deer, but they can also prey on smaller animals such as raccoons, rabbits, pets, and livestock. The historical range of the mountain lion was, aside from humans, the largest of any
Sleek and elegant, cougars (Puma concolor) are secretive loners rarely seen in the wild. Also known as mountain lions, pumas or cougars are famous for their strength, agility, and amazing jump capacity. Their truly powerful legs allow them to leap 30 feet from a standing position or leap 15 feet straight into a cliff. A
Over 20 subspecies have been described by parts of the African continent, numerous based on zoological garden samples. Because captivity conditions affect skull shape, these specimens are of little value based on taxonomic descriptions. Many authors have not recognized subspecies, but Hemmer (1974a) recognized seven subspecies in Africa. There is little quantitative data on differences
Distribution is endemic to Africa. Widespread, but localized, south of the Sahara from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to South Africa, being absent from the Sahara and Namib Deserts. Not recorded from Lesotho, but they almost certainly do occur. Although sometimes shown as absent from the forests of the Congo Basin, Aardvarks are in fact
Timon from the Lion King is a meerkat. What is a meerkat? Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are small (<1 kg) mongooses found in arid regions of southern Africa. They feed primarily on insects, arachnids, and small vertebrates, and spend much of their time digging in the sand in search of their prey. Unlike many other small
Aardvarks predominantly prey on ants and termites, digging them out of the ground or from epigeal termitaries. Geographical variation of ants and termites faunas leads to variations in the species of prey consumed. Ant genera so far identified as food items include Aenictus, Alaopone, Anoplolepis, Camponotus, Crematogaster, Dorylus, Messor, Monomorium, Pheidole, Solenopsis, Tetramorium, and Typhlophone;
Synonyms: australis, cetacea, dugung, hemprichii, indicus, lottum, tabernaculi. Chromosome number: 2n = 50. Measurements; 2.4 (2.2–3.31) m; n = 18 WT: 250–570 kg Description Rotund cetacean-like body with flippers and flukes that resemble those of a dolphin without a dorsal fin. Head resembles that of a walrus without the long tusks. Head distinctive, with mouth
A fundamental goal of conservation is to prevent species from becoming extinct, be it regional or global. But how do we define a species’ risk of extinction? A species can be described as Critically Endangered if the probability of extinction in 10 years or three generations is considered to be more than 50%; endangered if
Seas cover a smaller area than oceans and are usually found where land and ocean meet. Normally, the seas are partially enclosed by land. The only exception is the Sargasso Sea, which is defined by ocean currents. We often hear that size doesn’t matter, but in the maritime sector, it does. In fact, it’s a