spider monkey spider monkey known black handed spider monkey species spider monkey type new world monkey central_america parts mexico possibly small portion colombia subspecies classify black headed spider monkey found panama colombia ecuador species spider monkey largest new world weighing arms significantly longer legs tail support entire weight monkey extra limb hands thumb long strong hook like fingers adaptations allow monkey swinging arms beneath tree branches spider monkey lives fusion societies contain members diet consists primarily fruit requires large tracts forest survive result habitat loss hunting capture pet trade considered endangered iucn taxonomy spider monkey belongs new world monkey family contains spider member subfamily includes spider genus contains spider genus means imperfect reference thumb species honor french naturalist saint agreement number spider monkey species universal based classification fur color based fur color geographic distribution differentiated spider monkey species dark black head hands recent studies use mitochondrial dna help differentiate species studies collins indicate spider monkey closely related white fronted spider monkey brown spider monkey red faced spider monkey according studies branched spider approximately million years ago spider branched million years ago older studies porter indicate believed branched million years ago subspecies subspecies monkey recognized spider monkey spider monkey ornate spider monkey mexican spider monkey spider monkey authorities recognize valid subspecies black headed spider monkey considered authorities separate species spider monkey authorities including collins synonymous treatment subspecies black headed spider monkey represent additional subspecies spider monkey distribution habitat range species extends central_america encompassing panama costa_rica nicaragua guatemala honduras el_salvador belize south eastern portion mexico observations local people indicate southernmost subspecies spider monkey occur portion colombia near panama border western colombia northeast panama replaced black headed spider monkey considered subspecies spider monkey spider monkey lives types forest including rains forests higher spider generally found areas containing forest physical description spider monkey largest new world length measures weighs tail longer body males females approximately size body color varies subspecies population buff reddish brown black hands feet dark black face usually pale mask bare skin eyes muzzle arms legs long slim arms longer legs thumb fingers long strong making hands hook like long arms hook like hands allow spider monkey swing arms beneath tree branches tail strong palm like pad end tail acts extra limb pick fruits water holes trees spider monkey support weight suspended tail feeding female spider large looking like organ called way externally actually larger male result females mistaken males human observers enlarged believed aid males determining sexual allowing touch smell fingers pick chemical cues female reproductive status behavior spider monkey inhabits upper portion forest comes ground frequently spider monkey species lives fusion societies large groups typical members split smaller forage day typically number members remain separate main group night spider monkey large tracts forest search food home ranges groups exceed hectares acres range metres day males tend cover larger day range females dominant individuals tend larger day ranges spider monkey mixture ground lime tree citrus leaves fur believed act insect locations spider monkey white headed interactions include mutual addition walking running limbs climbing spider monkey uses forms swinging arms assistance tail common form common forms include swinging suspended tail walking limbs branch studies indicated spider monkey uses frequently spider monkey species common method spider cross trees monkey branch new tree pulls climb airborne leaps necessary certain populations spider monkey especially panama known leap trees frequently populations moving spider monkey uses supported sitting standing suspended hangs branch suspended include support tail monkey hangs tail times hangs tail limbs simultaneously studies indicated spider monkey populations use suspended frequently feeding spider monkey species communication intelligence sounds produced spider monkey include screams typically alarm calls screams distress calls dawn dusk monkey makes unique sound allow recognize vocal communication researchers investigated use consist quick increases decreases pitch detail research indicated additional purpose group members food source purposes suggested research included maintaining vocal contact group members traveling distinguishing group members members groups spider monkey uses forms communication tail arched threat display spider head shake threat invitation play shaking branches arms warning danger group use tools spider including spider monkey regarded intelligent study performed concluded intelligent ahead mental capacity adaptation spider require able identify different types foods locations diet spider monkey eats fruit spends feeding time eating fruit leaves rest diet young leaves especially important provide protein lacking fruit elements diet include flowers bark insects honey seeds addition providing monkey needs fruit leaves provide water requirements like spider spider monkey drinks water tree holes trees unlike spider drinks terrestrial water sources predators large cats appear significant adult spider monkey predators humans eagles large snakes potential predators predation spider monkey observed researchers reproduction females bear young years males mating restricted dominant individuals study colorado island males group observed mating year period dominant males appear mate low ranking males unknown male dominance greater success offspring spider mate sitting position facing direction male seated female arms wrapped chest legs wrapped waist embrace minutes prior mating male female separate rest group female juvenile offspring period months single young typically born twins occur young dark color begin taking adult coloration age months carried mothers month half months point ride backs nurse year old begin eating solid foods moving independently months independently cross gaps canopy adults manage help adult stretch gap forming bridge young cross females sexually mature years males years reaching sexual maturity females leave group males result males groups typically related females help explain male spider form strong bonds maximum life span wild unknown captivity spider monkey live years conservation status spider monkey listed endangered iucn habitat loss requires large tracts primary forest survive vulnerable hunted humans captured pet trade low reproductive turnover quickly numbers affected events result spider monkey disappeared areas common subspecies critically endangered spider monkey colorado island panama hunting eliminated native population effort species colorado reintroduced male females survived small group island population grown


alpine alpine known species wild goat lives mountains european alps sexually species larger males carry larger curved horns coat colour typically brownish grey alpine tend live steep rough terrain snow line social adult males females year coming mate distinct groups exist adult male groups female groups groups young individuals mixed sex groups breeding season males fight access females use long horns areas 19th century alpine successfully reintroduced parts historical range individuals living today descend stock national park valley neighbouring french valley national park linked national parks connected especially created help thrive emblem national park national park species currently listed concern iucn taxonomy phylogeny alpine described classified genus latin goat seven species wild goat sheep descended like animal early fossils found kenya china genus appears china late appears intermediate goats fossils alpine date late pleistocene spanish probably evolved extinct pleistocene species considered subspecies alpine giving populations alps appearance compared members genus alpine short broad head coat brownish grey hair body pale abdomen slightly darker markings chin throat stripe twice year firstly april september replace short summer coat thicker hair males commonly grow height centimetres body length centimetres weigh kilograms females noticeably smaller shoulder height centimetres body length centimetres weight kilograms male female alpine large backwards curving horns numerous ridges length centimetres males substantially larger females reach centimetres length distribution ecology alpine point restricted national park northern italy valley french alps recent years reintroduced european alps found italian french alpine ranges southern germany switzerland austria introduced bulgaria excellent preferred habitat rocky region snow line alpine forests occupies steep rough terrain elevations metres alpine typically absent woodland areas adult males densely populated areas stay mixed spruce woodland snow males spend winter coniferous forests year males females occupy different habitat females rely steep terrain males males use lowland meadows spring snow green grass appears climb alpine meadows summer winter arrives sexes steep rocky slopes little snow prefer slopes use small caves shelter home ranges highly variable depending availability resources vary size year figures hectares km2 recorded home ranges tend largest summer autumn smallest winter intermediate spring female home ranges usually smaller males alpine appear low rate predation typically die age starvation disease foraging alpine strictly half diet consisting grasses remainder mixture moss flowers leaves twigs leaves shoots reach stand rear legs reach food grass genera commonly eaten climbing ability alpine observed standing sheer face dam stonework obtain mineral life history alpine social species sexually depending season types groups exist adult male groups female offspring groups groups young individuals years old mixed sex groups young groups numerous beginning summer expelled females end gestation period female offspring groups occur year round area french alps mixed sex groups adult males females occur breeding lasts december january april adults separate largest sex occur june july gatherings males begin decrease october november lowest december march males leave separate areas gather linear dominance hierarchy males small populations cohesive male know place hierarchy based memories past encounters mobile large groups encounters strangers common rank based horn size antagonistic behavior males come form direct indirect aggression direct aggression male horns places opponent stands hind legs comes opponent horns signal ready clash attempting real clash indirect aggression intimidation displays reproduction growth breeding season starts december typically lasts weeks time male break smaller groups search females takes place phases phase male groups interact females higher male rank closer female males perform courtship displays second phase male separates group follow individual female displays guards males female moves tail courtship intensive group phase gestation lasts days results birth kids twins making alpine reach sexual maturity eighteen months females reach maximum body size years males years horns grow life growing rapidly second year life centimetres year eventually slowing half rate animal reaches years age alpine live nineteen years wild conservation status alpine historically ranged france italy switzerland bavaria austria starting early firearms common overall population declined extinct switzerland germany 18th century extinct austria northeastern italy 19th century remained adjacent kingdom located western italian alps valley north eastern french alps bordering park declared royal hunting reserve protected numbers increased reaching enjoyed protection national park animals stock drifted naturally introduced areas number populations numbered today total population alpine considered concern iucn introduced populations appear low genetic diversity


fossil late kansas central united_states known single lower jaw missing present worn long fossil discovered described possible species open nomenclature later authors doubted allocation suggested instead belong material allow definite identification discovery context known specimen lower jaw found spring david quarry county kansas collections museum comparative harvard_university specimen quarry formation north american land age described paper wrote fauna middle considered quarry fauna contains diversity fossils including mammals birds reptiles amphibians description known single jaw missing including angular processes mental opening jaw opens upwards little living marsh rice rat ridges anchor muscles located outer surface similar worn traces remain small visible teeth roots length depth interpretations wrote condition mental ridges excluded specimen features depth size fossil closely resembled placed genus living genus occurred united_states years ago philip wrote opinion examining longer thought instead believed genus occurs late early north_america variously interpreted close relative south american merely member north american subfamily jon mentioned animal asserting identified genus level continue list usually excluded genus listed questionable species north american genus said ancestral


black black white tailed closely related species member genus family described august von black typically head body length average weight males stand approximately shoulder height females black characterised white long horse like tail dark brown black coat long dark coloured hair belly black diet consists grasses water essential requirement distinct social groups female bachelor territorial fast runners communicate variety visual vocal communication primary breeding season black february april single usually born period half months remains mother born year later black inhabits open plains natural populations black endemic southern africa completely 19th century reputation value hides meat species reintroduced widely captive specimens private areas nature reserves south_africa introduced outside natural range kenya taxonomy evolution scientific black animal placed genus family described german zoologist august von based description article written natural philosopher jean generic derives greek words beard flowing hair specific originates animals common said originated refers repeated calls bull mating season black discovered northern south_africa 1800s black currently included genus blue case time placed separate genus black lineage diverged blue mid late pleistocene distinct species million years ago evolution recent time scale features necessary defending territory horns broad based skull modern black found fossil ancestors earliest known fossil remains rock orange free state date thousand years fossils reported river deposits unclear ancient found horns black found sand dunes near south_africa far recorded range species suggested animals migrated region hybrids black known close relative blue male black reported mate female blue vice versa differences social behaviour habitats historically prevented species occur confined area resulting offspring usually fertile study hybrid animals dam nature reserve south_africa revealed relating teeth horns bones skull study reported increase size hybrid compared parents animals highly deformed radius fused description black sexually females smaller size slender males head body length typically males reach approximately shoulder females reach males typically weigh females distinguishing feature sexes tail long similar horse bright white colour gives animal vernacular white tailed distinguishes blue black tail length tail ranges black dark brown black coat slightly paler summer winter born coloured fur males darker females dark tipped blue stick neck hairs compose white cream coloured dark tips muzzle jaw black hair long dark coloured hair belly physical features include thick neck plain small eyes sexes strong horns curve forward resembling hooks long horns broad base mature males flattened form protective shield females horns shorter narrower fully developed females year age horns fully grown males black normally specimens reported species shows tendency region elongated scent substance eyes hair females apart difference appearance tail species differ size colour black smaller darker blue black maintain body temperature small range spite large fluctuations external temperatures shows developed orientation behaviour solar radiation helps thrive hot habitats count high birth increases till age months contrast count low birth falls animal life count high ages content decreases till thirty days birth peak content parameters age months readings gradually decline reaching lowest values oldest individuals presence fast ability muscles use large amounts oxygen help explain rapid running speed black high resistance fatigue individuals live years diseases parasites black particularly susceptible rare widely scattered recorded proved deadly related low copper concentrations liver seen black borne disease affects black blue fatally affected foot mouth disease believed black likely susceptible fever fatal disease domestic cattle caused like blue black acts reservoir virus animals carriers infected showing symptoms virus transmitted mother gestation period soon birth black act hosts number external internal parasites study animal eastern cape province south_africa revealed presence stages nasal flies larvae found large numbers mater specially june august later migrated nasal passages repeated led large scale study blue black showed presence species common animals ecology behaviour black mainly active early morning late afternoon preferring rest hottest day animals run speeds mph person approaches herd metres run short distance stopping looking repeating behaviour approached communicate detected forms vocal communication metallic echoing heard metres mile away preyed animals like lion spotted cape hunting dog leopard targeted lions attack adults black animal complex social structure comprising distinct groups firstly female consisting adult females young secondly bachelor consisting older males territorial number females herd variable generally ranging highest populations increases forage density strong attachment members female herd related large divided smaller groups small stay mothers older ones form groups herd social hierarchy females aggressive trying join group young males generally repelled mothers season starts separation young mother major cause mortality male stay female herd join bachelor herd usually loose associations unlike female individuals attached difference female bachelor lesser aggression males bachelor widely available habitat act refuge males unsuccessful territorial reserve future breeding males mature generally years old set territories female pass territories maintained year animals usually separated distance vary according quality habitat favourable conditions distance little large poor habitat bull patch ground centre territory regularly drops performs acts display include rolling ground horns demonstrate prowess encounter involves elaborate rituals coined term challenge ritual describe behaviour blue applicable black owing close similarity behaviour species approach heads lowered resembling grazing position actually grazing usually followed movements like standing reverse parallel position male opponent performs reverse procedure ritual toss horns circle look away begins fight low intensity consisting horns pushing standing position high intensity consisting dropping knees trying remain contact nearly touching ground threat displays like shaking head place diet black predominantly preferring short grasses feeding herbs shrubs especially grass scarce shrubs comprise diet grasses normally forms water essential exist drinking water everyday line loose groups usually walking single file moving accompanied cattle pick consume insects hidden coats disturbed movements arrival europeans area widely probably relation arrival rains availability good forage extensive blue time cross range moving eastwards autumn searching good returned spring moved west sweet potato vegetation abundant moved north south found north river matured consuming young shoots black reserves farms extent movements limited study feeding activities number female black living habitat found fed night observed regular intervals period year observed increase temperature number feeding night increased cool weather lay rest conditions rested standing reproduction male black reach sexual maturity age years mature younger age captivity females come season breed year olds breed year dominant male black females allow males mate breeding season occurs end rainy season lasts weeks february april females comes male mates times sexual behaviour male time includes stretching low ears female performing ritual touching chin female time female keeps tail upwards vertically face male pair usually separates female occasionally follows mate touching snout breeding season male loses condition spends little time grazing males known mount males period lasts half months single born females labour away female herd repeatedly lie normally place areas short grass cow lying position stands immediately causes cord break vigorously spite regional variations females birth period weeks onset rainy season mid november end december seasonal breeding reported captivity european twin reported coat weighs kilograms end fourth week fully emerged time like structures appear head later develop horns reach length fifth month developed eighth month able stand run shortly birth period great danger animals wild fed mother months begins grass blades weeks remains born year later distribution habitat black native southern africa historical range included south_africa countries hunted extinction 19th century reintroduced introduced established black inhabits open plains steep mountainous regions lower hills altitudes areas varies migratory nomadic regular home ranges km2 female home ranges acres size past black occurred temperate dry winter season arid region rains result massive hunting animal hide vanished historical range largely limited game farms protected reserves southern africa reserves black shares habitat threats conservation lives alongside blue species regarded potential threat maintenance species black numerous present southern africa vast end nineteenth century nearly hunted extinction fewer animals remained small number individuals present game reserves population rescued believed individuals outside natural range farmed occur private areas confined protected areas population upward particularly private land reason international union conservation nature iucn red list threatened species rates black concern introduction success numbers increased substantially uses interaction humans black depicted coat arms province south_africa years south african authorities issued stamps displaying animal south african mint struck coin black present natural habitat large numbers today black time main ecosystem main prey item large predators lion economically important human beings major tourist attraction providing animal products leather meat hide makes good quality leather flesh coarse dry hard meat dried important south african cuisine meat females tender males best autumn season provide times meat silky flowing tail fly black affect human beings negatively wild individuals competitors commercial livestock transmit fatal diseases like cause animals particularly domestic cattle spread flies


extinct bat madagascar genus known lower jaws collected cave described new species material years old bat upper arm bone site identified living identifiable member related genus number features teeth single like fourth presence gap larger living species madagascar slightly higher higher species taxonomy distribution team led david collected containing remains bats animals cave northwestern madagascar bats sample described karen previously paper found living species addition extinct ones described new time genus thought include species madagascar discovered fact applicable madagascar species proposed bats previously known addition peter removed species separate genus known specific extinct species honors research bats material locality old cave years old younger analysis morphological data resolve relationships place species studied paper amy russell colleagues commented skull characteristics suggest member group placed description known lower jaws fourth second second jaw relatively robust resembles having single high highest lacking shelves narrow crowned longer length ranges width group narrower slightly higher main highest slightly higher living substantially higher lower small distinct lowest separated gap lacks ridge connecting crest tooth similar slightly wider equal width addition shelf present smaller lacks gap weak ridge characteristics typical site found recorded far end upper arm bone width bone similar identify species small size difference site estimated years old recorded relative living jaws longer narrower sample sizes small measurements resemble addition ridge stronger identified jaws


fossil bat genus middle france described known site occurs fossil species smaller common known lower jaws isolated fourth upper fourth lower slender shelf surrounding developed living length lower taxonomy described paper ages fossil sites saint southeastern france wrote second fossil species described slovakia mention poland pleistocene china fossil species described germany specific honors described includes living species small bats distributed southern africa australia genus historically placed family classified family description known material includes lower jaw fourth second teeth isolated fourth upper preserve openings teeth preserved dimensions length width single long single preserved length end depth identified basis possession lower designated original lost rooted crest larger slender compared living shelf surrounds developed crest weaker range ecology known site village saint department southeastern france filling sites area collectively known saint yielded rich fossil reference locality zone million years ago older sites proposed taking reference locality separate zone rare common site found european ranging


olive olive called member family old world species wide ranging found countries africa extending eastward isolated populations present mountainous regions inhabits forests common derived coat color shade green grey distance variety communications vocal non vocal facilitate complex social structure physical characteristics olive named coat distance shade green grey alternative comes egyptian god represented dog head resembling dog like muzzle closer range coat rings yellow brown black hairs hair face ranges dark grey black coloration shared sexes males longer hair ordinary length male olive differs female terms size weight tooth size males average tall standing females measure height olive largest species monkey attain similar sizes head body length range species average shoulder females average males average typical weight range sexes reportedly males averaging females averaging males weigh like olive elongated dog like muzzle fact muzzle animal tail legged tail looks broken erect quarter drops sharply bare patch famously seen cartoons movies good deal smaller olive olive like cheek store food distribution habitat species inhabits strip african countries nearly ranging east west coasts continent exact boundaries strip clearly defined species territory overlaps species places resulted cross breeding species example considerable occurred olive cross breeding yellow guinea observed noted hybrids studied wide range olive found number different habitats usually classified dwelling living wide plains especially near open woodland large habitat inhabits democratic republic instance support olive populations dense tropical forests behaviour ecology social structure olive lives groups males females young social ranking group depending dominance female dominance hereditary daughters having nearly rank mothers adult females forming core social system female relatives form troop related females largely friendly tend stay close groom team aggressive encounters troop female form strong bonds groups occasionally groups split large competition resources problematic members tend stick dominant females food supporters olive high ranking females birth shorter intervals higher survival rate daughters tend mature faster low ranking females high ranking females appear higher probability high ranking low fertility theory suggests occurs stress high ranking females theory controversial female forms long lasting social relationship male troop known friendship friendships benefit male female males benefit relationships usually formed soon new group helps male integrate group easily potentially end mating female friend future females gain protection threats males occasionally baby sit female friends feed forage freely burden having carry watch infant sexually receptive females newly immigrated males form friendships relationships enduring pair remains close travel forage sleep raise fight aggressive males establish dominance females male leaves group joins group reaching sexual maturity adult males competitive fight access females higher dominance means better access mating earlier access food naturally great deal fighting rank occurs younger males constantly trying rise position females stay groups entire lives males new male challenges older dominance frequently older drop social hierarchy tribe younger males pushed older males tend supportive equal relationships younger males form despite appear democratic comes deciding direction collective movement individuals likely follow multiple decision makers agree direction simply following dominant individuals reproduction females sexually mature seven years old males seven years beginning female signal males ready mate skin female area swells turns bright red pink swelling makes difficult increases female chance parasitic infection females swollen areas reproduce younger produce offspring year offspring better chance surviving females attract males likely cause aggressive fights olive tend mate male forms mating female staying close males guard partner male trying mate female male day multiple necessary reproduction function actual female offspring ambiguous lack paternal certainty help reduce occurrence occasionally male olive female entire period probable conception male protects female males black coats bright pink skin females primary males play role days infant unable stay attached mother relies physical support grasp grows stronger week able mother fur weeks infant begins explore surroundings short periods stays near distance infant spends away mother increases older gets general higher ranking females usually relaxed parents females lower rank usually offspring close difference lasts approximately weeks infant life olive practice operative female groom infant juvenile females likely care young produced offspring theory immature females tend seek prepare future roles mothers infant born time mothers suffer higher mortality born experienced mothers suggests prior experience caring important adult males groups care likely related males groom reducing parasites calm stressed protect predators adult males exploit use reduce likelihood males threaten communication olive communicate facial expressions day ages basic adults range calls adult males displaying bark low flying birds humans know sighted response predators neighboring groups night situations include broken low volume quick series relatively calm aggressive encounters aggressive encounters loud calls given potential threats appear suddenly screams continuous high pitch sounds responding strong emotions common facial expression olive associated number behaviors ear eyes narrowed head shaking jaw tongue rear present raising grinding staring threaten responds displays fear rigid tail erect diet major reason widespread success olive able find nutrition environment able adapt different foraging tactics instance olive grassland goes finding food differently forest levels environment beneath ground canopy forests animals look food level species look food ground olive searches wide area eats virtually finds diet typically includes large variety plants invertebrates small mammals birds olive eats leaves grass roots bark flowers fruit seeds mushrooms especially important times drought grass loses great deal value dry arid regions northeastern small invertebrates like insects spiders fill diet olive actively hunts prey small limit usually small rarely sheep goats live chickens food hunting hunting usually group activity males females participating systematic predation apparently developed recently field study behavior observed starting males troop spreading ages sexes olive formed relationship country endangered elephant population use water holes dug elephants elephants use tree early warning system conservation status olive listed concern iucn species widespread abundant persecuted crop major threats believed resulting range wide population decline despite persecution widespread numerous competition disease possibly led fewer closed forests actively persecuted pest


known cape like old world monkey family largest located primarily southern africa wide variety social behaviors including dominance hierarchy collective foraging adoption young females friendship behaviors form parts complex evolutionary ecology general species threatened human population pressure increased contact humans hunting accidents trapping kill remove wild reduced numbers disrupted social structure taxonomy different populations africa authors occasionally grouped entire radiation single species arbitrary boundaries separate populations subspecies authors considered subspecies yellow recognised separate species subspecies depending classification followed listed subspecies species world listed article follows describes distinct subspecies paper believed synonymous cape found southern south_africa gray found northern south_africa southern found southern physical description longest species monkey male body length tail length heaviest male weighs sexually females considerably smaller males female weighs similar size olive similar weight compact usually crowned largest generally dark brown gray color patch rough hair neck unlike males northern species guinea olive males distinctive feature long downward sloping face teeth male mean length time troop time greatest tooth length teeth tend wear broken subspecies differentiated size color cape large heavy dark brown black feet gray slightly smaller cape lighter color build gray feet generally appears smaller colored version cape ecology habitat distribution inhabits wide array habitats including woodland grassy alpine slopes desert night needs hills cliffs large trees sleep day water availability limit range arid areas found southern africa ranging south_africa north subspecies divided range cape found southern south_africa gray present northern south_africa delta south southwest found northern southern diet preference fruits eating insects seeds grass smaller animals fungi desert cape good hope particular known taking marine invertebrates generally comes game meat rarely engages hunting large animals incident killing human infant reported event rare locals believed normally flee approach humans changing easy availability food near human dwellings behavior social organization usually lives social groups called troops composed multiple adult males adult females offspring occasionally small groups form consist single adult male adult females troops characterized dominance hierarchy female ranking troop inherited mother remains relatively fixed male ranking especially dominant male replaced unusual males females form strong relationships members sex instead strongest social bonds unrelated adult males females common compared species newly dominant males attempt kill young previously dominant male troops possess complex group behavior communicate means body attitudes facial expressions touch morning dispersal patterns sleeps large groups cliffs trees night avoid predators morning dispersal sleeping site synchronized members leaving time cases dispersal initiated single individual members group decide follow followers recruited successful dispersal initiation initiation attempts successful surprisingly dominance status shows little successful initiation departure dominant individuals likely lead successful departure subordinate individuals study shown success rate dispersal initiation attempts relatively constant sexes male likely attempt initiation females females likely attempt initiation females dependent offspring separate study achieved slightly different results dominance hierarchy play significant role initiating morning dispersal social affiliation play central role group measured behavior time spent members likely followed morning dispersal study concluded group members likely follow behavior individuals closely affiliated foraging behavior dominance play role group foraging decisions dominant individual usually alpha male leads group easily resources group usually follows subordinate members gain access particular resource morning dispersal group members follow leader positively associated social interactions dominant individual collective foraging behavior individuals taking advantage resource observed behavior chiefly attributed shared needs social affiliation pregnant females share similar needs likely behavior fertile females foraging decreases areas lower food density adoption adoption behavior observed orphaned mothers disappeared died small care study natural introduced orphan adopted member group individual adopted months old months older oldest orphan old survive adoption behavior includes sleeping close orphaned infant carrying orphan protecting harassment members troop males females care care depend infant sex additionally years age major theories explaining behavior selection care potentially related parental practice young increase fitness orphan practice parental skills friendship males female form relationships referred friendships cooperative relationships generally occur females adult males females believed seek male friendships gain protection species immigrant alpha males practice arrival new troop killing unrelated new male time mate females troop female dependent offspring generally sexually receptive offspring months age mother usually sexually receptive shortly death offspring protection hypothesis supported studies stress female changes male hierarchy immigrant male male dominance hierarchy stress pregnant females increases stress females risk stay additionally females friendships males exhibit smaller rise stress females male friends benefits friendship males clear male likely enter friendships females indicates males enter friendships protect offspring protect female future reproductive success friendships play role mating system female mate males increases number potential fathers offspring increases chances able find friend protect female observed compete male friends result male having high probability multiple females competitions heavily influenced female dominance hierarchy dominant females displacing subordinate females friendships males generally dominant female attempts friends individual friend subordinate female subordinate female reduces spatial proximity male potentially leaving offspring higher risk relationship humans conservation widespread rank threatened animal species confined locations south_africa southern cape peninsula local populations habitat loss predation protected species lions troops suburban menace trash cans entering houses search food troops aggressive dangerous negative encounters resulted hunting frustrated local residents isolated population thought face extinction years listed appendix cites occurs protected areas range area south_africa monitored cape peninsula protected observations working hands south_africa rehabilitation centers found species damaged human intervention troop structures influenced years significant loss numbers occurred live near human habitats shot poisoned run captured pet industry research laboratories medicine despite working iucn believe major threats result range wide decline species popular culture british television channel aired episode miniseries hosted popular british comedian bill bailey series followed lives different family groups south_africa series focuses abilities adapt human settlement complex social lives generally structured narrative adult having treated actor story families developed ways life group spends time trying rob food tourists coastal highway group remained natural forest area group lives apartment complex program second attempt bailey produce nature documentary received generally favourable reviews


medium sized marine living species order includes species living representative diverse family closest modern relative sea cow hunted extinction 18th century strictly marine range spans waters countries territories west pacific largely dependent communities restricted coastal habitats support meadows largest concentrations typically occurring wide shallow protected areas bays channels waters large islands inter waters northern waters australia shark bay bay believed contemporary stronghold like modern body dorsal fin hind limbs like easily distinguished like tail possesses unique skull teeth snout sharply adaptation feeding benthic communities teeth simple like unlike elaborate hunted thousands years meat oil traditional hunting great cultural significance countries modern range particularly northern australia pacific islands current distribution fragmented populations believed close extinction iucn lists species vulnerable extinction convention international trade endangered species limits trade derived products despite legally protected countries main causes population decline remain include fishing related fatalities habitat degradation hunting long lifespan years slow rate reproduction especially vulnerable extinction etymology taxonomy word derives term turn adopted meaning lady sea common local names include sea cow sea pig sea extant species family extant species order forming family classified member genus previously defined later assigned type species classified family gray subfamily simpson closely related marine mammals related elephants elephants share group earliest fossil record shows appearing likely lived ocean extant families thought diverged mid closest relative sea cow split common ancestor sea cow extinct 18th century fossils exist members molecular studies populations mitochondrial dna results suggested population southeast_asia distinct australia distinct maternal contains africa limited genetic mixing taken place southeast_asia australia stretches way bay western_australia stretches bay northern territory sufficient genetic data clear boundaries distinct groups anatomy morphology body large cylindrical shape ends thick smooth skin pale cream colour birth brownish dark grey age colour change growth algae skin body sparsely covered short hair common feature allow interpretation environment hairs developed mouth large shaped upper lip forming highly mobile muzzle muscular upper lip aids foraging tail similar raised long strokes animal forward twisted turn like aid turning slowing lacks nails body length tail deep brain weighs maximum animal body weight small eyes limited vision acute hearing narrow sound ears lack located sides head nostrils located head closed located differences sexes body structures male externally located main difference males females location relation lungs long extending far highly elongated order cope environment wounded blood rapidly skull unique skull enlarged sharply turned stronger males spine unlike teeth continually grow horizontal tooth replacement emerge males female continue grow emerging later life reaching base number growth layer groups indicates age forward age dental formula meaning upper jaw lower jaw like experiences condition ribs long bones unusually solid contain little heavy bones animal kingdom act ballast help suspended slightly water surface adult length rarely exceeds metres individual long expected weigh kilograms weight adults typically kilograms kilograms largest individual recorded metres long weighed kilograms found coast west india females tend larger males distribution habitat found warm coastal waters western pacific_ocean eastern coast africa estimated kilometres coastline degrees north south equator historic range believed correspond families size range unknown believed current populations represent historical limits range highly fractured today populations found waters countries territories recorded numbers generally believed lower actual numbers lack accurate surveys despite population thought worldwide decline cent years disappeared waters hong_kong mauritius taiwan parts japan philippines vietnam likely generally found warm waters coast large numbers concentrated wide shallow protected bays strictly marine species fresh water degree nonetheless tolerate waters found coastal wetlands large numbers found wide shallow channels sides large islands beds common usually located depth areas continental shelf remains shallow known travel kilometres shore descending far metres found special habitats different activities observed shallow waters sites risk predation deep waters provide thermal refuge cooler waters closer shore winter east africa south asia late 1960s observed coast east africa nearby islands current populations area extremely small numbering thought likely extinct eastern red_sea home large populations numbering hundreds similar populations thought exist western 1980s estimated red_sea persian gulf second largest population world inhabiting southern coast current population believed populations madagascar poorly studied widespread exploitation thought severely declined surviving individuals local populations remaining small largest individuals occur island rare historical habitats bay island regarded extinct small number discovered population belong different group distributed inner isles highly isolated breeding population exists marine national park gulf population remaining western india kilometres population persian gulf kilometres nearest population india populations area centred islands presumed extinct population exists gulf marine national park india sri_lanka seriously depleted found islands state animal territory distributed coastal belt sri_lanka number declined decades heavy hunting fishermen north eastern coastal belt home rest population sri_lanka listed endangered species southern coast pakistan population islands known records population large british rule believed small scattered southern pacific outside australia small population exists today southern coast china efforts protect including establishment sanctuary endangered marine fauna ranging despite efforts numbers continue decrease reported found west_coast island historically present southern parts yellow sea vietnam restricted provinces including island con island hosted large populations past con site vietnam regularly seen protected national park nonetheless dangerously low levels conservation marine organisms vietnam result increased intentional catches illegal trade potential danger local festival held aiming raise awareness issues thailand present distribution restricted provinces sea present gulf thailand gulf thailand historically home large number animals sighted west gulf recent years remaining population east thought small possibly declining believed exist straits small numbers waters borneo support small population scattered archipelago islands philippines believed provided habitats common 1970s populations exist solomon islands archipelago new stretching easternmost population highly isolated population lives islands lives islands animal thought northern pacific today possibly smallest northernmost population exists islands population existed taiwan endangered population fewer possibly individuals survives okinawa single individual recorded northernmost edge historic range years previous recorded sighting port near died poor health historically islands held large concentration individuals island large quantities preserved outsiders strictly forbidden enter populations areas reduced historical hunts payments kingdom wiped large scale illegal hunting fishing destructive methods dynamite fishing second world war populations taiwan appear extinct remnant individuals visit areas rich beds reported sightings national park 1950s 60s occasional records northern islands prior unknown mixing populations historically populations existed independently example population isolated members derived migration philippine subspecies populations formed super population migration taiwan philippines common australia australia home largest population stretching shark bay western_australia bay queensland population shark bay thought stable smaller populations exist coast including reef large numbers live north northern territory population gulf population exists thursday island significant migration waters new_guinea great barrier reef provides important feeding areas species reef area houses stable population population concentration shifted time large bays facing north queensland coast provide significant habitats southernmost bay bay extinct mediterranean population confirmed inhabited water mediterranean possibly rise inland sea population possibly shared ancestry red_sea population mediterranean population large geographical factors climate changes mediterranean region originated mid late caribbean_sea ecology life history long lived oldest recorded specimen reached age natural predators animals killer sharks pose threat young recorded died trauma large number parasitic diseases affect detected include different types unidentified parasites deaths queensland thought disease social animals usually solitary found pairs inability beds support large populations gatherings hundreds happen short time shy approach humans little known behaviour minutes breathing half minutes typical known rest tail breathe heads water dive maximum depth metres spend lives deeper metres communication individuals sounds echo underwater different sounds observed different frequencies implying different purposes visual communication limited poor mainly activities courtship purposes mothers constant physical contact known reach touch mothers semi nomadic travelling long distances search food staying certain range entire life large numbers area thought movements caused changes availability memory allows return specific points long travels movements occur area beds animals region patterns movement daily movement affected tides areas large tidal range travel tide order access shallower feeding areas bay travel foraging grounds inside bay warmer oceanic waters higher latitudes seasonal travels reach warmer water winter occasionally individual long distance travels days travel deep ocean waters animal seen far south sydney marine creatures known travel creeks case caught kilometres creek near feeding referred sea cows diet consists mainly sea grass eating plant including roots impossible feed leaves wide variety found stomach contents evidence exists eat algae scarce completely occasionally eat invertebrates sea bay australia feeding invertebrates marine algae supply choice grasses decreases southern areas western eastern australia evidence actively seek large invertebrates apply tropical areas evidence indicates invertebrates eaten feed lush areas sparse additional factors protein concentration ability affect value bed chemical structure composition important grass species eaten low high nitrogen easily great barrier reef feed low high nitrogen maximize nutrient intake instead bulk eating lower preferred area fully certain meadows suitable consumption highly specialised diet evidence actively alter species compositions local levels search deeper feeding trails observed deep metres seen feeding deep metres relatively slow moving swimming kilometres hour mph moving feed walk pectoral fins poor use smell locate edible plants strong sense feel surroundings long sensitive dig entire plant shake remove sand eating known collect pile plants area eating flexible muscular upper lip dig plants leaves furrows sand path reproduction parental care reaches sexual maturity ages eighteen older mammals way females know male reached sexual maturity eruption male males levels reach high level age female gives birth disputed studies placing age seventeen years place early years evidence male lose fertility older ages despite longevity live years females birth times life invest considerable parental care young time unclear estimates ranging years mating behaviour varies populations located different areas populations males establish territory females heat visit areas male try impress females defending area males practice known areas males attempt mate female inflicting injuries female female multiple males fought mount greatly increases chances conception females birth month gestation usually birth occurs shallow water occasions known mothers shore soon young born mother pushes surface breath metres long weigh kilograms born stay close mothers possibly swimming easier nurses months begins eat soon birth leave mother matured importance humans historically provided easy targets hunters killed meat oil skin bones noted considered inspiration people world developed cultures hunting areas remains animal great significance growing industry economic benefit countries year old wall painting apparently drawn peoples cave malaysia discovered lieutenant routine patrol renaissance baroque eras exhibited presented fiji meat oil traditionally valuable foods australian regard played role legends kenya animal known queen sea body parts food medicine decorations gulf states served source food sword handles oil important wooden boats people gulf india believe meat ribs carvings japan southern china traditionally regarded fish bad luck catch wave immigration beginning end 1950s resulted hunted food philippines thought bring bad luck parts ward evil spirits areas thailand believed tears form powerful love parts indonesia considered women new_guinea seen symbol strength sea cows hides thought building old testament portable worship tent known conservation numbers decreased recent times population remain stable cent adults survive span year estimated percentage females humans kill population number reduced areas minimal food shortages best conditions population unlikely increase year leaving vulnerable exploitation fact live shallow waters puts great pressure human activity research effects human activity limited taking place australia countries numbers surveyed trends uncertain data needed comprehensive management data stretching far mention population trends comes urban coast queensland australia major worldwide study concluded declining possibly extinct range unknown status half iucn red list lists vulnerable convention international trade endangered species wild fauna flora areas banned international trade regional cooperation important widespread distribution animal strong support southeast asian cooperation protect kenya passed legislation banning hunting restricting listed kenya wildlife act endangered species legislation protect effectively enforced marine parks established african coast red_sea egyptian gulf fully protected united arab banned hunting waters additionally banned drift net fishing india sri_lanka ban hunting selling products japan listed endangered banned intentional kills harassment hunting catching harassment banned people republic china marine protected philippines monitoring difficult protect enforced national animal new_guinea traditional hunting new ban hunting protected australia rules vary state areas indigenous hunting allowed listed nature conservation act australian state queensland vulnerable currently live established marine parks boats travel restricted speed net fishing restricted vietnam illegal network targeting detected shut human activity despite legally protected countries main causes population decline remain include hunting habitat degradation fishing related fatalities fishing nets caused deaths precise statistics issues industrial fishing occur deeper waters populations low local fishing main risk shallower waters stay underwater long period highly prone deaths use shark nets historically caused large numbers deaths eliminated areas replaced hooks hunting historically problem areas longer hunted exception certain indigenous communities areas northern australia hunting remains greatest impact population vessel strikes proved problem relevance unknown increasing boat traffic increased danger especially shallow waters increased countries effects remain seen cause issues areas environmental degradation modern farming increased land clearing impact coastline habitats undergoing increasing human populations accumulate heavy metal tissues lives marine mammals effects unknown socio political needs conservation developing countries shallow waters source food income problems exacerbated aid improve fishing countries legislation exist protect enforced oil danger areas land okinawa small population threatened united_states military activity plans exist build military base close reef military activity adds threats noise pollution chemical pollution soil erosion exposure depleted military base plans fought courts concerns include impact local environment habitats later revealed government japan hiding evidence negative effects ship lanes human activities observed surveys carried reef environmental degradation eat later produce fewer young food shortages caused factors loss habitat death decline quality disturbance feeding caused human activity sewage heavy metal water waste products negatively affect meadows human activity mining land boat propeller cause increase prevents light reaching significant negative factor affecting preferred species declines rapidly lack light dying completely days extreme weather cyclones floods destroy hundreds square kilometres meadows washing ashore recovery meadows spread new areas areas destroyed decade measures protection involve restricting activities areas containing meadows little action originating land areas water increased unknown withstand habitat bay area okinawa japan currently threat land conducted japanese government order build marine base area august preliminary drilling surveys conducted beds construction expected seriously damage population habitat possibly leading local extinction capture captivity australian state queensland sixteen protection parks preservation zones established allowed hunt capturing animals research caused deaths expensive captivity long time mothers spend inability grow eat orphaned successfully kept captivity worldwide held captivity female philippines lives japan male lived died february second resides sea world indonesia having rescued fisherman net treated male female kept sydney resided juveniles captive underwater world singapore reported died age complications arising acute digestive disorder


genus family interior western mexico states described separate species later marsh rice rat reinstated species differs neighboring populations size measurements large brightly colored species long tail robust skull range impacted agricultural development isolated populations thought persist taxonomy described basis specimens named animal white color considered closely related currently included years later described basis single individual means troublesome considered current synonym closest relative new species review north american assessed old male merely large example reduced subspecies considered closely related highland mexican forms hall argued species marsh rice rat united_states listed subspecies later accepted separate marsh rice rat classified revision western mexico noted substantial differences coloration measurements highland populations lowland populations basis differences recognized species separate lowland populations classified confirmed based large example left status forms associated open noting convincing evidence represented species identity exact supposed valley mexico consequently relationship remain unknown genus currently includes species distributed eastern united_states northwestern south_america section centered widespread central american includes species limited peripheral aspects section remain unclear likely current classification true diversity group previously included species progressively removed studies culminating contribution removed species genus classified tribe rice rats diverse american species higher taxonomic levels subfamily family hundreds species mainly small common white rice rat rice rat white rice rat description large long tailed brightly hairs pale gray near bases white outer half appear pale grayish according white claimed tail dark light skull relatively robust broad arches long long nasal bones extend bones compared lowland relative larger brightly colored larger narrower specimens total length averaging head body length averaging tail length averaging length averaging skull length length averaging distribution conservation occurs elevation northern southern central eastern area lake range seen massive agricultural development populations survive current distribution species certainly highly fragmented survey work needed assess distribution status


fossil lived approximately million years ago late middle species genus small estimated weigh grams despite significant geographic distance thought closely related enigmatic fossil found libya egypt dates million years ago relationship correct suggests early related group clade consisting humans dispersed asia africa middle add support hypothesis evolved asia africa form family considered ancestral living branch stem group known rise stem known deposits africa early asian thought dispersed asia africa prior late middle asia africa seen time groups including known isolated teeth found formation teeth similar differ details surface example lower relatively developed formation diverse community includes members families etymology derives continental names africa asia refers occurrence continents species named memory young girl village central evolutionary history described basis isolated teeth million year old formation close village prior discovery early asian typically classified families generally considered basal clade stem group phylogenetic placement disputed usually considered share crown smallest clade contains living view favored described findings china best known genera known recorded pakistan species small body size mix primitive ancestral derived traits largest formation morphology bridges gap primitive derived later african hand comparable size china upper nearly identical morphology size animal known million year old deposits libya species million year old deposits egypt originally described later suggested related primitive close similarities placed family phylogenetic analysis placed sister group forming family found closely related unrelated clade formed designated sister group crown classification stem accepted researchers phylogenetic claims implications rest initially discovered compete explain geographic origins popular views hypothesis states originated asia favors africa place origin ancient origins sparse fossil record africa asia debate evolution makes difficult researchers determine relationships fossils earliest fossils match molecular clock estimates origins found asia time land masses separated sea oldest undisputed africa date late middle found libya dates million years ago contains diverse small size like classification older fossils africa contested oldest suspected fossil known late morocco true popularly considered early middle remains uncovered suggest type group likely related according team discovered headed jean similarities tooth morphology body size age suggest phylogenetic relationship despite geographic separation suggested asia dispersed sea africa middle giving rise reverse migration suggested african origins hypothesis favored close phylogenetic relationship older asian explain origins crown african fossil record higher clade needed disperse asia africa late middle given rise group asia africa uncommon possibly fauna asia arrived time anatomy known isolated teeth upper length width second upper second lower lower like small weighed estimated based measurements respectively generally similar general particular distinguishing features developed small upper variable development shelf inner tooth upper posterior portion teeth smaller similar identical shows developed small connected equally developed stronger weaker shelf outer area tooth broad particularly shelf better developed near makes outer wall tooth symmetrical small outer corner tooth located outer tooth larger shelf larger smaller developed main tooth expansive incomplete stronger similar somewhat smaller apparent shelf narrower crest continuous condition closely resembles portion tooth consists distinct paired distinct crest connects located central basin open margin tooth shape arm reaching portion tooth broader narrower main opposite margins tooth crest connects nearly line main axis tooth contrasting diagonal position crest descends margin tooth reaches separated notch incorporates indistinct pakistani crest reaches shelf lower smaller longer developed lobe generally resembles smaller distinct lobe longer located unlike notch shallow valley present range ecology found formation central rock unit dated million years ago track dating places end stage near middle late boundary tons sediments area screened fossils known teeth suggesting rare species fossils discovered rich fossil fauna recovered formation addition found include


mountain genus occurs southern ecuador observed formally described occurs north nearest previously known population mountain central peru single population known found rocky habitats isolated granite mountain southern ecuador little dozen individuals species threatened fires grazing cattle recommended conservation status assessed critically endangered taxonomy observed july known population encountered ecuador north northernmost previously known population mountain central peru find published note identified population representing species possibility represent distinct species years later described population new species basis morphological dna sequence differences specific refers suggested english common mountain fourth species genus described central southern species eventually recognized poorly differentiated plains forms family differs species dna sequences mitochondrial gene analysis placed species sister group support placement strong analysis confirmed population different species description medium sized gray brown fur long tail black stripe middle thick long mouth dark brown eyes thick brown ears covered dark skin white brown shorter hind feet covered mixture brown cream hairs dark brown hairs fore hind feet end small curved claws black pads naked tail hairs upper longer upper gray brown base light medium brown cream middle reddish brown tip lower dark brown single measured specimen head body length tail length length ear length body mass skull long compact bones extend slightly upper arches broad frontal bones strongly curved skull wider region eyes narrower openings long narrow extends point close upper sides opening margin strongly species lower jaw strong dental formula upper lower jaws large white distinctly low crowned continuously growing ecology conservation status known steep granite near province southern ecuador occurs altitude near rocky surfaces vegetation dominated grass eat plants traces feeding visible mountain habitat covers area hectares acres total population contain dozen individuals small close nearby habitat suitable populations exist southern ecuador nearby northern peru species threatened fires maintain crop fields vicinity frequently control destroy habitat competition food grazing cattle species unknown local people hunted view small range population colleagues recommended species assessed critically endangered iucn red list criteria recommended immediate conservation action protect population research biology


common common known southern savannah plains found east southern africa species family genus described peter simon adult male metres tall shoulder females centimetres shorter weigh average kilograms kilograms females second largest world slightly smaller average giant mainly diet primarily grasses leaves common form animals territorial common prefers habitats wide variety flowering plants savannah woodlands open avoids dense forests uses loud visual movements response communicate warn danger common humans leather meat rich milk areas native democratic republic kenya south_africa south longer present common population decreasing classified concern international union conservation nature iucn etymology scientific common composed words greek bull meaning latin greek male goat referring hair grows ear resemblance goat beard latin greek generally referring pointed horns north african like common dutch baltic source similar lithuanian means deer borrowed earlier french german dutch settlers came cape province named large dutch animal called distinguish found northern forests physical description common spiral sexually females smaller males females weigh measure snout base tail stand shoulder weigh snout base tail stand shoulder tail long male weigh coat differs geographically north_africa having distinctive markings stripes markings legs dark spinal crest absent south apart rough coat smooth females tan coat coats males darker bluish grey series vertical white stripes sides mainly parts south_africa males age coat grey males dense fur large sexes horns steady spiral ridge resembling horns visible small grow rapidly seven months horns males thicker shorter females males horns centimetres long females centimetres long spiral males use horns season wrestle butt heads rivals females use horns protect young predators common slowest peak speed kilometres hour tires quickly maintain kilometres hour indefinitely capable jumping metres standing start metres young common life generally years captivity live years accompanied loud sound subject considerable speculation believed weight animal causes halves apart result snapping animal raises leg sound carries distance herd form communication taxonomy common described german zoologist botanist peter simon belongs order family subfamily common considered genus basis molecular usually categorized giant subspecies subspecies common recognized validity dispute called found central woodlands brown stripes cape called found south southwest africa fur adults lose stripes east african called found east africa common coat stripes diseases parasites common resistant infection fly transmitted disease disease causing bacteria caused deaths harmful hosts kinds study found host species species produce bacteria types pneumonia like pneumonia pneumonia normally infectious cows evolution male females male short arm replicate late match variable resemble greater male female greater produce viable male hybrid known sterile accidental crossing east african common east african occurred san_diego zoo park believed absence male herd hybrid produced sterile unexpected study study numbers attached reports state repeated male domestic cows produced sterile hybrids female act family ancestors common evolved approximately million years ago africa fossils found africa france best record appears sub africa members tribe appear million years past late extinct ancestor common appears pleistocene northern fossil appears algeria genetic study basing evolutionary history common located sub east southern africa study methods like analysis mitochondrial dna control region fragments individuals learn topics genetic diversity demographic history species conclusions strongly supported presence longer standing population south mosaic pleistocene east believed today extinction parts colonization similarity dates obtained studies indicates significant event brought great change genetic history species ecology behavior common nomadic eat morning evening rest shade hot remain sunlight cold commonly found individual members remaining herd hours months juveniles mothers tend form larger males separate smaller groups individually mainly rainy season groups tend form regularly southern africa common associate common communicate gestures scent cues display behaviors response occurs primarily males response contact female females indicate fertility appropriate phase cycle indicate lack fertility harassed males find predators nearby bark attempt attract attention forth entire herd conscious danger main predators include lions african wild dogs spotted juvenile vulnerable adults predators habitat distribution common live open plains southern africa foothills great southern african plateau species extends north arid zones south east western south south_africa low density africa human settlement prefer live semi arid areas contain like bushes inhabit woodlands sub desert bush altitudes avoid forests swamps places inhabited generally contain trees shrubs serve food found national parks reserves today including east national park west national park kenya national park crater national park national park valley national park national park national park area sanctuary national park park giant castle south_africa live home ranges km2 females juveniles km2 males diet common drier winter months adapted grazing rainy season grasses common require high protein diet leaves flowering plants consume lower quality plant material available including trees shrubs grasses seeds conserve water increasing body temperature grasses eats include fruits large survive lower quality food times little rain feed night hot weather sleep long periods day water obtained food drink water available quickly adjust surroundings seasonal changes causes change feeding habits use horns break branches hard reach reproduction females sexually mature months males years mating occur reaching sexual maturity seen rainy season young born july august mating season mating begins gather feed lush green plains plentiful grass males females start mating separate pairs males chase females find test female usually female chooses dominant fit male mate runs away males trying mate causing attraction results fights males hard horns hours female allows male mount males usually close contact females mating period dominant male mate female females gestation period months birth time males females juveniles form separate social groups male groups smallest members stay search food water sources female group larger covers greater areas travel grassy plains wet periods prefer areas dry periods females complex linear hierarchy nursery juvenile group naturally formed females birth hours delivery mother join group start stay nursery group mother returns female group leave nursery group years old join male female group conservation currently common endangered endangered species act regulated international trade convention international trade endangered species ground counts aerial surveys international union conservation nature iucn population density common square kilometre total population estimate populations considered stable increasing countries south_africa possibly population gradually decreasing habitat loss caused expanding human settlements superior meat inactive time easily killed species extinct reintroduced iucn states half estimated total population lives protected areas private land protected areas support major populations include north park south_africa park south_africa populations appear stable relatively large numbers common live private land particularly south_africa reflecting value trophy animal common widely south_africa kenya russia ukraine england uses common farmed hunted meat cases better cattle suited african climates led southern african farmers switching cattle common pictured supporters coat arms common mild temperament successfully meat milk production south_africa russia need water low produce high content require substantial grazing area salt large amounts foods like beans expensive female produce kilograms milk day richer cow milk pleasant milk content stored months properly prepared versus days cow milk housing common difficult ability jump fences high metres simply break substantial mass wild break mix ones common reproduce captivity survival low young need separated mothers ensure health adequate feeding requires care generally animals easily require large amounts space


florida mouse florida mouse species family species genus genus endemic florida florida mouse known big florida mouse found limited area central florida small area florida panhandle mouse inhabits florida hottest areas high coastal mouse measures total length relatively large ears displays brown orange white mouse breeds year raises young litter nesting chambers passages real estate development decline population threaten mouse future species listed vulnerable iucn description florida mouse displays soft silky brown orange shoulders lower sides white young gray species like odor mouse relatively large nearly naked ears long relatively short tail approximately total body length large hind feet long usual difference appearance males females mouse looks like placed subgenus genus greater size distinctive coloration distinguish cotton mouse mouse occur florida study conducted sample areas species variation found populations examined detected findings indication kind genetic variation found populations species variation similar findings examinations average measurements reported adults total length tail hind foot ear number total taxonomy mouse described frank paper bulletin american museum natural history specimen collected florida species named separate subgenus hudson generic recognition disputed 1980s michael guy supported ranking subspecies described distribution habitat genus endemic florida florida mouse found coast coast central florida isolated population found florida panhandle franklin county florida species occurs north central florida south highlands county county found atlantic coast county south miami county mouse inhabits florida locations common sand pine high turkey oak pine found slash pine turkey oak habitat southern ridge coastal associations home ranges average roughly acre smaller populations greater highlands largest populations occur national forest lake wales ridge behavior florida mouse nocturnal active year especially cold nights mouse climb primarily terrestrial species laboratory experiments dig throw substrate backwards species mainly shelter florida mouse called mouse shares long deep mouse makes nest chambers small passages pad oak leaves chamber floors small chimney openings roof uses openings main entrance passages entrance exit absence mouse use mouse diet florida mouse diet consists available insects seeds nuts fungi plant material report indicates mouse feeds frogs reproduction florida mice breed year peak july december lesser peak january february cessation april unlike behavior lacks thrust intense lock occurs thrust gestation days mice dig main line plant material use litters young conceived wild born laboratory litter size numbers varied average litter young born nests newborn weigh measure total length tail length hind foot length teeth begin appearing fourth day young active 10th day eyes open 16th day nursing virtually non stop weeks life occurs weeks young display adult behavior time survival seven species known species found seven found internal organs exact population size unknown estimated thousands decreasing presumed predators snakes birds prey high number shortened tails observed mice modified tail tail loss probably anti predator mechanism wild individuals lifespan year captive individuals live years captive male lived seven years months relations humans conservation species probability little direct impact influence human interests concerns agricultural real estate development threat species narrow habitat collecting specimens dry ridges complicated millions ants eat bait trap moment set ground live collecting alternative bait usually time animal taken trap making food research difficult impossible early florida mouse federal candidate taxon considered threatened florida committee rare endangered plants animals mouse named species special concern florida game fresh water fish commission florida mouse inhabits restricted habitat united_states habitat threatened agricultural real estate development suppression habitat decline expected continue future mouse dependent disease habitat loss responsible decline population red imported fire ants threaten mouse populations iucn listed species vulnerable recommends study species maintenance viable populations preservation management suitable habitat species mouse protected conservation lands central florida occurrences florida mouse protected biological station national forest


extinct island mexico genus family closely related mainland species description authors regarded distinct species classified mere subspecies marsh rice rat discovery recorded considered extinct presence introduced black rats contributed extinction large species distinguished particular long tail robust skull large reddish yellowish white diet included plant material small animals taxonomy collected edward william nelson edward found visit biological survey united_states department agriculture scientific islands clinton hart identified mammals obtained including specimens deposited united_states national museum remain named species genus specific honors nelson investigators generally retained species distinct listed subspecies envisaged wide ranging species encompassing marsh rice rat southern eastern united_states central_america species limited revision north american considered closely related nearest mainland subspecies michael revised western mexico confirmed distinct species analysis found resemblance species interior mainland mexico suggested likely represents old distinctive lineage derived common ancestor species genus occurs eastern united_states northwestern south_america section centered widespread central american includes species limited peripheral aspects section remain unclear likely current classification true diversity group previously included species progressively removed studies culminating contribution removed species genus classified tribe rice rats diverse american species higher taxonomic levels subfamily family hundreds species mainly small common names proposed species include nelson rice rat nelson rice rat nelson island rice rat description large long tailed tail longer western mexican buff richly paler low flanks head hairs somewhat overall color white lead colored visible places ears covered sides grayish hairs large sparsely covered pale hairs tail largely dark underside basal half light yellow distinctive large skull broad developed strong strongly curved downwards massive larger bone roof broad relatively short total length known specimens averaging head body length averaging tail length averaging length averaging ecology extinction nelson found species damp site known near spring high island largest coast western mexico nelson wrote rare gave elevation place converted paper gave instead converted survey small mammals island took place march team led don wilson failed collect instead found introduced black rat locality nelson collected species contributed decline indigenous species considered extinct late mexican government listed threatened endemic occurred thought fed plant material fruit seeds rarely animals fish invertebrates


genus genus mammals family includes horses recognized extant genus comprising seven living species term refers member genus including horses like broadly numerous extinct species known fossils genus likely originated north_america spread quickly old world odd slender legs long heads relatively long erect subspecies long tails species simpler digestive systems able lower quality vegetation domestic horse feral descendants exist worldwide wild populations limited africa asia wild social systems come forms system tight groups consisting adult male stallion females young territorial system males establish territories resources attract females associate systems females care offspring males play role communicate visually vocally human activities threatened wild populations seven living species plains remains widespread abundant etymology word latin horse greek horse greek alternative development greek earliest attested variant greek word written linear script taxonomy evolution genus described recognized extant genus family small dog sized mammals adapted shrubs million years ago animals toes hind feet feet small place claws soft pads developed larger animals toes progressively smaller pleistocene emergence single genus includes extant believed evolved intermediate form oldest species described like like head shape oldest material date found idaho usa genus appears spread quickly old world similarly aged documented western_europe russia molecular indicate recent common ancestor modern members genus lived direct year old middle pleistocene horse bone canada implies recent recent common ancestor range mitochondrial evidence supports division species non includes true horses includes extant species lineage diverged possibly soon reached old world appear differentiated africa endemic molecular dating indicates lineage diverged non genetic results suggest north american fossils south american fossils traditionally placed subgenus belong remains attributed variety species new world legged horses including probably belong second species endemic north_america possible causes extinction horses americas years ago matter debate include climate change newly arrived humans horses returned american mainland arrival species subspecies extinct species subspecies marked genus subgenus wild horse domestic horse horse north american horses pleistocene likely synonymous wild horse subgenus subgenus species possibly synonymous mexican horse new world legged horse following species group synonyms single species subgenus african wild ass wild ass domestic wild ass wild ass ass wild ass syrian wild ass indian wild ass persian northern western eastern southern european ass subgenus subgenus plains grant mountain mountain cape mountain subgenus horse horse group subgenus major group hybrids species common hybrid cross male female horse rare exceptions hybrids sterile reproduce related hybrid cross male horse female hybrids include cross horse hybrid areas plains fertile hybrids occur biology physical characteristics significant differences size characterized long heads slender legs support weight digit evolved middle largest wild species standing hands inches weighing horses wider range sizes heavy draft horses usually hands inches high tall hands inches weigh kilograms miniature horses taller inches adulthood sexual limited male lacks bone adapted running traveling long distances adapted grazing large clip grass blades highly crowned suited grinding males shaped weapons fighting fairly good senses particularly moderately long erect ears locate source sound colored coat primitive markings include dorsal stripe leg transverse shoulder stripes reflect coat observed wild extant species mountain lacks dorsal stripe domestic horses color primitive markings exist animals breeds purpose bold black white subject debate century recent evidence supports theory form protection biting flies insects appear attracted striped coats compared wild live areas highest fly activity exception domestic horses long lay neck long tail hair growing dock erect long tails ending hair coats species undergo certain parts range thick winter ecology daily activities extant wild scattered ranges africa asia plains lives lush eastern southern africa mountain inhabits mountainous areas southwest africa species tend occupy arid environments scattered vegetation found east africa african wild ass inhabits rocky north_africa asian wild ass species live dry near east central asia wild horse habitat range plains overlap addition wild populations horses widespread thanks humans certain parts world populations feral horses feral exist descended animals released escaped wild prefer eat grasses consume bark leaves fruits roots favored foods scarce particularly compared simpler efficient digestive system lower quality vegetation food passed stomach enters sac like broken micro organisms quicker hours horse compared hours cow spend percent time feeding depending availability quality vegetation african plains pioneer upper grass canopy preparing way specialized like blue depend shorter grasses wild spend seven hours day sleeping day sleep standing night lie regularly trees rocks objects roll dust protection flies mountain wild roll completely social behavior social animals basic social structures horses plains mountain live stable closed family groups consisting adult male females offspring groups home ranges overlap tend nomadic stability group remains family stallion dies displaced plains groups gather large create temporarily stable herd allowing individuals interact outside group holding species behavior observed like females species benefit males time feeding protection young protection predators harassment outside males females linear dominance hierarchy exists based time join group travel consistent filing order high ranking offspring leading groups followed highest ranking mare offspring family stallion takes rear social involves individuals heads lips important aggression maintaining social bonds status young sexes leave groups mature females usually abducted outside males included permanent members wild ass species adults fluid associations adult males establish large territories females enter species live habitats resources standing water grazing areas separated groups females able remain groups non ones usually gather foraging areas dominant males establish territories near holes sexually receptive females gather territories farther away near foraging areas territories remain young staying territory offers female protection harassment outside males access resource feral populations horse exhibit features territorial social systems social systems excess males gather bachelor groups typically young males ready establish territory plains males bachelor group strong bonds linear dominance hierarchy fights males usually occur females involve biting kicking communication meeting time separated individuals greet followed moving bodies press shoulders rest heads usually performed territorial males bachelor males playing produce number noises loud associated alarm usually pain play fighting contact calls vary horse plains communicate visual displays flexibility lips allows complex facial expressions visual displays incorporate positions head ears tail signal intention kick laying ears tail flattened ears teeth abrupt movement heads threatening gestures particularly reproduction holding species adult females mate stallion species mating males larger sperm competition female lasts days physical signs include frequent flowing swollen addition females stand hind legs spread raise tails presence male males assess female reproductive state response female mating backing length gestation varies species roughly months come days depending conditions usually single born capable running hour weeks attempt continue nurse months species arid habitats like longer nursing intervals drink water months old holding species cared mothers threatened predators entire group works protect young group forms protective center stallion rush predators come close territory holding species mothers gather small groups leave young guard territorial male searching water look territory ensure mother stays human relations earliest archaeological evidence horse comes sites ukraine dating approximately horse completely sharp increase number horse bones found human settlements northwestern europe indicating spread horses continent recent evidence comes sites horse remains interred graves cultures studies variation genetic material shows wild possibly single contributed domestic horse early horse shown ancestor domestic horse produce fertile offspring split horse estimated occurred years ago long known european wild horse shares ancestry modern domestic horse addition lived modern times domestic horses archaeological linguistic evidence suggest nomadic pastoral people north_africa years ago animals help cope increased horn africa genetic evidence finds twice based distinct mitochondrial dna points single ancestor wild ass attempts largely unsuccessful walter trained draw carriage england conservation issues humans great impact populations wild threats wild include habitat destruction conflicts local people livestock 20th century wild ranges populations scattered recent centuries subspecies extinct plains remains numerous widespread iucn lists african wild ass critically endangered mountain horse endangered vulnerable lower risk plains concern horse considered extinct wild 1960s following successful captive breeding reintroduced feral horses vary degree protection generate considerable controversy example australia considered non native invasive species viewed considered cultural economic value united_states feral horses generally considered introduced species descend domestic horses brought americas europe viewed livestock producers conversely view reintroduced native species returned americas granted endangered species protection present certain free horses federal protection living symbols historic pioneer spirit west wild free horses act new_mexico united_states supreme_court ruled animals designated matter law wildlife