bat bat known bat vulnerable species bat extant member family occurs western thailand southeast burma occupies limestone caves rivers bat smallest species bat arguably world smallest reddish brown grey coat distinctive pig like snout colonies range greatly size average individuals cave bat feeds short activity periods evening dawn foraging nearby forest areas insects females birth annually single offspring bat status burma known thai population restricted single province risk extinction potential threats primarily include habitat degradation disturbance sites description bat length mass common bat smallest species bat world smallest depending size defined main competitors title small particular lighter longer measuring head base tail bat distinctive swollen pig like snout thin vertical nostrils ears relatively large eyes small concealed fur teeth typical bat dental formula upper jaw lower jaw large upper bat reddish brown grey underside generally paler wings relatively large darker colour long tips allow bat despite having caudal bat visible tail large web skin hind legs assist flying catching insects tail bones help control flight range distribution bat occupies limestone caves rivers dry deciduous forests thailand bat restricted small region hills district province drainage basin river national park hills contains bat range thai populations occur outside park unprotected discovery single individual burma separate sites identified limestone karen hills outside rivers states thai populations identical calls distinct known populations isolated behaviour bat caves limestone hills far entrance caves contain individuals average group size maximum individuals high walls roof far apart bats undertake seasonal migration caves bat brief activity period leaving minutes evening minutes dawn short flights easily interrupted heavy rain cold temperatures period bat fields tops bamboo teak trees kilometre site wings shaped flight gut contents specimens include spiders insects presumably foliage prey probably caught flight main staples bat diet include small flies late dry season april year females birth single offspring feeding periods young stays remains attached mother taxonomy bat extant species family grouped result molecular testing based determination bat closest relatives members families bat unknown world large prior common refers thai zoologist worked british partner john hill classifying bats thailand died suddenly february hill formally described species giving honour colleague conservation species recent review bat listed iucn vulnerable downward population trend soon bat discovery 1970s sites disturbed result tourism scientific collection collection sale individuals pressures significant effect species small colonies exist hard access locations major caves disturbed potential risk activity local monks occupied caves periods meditation currently significant long term threat thai population annual burning forest areas prevalent bat breeding season addition proposed construction pipeline burma thailand negative impact threats population known bat identified distinct globally endangered project focal species


pilot whale pilot belonging genus extant species long pilot whale short pilot whale readily distinguished sea analysis best way tell difference species pilot range waters nearly worldwide long pilot living cold waters short pilot living tropical subtropical waters pilot largest oceanic exceeded size killer whale large members family known pilot primarily squid feed fish highly social studies suggest males females remain mothers pods unusual trait mammals found certain killer whale communities short pilot species females females contribute survival younger members pods pilot notorious beaches common theories proposed account behavior status species understood subject direct indirect catches fisheries countries continue hunt pilot taxonomy naming pilot classified species long pilot whale short pilot whale short pilot whale described skeletal materials john edward gray presumed skeleton whale large long pilot whale classified thomas stewart scientific eventually changed specific long pilot whale changed original form species classifications proposed accepted exist geographic forms short pilot east_coast japan comprise genetically isolated stocks fossils extinct relative found pleistocene deposits florida discovered strata italy named pilot close relatives extinct blunt close living relatives pilot headed whale killer whale false killer whale evolution endemic larger form short pilots found northern japan indicated form caused extinction long pilots north pacific 12th century smaller southern type possibly filled long pilots adapting colder waters claims alternatively called adapted form short pilots distinctive species today differentiate respective border oceanic animals named pilot pods believed piloted leader called genus combination latin words round ball globe head greek black comes greek words enlarged snout description pilot dark grey brown black light areas grey saddle patch dorsal fin light areas anchor shaped patch chin faint blaze marking eye large marking belly patch dorsal fin set forward sweeps backwards pilot whale robust distinctive large pilot long shaped tail stocks flattened male long pilot develop circular females case short pilot pacific_coast japan long short pilot similar difficult tell species apart traditionally differentiated length pectoral relative total body length number teeth long pilot whale thought teeth row fifth total body length compared short pilot whale teeth row sixth total body length studies atlantic showed overlap characteristics species making instead distinctive features skull differences distinguish species skull short pilot whale shorter broader covers contrast long pilot whale skull elongated exposed size weight depend species long pilot generally larger short pilot years males years females species species exhibit sexual adult long pilot reach body length approximately males longer females body mass reaches females males short pilot adult females reach body length males reach weigh behavior ecology distribution habitat pilot found oceans nearly worldwide data current population sizes long pilot whale prefers slightly cooler waters short divided populations smaller group found band southern ocean sighted coasts chile argentina south_africa australia new_zealand estimated individuals population second larger population inhabits north_atlantic ocean band south_carolina united_states azores morocco southern edge newfoundland greenland iceland northern norway northern limit population estimated individuals present western half mediterranean_sea short pilot whale populous found temperate tropical waters indian atlantic pacific oceans population overlaps slightly long pilot whale temperate waters north_atlantic southern oceans individuals found eastern tropical pacific_ocean animals estimated western pacific coast japan pilot generally nomadic populations stay year round places hawaii parts california prefer waters shelf break slope commonly seen southern_california short pilot disappeared area strong year early 1980s according national oceanic atmospheric administration october crew passengers boats spotted pod point california foraging parasites species eat primarily squid seasonal offshore movements response dispersal prey fish consumed include atlantic greenland atlantic atlantic herring northwest atlantic islands eat squid eat fish species greater argentine blue feed herring abundant pilot generally diving minutes feeding minutes capable diving depths meters depth shallow tend place day deeper ones place night making deep pilot fast catch fast moving prey squid compared sperm foraging short pilot energetic depth reach end pilot sprint possibly catch prey unusual considering deep diving breath holding animals expected swim slowly conserve oxygen animal high possibly allows sprint deep depths shorter diving periods marine mammals case long pilot pilot infested whale hosts bacteria sample newfoundland pilot found common illness upper respiratory tract infection social structure life history species live groups groups number data suggest social structures pilot whale pods similar resident killer pods highly stable members close relationships pod members age sex classes adult females tend adult males observed making directed behaviors providing food numerous pods temporarily gather allow individuals different pods interact mate provide protection species loosely data suggest males females remain mother pod life despite pod occur males temporarily leave pods mate females pods male reproductive dominance competition mates exist mating male pilot whale usually spends months female individual offspring pod males return pods presence contribute survival pod members evidence bachelor groups found pilot whale pods southern_california observed different groups traveling hunting groups feeding groups groups traveling hunting groups individuals position chorus lines stretching miles long underneath sexual age class segregation apparently occurs groups feeding groups individuals loosely associated direction groups number individuals resting mating behavior place pilot longest birth intervals years occur summer long pilot short pilot southern hemisphere highest spring autumn northern hemisphere time peaks vary population long pilot gestation lasts months short pilot month gestation period nurses years usually lasts longer allowing extensive mother bonds short pilot whale females common females long pilot females possibly play important roles survival young females continue nurse young longer bear young females invest current young short pilot grow slowly long pilot short pilot whale females sexually mature years old males years long pilot whale females reach maturity years males years pilot foraging burst social signals contact members pod active behavior complex active behavior accompanied simple differences found calls species compared short pilot long pilot relatively low frequency calls narrow frequency ranges study north_atlantic long pilot certain heard accompany certain behaviors resting simple emitted behavior accompanied complex sounds number increases number distance spread apart study short pilot southwest coast islands found members pod maintained contact unique pod later study found foraging deep short pilot calls number length calls decrease depth despite farther away surface surrounding water pressure affects energy calls appear affect frequency levels situations pilot produce cries variations pilot common strong social bonds groups pilot strand single recorded usually group tends healthy individuals proposed explain group magnetic fields navigation suggested following sick member group got stranded pod following member high importance got stranded secondary social response makes returning researchers new_zealand successfully secondary social responses pod long pilot returning beach addition young members pod taken offshore distress calls lured older sea human interaction iucn lists species data red list threatened species long pilot north baltic seas listed appendix convention conservation migratory species wild animals northwest northeast atlantic need included appendix short pilot whale listed appendix cites hunting long pilot whale traditionally hunted driving involves hunters boats gathering pod close shore slowly driving bay stranded slaughtered practice common 19th 20th centuries islands pilot whale hunting started 16th century continued modern times thousands killed 1970s 1980s parts north_atlantic norway west greenland ireland cape pilot hunted lesser extent iceland fishery cape harvested year late 19th early 20th centuries newfoundland long pilot whale fishery highest declined shortly defunct southern hemisphere exploitation long pilot sporadic low currently long pilot hunted islands greenland short pilot whale hunted centuries particularly japanese hundreds exploited north okinawa south fisheries highest late 1940s early 1950s short pilot harvested mid- late 1980s decreased year 1990s pilot fallen victim year short pilot caught squid round haul fishery southern_california likewise california drift gill net fishery took year mid-1990s caught east_coast taken foreign atlantic fishery forced shut pollution marine mammals pilot susceptible certain france eastern pilot found contaminated high amounts ddt contaminated mercury pilot newfoundland tasmania found low levels ddt short pilot west_coast high amounts ddt contrast low amounts found japan antilles cuisine pilot whale meat available consumption areas japan mainly central pacific_coast areas world islands meat high protein higher beef low fat whale fat contained layer beneath skin muscle high meat dark shade red japan pilot whale meat found certain restaurants meat served raw pilot whale cut small meat slightly similar quality cut beef distinct subtle recalling marine origin health concerns japan islands meat contaminated mercury causing health risk frequently eat especially children pregnant women november article new scientist reported research islands resulted chief medical officers recommending consumption pilot whale meat considering toxic local authorities recommended pilot whale meat longer eaten contamination resulted reduced consumption according senior health official captivity pilot short pilot kept captivity long pilot new_england waters taken temporarily kept captivity short pilot southern_california hawaii japan kept pilot southern_california hawaii taken captivity 1960s early 1970s placed san_diego 1970s early 1980s pilot captured alive drive hunts taken public display pilot historically low survival rates captivity average annual survival mid-1960s early 1970s


extinct genus pleistocene west_indies species known differ size details tooth morphology larger type species known hundreds teeth found probably years old smaller species known teeth found single fossil site probably years old material described genus formally named diagnosed probably belongs clade group island dwelling species species possess addition main addition differences features surface roots lower taxonomy material described paper named extinct giant rat described fossil teeth jaws species considered similar species placed monograph geology abc islands dutch islands northwestern venezuela paul listed additional fossil sites additionally mentioned different site material represented fossil records rarely mentioned literature van den reviewed material considered unlikely belong southern brazilian genus occurs mountains analysis provided evidence material belonged tribe includes carried analysis focused suggested material closely related distinct recognized genus named new genus species type species material previously identified material combines greek words good air mouse referring island fresh air contributions colleagues brought classification honors stephen contributions scientific knowledge caribbean refers university pre university college provided opportunity participate project led identification colleagues precisely determine position results suggest occupies position near base clade major clade contains number species occurring islands including members colleagues suggested related high proportion non forest species clade forest subsequent phylogenetic studies based variations data set colleagues placement description colleagues recovered outside major groups placed clade clade fossil species paper naming includes species thirty genera tribes subfamily family encompasses hundreds species mainly small distributed chiefly americas description characterized mainly basis features teeth usual sides upper jaw referred lower jaw referred generally similar differs genera variety details crowns length substantially larger length upper separated smaller ridge generally connects margin tooth separating closed open additional crest present pair inner outer crest issues attached middle crest present additional crest usually connects tooth additional large prominent crest issues located generally connected directly connected valleys separate extend margins addition large root large roots small additional root large present crown connected middle developed valleys meet tooth roots small triangular tooth large basin middle present tooth distinct roots preserved roots lower usually divided central absent pair crest margin long crest usually corresponding crest pair located tooth oriented forwards large root tooth usually small root large roots small root tooth lacks additional crest addition large root roots partially fused absent usually absent roots roots usually fused jaws upper jaw known fossils margin opening level margin plate bony plate skull connected arch close lower jaws species known mental opening jaw bone opens bone opening located higher developed process raising bone houses root lower ridges ridges bone anchor muscles joined single crest reach point single sites fossils found preserved differs thought represent unknown different jaw slender shorter gap shifted relative roots shown preserved age range known fossil sites sea level yielded respectively known single site deposits precisely dated colleagues suggested basis similar deposits nearby sea level fluctuations material likely years old likely years old similarly aged fossil sites known nearby islands contain including species probably descends unknown migrated island mainland venezuela pleistocene


extinct southeastern madagascar known partial found cave dating associated remains suggests years old known recently extinct described similar smaller northern western madagascar broad skull like lacks gap number details tooth morphology characteristic taxonomy remains found expeditions cave southeastern madagascar led david material described new species species named ross honor contributions knowledge genus madagascar colleagues considered living northern western madagascar closest relative populations separated different species common proposed genus includes species largest family includes variety mammals description known specimens damaged skull lower jaws lacking bones second damaged lacking parts left evidence ongoing tooth replacement indicating permanent complete larger measurements small samples differences significant length bony specimens compared adult specimens length row compared sample skull short blunt contrasting condition distinctly tapered blunt unlike lack gaps larger robust teeth species fourth reduced relative condition lacks extension inner upper present developed hand crest larger relative lengths differ species distribution ecology known cave past presence like extinct suggests wet conditions cave currently dry area addition described material currently recognized valid species present known recently extinct species remnant patch forest near population survive dating carried remains bones layers cave deposit found yield dates present


known species extinct wild inhabited north_africa long taxonomic history discovery named spiral stands little metre shoulder males weigh females weigh coat white red brown chest black markings forehead length nose born yellow coat distinguishing marks initially absent coats change adult coloration months old formed mixed sexes members usually guided inhabited adapted live extreme heat efficient cooling mechanism low requirement water feed foliage grasses plants plant parts night early morning peak march october gestation months born soon female widespread northern africa decline began result climate change later hunted extensively horns today bred captivity special reserves tunisia morocco ancient egypt believed food sacrificed offerings gods wealthy people ancient rome bred use valuable hides began middle ages myth originated sightings broken horn taxonomy naming member genus family german naturalist described naming nomenclature undergone changes introduction names like species year later came use synonym arabian called abandoned accepted years later sir john morrison scott realized finally january international trust nomenclature accepted scientific changes papers published created confusion names like scientific derived ancient greek meaning originally latin deer arabic sheep named horns resemble common english simply evolution pair large pairs largest smallest molecular study species published observed genetic diversity european north american captive groups divergence found mitochondrial dna estimated taken place million years ago population increases occurred approximately million years ago study intended note genetic differences species species subspecies compared standard number species physical description straight stands shoulder males weigh females body measures head base tail tail long ends sexually males larger females coat white red brown chest black markings forehead length nose coat reflects sun rays black portions tip tongue provide protection white coat helps reflect heat desert born yellow coats lack distinguishing marks appear later life changes adult coloration months old sexes horns females slender horns long thin symmetrical curve backwards distinctive feature species reach males females horns thin break easily female large spreading adapted allow walk sand dry habitats live long years national zoo female died exceptional age females generally lifespan years diseases parasites infected parasitic disease caused parasites genus study revealed similar organisms infected species including analysis found parasites samples mammals including new parasite discovered zoo garden france isolated time caused animal leading fatal heart failure study examined blood chemistry blood samples taken veins ranging adults years old study concluded higher counts juveniles adults reflect larger internal parasite compared ecology behavior animal traveled individuals generally led dominant bull species gathered groups thousand migration wet season migrated north cool early evenings rest trees shrubs available dig depressions soil rest males fight long violently predators lions golden cape hunting dogs kill weak young play activity captivity observed study male played longer females mixed sex play usual selection partners depended age sex genetic results suggested size important factor responsible sex differences play adaptations functions high temperatures prevalent habitats need water help conduct heat away body enabling long periods water allow body temperature rise beginning times ample supply use fluid loss lower body temperature night giving time reaching maximum body temperature following day tolerate high temperatures lethal mammals network fine blood vessels carry blood heart brain passing close nasal passage allowing blood cool reaching brain heat sensitive organs body diet habitat wild desert ate foliage grass herbs shrubs plants roots fruit survive water months prevent water loss adaptation desert habitats water water rich plants wild twigs night early morning search plants produce water requirements eat grasses normally prefer grasses dry season begins feed dry season rely perennial grasses genera especially plants species reproduction males females reach sexual maturity years age peak march october mating frequency greater environmental conditions favorable males sexually active autumn cycle lasts roughly days females experience period spring periods days showing means mating circle male female stand parallel facing opposite directions circle female allows male mount female ready mate runs away circles reverse direction pregnant females leave herd week birth conceive produce year gestation lasts months single born weighing pounds twin rare observed study mother return main herd hours birth female separates herd hours nurses starts months young fully independent weeks old habitat distribution inhabited grassy narrow strip central north_africa widespread fringes mainly grassy zone real desert area characterized annual rainfall single herd seen area mid-1970s home world population species status conservation hunted extinction horns population decline began result major climatic changes caused dry northern population lost 20th century decline southern population accelerated europeans began settle area hunt meat hides horn trophies world war civil war started 1960s thought caused heavy decreases species increase hunting food nomadic settlements near dry season feeding places firearms easy hunting reduced numbers iucn lists extinct algeria egypt libya morocco nigeria tunisia western assessed extinct wild reports sightings remain despite extensive surveys carried effort detect estimated surviving individuals survived wild global captive breeding program captives managed breeding programs believed held private collections united arab plans involve national park national park national park tunisia national park morocco reserve wildlife reserve currently leading project species game reserve support conservation fund environment agency group released beginning enclosure fully released wild rainy season culture ancient times ancient egypt possibly offerings religious ceremonies food called ran bred captivity ancient rome kept wealthy romans ate preferred quarry hunters hide superior quality king rio sent shields contemporary middle ages ropes myth myth originated sightings injured aristotle elder held prototype certain angles horn given horns hollow bone lose horns rest life


river river widely distributed group fully aquatic mammals reside exclusively freshwater water informal grouping group river comprise extant families indian extant species river subspecies river alongside belong clade closest living relatives having diverged million years ago river relatively small compared having evolved survive warm strong river currents range size foot long south asian river foot pound amazon river species exhibit sexual males larger females streamlined bodies limbs modified river use conical shaped teeth long capture fast moving prey water developed hearing adapted air water rely vision water swim usually muddy species adapted living warm shallow waters unlike little river widespread restricted certain rivers makes extremely vulnerable habitat destruction river feed primarily fish male river typically mate multiple females year females mate years typically born spring summer months females bear responsibility raising river produce variety usually form river rarely kept captivity breeding success poor animals die months capture river captivity taxonomy evolution classification families river currently recognized comprising containing subspecies south asian river accepted family previously assigned river single family treated river separate species december survey found members commonly known chinese river declared species extinct disappearance recently accepted extinct current classification river follows family genus south asian river subspecies river river minor family family family family family genus amazon river river river genus late family genus genus family genus chinese river extinct december society marine began considering subspecies species respectively scientific community including iucn continue consider population subspecies october society marine took list aquatic species subspecies currently recognize species level evolution river members descendants land dwelling mammals order related extinct like split approximately million years ago primitive took sea approximately million years ago fully aquatic million years later unknown river ventured fresh water river thought ancestors originally occupied marine habitats displaced habitats modern morphological similarities adaptations freshwater habitats arose evolution grouping river amazon river actually closely related oceanic south asian river extinct genus species river living million years ago fossils discovered near panama river considered taxonomic description suggesting evolutionary relationship group known form distinct true river descendants ancient evolutionary evolved freshwater environments species live rivers lakes closely related oceanic entered fresh water recently species considered freshwater use marine freshwater environments include species found rivers amazon river species descended oceanic perfectly fit label occurs fresh water recently considered inhabits marine waters true species found freshwater marine environments individual animals found rivers able survive ocean vice versa currently classified oceanic shown evolutionary pattern ancient evolutionary lineage freshwater inhabits coastal waters biology anatomy river torpedo shaped body flexible neck limbs modified non existent external ear flaps tail fin small head river small eye long snout eyes placed sides head river small ranging size foot long south asian river foot pound amazon river female biased sexual females larger males river meaning male river typically mate multiple females year females mate years typically born spring summer months females bear responsibility raising river conical teeth catch swift prey small river fish long measuring inches times longer oceanic counterparts stomach similar structure terrestrial chambers breathing involves air followed fresh air lungs iconic forms warm air lungs meets cold external air occur tropical habitats river thin layer lack necessity help protection predators hard time getting thick layer fat energy times harsh climates habitats river lack needs river tail fin contain river possess fully developed hind limbs possess rudimentary contain feet river slow swimmers comparison oceanic travel speeds miles hour travel miles hour unlike neck fused meaning greater flexibility non terrestrial aquatic mammals expense speed means turn head actually moving entire body swimming river rely tail fins propel water movement continuous river swim moving tail fins lower bodies vertical movement mainly steering species dorsal fin senses ears river specific adaptations aquatic environment humans middle ear works outside air low fluid high river great difference outer inner environments instead sound passing outer ear middle ear river receive sound throat passes low fat filled cavity inner ear ear isolated skull air filled pockets allows greater directional hearing underwater send high frequency organ known consists fat skull creature containing large depression allows river produce orientation dependent survive blind locating object provides animal idea object shape size exactly works understood small hairs amazon river believed function sense possibly compensate poor river small eyes size good sense sight addition eyes placed sides head vision consists fields view like humans river surface lens correct results light rod cone cells meaning dim bright light river slightly flattened enlarged pupils shrink surface prevent damage slightly flattened adaptations allow large amounts light pass eye clear image surrounding area outer layer act protection absent river suggesting sense smell river thought sense taste taste missing altogether preferences different kinds fish indicating sort attachment taste interactions humans threats development development agriculture devastating impacts habitats river total population river estimated individuals genetic diversity limited ecology habitat adversely affected agricultural industrial activities use dams hydroelectric power inhabited section river probably extends miles total length miles river habitat fragmented hydroelectric dams population particular risk probable eventual iucn status vulnerable worse subspecies south asian river adversely affected human use river systems irrigation lowered water levels subspecies ranges poisoning water supply industrial agricultural chemicals contributed population decline significant issue building dams rivers causing segregation populations narrowed gene pool breed currently river considered capable long term survival protected china developed economically pressure river grew significantly industrial residential waste flowed reinforced concrete locations ship traffic multiplied boats grew size fishermen employed wider lethal nets noise pollution caused nearly blind animal propellers stocks prey declined drastically late 20th century fish populations declining pre industrial levels 1950s population estimated animals declined rapidly subsequent decades left number dropped 1980s fledged search conducted december declared extinct day search leading experts field failed find single specimen verified sighting september competition region amazon brazil extension km2 containing diverse fundamental ecosystems ecosystems forest home large number fish species essential resource human consumption major source income excessive local fishing consist muddy river waters containing vast number diversity nutrient rich species abundance distinct fish species amazon river areas high water occurrences seasonal flooding addition attracting predators amazon river high water occurrences ideal location draw local fisheries human fishing activities directly compete fish species resulting deliberate catches amazon river local fishermen amazon river remove fish nets lines damages equipment capture causes negative reaction local fishermen brazilian institute environment natural resources prohibit fishermen killing amazon river compensated damage equipment loss catch process catching fish amazon river caught nets exhaust die local fishermen deliberately kill nets discarded consumed bait attract use amazon river bait dates increasing consumption demand local inhabitants colombia created market distribution amazon river bait regions example found river surveys killed bait disposed abandoned data fully represent actual overall number deaths amazon river accidental intentional variety factors extremely complicated record medically examine species feed complexity river currents makes nearly impossible locate importantly local fishermen report deaths fear legal action taken amazon river protected brazilian federal law prohibiting takes kills species captivity conservation established institute planned backup conservation efforts producing area completely protected threats easily observed site includes indoor outdoor holding pool water system food storage preparation facilities research small museum aim generate income tourism plight pools large kidney shaped tanks dimensions feet arc feet width feet depth feet diameter feet deep feet diameter feet deep capable holding time douglas adams mark documented encounters endangered animals conservation travels bbc programme chance book published included pictures captive specimen male named lived institute july discovered fisherman lake sole resident east lake sexually mature female captured late died half year semi natural reserve contained flooded amazon river historically kept today exist captivity venezuela peru zoo germany captured 1950s 1970s distributed europe japan went survived died pittsburgh zoo mythology old world hindu mythology river associated deity river said creatures heralded goddess descent heavens mount depicted chinese mythology origin stories example near mouth princess lost parents lived step father away step father wanted trade sold great sum money crossing river trader storm rolled step father enraged tried river drowned river transformed swam away abusive step father fell transformed story upstream daughter general deported city war duty daughter ran away later general met woman told father general realized daughter threw river shame daughter ran fell river drowned daughter transformed general new world amazon river known natives prevalent mythology native south americans characterized mythology wielding superior musical ability love sex resulting illegitimate children attraction parties despite fact said come wealth pain death pleasures hardships human societies transformation human form said rare usually occurs night seen running despite protests stay seen river form human form wears hat hide disappear ability human form frequently magical abilities power control storms humans transform humans inflict illness insanity death intervene situations kidnapping common theme folklore said fond humans fall love children born illicit love affairs near river company taking fear great people live amazon river area children adults terrified going near water dusk dawn entering water bodies supposedly encountered said gone insane fact creatures little follow boats time time


species known dwarf instead lived island madagascar believed extinct animals similar extant fossil record suggests species lived years ago evidence suggests species survived recently taxonomy animals resolved widely studied species believed survived era discovery taxonomy described mid-19th century alfred unearthed nearly individual dried swamp near lake miles channel different species subsequently identified researchers careful revision fossil record concluded species classified discovered distinct species named review work harris suggested hip common extant west_africa extant placed genus consider modern belong genus species classified fossil record extensive seven bones signs suggesting survived humans arrived madagascar evidence humans suggests extinction humans despite discovery fossils madagascar studied researchers interested exotic madagascar giant elephant birds species studied growing acceptance species known exactly arrived island madagascar semi aquatic possible survived trek channel presumably water shallower small islands way possible species represent distinct successful island endemic lived madagascar bones discovered rivers lakes western madagascar suggesting lifestyle similar modern modern africa shared high easier water skull resembled modern consistent size differences indicating sexually species clear relative common smaller roughly size modern largest specimens long tall ancestors sized process similar process occurred mediterranean islands dwarf cyprus dwarf reached size properly known dwarf term applied species bones dated years ago years present called species originally classified species roughly size review morphology habitat suggested closer relationship modern like modern eyes head high teeth similar similarly aquatic fossils found forested highlands madagascar fossils adaptation distinct african continent better runners common trait possible indicator species descended common ancestor similarities modern case parallel evolution classified modern researchers place different genera originally classified samuel reclassified member fossil species asia examination discovered differences asian prompting described species word distinct species little known species identified lower jaw limb bones recovered site near east_coast madagascar fossils clearly belong larger previously described species known species closely resembled modern somewhat smaller oral legends fossil evidence dated years surprisingly common oral legends french governor madagascar wrote isle madagascar hearing stories animal called closely resembled different regions madagascar stories recorded animals resembled animals island colonial administrator named asserted stories heard highlands living late strength oral traditions led iucn classify recent 1990s studying recent madagascar collected tales creature called described villagers town sur small fishing village west_coast villagers independently described animal recently entered village size cow dark lot threatened fled underwater known animal madagascar fits description animal remarkably like man village accurately mimic sound animals asked imitate noises similar left island said seen african shown photos identified like animal larger ears described creature appearance reluctant publish study fear labeled eventually published results american concluded villagers possibly encountered possible stories inaccurate combination animals old folk traditions information villagers gathered modern


banded banded known yellow found south_america sole member genus described swedish zoologist banded typically centimeters head body length weighs kilograms hard shell pale yellow reddish brown marked scales equal length covered buff white like hairs distinct toes moderately developed claws banded efficient form live search prey alert primarily solitary feeds insects ants plant material poor rely sense smell detect prey predators place year gestation days long litter born occurs month juveniles mature months banded inhabits primary secondary forests deciduous forests fairly common range spans brazil southern northeast northern argentina southeast international union conservation nature natural resources iucn concern major threats survival taxonomy etymology banded sole member genus placed family described swedish zoologist genera times included morphological analyses oppose fossil excavated buenos_aires argentina santa brazil date pleistocene following subspecies recognized morphological study phylogeny showed form clade based extant species based study mitochondrial dna investigation concluded fairy sister group giant banded naked tailed banded having diverged earlier banded differs subfamily contains having narrow head seven bands hard shell names portuguese yellow description banded largest contains fact largest giant greater long typically centimeters head body length weighs kilograms pale yellow reddish brown dark shade brown black marked scales equal length covered buff white like hairs unlike covered dense hairs shell narrows percent original width head covered plates arranged definite pattern distinct toes moderately developed claws longest like pink fairy banded ears centimeters long pairs teeth upper jaw pairs lower jaw teeth large strong assisted strong muscles row centimeters wide extends neck tail centimeters long covered bands plates underside plates holes scent feature seen big ecology behavior different studies recorded different activity patterns banded consider active mainly day nocturnal active mainly night alert animal unlike flees sensing danger bites handled primarily solitary banded feed study eastern brazil calculated mean home range size hectares efficient dig shaped single opening typically dry areas permanent shelters deep ground help foraging study dug giant banded southern naked tailed greater naked tailed showed similar slopes surrounding soil direction entrance location preferred time spent differed easily differentiated dimensions banded mean height centimeters centimeters wide opening narrowed centimeters height centimeters centimeters generally wide allow turn depth increases unlike throw soil digging banded throws soil outside diet banded feeds small invertebrates insects ants fruits typically palm nuts study classified study brazilian ranch plant material found diet captive individuals observed large rats poor rely sense smell detect prey predators kill prey stands grabs teeth tears pieces banded store fat support times food scarce fat increase weight kilograms reproduction breeding behaviour observed captivity place year period days litter born newborn weighs grams soft soft pregnant female builds nest giving birth disturbed mother react aggressively shift offspring eyes closed birth open days occurs month juveniles mature months lived nearly years habitat distribution banded inhabits primary secondary forests deciduous forests adapt variety habitats occur agricultural lands recorded meters sea level study southeastern brazil estimated population density individuals study showed banded displaced southern naked tail considered helpful banded wide distribution south_america brazil southern northeast northern argentina southeast presence peru doubted threats conservation iucn banded concern wide distribution good degree tolerance presumably large populations occurs protected areas major threats survival banded populations north amazon river declining patches human settlement industrial expansion reportedly hunted medicinal purposes meat believed taste areas range people meat belief animal feeds rotting human corpses study compared banded brazil banded meat better according majority locals consumption banded meat considered safe locals people certain health problems injuries taboo stemmed probably concerns diet banded raid feed tender plants farmers known use traps aided corn animals curb menace


genus found northwestern argentina south central description alternatively classified separate species subspecies species described small argentine specimens recognized synonym small averaging weight variable coloration generally brown sharply different color skull short broad region eyes narrow includes occurs vegetation breeds mainly winter shares range including species taxonomy collected specimen species august province northwestern argentina year thomas animal new subspecies species described new subspecies darker color form identical thomas recognized additional differences examining specimens classified argentine form separate species subsequent authors followed arrangement 1980s placed form spelled philip reviewed group includes considered subspecies retained separate argentine populations small size dark fur distinctive colleagues included allen subspecies thomas sydney anderson noted older instead species principle priority utilized combination argentine subspecies 1990s 2000s authors continued differ classification species subspecies small collected province northwestern argentina given available use international code nomenclature described animals fully new species considered closely related specific means little latin refers small size species small sample colleagues use edition species world guy michael termed recommended taxonomic research common names proposed include grass mouse colleagues reviewed members group argentina basis sequences mitochondrial gene found closest forming clade sister group clade remaining species group classified species separate forms form single clade instead closer difference sequences relatively high reduced synonym found substantial replicate characters colleagues noted description smallest argentine members group smallest species uniformly colored tone variable generally brown approaching yellow red individuals reddish tones occur females high altitude animals generally lighter conspicuous variation populations ears similar individuals sides rich clear color clearly different color varying light gray yellowish reddish yellowish rings eyes highly developed high altitude populations white yellowish hairs tail covered hair dark brown white skull short region eyes broad shaped small plate flattened arch narrow poorly developed considerable variation features plate openings extend openings bony narrow lower jaw ridges anchor muscles extend near margin process raising bone root poorly developed upper edge horizontal plane slightly edge inclined backwards features upper second upper adult argentine total length averaging tail length averaging length averaging ear length averaging weight averaging includes fundamental number major arms includes large small pairs long arms small medium sized pairs long short arm medium sized long short arm small specimens metacentric separated members group including generally similar difficult separate differ relative measurements characters larger darker contrast developed eye rings squared region developed ridges skull paler densely ears distribution ecology found northwestern argentina south central occurs departments argentine distribution extends far northern southern altitudes ranging found highest levels lowest mountain occurs species breeding occurs year november january summer occurs winter autumn fly recorded found conservation status iucn currently data little known notes fire threaten including assessed concern wide distribution large population ability persist disturbed habitats habitat loss threaten populations


marsh marsh known pacific water water jesus largest north american member genus long tailed primarily covered dark brown fur found near aquatic habitats pacific_coast southern british_columbia northern california air trapped fur marsh run seconds water measures length including tail weighs average marsh diet consists mainly invertebrates hunts land water rare populations thought decline considered endangered parts range description marsh largest member genus north_america david described attractive fur primarily dark brown long tail marsh fur usually uniformly dark abdomen abdominal fur populations olympic peninsula white marsh length including tail weighs hind feet slightly fringed coarse hairs toes measure areas marsh members genus large gray black shares geographic range size distinguishes american water marsh american water largest north_america share features american water dark grey black fur silver grey belly colored tail marsh fringed hairs distinct american water smaller skull marsh characteristic upper distinct marsh typically longer snout american water streamlined viewed marsh skull relatively large skull length usually greater distinctive downward sloping curve snout dental formula upper distinctly smaller fourth ridge extending large large upper anterior region reddish result iron deposits thought adaptation strengthening known fossil remains marsh number fundamental number taxonomy naming described scientific literature clinton hart original taxon time specimen obtained southeast fort county oregon location river obtained specimen charles army captain stationed fort caught late july early august dogs camp soldier gave named appreciation contribution reported animal represented new genus greek meaning marsh later reclassified genus marsh american water share physical characteristics found narrower area northwest coast lower slopes inland mountains american water widely distributed western mountains regions canada eastern species ranges primarily overlap coastal regions pacific_northwest differences elevation tend separate early placed mammals separate assigned marsh jackson assigned pacific water closer based relationship assigned species assigned subgenus early pleistocene ancestors masked respectively diverged american water marsh diverged ancestors species evolved dwarf southeastern ornate assignment marsh american water later reinforced genetic studies findings published based mitochondrial dna analysis better defined nature relationships marsh pacific water respective subspecies variations mitochondrial dna assessed results phylogeny marsh shown detail subspecies marsh subspecies found olympic peninsula washington southwestern british_columbia coastal oregon specifications historically based fur markings skull shape dental details unclear significance validity uncertain distribution habitat geographic range marsh extends southwest british_columbia western regions states washington oregon northwestern california area north san_francisco subspecies found olympic peninsula found western oregon south columbia river northwestern california found northern parts range olympic peninsula south eastern range remaining range california british_columbia eastern limits river northern limits low elevations north shore inlet marsh typically live wetlands marshes habitat includes extensive forest canopy ground cover shrubs logs debris found environments cold rainy seasons travel kilometer wet areas sheltered habitats generally include mixed deciduous coniferous forest downed logs surface cover marsh collected near sea level high inhabit forests red maple western near marshes western british_columbia marsh generally found metres collected metres mount provincial park environmental officials british_columbia believe marsh small mammals province trapped small mammals locations large area southwestern british_columbia pacific water spring summer western oregon studied small distribution including marsh near streams fringes coniferous forests fringe defined stream north american caught greater numbers representing captures sixteen species trapped marsh representing percent mammals captured study marsh trapped found ages coniferous forests old growth mature young growth behavior ecology marsh eats invertebrates including spiders terrestrial aquatic observed captivity pursuing killing eating contrast american water observed killing eating fish study contents marsh oregon indicated diet aquatic including insect larvae unidentified invertebrates researchers reported diet include aquatic insects water beetles ground beetles spiders small terrestrial marsh making short search food mobile snout lips find capture underwater prey eating returns land air trapped fur provides marsh run long seconds water according surface like beetles air trapped fur gives land opposite hind leg time active year primarily night gestation weeks female litter young nests wild built bark tunnel log marsh typically live months males thought reach sexual maturity summer lifespan short apparently breed season breeding data exist british_columbia breeding season late january late august young born march number litters female unknown strong odor associated marsh common long tailed means communication similar poor marsh placed foreign environment edge raised surface run edge continue run landing surface landing water beneath surface marsh easily trapped sunken cans possibly inability edges surfaces drop captivity displaced animals cage disturbed eating confrontation food worm uncertain marsh food wild captivity set aside corner cage later consumption food items set aside fashion parasites include probable predators include fish pacific giant human interaction research late 1960s team studied marsh captivity little known behavior information marsh notes habitat information trapping descriptions literature largely derived examination museum specimens conservation status marsh listed endangered committee status endangered wildlife canada habitat british_columbia limited lower valley available habitat continues result economic activity area little chance trend reversing rare canada designated marsh threatened april status april endangered according iucn marsh concern terms conservation considered rare numbers thought decline population estimates currently provided rate decline considered fast warrant placing threatened category suitable wetland habitat declining primarily conversion habitat agriculture areas protected habitat expected provided broad geographic range


fossil thailand known single tooth upper second known fossil length tooth large corner tongue tooth shows small separated narrow valley condition distinguishes species addition presence developed simple small distinctive taxonomy described french report fossil mammals long site thailand animal known single tooth according comparisons closely resembles living genus specific refers animal occurrence fossil known fossil species thailand described representative second species named late china description single known tooth worn left upper known large length width described second upper argued likely upper shaped surface surface concave bears crest developed small present presence distinguishes animal member family tongue narrow large corner descend reaches approaches tooth smaller corner feature distinguishes genera lack entirely large sides straight form right angle tooth closely resembles species simple common species smaller unlike isolated narrow valley range ecology long collection site dated latest early corresponding european zone thai province fossil fauna encompasses species mammals including slow conclude fauna represents tropical forest environment close shallow lake


lesser lesser forest found east africa placed genus family described english zoologist edward head body length typically males reach shoulder females reach males typically weigh females females juveniles reddish brown coat males yellowish grey darker age years horns present males spiral horns long half twists pure lesser feeds foliage bushes trees shoots twigs herbs despite seasonal local variations foliage trees shrubs constitute diet year lesser mainly active night dawn seeks shelter dense sunrise lesser exhibits territorial behaviour fights rare females adult males prefer solitary fixed breeding season seen occur time year lesser inhabits dry flat heavily forested regions lesser native kenya south extinct total population lesser estimated nearly decreasing trend populations populations survive protected areas presently international union conservation nature iucn rates lesser near threatened taxonomy scientific lesser animal classified genus family described english zoologist edward generic derives greek word meaning male goat means deer specific comes latin term meaning referring lack vernacular originated term lesser denotes smaller size compared greater genus established lesser american zoologist type species today lesser placed instead university colleagues carried mitochondrial analysis species data compared results showed tribe lesser basal phylogeny followed basis mitochondrial data studies estimated lesser separated sister clade million years ago hand nuclear data shows lesser form clade collectively separated sister clade million years ago lesser unlike subfamily compound fused identical physical description lesser spiral head body length typically males reach shoulder females reach males typically weigh females tail long white underneath black tip end distinct signs sexual seen male considerably larger female females juveniles coat males yellowish grey darker age years male prominent black crest hair neck feature developed female long white stripe runs white stripes branching sides chest central black stripe throat beard black stripe runs eye nose white eye centre dark face present eyes area lips white throat white patches white spots appear lower jaw completely white slender legs black white patches lesser characterised large rounded ears tracks similar greater females average lifespan years wild years captivity horns present males spiral horns long half twists base slender horns dark brown tipped white male young begin developing horns months reach length years ecology behaviour lesser mainly active night dawn seeks shelter dense sunrise camouflage dense vegetation ears tail indicate presence midday spent rest shaded areas animal spends daytime foraging standing lying lesser dense vegetation ease lesser shy wary animal alarmed animal stand confirming danger senses approaching predator short sharp bark similar lesser multiple leaps height tail captured predator victim gives loud lesser nature distinct leader hierarchy noted social structure territorial behavior fights uncommon fighting lesser horns try pushing mutual hardly observed unlike females closely associated years females offspring form group juvenile males leave mothers aged year half form pairs age years males prefer solitary lifestyle avoiding share home range lesser usually associate animals feed area diet pure lesser feeds foliage bushes trees shoots twigs herbs eats flowers fruits available takes small proportions grasses usually wet season despite seasonal local variations foliage trees shrubs constitutes diet year foliage species forms diet wet season fruits consumed mainly dry season searching posture grazing find fallen fruits small fruits species directly trees size structure stomach suggests primary dependence lesser primarily dusk dawn associated lesser compete species dry season unlike lesser rarely prefers species stand feeding lesser great requirement water arid environments eats plants wild species dry season drinks water sources available reproduction males females sexually mature time year half old males actually mate age years males females reproductive till age years respectively maximum age successful females years fixed breeding season occur time year study zoo czech_republic showed occurred september december male tests female encounters female responds having located female male follows closely trying cheek head neck chest performs movements lips finally male mounts female resting head neck similar way period seven months single born female birth group remains days afterward newborn weighs die months birth survive years study zoo switzerland offspring captive breeding died reaching age months major causes high juvenile mortality found spread white muscle disease herd size sex season play role juvenile mortality mother hides goes feed returns mainly evening young checks identity neck month occur minutes mother communicate low offspring particularly region consume habitat distribution lesser inhabits dry flat heavily forested regions closely associated areas northeastern africa animal avoids open areas long grass preferring shaded areas short grasses instead found woodlands hilly areas lesser generally found altitudes recorded heights near mount individual home ranges animals km2 size males average size km2 females km2 lesser native kenya south extinct largely confined horn africa today species historically ranged southward southern eastern parts north northeast kenya southwest occurred southeastern northeastern eastern parts evidence existence arabian peninsula single set horns obtained individual shot south saudi_arabia threats conservation lesser ability camouflage dense cover protected risks instance lesser widespread region rich dense bush despite reckless hunting local people lesser highly susceptible resulted steep decline animal population national park kenya human settlement loss habitat threats survival lesser total population lesser estimated nearly decreasing trend populations rate decline increased decades presently iucn rates lesser near threatened population lesser occurs protected areas national parks national park national park kenya national park game reserves occurs larger numbers outside areas population density rarely exceeds km2 generally lower


java man java man popular given early human fossils discovered island java indonesia led excavation team uncovered tooth banks solo river east java arguing fossils represented missing link humans gave species scientific later renamed fossil aroused controversy years eighty books articles published finds despite argument accepted java man transitional form humans dismissed fossils modern humans scientists considered java man primitive branch evolution related modern humans 1930s claim built like giant attempt prove missing link eventually similarities java man man led placing directly human evolutionary tree distinguish java man populations scientists began regard subspecies 1970s fossils found half twentieth century java older found considered species estimated years old time discovery fossils java man oldest fossils found fossils java man housed netherlands history discoveries background charles darwin argued humanity evolved africa great like lived darwin claims fossil record proposed fossil evidence scientific authorities disagreed like charles alfred wallace thought theory evolution time darwin wallace believed humans closely related identified southeast_asia cradle humanity great lived dutch favored theory sought confirm fossils october abandoned academic career left dutch_east_indies present day indonesia look ancestor modern man having received funding dutch government eccentric endeavor time found early human fossil looking joined dutch_east_indies army military surgeon work duties july begin caves sumatra having quickly found abundant fossils large mammals relieved military duties march colonial government assigned engineers help excavations failed find fossils looking sumatra moved java assisted convict laborers army began searching solo river near august team soon excavated characteristics long keel heavy gave man known time chose similar tooth found hills india named assessed cubic centimetres closer humans august team found long shaped like human suggesting owner stood upright believing fossils belonged single individual probably aged female renamed specimen late determined measured cubic centimetres consider specimen transitional form humans renamed upright man borrowing genus coined years earlier refer supposed missing link humans specimen known comparisons man canadian black identified teeth found near beijing belonging ancient human named specimen better known man december found site appeared similar slightly larger java man replaced black china death argued transitional fossil humans fact similar java belong family refused entertain possibility dismissing man kind closer humans insisting belonged family discoveries java discovery java man berlin born von recovered early human fossils java von discovered fossils solo man sites solo river java including fragments von discovered juvenile known child east java considering child skull cap closely related humans von wanted specimen protested human man von discoveries central java fossils early humans discovered discoveries similar size found site von discovers convinced belonged early humans refused acknowledge similarity von compared fossils java concluded java man man closely related died refusing recognize conclusion official reports remain critical site poor presentation interpretation early interpretations years find von discovery created sensation led variety conflicting scientific opinions fossils immediately controversial end 1890s publications discussed child million year old remains discovered south_africa discoveries oldest remains found scientists day suggested java man potential intermediate form modern humans common ancestor share great confirmed current consensus direct ancestors modern humans african populations possibly asian populations species exemplified java man man missing link theory published find central claim transitional form humans called missing link disagreed critics claimed bones upright walking belonged primitive human judgment sense time evolutionary view humanity widely accepted scientists tended view fossils racial variants modern humans ancestral forms let number scientists examine fossils series conferences held europe 1890s started agree java man transitional form thought extinct branch human tree descended evolved humans interpretation eventually imposed remained dominant 1940s bitter locked fossil trunk showed institution response critics refused accept java man missing link published paper arguing bones looked like giant use phrase widely intended argument support claim transitional form according evolution occurred leaps ancestors humanity doubled brain body ratio leap prove java man missing link humans brain body ratio double half humans problem java man capacity cubic centimeters thirds modern humans like scientists believed modern humans evolved asia thought closest humans great preserve proportions predicted theory brain evolution argued java man shaped like human imagined longer arms greatly expanded chest upper body creature gigantic kilograms double general half man halfway path modern human concluded paper believe firmly real missing link based work suggestion connected series populations german biologist reclassified species presented conclusion cold spring harbor resulted species reclassified genus included genera synonyms arguing human ancestors single genus species man existed earth time revolution taxonomy single species approach human evolution quickly accepted shaped 1950s lasted 1970s african genus accepted human evolutionary tree 1970s tendency developed regard variety subspecies chinese variety referred post discovery analysis date fossils complete collection fossils transferred known netherlands main fossil java man dated group animals found nearby geological horizon compared layers classified von assigned java man fauna composed sites concluded years old dating beginning middle pleistocene view widely accepted 1980s group dutch collection animal fossils date layer java man found fossils called new fauna stands main fossil bearing layer assessment dates fossils java man years old work published gives maximum age million years minimum age million years dating sediment human shell material java shells tool production nature online publishing work continues assessing dating complex site fossils earlier presence java named discovery site old million years controversial child curtis dated convincingly dated maximum age million years margin error plus minus years type specimen fossils found java considered type specimen fossils java man found scattered deposit laid flow river detractors doubted belonged species let individual german instance argued difficulty convincing critics attended excavation explain specifically exact location bones looks like modern human reworked fossil relatively young fossil deposited older layer layer eroded reason dissent fossils represent species physical characteristics java man feet inches tall walked erect like modern humans thicker modern human skull characterized thick bones retreating forehead chin protruding massive jaw capacity smaller later specimens human teeth large judging aspects java man ecological role meat likely important diet java man like probably rare species evidence java man shell tools cut meat material culture arrived approximately million years ago event considered african exodus evidence java population lived wet forest habitat specifically environment resembled savannah likely regularly inundated plants found excavation site included grass typical lowland control fire control fire generally accepted archaeologists begun years ago claims earlier evidence finding increasing scientific support burned wood found layers carried java man fossils dating central java volcanic region resulted natural fires conclusive proof java controlled fire proposed java man aware use fire frequent presence natural fires allowed java man use create visible pattern


clarke medium sized slender endemic true similarly marked long legs neck confused striking resemblance typical head body length stand male weigh females range length curved horns present males typically upper parts gray dorsal lateral areas reddish brown legs white markings visible face flanks alert secretive brown coat provides excellent camouflage making difficult hunt animals navigate small sexes attain sexual maturity months species period seven months single offspring born usually occurs september november lifespan typically averages years maintain temporary territories primarily feed foliage young shoots shrubs adapted semi arid habitats capability surviving little water factors including human settlement habitat degradation large numbers livestock political unrest armed conflicts areas covering range lack conservation measures decades late 20th century reduced population thousands significant populations occur southern listed iucn vulnerable taxonomy etymology described british zoologist thomas gave scientific sole member genus placed family authors rod east iucn specialist group classified separate tribe thomas studied specimens observed animal combine horns characteristic features muzzle facial markings considered appeared unnatural occur dry sandy plateau thomas originally considered relative genus similarities morphology horns placed genus considering specimens placed separate genus subspecies identified holds black tail straight fleeing gets common words tail erect tag known clarke clarke australian big game hunter collected type specimen description medium sized slim body long neck legs typical head body length stands shoulder male weighs female ranges long dark tail ends rounded indistinct tail nearly long curved horns resembling present males pointing tips facing forward length horns typically ward recorded length sexually females tend smaller males lack horns species small flat pointed wedge shaped head large eyes medium sized ears similarity black branched structure interior ears mouth small upper lip slightly elongated strong facial markings resembling chestnut brown streak runs crown nostrils nose flanked sides parallel white stripes circle eyes white spot marks throat soft smooth coat gray upper parts ventral legs completely white flanks unmarked closely resembles eastern central southeastern share facial features tone strong thick horns males features distinguishing including major morphological differences horns horn tail area processes longer heavier neck shorter tail finer point difference absence inward curving lobe lower edge ear near tip ecology behaviour animals active daytime navigate small resembling social behaviour singles pairs common groups individuals reported generally groups individuals rarely observed reaction obscure reports loose associations avoidance territorial animals maintain temporary territories fixed points form piles males fight defend territory notable fighting behaviour male pushes neck horns opponent trying throw balance stance head nose protection adapted semi arid habitats capability surviving little water meet water requirements food long neck limbs enable place branches reach higher branches brown helps hide bushes alert secretive hides vegetation remains watching possible threats alarmed flees slow relaxed manner neck upright tail erect resort behavior particular kind limbs air play real danger predators include lion spotted black backed cape hunting dog large eagles eagles usually target juveniles diet typical diet consists foliage young shoots shrubs limits small area foraging hardly observed drinking water wild elongated upper lip assists vegetation leaves teeth mobile lips prefer species gather areas stands high water content leaves shoots rainy season young soft grasses preferred dry season feed fruits flowers shrubs tall herbs choose wide variety species clear diet identified reproduction sexes attain sexual maturity months species appears related onset wet season parts range observations naples zoo similarity courtship behaviour male pursues female march body upright nose held high male uses mark female chest leg tapping testing female notable features courtship close contact female slowly raises followed period seven months single offspring born usually occurs september november reported june july infant remains hiding weeks mother close information parental care available lifespan averages years habitat distribution inhabit mix different habitat types occasionally visit thought commonly found areas shrubs grow occur altitude range habitat preference vary significantly seasons study published found greater number areas rich red soil endemic region southeastern adjoining parts northern central past range extended southern parts northern southeastern central coastline indian_ocean bounded river west river southwest rock paintings discovered west bank river north dam egypt suggesting southward migration species period egypt disappeared majority historical range decades overall decline estimated percent original population northern animal rare owing high density human settlements large numbers armed livestock southern common greater wealth natural flora fewer human settlements threats conservation habitat degradation major threats range conservation measures hindered lack political stability conflicts decades half 20th century period habitat adversely affected exploitation wildlife prevalence weapons hunting severe threat locals claimed meat preferred excellent taste brown hunting dense bushes considerably difficult compared identified vulnerable international union conservation nature natural resources iucn listed washington convention cites protected areas range population estimates surveys decades 1960s 1990s political unrest armed conflicts areas covering range total surviving population known rod east gave estimate populations thousands given total remaining range km2 population density square kilometre population estimated scenario grim habitat faces destruction farming practices livestock grazing threatened drought nearly disappeared country early 1980s locals claimed seen central coastal late 1980s clear surveys conducted support captive populations known


slow slow northern slow species slow native indian geographic range larger slow species considered subspecies slow phylogenetic analysis suggests slow closely related slow individuals species mitochondrial dna sequences resemble species largest species slow measuring head tail weighing like slow wet nose round head flat face large eyes small ears tail dense fur scent arm differs slow species communicate information sex age health social status slow nocturnal occurring deciduous forests prefers dense presence native habitat indicates healthy ecosystem seed prey item diet primarily consists fruit includes insects tree small winter relies plant tree species lives small family groups marks territory sleeps day dense vegetation tree holes seasonal months usually giving birth single offspring months mothers carry offspring reach sexual maturity months slow live years species listed vulnerable iucn red list threatened extinction growing demand exotic pet trade traditional medicine common animals sold local animal markets traditional medicine primarily wealthy middle class urban women following treat stomach problems broken bones sexually transmitted diseases hunted food suffers habitat loss wild populations declined severely locally extinct regions found protected areas range protect rampant illegal logging critical conservation issues species include enhancing protection measures enforcement wildlife protection laws increased fragmented protected areas taxonomy phylogeny commonly known slow northern slow slow genus considered subspecies slow recognized distinct species difficult distinguish species genus help clarify species subspecies boundaries establish morphology based classifications consistent evolutionary relationships phylogenetic relationships genus investigated dna sequences derived mitochondrial markers loop recognized including shown genetically distinct analysis suggested dna sequences individuals apparently share closer evolutionary relationship members species authors suggest result explained tested individuals taxa originated region southern thailand precise origin individuals known hypothesis study compared variations mitochondrial dna sequences suggested gene flow species anatomy physiology slow largest species slow weighing measuring head tail skull length dense brown gray fur white fur underside clear dark stripe runs head extend ears hand white limbs vary color brown nearly white feet pale cause seasonal variations color dorsal surface like slow tail round head short ears moist naked surface nostrils nose broad flat face large eyes eyes reflect bright orange eye shine feet second digit smaller rest big toe hind foot opposes toes gripping power second toe hind foot curved toilet animal uses nails straight addition smaller slow slow differs coloring pale areas head shoulders overall color golden brown slow smaller skull length lacks dark dorsal stripe slow dark brown fur longer ears slow small swelling ventral elbow called clear animal uses defensively oil analyzed gas coupled mass shown half dozen volatile semi volatile chemicals present occur closely related slow predominant component compound authors study suggest complex help communicate allowing transmit scent information sex age health status dominance behavior ecology preferred habitats slow range tropical subtropical regions include semi forest edges continuous dense found bamboo prefers habitats larger diameter tall trees large crown depth defined length main axis tree tip base crown areas typically associated greater food abundance decreased risk predation preference dense forests acts good indicator ecosystem health species acts important seed prey item slow feeds plant particularly family species nails plant actively breaking surface behavior resembles fork marked obtained holes bark winter food supply consists entirely plant deciduous tree common southeast_asia preferred source observed taking plant number families feed large insects small birds reptiles primarily flowering plant genus commonly food source nocturnal animal slow excellent night vision enhanced layer tissue eye reflects visible light sleeps day ball dense vegetation tree holes males females mark territory species known live small family groups animals practice social reproduction slow seasonal unlike slow females cycle attract males loud whistle females reproduce months month gestation seasonal breeders females pregnant offspring approximately months old making possible females produce offspring year females typically birth single offspring twins rarely occur differs slow commonly twins mother carries young months independent temporarily left branches mother searches food sexual maturity reached approximately months age species known live years distribution species largest geographic range slow species native northeast india bangladesh burma vietnam southern china thailand nocturnal found northeast indian states include found parts southwest china recorded hill tracts bangladesh known protected areas vietnam distributed thailand burma reported chin hills populations recorded north central southern portions country slow shares range slow southeast china vietnam slow slow southern peninsula thailand reported existence hybrids species region conservation listed data recently iucn red list slow evaluated international union conservation nature iucn vulnerable decision based solely habitat loss lack sufficient field data found numerous protected areas range illegal logging rampant conservation measures species specific species found protected areas northeast india conservation areas protected areas vietnam found national park bangladesh range china protected species listed schedule indian wildlife protection act june transferred slow species cites appendix international commercial trade severe threats facing species wildlife trade trapping exotic pets use traditional medicine slash burn agriculture resulted destruction habitat road construction factor decline hunting found severe nearby urban human populations increase enhancing protection measures enforcing current wildlife protection laws improving protected areas factors considered critical ensure survival species species commonly sold pet southeast_asia reported common mammals found shops stalls found hundreds selling year found selling china county province thailand slow traditional medicine countries selling vietnam eaten vietnam animal predominantly prepare treatments women stomach problems healing wounds broken bones treatment sexually transmitted diseases primary users wealthy middle class women urban areas habitat population trends geographic range slow decline habitat seriously degraded growing human populations add increasing pressure countries like bangladesh original forest cover present northeastern forests cleared increasing rate loss natural forest years thailand lost natural forest respectively vietnam original forest cover remains caused vietnam war includes closed canopy forests habitat destruction remains rampant slow populations borders significantly depleted populations declared locally extinct southern province parts highlands expected song nature reserves india dense forest canopy depleted areas rapidly disappearing early china region reportedly lost natural habitat slow population size estimated individuals based available habitat recent publications report individuals remain reduced geographic range slow restricted isolated populations threat locally extinct parts population declining threat population density estimated individuals km2 india according study published survey wildlife sanctuary wildlife sanctuary india yielded encounter rate individuals seven sightings occurring km2 animals found height near interior wet deciduous forest species abundance measured individuals wildlife sanctuary 1990s china forests declined significantly provinces primary forests isolated secondary forests severely degraded lost forests slow remain slow nearly extinct county individuals left


blue blue small found western southern eastern africa smallest species described swedish naturalist peter subspecies identified blue reaches centimetres shoulder weighs kilograms sexually females slightly larger males dark tail measures slightly centimetres short horns centimetres long hidden hair subspecies great degree variation blue bears significant resemblance activity limited daytime secretive cautious blue confines forest fringes territorial individuals opposite sexes form pairs occupy territories nearly hectares large marked blue feeds fallen fruits foliage flowers pieces bark provided mainly forest habitat age sexual maturity gained given differently different studies species pairs remaining year length period estimated little months long seven months occur year birth rate fall dry season mainly kept hiding occurs months habitat consists variety forests including old growth secondary gallery forests forests preferred provide animal shelter dense forage canopy concern international union conservation nature natural resources iucn blue threat extensive hunting range taxonomy etymology scientific blue placed genus walter family species described swedish naturalist peter treated species genus recognised genus peter owing remarkable similarities species consider race blue generic clear origin specific derived latin words mountain meaning inhabit reference habitat common blue refers typical coat colours common comes dutch mean refers practice animals frequently dive vegetation cover anne university colleagues constructed subfamily includes genera based mitochondrial analysis shown sister rest subfamily diverged nearly million years ago late blue split million years ago include newly discovered walter university colleagues discovered species prepared similar included subspecies subspecies blue proposed seven major populations species identified following subspecies groups basis geographical occurrence grey legged northern subspecies range bounded river west extends democratic republic river found northeast mountains south range extends east cross river river river till democratic republic found north mouth river thomas range extends southern highlands till border occur plateau northern gray type locality guinea occurs eastern forests range extends far_east east african rift occurs eastern african coast islands mafia red legged southern subspecies type locality northern gray range extends region south_africa type locality west steep cliffs province occurs east valley river northern occurs eastern cape western cape provinces south_africa thomas occurs lower river tributary river description blue small fact smallest head body length typically centimetres reaches centimetres shoulder weighs nearly kilograms largest subspecies sexually females slightly larger males blue characterised flat forehead large eyes small ears line white large nostrils broad mouth lips dark tail measures slightly centimetres remarkable feature tail row white hairs flank reflect light efficiently animal moves tail looks like signal dark habitat short horns centimetres long hidden hair row minute pores surrounded hairs near eyes liquid consisting volatile compounds pedal near produce whitish fluid subspecies great degree variation coat shade blue grey brown black grey legged northern subspecies grey brown posterior stripe marks transition bright grey black dull grey flanks dark brown stripe marks shift black lighter similar difference flanks notable paler sharp transition stripe darker told apart darker flanks dorsal parts dark grey brown underside grey black stands apart black dorsal parts pinkish grey sides long thick fur southern subspecies hand reddish tan legs reddish coats light black light red flanks white change tone observed darker reddish paler grey middle portion red sides dark tail light grey reddish darker reddish orange flanks pale grey brown white black tail clear transition grey sides anterior parts reddish distinguished facial stripe white ventral parts flanks blue bears significant resemblance nearly twice large heavier larger skull uniform blue shows different point difference pedal simpler opening blue walter notably lighter colour flanks brown instead grey ecology behaviour blue active day secretive cautious confines forest fringes territorial individuals opposite sexes form pairs occupy territories nearly hectares large marked animal trees logs mark territory fluid produced vocal bird like denote curiosity animal let typical cats distressed female avoid male advances let diet diet consists fallen fruits foliage flowers pieces bark provided mainly forest habitat fungi particularly species animal matter ants ground included diet blue sustain dead foliage better species study analysed determined content leaves fruits seeds comprised fresh foliage plenty perennial fruits strongly preferred foliage american zoologist don wilson observed concluded nearly occupied fruits took percent volume fungi flowers took percent forage tracking movements birds reproduction age sexual maturity gained given differently different studies wilson observed females mature months minimum age found months noted males longer mature nearly months species pairs remaining year length period estimated short months long seven months estimate supported observations democratic republic occur year birth rate fall dry season start moving minutes birth day kept hiding time nursing intervals irregular occurs months males visit mates occasionally disappear month birth probably protect occurs days birth habitat distribution species survive variety forests including old growth secondary gallery forests forests preferred provide animal shelter dense forage canopy found pockets degraded forests sea level altitude metres found countries western southern eastern parts africa central african republic democratic republic guinea kenya nigeria south_africa south threats conservation blue concern international union conservation nature natural resources iucn listed appendix cites washington convention population trend reasonably stable blue threatened extensive hunting range wilson claimed blue greatest economic ecological significance african blue meat important source nutrition range blue survive despite human interference habitat occurs following protected areas range reserve national park special reserve national park central african republic national park guinea national park national parks lake region wildlife reserve national parks numerous south_africa


fossil thailand known single tooth upper thought related living slow genus material sufficient assign species certainty species uses open nomenclature width tooth small triangular shape supported single root shows main addition absence fourth distinguishes taxonomy described french report fossil mammals long site thailand animal known single tooth basis comparisons concluded closely related living slow genus view limited material tentatively assigned fossil species open nomenclature specific thai word description single known tooth upper known tiny length width claim smallest known tooth triangular shape shows simple reduced morphology important present connected crest low rounded located tooth closer corner tongue corner rounded attached weak crest corner lengthy crest crest present includes minor known wear visible crest tooth contact preceding second upper present tooth single developed root contains number grooves suggesting consists smaller fused smaller fossil unlike single known fossil reduced form lacks fourth main reduced triangular form closely resembles family absence distinguishes slender slow fossil genus lacks rounded face seen possesses additional strongly resembles slow distinguished smaller size fused roots range ecology long collection site dated latest early corresponding european zone thai province fossil fauna encompasses species mammals including conclude fauna represents tropical forest environment close shallow lake


english pronunciation known persian medium sized wild cat lives africa middle_east persia indian reaches centimetres shoulder weighs kilograms coat uniformly reddish tan sandy ventral parts lighter small reddish markings characterised robust build long legs short face long ears long teeth described german naturalist christian daniel von subspecies recognised typically nocturnal active night highly secretive difficult observe territorial lives mainly pairs typically small mammals birds leap higher metres catch birds mid air prey metres runs prey killed bite throat neck breeding takes place year sexes sexually mature time year old gestation lasts months resulting litter juveniles leave mothers months females stay mothers average lifespan captivity nearly years inhabits forests semi forests classified concern iucn survival threatened habitat loss agricultural expansion persecuted killing small livestock hunting time ancient recently 20th century taxonomy etymology placed family subfamily species described german naturalist christian daniel von journal die der mit british zoologist john edward gray placed animal genus composed turkish words meaning black meaning ear recorded use dates alternative names include cat red cat red referred physically similar cat earlier classified genera phylogenetic study showed evolved nearly million years appeared closely related african golden cat considered species species form lineage came existence ancestor lineage arrived africa diverged probably million years boundary pleistocene subspecies recognised study gave phylogenetic relationships follows characteristics slender moderately sized cat characterised robust build short face long teeth ears long legs reaches nearly centimetres shoulder head body length typically centimetres males centimetres females males weigh kilograms females weigh kilograms tan tail measures centimetres extends sexually females smaller males parameters prominent facial features include centimetres long black ears black stripes forehead nose black outline mouth white patches surrounding eyes mouth eyes appear narrowly open lowered upper probably adaptation shield eyes sun ear start animal ages coat uniformly reddish tan sandy black known legs lighter small reddish markings fur soft short dense grows summer ground hairs basal layer hair covering coat winter summer length guard hairs hair extending ground hairs centimetres long winter centimetres summer features indicate onset hot season typically october november longer body appears sloping downward confused cats ears notable point difference spotted shows markings coat african golden cat similar build darker lacks ear told apart lack ear white spots ears spotted coat longer legs longer tail smaller skull high rounded featuring large developed crest normal crest strong lower jaw total teeth dental formula deciduous striking centimetres long heavy sharp killing bite prey lacks second upper upper large similar consist digit remains ground features claws sharp retractable able drawn larger curved ecology behaviour typically nocturnal active night activity observed day cat secretive difficult observe activity daytime easily unnoticed study south_africa showed active air temperature drops activity typically higher temperatures solitary cat mainly occurs pairs group seen mothers offspring females temporarily pair males territorial animal marks rocks vegetation territory probably covered soil prominent typically formed israel males found territories averaging square kilometres females averaged square kilometres male territories vary square kilometres saudi_arabia mountain national park south_africa female territories vary square kilometres territories overlap extensively conspicuous ear facial markings serve method visual communication observed interacting moving head rapidly like cats diet hunting typically small mammals birds studies south_africa reported cape common sheep goats bush rats rock hare birds study western india showed comprise significant portion diet feed variety sources tend focus abundant grasses taken occasionally larger young mountain targeted mammals generally comprise percent diet snakes insects eaten notorious attacking livestock rarely attack human beings speed agility efficient hunter able prey times size powerful hind legs allow leap metres air catch birds wing twist change direction mid air prey metres following launch sprint large prey killed throat bite smaller prey bite neck kills consumed immediately commonly dragged cover return large kills observed begin feeding kills hind parts times frequently observed compete wolves prey reproduction sexes sexually mature time year old production begins earlier seven months successful mating takes place months breeding takes place year days long weeks female pregnant females spike marking form temporary pairs males mating extensively studied limited number observations suggest lasts nearly minutes average begins male areas marked female rolls ground following approaches mounts female pair separate gestation lasts nearly months following litter consisting born generally peak october february place dense vegetation deserted born eyes ears shut claws non retractable unable drawn inside coat resembles adults abdomen spotted eyes open days takes longer vision normal ears erect claws retractable fourth week time start birthplace start playing fifth sixth week begin taking solid food time wait nearly months kill start moving mother starts shifting everyday milk teeth appear days permanent completed months juveniles begin months females stay mothers average lifespan captivity nearly years distribution habitat inhabits forests semi forests dry areas low rainfall availability cover preferred habitats highlands occur altitudes high metres sea level widespread african continent middle_east indian desert forests figure distribution occurs ranges northwest west range diminished considerably northern western africa threats conservation concern international union conservation nature natural resources iucn african populations listed cites appendix asian populations come cites appendix central west north northeast africa asia major threat survival habitat loss agricultural expansion persecuted killing small livestock survey revealed responsible elimination nearly livestock square kilometres year cape province south_africa number killed averaged year tribes kill meat hunting prohibited afghanistan algeria egypt india iran israel jordan lebanon morocco pakistan syria tunisia turkey south_africa recognise problem animal allow hunting protect livestock occur number protected areas range interaction human beings appear significant ancient occur paintings bronze sculptures believed guard tombs discovered ear depicted tombs referred mother feathers chinese emperors use gifts 13th 14th centuries rulers bought numerous tigers western parts empire muslim merchants return gold silver cash silk according subsequent dynasty 14th 17th centuries continued practice recently 20th century hunts indian rulers hunt small game larger game times exposed flock people bet kill largest number probably gave rise expression cat present day kept pets adapt domestic surroundings generally aggressive domestic cats dogs typically dangerous kept away pet birds prey coat making fur coats skin economic significance