recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Black and Yellow Garden Spider

Black and Yellow Garden Spiders are from the Argiope genus and are found throughout the United States of America and Canada. This species is not quite as common in the Rocky Mountain areas as they area everywhere else. The spider is easily identifiable by the distinctive yellow and black coloring found on the abdomen. The legs are equally noticeable by the alternating bands of orange-yellow and black, though this pattern may vary from spider to spider. Females are larger than males; almost four times bigger. Besides being smaller, males do not promote their colors as much, and may appear a shade or two paler compared to the saturated colors seen on the female.

Webs produced by the Black and Yellow Garden Spider are about knee-high off the ground in sunny, still areas of a garden. They are also distinct as some have a thick silk strand that zigzags down the center of the web. This is called the stabilimentum. Additionally, their webs are built in a circular spiral (a classic feature of Orbweaver spider webs). These spiders sit on the web up-side-down with their heads closer to the ground. Their long, lean legs make them appear substantially large and quite intimidating to humans, but they are not aggressive. If disturbed or threatened, this spider may immediately drop to the ground in an attempt to flee and hide. It may also begin bouncing on its web in an effort to confuse a predator by making it difficult to get a clear view of it.

Black and Yellow Garden Spiders are also called a Common Garden Spider, or a Yellow Garden Spider in various publications. Whichever name used, spotting one of these spiders is quite a treat as their unique shape and striking colors add a bit of natural drama to your garden. They are commonly found in backyard gardens, parks and woodlands. Adults are most visible during the day in the summer. A female lays eggs in a papery brown sac which is then attached to one side of her web. She dies before seeing her eggs hatch. The eggs hatch in the fall, but the spiderlings stay in the egg sac over winter and venture off on their own in the spring.
Common Loon

A long-bodied, low-slung diver. Many people consider the loon a symbol of wilderness; its rich yodeling and moaning calls, heard by day or night, are characteristic sounds of early summer in the north woods. In winter, silent and more subtly marked, Common Loons inhabit coastal waters and large southern lakes. In such places they are solitary while feeding, but may gather in loose flocks at night.

## Migration

In coastal areas, migrates singly or in small flocks just offshore, often low over water; usually flies higher when migrating over land. Large numbers may pause in migration on Great Lakes and other inland waters.

## Feeding Behavior

Forages by diving and swimming underwater, propelled mainly by feet. Before diving, may swim on surface with head forward and partly submerged to peer underwater. Small fish swallowed underwater, larger items brought to surface and eaten there.

### **Eggs**

2, rarely just 1. Olive, spotted with brown or black. Incubation by both sexes (female may do more), 24-31 days. Young: Leave nest within 1 or 2 days after hatching, can dive and swim underwater at 2-3 days. Young are tended and fed by both parents; when small, sometimes ride on parents' backs. Capable of flight at about 10-11 weeks after hatching. One brood per year.

### **Young**

Leave nest within 1 or 2 days after hatching, can dive and swim underwater at 2-3 days. Young are tended and fed by both parents; when small, sometimes ride on parents' backs. Capable of flight at about 10-11 weeks after hatching. One brood per year.

## Diet

Mostly small fish. Includes fish up to about 10" long such as minnows, suckers, perch, gizzard shad, rock cod, killifish, many others. Also crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic insects, leeches, frogs. Sometimes aquatic plants such as pondweeds and algae.

### **Nesting**

Apparently first breeds at age of 2 years. Nesting territory claimed by "yodeling" song, also by flying in circles over territory with loud calls. In courtship displays, pairs dip bills in water repeatedly; rear up to vertical posture with wings partly spread; race side by side across surface of water. Nest: Built by both sexes. Site always very near water, on island or shore, partly hidden by surrounding vegetation. Nest, often re-used from year to year, is a mound of grasses, twigs, reeds.
Crowned Lemur

The **crowned lemur** (*Eulemur coronatus*) is a lemur that is 31–36 cm (12–14 in) long and weighs 2 kg (4.4 lb). Its tail is about 42–51 cm (17–20 in) long.

## Description

The crowned lemur is endemic to the dry deciduous forests of the northern tip of Madagascar. It eats a diet of mostly flowers, fruits, and leaves. The population is estimated to 1000–10,000 individuals as of 2004, most of which live within the Ankarana Plateau although there is also a population on the Montagne d'Ambre. This species has a distinctive brown-orange crown on the top of the head. Females have a gray body with an orange crown, and males are a darker reddish brown, crowned with black and orange. Crowned lemurs have a life span of approximately 20 years and reach sexual maturity after 20 months. They give birth usually in late September or early October, after a gestation period of 125 days.

The crowned lemur is in the order of Primates as it possesses characteristics such as pseudo-opposable thumbs, binocular vision and is highly intelligent. *E. coronatus* shares with others of the family Lemuridae long and slender limbs, a slightly longer nose, a smaller brain and a 'grooming comb' formed by the incisors and canine teeth.

The crowned lemur possesses a long non-prehensile tail used for balance when jumping from branch to branch and for communication within the closely knit, female-led social group. This member of the *Eulemur* genus is primarily diurnal but has periods of feeding activity at night too.

## Geographic Range

*Eulemur coronatus* is thought to live exclusively in the northern region of Madagascar, ranging from the northernmost tip of the island, on the Cap d'Ambre Peninsula, extending south to the east bank of the Mahavavy River. Its range extends east, to the north of Sambava along the banks of the Manambato River.

## Habitat

*E. coronatus* can be found anywhere in the tropical dry forests of the Ankarana Reserve to the mid-altitude rainforests of Montagne d'Ambre. They can be found at altitudes between sea level and 1,400 m. Crowned lemurs live in sympatry with the *Eulemur sanfordi* (Sanford Brown Lemur), sharing the same habitat. Sanford brown lemurs are distinguishable by color as they are more gray and brown with no v-shaped crown on their forehead. The male Sanford lemur also have characteristic white ruffs around their ears and cheeks that are absent from the crowned lemurs.

The crowned lemurs of Ankarana Reserve are the only lemurs in this region known to traverse the razor-sharp *tsingy* (the eroded limestone rock that is characteristic of this national park) as they head into the forest early in the morning and as they leave the forest just before sunset to settle in the safer canyon forest in the center of these rock fields for the night.
Common Kingfisher

Common Kingfishers are between 16 and 17 cms (6.3 - 6.7 inches) in length, they have a wingspan between 24 and 26 cms (9.5 - 10 inches) and they weigh between 35 and 40 g (1.25 - 1.4 oz). They have bright blue upper parts with their underside and ear coverts being orange in color. They have white patches on each side of their neck and on their chin. Their legs are red with a dark blue stripe and males have a black bill where as the bill of females is black with a reddish/orange base. Common Kingfishers have rapid, whirring wing beats that produce low, quick flight and they have loud, high-pitched vocalizations.

## Habitat

Common Kingfishers are found near lakes, ponds, canals, streams and slow moving rivers of Europe, north Africa and Asia. Each individual secures a territory with an adequate food supply and this is usually a stretch of river between 1 and 3 kms (0.6 - 1.9 miles) in length.

## Diet

Common Kingfishers feed upon fish, aquatic, invertebrates and amphibians. They have a regular perch from where they fish which may be a few inches or a few feet above the water. When they spot potential prey the dive into the water and seize it then return to their perch where they swallow it head first.

## Breeding

Common Kingfishers begin to form pairs in February and they construct a nesting tunnel in a sandy bank usually over a water source. The tunnel is usually 60 - 90 cms (24 - 35 inches) in length and approximately 6 cms (2.4 inches) in diameter. The nest chamber has a slight depression and they line it with fish bones and disgorged pellets. Females lay 5 - 7 round pinkish/white eggs and both parents incubate them for 19 - 21 days. When the chicks hatch they can each eat 12 - 18 fish per day and they are fed in rotation. When the chicks reach 24 - 25 days old they are ready to leave the nest and once they have left the adults feed them for a further 4 days before they drive them out of their territory. Common Kingfishers lay 2 - 3 broods of eggs per year, the first in April, the second in July and occasionally a third brood in October. The young reach sexual maturity with a year and are ready to breed by the next breeding season.
Chinese Elephant

The **Chinese Elephant** (*Elephas Maximus Rubridens*) is a subspecies of the Asian Elephant that lives in China, in Central Asia, although they're like the other asian elephant subspecies, *chinese elephant*s were thought to be extinct, until they have been rediscovered when a herd of Indian Elephants were introduced in an elephant reserve in Southern China.
Bears

Bears are big furry creatures that acutely live in many parts of the world like the black bear live in North America they eat blue berries and the brown bear in Europe eats salmon and polar bears in Antarctic eat fish and spepthced bears In South America eats berries and sloth bears sun bears and moon bears of Asia that eats honey fruit and planets the one bear is the panda eats bamboo they from in a cartoon like the little lodgers like brown bear and black bear in little lodgers spin off in the milky and shake show the one of Mickey Mouse and ma cli bo like brown bear polar bear and panda bear
American White Pelican

One of the largest birds in North America, with a 9-foot wingspan. Similar to Brown Pelican in shape but much larger, and very different in habits: Occurs far inland, feeds cooperatively in shallow lakes, does not dive from the air for fish. Despite its great size, a spectacular flier, with flocks often soaring very high in the air, ponderously wheeling and circling in unison.

## Color Pattern

Adult American White Pelicans are snowy white with black flight feathers visible only when the wings are spread. A small patch of ornamental feathers on the chest can become yellow in spring. The bill and legs are yellow-orange. Immatures are mostly white as well, but the head, neck, and back are variably dusky.

## Behavior

American White Pelicans feed from the water’s surface, dipping their beaks into the water to catch fish and other aquatic organisms. They often upend, like a very large dabbling duck, in this process. They do not plunge-dive the way Brown Pelicans do. They are superb soarers (they are among the heaviest flying birds in the world) and often travel long distances in large flocks by soaring. When flapping, their wingbeats are slow and methodical.

## Feeding and Diet

Forages by swimming on surface, dipping bill into water and scooping up fish in pouch. During breeding season does much foraging at night, locating fish by touch during frequent dipping of bill; by day, probably locates prey visually. May forage cooperatively, lining up and driving fish toward shallower water. American white pelican mostly eat fish. Primarily eats "rough" fish of little value to humans; also crayfish, salamanders.

## Habitat

American White Pelicans typically breed on islands in shallow wetlands in the interior of the continent. They spend winters mainly on coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, or a little distance inland.
Caribou

Caribou, also called reindeer, are found in northern regions of North America, Europe, Asia, and Greenland. As summer approaches, caribou herds head north in one of the world's great large-animal migrations. They may travel more than 600 miles (965 kilometers) along well trod annual routes. At the end of their journey, they spend the summer feeding on the abundant grasses and plants of the tundra. In these rich grounds, an adult caribou can eat 12 pounds (5 kilograms) of food each day. During migration, herds of cows (female caribou) leave several weeks before the males, who follow with yearling calves from the previous birthing season.

Caribou have large hooves that are useful tools for life in the harsh northlands. They are big enough to support the animal's bulk on snow and to paddle it efficiently through the water. The hoof's underside is hollowed out like a scoop and used for digging through the snow in search of food. Its sharp edges give the animal good purchase on rocks or ice. Caribou are the only deer in which male and females both have antlers—though only some females have them. Cows have one calf each year, which can stand after only a few minutes and move on with its mother by the next day.

Caribou mate in October and the gestation period is about 228–234 days. In May or June the calves are born. Males live 4 years less than the females whose maximum longevity is about 17 years. Females with a normal body size who have had sufficient summer nutrition, can begin breeding anytime between the ages of one to three years.When a female has undergone nutritional stress, it is possible for her to not reproduce for the year. Dominant males, those with larger body size and antler racks, inseminate more than one doe a season.

To calve, "females travel to isolated, relatively predator-free areas such as islands in lakes, peatlands, lakeshores, or tundra." As females select the habitat for the birth of their calves, they are more wary than males. Dugmore noted that in their seasonal migrations the herd follows a doe for that reason. Newborns weigh on average 6 kg (13 lb).

As the weather cools in the fall, barren-ground and Porcupine caribou would leave their summer grounds forming large herds and migrate south for the winter. They would start mating when large lakes were frozen over. Just prior to mating, the males of both caribou were in prime condition, fat and ready to battle for mates. Bulls at this time were more aggressive and they were usually alone. When the first snows fall each year, the caribou turn south and complete a migration that sees them travel as many as 1,600 miles (2,574 kilometers) each year. They spend the winter in more sheltered climes and survive by feeding on lichens. Caribou are traditionally vital to indigenous northern people throughout much of their range.

## Gallery

Albino CaribouCaribou HerdCaribou FamilyBrother BearBalto 2: Wolf QuestThe Wild ThornberrysWild KrattsAlpha and Omega
Crowned Sifaka

The **crowned sifaka** (*Propithecus coronatus*) is a sifaka endemic to western Madagascar. It is of comparable size to the Golden-crowned sifaka and up to a meter in length, of which 47-57 centimeters are tail. The species is an arboreal vertical climber and leaper whose diet consists of leaves, fruits and flowers. It is threatened by habitat destruction and currently classified as Endangered by the IUCN.

## Description

With its dark chocolate brown or black head and creamy white body (2), the crowned sifaka appears to be a highly distinctive lemur; however, it was once considered a subspecies of either *Propithecus verreauxi* (Verreaux's Sifaka) or *Propithecus deckenii* (Van Der Decken’s Sifaka), and has only recently been given full species status, based on its unique cranial features. Its creamy white fur may be tinged with golden brown on the shoulders, upper limbs, upper chest and back, lightening to golden yellow towards the abdomen. This discoloration, more prominent in male crowned sifakas, is caused by secretions from glands on the chest. The hairless face is dark grey to black, sometimes with a paler patch across the bridge of the nose, and whitish ear tufts that stand out against the dark, dense fur of the head. Although sifakas gain their name from the *shee-fak* call they make to maintain contact within their group, sifakas are actually rather silent animals.

## Distribution and Habitat

The crowned sifaka is found in the mangroves and dry deciduous and riparian forests of northwest Madagascar. Surveys have shown in the northern range of its habitat the crowned sifaka inhabits the forest between the Mahavavy River and Betsiboka River and extending south to the region of highly fragmented forests around the Tsiribihina River, Mahajilo River, and Mania River. Total population size in 2014 was estimated as 4,000-36,000 individuals, at densities of 46-309 individuals/km2 in different-sized forest fragments, with an average group size of 2-8 individuals per group. Estimates remain uncertain since only part of the range has been surveyed so far. Total area of occupancy is thought to be 2,690-4,493 km2.

## Ecology

The crowned sifaka is a diurnal animal, primarily active during the day. It spends a majority of its time resting with the remainder mostly devoted to feeding. It frequents the upper stories of large trees and often is found in tree crowns. Depending on season, it feeds on young or mature leaves, ripe and unripe fruits and great quantities of flowers.

Group size is between 2 and 8 individuals and contains a balanced number of females and males in each group. One dominant female is found in each group. Social behavior within groups entails mostly allogrooming of other group members, agonistic behavior, and play as well as scent marking and call-localization. Reproduction is seasonal, with gestation lasting 5–6 months and estrus lasting 4 months. Within the typical estrus period a female may have 3-5 estruses per reproductive season. Reproduction in the crowned sifaka has rarely been observed, and what little is known about it has been documented in the captive population at the Paris Zoological Park.
Andaman Serpent-Eagle

The **Andaman serpent-eagle** (*Spilornis elgini*) is a bird of prey found within the Andaman Islands archipelago within the Indian Ocean.

## Description

Andaman serpent-eagles are medium-sized, approximately 20-23 inches in length, a wingspan of 45-53 inches, and weigh 27.8-35.2 ounces. Females are slightly larger than males. They are dark brown in color throughout, with white speckling on the underside and wing scapulars. The primary feathers are black with thin white edging. The face and legs are yellow, and it bears a short crest. Young birds are paler in color.

## Diet

In addition to snakes, Andaman serpent-eagles take birds, rodents, frogs, fish, and other small game.

## Habitat and Range

Andaman serpent-eagles are found on several islands of the Andamans, part of an archipelago near southeastern border of the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean; this particular island chain is administered by India. The birds inhabit the rainforests of the central part of the island, whereby an ecological separation prevents competition between them and the Crested serpent-eagle (*Spilornis cheela*), a bird found primarily in coastal areas of the same islands.

## Threats

Man is the primary threat to these birds, as increased population growth has led to an increased transformation of prime habitat to agricultural needs and logging. Previously, estimates of the overall population of Andaman serpent-eagles ranged as high as 7,500 birds (2012 est.), but it is believed to be somewhat fragmentary due to human pressure as well as the small range in which it lives. A count undertaken in the mid 1990s listed no more than 62 birds on 25 out of 45 islands within its known range; current estimates have placed its overall population at no more than 4,000 individual birds, with a reclassification by the ICUN from "near threatened" to "vulnerable".
Aardvark

The **aardvark** is a medium-sized, burrowing, nocturnal mammal native to Africa. Sometimes called "earth pigs" aardvarks are the only living species of the order Tubulidentata, although other prehistoric species and genera of Tubulidentata are known. Unlike other insectivores, it has a long pig-like snout, which is used to sniff out food. It roams over most of the southern two-thirds of the African continent, avoiding mainly rocky areas. A nocturnal feeder, it subsists on ants and termites, which it will dig out of their hills using its sharp claws and powerful legs. It also digs to create burrows in which to live and rear its young. It receives a "least concern" rating from the IUCN, although its numbers seem to be decreasing.

Aardvarks live throughout Africa, south of the Sahara. Their name comes from South Africa's Afrikaans language and means "earth pig." A glimpse of the aardvark's body and long snout brings the pig to mind. On closer inspection, the aardvark appears to include other animal features as well. It boasts rabbitlike ears and a kangaroo tail—yet the aardvark is related to none of these animals.

They spend the hot African afternoon holed up in cool underground burrows dug with their powerful feet and claws that resemble small spades. After sunset, aardvarks put those claws to good use in acquiring their favorite food—termites. While foraging in grasslands and forests aardvarks, also called "antbears," may travel several miles a night in search of large, earthen termite mounds. A hungry aardvark digs through the hard shell of a promising mound with its front claws and uses its long, sticky, wormlike tongue to feast on the insects within. It can close its nostrils to keep dust and insects from invading its snout, and its thick skin protects it from bites. It uses a similar technique to raid underground ant nests.

Female aardvarks typically give birth to one newborn each year. The young remain with their mother for about six months before moving out and digging their own burrows, which can be extensive dwellings with many different openings.

Aardvarks live for up to 23 years in captivity. Its keen hearing warns it of predators: lions, leopards, hunting dogs, hyenas, and pythons. Some humans also hunt aardvarks for meat. Aardvarks can dig fast or run in zigzag fashion to elude enemies, but if all else fails, they will strike with their claws, tail and shoulders, sometimes flipping onto their backs lying motionless except to lash out with all four feet. They are capable of causing substantial damage to unprotected areas of an attacker. They will also dig to escape as they can, when pressed, dig extremely quickly. Their thick skin also protects them to some extent.

## Gallery

Mother and BabyWild KrattsProtectors of the Pride Lands
Camarillo White Horse

The Camarillo White Horse is most famous for its brilliant white color. An international study recently determined that the Camarillo White Horse carries a unique mutations of a certain gene that is responsible for its coat color.

## Origins

In 1921, Adolfo Camarillo purchased a 9 year old stallion named Sultan at the California State Fair in Sacramento. He then went on to breed Sultan with Morgan mares at the Camarillo Ranch in California up until his death in 1958. His daughter Carmen then continued breeding and showing the horses at parades and events until her death in 1987. To the wishes of her will, the horses were then sold at public auction.

## Physical Features

Camarillo White Horses have pink skin under their coat. Their coat is white from birth throughout their life. They have a compact and refined build with a small and neat head, muscular limbs, an expressive face, large eyes, pronounced withers, laid back shoulders, a well-arched neck, and a long back. Their average weight is 1,250 pounds. The current range in height is 14.2 to nearly 17 hands.

With two white horses (Ww) breeding, there is only a 50 percent chance of producing a living white horse (Ww). There is also a 25 percent chance of producing a non-white horse (ww), and a 25 percent chance of producing a dead foal (WW). The W gene is dominant. If a horse carries the gene, it will be white. If the horse is not white, it means the horse does not carry the white gene. It can not produce any white offspring if bred to another non-white horse. Breeders of true white horses generally cross them on non-white horses, because the statistical probability of a white foal is the same without the risk of producing a stillborn foal. In addition, because there are different genetics involved, the offspring will not carry the genes for Lethal white syndrome.

### Temperment

Being a coldblooded breed, Abtenauer horses are calmer with a more docile temperament that the lighter horse breeds. They have a quiet and willing disposition. They are very energetic and ready to work.

### Uses and Assests

The Camarillo White Horse is a warmblood horse belonging to the Riding group of horses. It is used for endurance riding, general riding, parades, and work.

## Status

Four years after the horses were auctioned off in 1987, their number had dwindled down to 11. In attempt to save the breed and bring attention to it, the Camarillo White Horse Association was founded in 1992 To avoid inbreeding, the registry has an open stud book, requiring least one parent to be of Camarillo's original stock, but allowing the other parent to be from various breeds, including Andalusian and Standardbred bloodlines. To avoid inbreeding, the registry has an open stud book requiring least one parent to be of Camarillo's original stock, but allowing the other parent to be from various breeds, including Andalusian and Standardbred bloodlines. They also maintain a separate record of non-white foals from these bloodlines. As of 2010, there were 20 Camarillo White Horses known to be living.
Brown Button Spider

Latrodectus geometricus, commonly known as the brown widow, brown button spider, grey widow, brown black widow, house button spider or geometric button spider, is one of the widow spiders in the genus Latrodectus. As such, it is a 'cousin' to the more infamous Latrodectus mactans. These common **spiders** are often found around human dwellings – in the garage, under window sills, in the swimming pool pump box… They build a messy web and have large white, spiky egg sacs. They are usually a **brown** colour with darker bands on the joint of each leg.

## Description

Females are 10-11 mm and males 4-5 mm. In the female the color of the abdomen varies from brown with distinct geo- metrical patterns (Fig. 1), to pitch black (Fig. 2) to cream (Fig. 4), but ventrally the abdomen has a distinct orange-red hourglass marking (Fig. 3); legs dark to faintly banded (Fig. 2). Carapace: longer than wide; eyes: 8 arranged in 2 evenly spaced rows; abdomen: globular in shape and the legs are moderately long and slender with the third pair the shortest, with no or few spines. The tarsi usually tapering, and tarsus IV with the typical row of slightly curved, serrated setae forming a comb. There is sexual dimorphism in size with male much smaller and different in color.

## Habitat

This species is very commonly found in built-up areas usually outside houses. They make their webs in dark areas such as under window sills.

## Behavior

They construct three-dimensional webs in dark corners in a variety of microhabitats. There is a funnel-shaped retreat to the one side with strong supporting lines. Some resistance is felt when one touches them. The spiders make use of the same web over a long period of time and the small male is found on the border of the web of the female. This species can easily be recognized by the egg sacs which are covered with silk tufts. They live about one year and prey on a wide range of flying and crawl- ing insects.

## Distribution

This is a cosmopolitan species and it was introduced in to South Africa.

## Medical Importance

They produce a neurotoxic venom that can affect the nervous system. However, it causes a milder form of envenomation and is 3-4 times less venomous than that of black button spiders. Symptoms: The reaction usually restricted to bite site; local- ised muscle stiffness may develop; pain in regional lymph nodes may develop; ab- dominal pain and cramps sometimes experienced; restlessness, agitation and raised temperature may be experienced; bite site evident with red blanched area or localised rash in 80% of cases; occasionally localised increase in sweat secretion (small drop- lets); symptoms usually clear up within 1-2 days. In children or some adults a mild form of systemic envenomation (latrodectism) may develop. Treatment: antivenom in most cases not needed; symptomatic and supportive treatment recommended.
Angel Shark

***Squatina*** is a genus of shark in the family Squatinidae, which are unusual in having flattened bodies and broad pectoral fins that give them a strong resemblance to rays. This genus is the only one in its family and order Squatiniformes. They occur worldwide in temperate and tropical seas. Most species inhabit shallow temperate or tropical seas, but a few species inhabits deeper water, down to 1,300 m (4,300 ft). Angel sharks are sometimes called monkfish, although this name is also applied to members of the genus *Lophius*.

## Appearance and Biology

While the forward part of the angel shark's body is broad and flattened, the rear part retains a muscular appearance more typical of other sharks. The eyes and spiracles are on top and the five gill slits are on its back. Both the pectorals and the pelvic fins are large and held horizontally. There are two dorsal fins, no anal fin and unusually for sharks, the lower lobe of the caudal fin is longer than the upper lobe. Most types grow to a length of 1.5 m (5 ft), with the Japanese angel shark, known to reach 2 m. Angel sharks possess extensible jaws that can rapidly snap upwards to capture prey and have long, needle-like teeth. They bury themselves in sand or mud lying in wait for prey, which includes fish, crustaceans and various types of mollusks. They are ovoviviparous, producing litters of up to 13 pups.

## Behavior

Although this shark is a bottom-dweller and appears harmless, it can inflict painful lacerations if provoked, due to its powerful jaws and sharp teeth. It may bite if a diver approaches the head or grabs the tail.

## Commercial Value

Prior to the late 1980s, the Pacific angel shark was considered a "munk fish". It was a byproduct of commercial gillnetting, with no commercial appeal and was used only for crab bait. In 1977, Michael Wagner, a fish processor in Santa Barbara, California, in cooperation with local commercial fisherman, developed the market for angel sharks. The annual take of angel shark in 1977 was an estimated 147 kg. By 1985, the annual take of angel shark on the central California coast had increased to more than 454 metric tons or an estimated 90,000 sharks. The population declined dramatically and is now regulated.

In April 2008, the UK government afforded the angel shark full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Once considered abundant in the Atlantic Ocean, the angel shark (*Squatina squatina*) was classified as "critically endangered" in 2010.
Black Heron

The **black heron** (*Egretta ardesiaca*) also known as the **black egret**, is an African heron. It is well known for its habit of using its wings to form a canopy when fishing.

## Description

The black heron is a medium-sized (42.5–66 cm in height), black-plumaged heron with black bill, lores, legs and yellow feet. In breeding plumage it grows long plumes on the crown and nape.

## Distribution and Habitat

The black heron occurs patchily through Sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Sudan to South Africa, but is found mainly on the eastern half of the continent and in Madagascar. It has also been observed in Greece and Italy. It prefers shallow open waters, such as the edges of freshwater lakes and ponds. It may also be found in marshes, river edges, rice fields, and seasonally flooded grasslands. In coastal areas, it may be found feeding along tidal rivers and creeks, in alkaline lakes, and tidal flats.

## Habits

The black heron uses a hunting method called *canopy feeding*—it uses its wings like an umbrella, creating shade that attracts fish. This technique was well documented on episode 5 of the BBC's *The Life of Birds*. Some have been observed feeding in solitary, while others feed in groups of up to 50 individuals, 200 being the highest number reported. The black heron feeds by day but especially prefers the time around sunset. It roosts communally at night, and coastal flocks roost at high tide. The primary food of the black heron is small fish, but it will also eat aquatic insects,  crustaceans and amphibians.

The nest of the black heron is constructed of twigs placed over water in trees, bushes, and reed beds, forming a solid structure. The heron nests at the beginning of the rainy season, in single or mixed-species colonies that may number in the hundreds. The eggs are dark blue and the clutch is two to four eggs.
Chaco Eagle

The impressive Chaco eagle is a crested eagle with a six-foot wing span. Formerly known as the crowned solitary eagle, the Chaco eagle ranges from eastern Brazil and Bolivia south to central Argentina. It inhabits open and semiopen habitats consisting of grassland, savannah, marsh and open woodland areas, unlike its closest relative, the montane solitary eagle, which lives only in dense mountain forest. In the southern portion of its range, the Chaco eagle is dependent on large trees, which are used for nesting and resting.

## Distribution

The Chaco eagle feeds primarily on small to medium-sized mammals, including armadillos and skunks, and reptiles, hunting from a low perch near dawn or dusk. In fact, the bird of prey is known for its sluggish behavior during the day, and is believed to be largely crepuscular in activity (active primarily during twilight).

Considered a relatively tame species, the Chaco eagle is usually found solitary in pairs or in groups of three individuals. It nests in trees, building a large platform-like nest of sticks lined with leaves. During incubation, the female eagle spends most of her time caring for the chick while the male provides the food to the nest. Once hatched both parents care for the chickuntil it leaves the nest.

This striking species plays a key role in a healthy-well balanced environment. Feeding at the top of many food chains, the Chaco eagle balances populations, and helps manage diseases by consuming carcasses and weak or sick animals. Yet the species is listed as endangered due to low population density and number of threats faced by the species. The most prevalent threats to its survival appear to be increasing rates of deforestation, ranching and agriculture.

## Diet

It is often noted for its sluggish movements during the day and is believed to be largely crepuscular in activity. It preys principally on mammals, including armadillos, skunks, weasels, rodents and monkeys. It also hunts reptiles (principally snakes), fish, domestic lambs and occasionally birds, including tinamou and poultry.

## Population

The total population of this species is in the area of 250-999 mature individuals, equaling to 375–1,500 individuals in total, Can be rounded up to 350–1,500 individuals. The main reasons the population is so low is because of hunting, habitat loss and more.
Chinese Pangolin

The Chinese pangolin is a scale-covered mammal that resembles an armadillo in appearance and an anteater in behavior, though it is more closely related to bears and cats than anteaters. Once found in forests and grasslands across southern China, parts of Southeast Asia, and into India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, poaching and trafficking have left the Chinese pangolin critically endangered. Despite protections, in some parts of Asia, including China and Vietnam, pangolin meat is considered a delicacy and its scales are used in traditional medicine, despite no evidence that the scales cure anything. All of the four Asian species of pangolin are endangered or critically endangered, so poachers are setting their sights on the four African species to fill demand. All of those species are listed as vulnerable.

## Behavior

Like its pangolin relatives, the Chinese pangolin has no defense against humans—not even teeth—and its underside is soft and unprotected. Some poachers use dogs to find pangolins in their burrows and dig them out. When threatened by predators such as big cats, the pangolin quickly rolls into a tight, scale-covered ball.

Chinese pangolins are nocturnal, solitary animals that spend most of their time on the ground, but they are also good climbers. During the day they stay in the burrows they’ve dug out with their long front claws—often next to ant or termite mounds—or in passageways vacated by termites. The pangolins might also be the reason those passageways are empty: Termites and ants make up 100 percent of the pangolin’s diet.

After dark, pangolins head out to feed, finding an ant colony or termite mound that looks tasty. Digging into it with its efficient claws, the pangolin sticks in its snout and laps up the insects with its very long and very sticky tongue, eating thousands of insects in one day. When the ants swarm, the scales protect the pangolin from bites, and the ability to close off its nose and ears, as well as thick eyelids, help it deal with its stinging snack.

## Reproduction

Pangolins live alone except when it comes time to mate. Females typically bear a single offspring at a time; Chinese pangolin males, which are much bigger than the females, stay with the family until the baby is weaned. A baby pangolin will ride on its mother’s back or tail from about a month old, after its scales harden, nursing and eating ants. Young stay with their mothers for about two years—when they become sexually mature—before heading off to start their own families.
Common King Snake

***Lampropeltis getula***, commonly known as the **eastern kingsnake**, **common kingsnake**, or **chain kingsnake** is a harmless colubrid species endemic to the United States and Mexico. It has long been a favorite among collectors. Nine subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.

## Description and Appearance

Common kingsnakes, which occur in a rainbow of polished colors, rate near the top of the most beautiful snakes of the world. For instance, the Sonora mountain kingsnake of Arizona has narrow red and white rings separated by thin black rings. The common kingsnake of California typically has broad dark bands separated by cream-colored bands. The scarlet kingsnake of the southeastern United States has broad red rings and narrow yellow rings separated by thin black rings.

Superficially, some common kingsnakes such as the Sonora mountain kingsnake resemble the venomous coral snakes, but the kingsnake's red rings are bordered by black rings and the coral snake's red rings, by yellow rings. Remember the old saws: "Red touches black, you're o.k., Jack," and "If red touches yellow, you're a dead fellow."

## Distribution and Habitat

The kingsnake is comprised of eight species, including the common kingsnake. The kingsnake has the largest natural geographical range of any land snake. It occupies an array of habitats from southern Canada to northern South America. The common kingsnake, with a number of subspecies, occurs across the United States and northern and central Mexico, from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast to the Gulf coast.

Exceptionally adaptable for a reptile, the common kingsnake makes itself at home in a diversity of habitats, ranging from desert basins to riverine wetlands, from valleys to rolling hills, from coastal estuaries to grasslands, from shrublands to forested mountain foothills. Secretive, they often seclude themselves in dense vegetation, under rocks and beneath fallen logs and inside rodent burrows. They usually keep to the ground's surface, but they can climb swiftly into brush or swim efficiently in ponds and quiet streams.

## Hunting Habits and Diet

Hunting during the day, especially around sunrise and sunset, or through cool summer nights, the common kingsnake will prey on just about any creature that it can overpower with its constricting coils. It feeds, most famously, on other snakes as well as on lizards, small turtles, frogs, birds and small mammals. It also eats the eggs of reptiles and birds. Equipped with an enzyme the breaks down the venom from poisonous snakes, minimizing the damage it suffers from bites it will eat rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouth water moccasins and even coral snakes. Its practice of eating venomous snakes makes it exceptional among reptiles.
Blackbuck

A graceful and slender species, the blackbuck (*Antilope cervicapra*) is the only member of the genus *Antilope*. One of the blackbuck’s most striking features is the pair of long, spiralling horns possessed by the male, which are marked with rings and sweep backwards from the head in a v-shaped arrangement.

The male blackbuck is larger than the female and more conspicuously coloured, with the coat being a rich dark brown along the back, sides and the outsides of the legs. The coat of the female is yellowish-brown on the head and along the back. Both sexes are white on the underside and insides of the legs, and have a white ring around each eye. This species has a narrow muzzle, short tail and pointed hooves.Young blackbucks resemble the female in colour, with the coat of the young male gradually darkening with age.

## Biology

A gregarious species, the blackbuck typically lives in herds of around 5 to 50 individuals, though herds of several hundred have been reported. These herds may contain both males and females, or may be comprised entirely of males, or made up of females and their offspring. The blackbuck is typically active throughout the day during the cooler months, but mainly in the morning and late afternoon when temperatures are high. It is primarily a grazer, feeding mainly on grasses, although other plants are taken depending on seasonal availability.

While mating may occur throughout they year, the blackbuck has reproductive peaks from March to April, and August to October. During this time, the males occupy territories which can vary both in size and their proximity to the neighbouring territory. In some populations, males defend large, scattered territories, while in others males gather into small, clustered territories and appear to use a lek mating system. It is thought that female group size may determine the mating strategy employed by the male blackbuck.

The female blackbuck gives birth to a single young after a gestation period of six months. In most antelope species, the young then remains hidden for the first few weeks, with the female returning periodically to suckle it. The blackbuck is predated upon by a number of species, including wolves and leopards, and relies mainly on its speed in order to escape. When a potential predator is sighted, the blackbuck can leap extraordinarily high into the air, before performing a number of smaller leaps and then galloping away at speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour. In the wild, the blackbuck has been known to live up to 18 years of age, with individuals in captivity surviving for even longer.

## Range

Native to Asia, the blackbuck once roamed throughout much of the Indian subcontinent. Today, this species occurs mainly in India, with a small population still existing in Nepal. It has been declared regionally extinct in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
African Chameleon

The **African chameleon** or **Sahel chameleon** (*Chamaeleo africanus*) is a species of chameleon native to the Sahel and Nile Valley, although it has been introduced to Greece. An average size may be around 34 cm (13 in) long, including its tail.

## Range

*Chamaeleo africanus* is found in much of the Sahel, from Mali and Mauritania to Sudan. Its range also extends north along the Nile to Egypt, but it may have been introduced there. From Egypt, the species has been brought to the Peloponnese. It lives in dry savanna.

## Description

The African chameleon is a slow-moving, laterally flattened species growing to a maximum length of 46 cm (18 in). It has bulbous eyes which can move independently of each other and a prehensile tail. It is very similar in appearance to the common chameleon (*Chamaeleo chamaeleon*) but has no flaps at the back of its head and is rather larger. It is often green with many black spots, but like other chameleons, is capable of changing its colour. It has a large bony casque on its head. It has long limbs, and the male has tarsal spurs.

## Behavior

The African chameleon is usually found on the lower branches of trees, on shrubs and on reeds (*Phragmites*). It grasps its support with its four-toed feet, a pair of toes on either side of the branch, and its tail, and remains stationary or advances slowly and stealthily. It feeds mainly on insects which it catches by suddenly extending its sticky-tipped tongue. It may also eat small lizards or fledgling birds. The female descends to the ground to breed and lays a clutch of up to seventy eggs in an underground nest. These take about three months to hatch and the young chameleons take a year or more to reach maturity.