Weird Animals You Won't Believe Aren't Photoshopped | BizarBin.com I bet you wish some of these weird animals were photoshopped!! Weird animals: The Pacu Fish Yes, that really is a fish with human teeth that seems in bad need of some flossing. Pacu fish are cousins to the Piranha but are mostly fruit eaters that use their human-like teeth to crack nuts and fruits. Apparently, they are not that picky on what kind of nuts as there have been reports of men bleeding to death after a Pacu Fish had bitten off their testicles … The Gerenuk —————————————————————— The gerenuk, Litocranius walleri, also known as the Waller’s gazelle, is a long-necked species of antelope found in dry thorn bush scrub and desert in East Africa, from Somalia, Djibouti and eastern Ethiopia through northern and eastern Kenya to northeastern Tanzania. The word gerenuk (pronounced with a hard g) comes from the Somali language, meaning “giraffe-necked”. Gerenuk are sometimes also called the giraffe-necked antelope.

This bizarre animal is the sole member of the genus Litocranius and we are proud to give it 4 out of 5 stars on the bizarro meter, simply by looking like a perfect giraffe, gazelle photo-mashup. The Cassowary, aka the Australian Velociraptor —————————————————————— What seems like a cgi scene lifted from Jurassic Park is in fact a flightless bird called the Cassowary. Not only is this the world’s deadliest bird, but it’s also one of the most dangerous things you can bump into in Australia period, which is saying a lot when 90% of the wildlife there is capable of destroying you. This Ostrich from hell takes protecting it’s territory very, VERY seriously, and will brutally murder anything perceived as a threat (you!) with it’s razor-sharp claws. They can reach heights of up to 7ft and there are many records of natives being seriously injured or killed by this, finely-tuned, writing machine of death. Oh… and if you think I am exaggerating then be sure to check out the video. Welcome to Australia, the only place in the world where you can get disemboweled by a bird!

The Giant Isopod What would happen if these two had a baby? AAAHHHH!!! The only uplifting thing to say — after realising that such a horrifying thing exists — is that it seems to have a taste for Doritos, rather then human brains. This bizarre animal is related to the common Pill Bug and, according to fossil record, have existed for over 160 million years. Even though it looks like these creatures could easily take over the world if they wanted to, they are actually quite harmless, deep-sea scavengers. Snakehead Fish —————————————————————— This scary looking fish is called a Snakehead. They are known for its voracious appetite, often consuming all other fish in a lake or pond and even eating its young. It can also slither across land and stay out of water for up to three days to find new sources of food. Once on land, snakeheads can eat almost any small animal in its path, and have even attacked people who got too close to snakehead egg nesting areas.

If these things could fly, mankind would have declared war on them a long, long time ago… The Saiga Antelope —————————————————————— Have you ever wondered what would happen if an antelope had a baby with the alien from the Mos Eisley Cantina? It would probably look pretty close to this… The Saiga Antelope is one of the world’s most ancient mammals, having shared the Earth with saber-toothed tigers and woolly mammoths, 250,000 years ago. Thought to be extinct at one time, they are also referred to as living fossils. The Smooth Long Necked Turtle —————————————————————— I know what you’re thinking. “This is either a Photoshop or someone threaded a snake through a turtle”. But this species of turtle have such long necks that they aren’t able to pull it back into their shell, which is basically the only good thing about being a turtle. They do have skunk superpowers though and can produce a offensive smelling liquid if threatened. The Rain Frog: Cute meets Freaky —————————————————————— In this case I suggest you just watch the movie as no words can do this ridiculously cute animal justice.

The Dumbo Octopus —————————————————————— Living at a depth of 7,000 meter below sea level, the Dumbo octopus is the deepest-living octopi discovered. It sure is good to know that after miles of vertical water and untold horrors, deep sea creatures start to turn into Disney cartoon characters. Aww… look at the little guy, finally something from the abyss that does not make us want to fire nukes into the deep blue, “just in case.” The Bush Viper —————————————————————— This weird looking snake can be found in the Takamanda Forest Reserve, Cameroon. Its strange scales give it the ability to blend in with it’s surroundings to hide from predators or ambush prey. Humans are normally not on it’s menu, but a bite can be deadly though. The Giant Coconut Crab —————————————————————— For something that looks like it can only be killed with a flamethrower, they sure gave this “Coconut Crab” an innocent sounding name. The Oarfish —————————————————————— The Oar-fish — also known as ribbon fish — are among the largest fish in the ocean, with some that can grow to up to 50 feet long.

Because of its size, many believe sea serpent folklore and stories of mythological sea creatures originate with the oar-fish. If you’re worried that this image — which is now burned into your brain for eternity — will prevent you to ever set foot in the ocean again, don’t be. They commonly reside 3,000 feet deep, and sightings of this sea monster are extremely rare. The Proboscis Monkey If you think you look weird then remember: You do not have a dong for a nose, always remember that… The Proboscis Monkey is a medium-sized monkey that is found exclusively in the rain-forests of Borneo. The male Proboscis Monkey is one of the largest monkeys in Asia and — with their fleshy nose — they are also one of the world’s most bizarre looking mammals. The Scorpionfly —————————————————————— From a distance the Scorpionfly looks like your ordinary dragonfly, but what we have here is another fine example of why you should never look at bugs through a microscope… Holy hell!! It’s like nature took all the bad things you ever did in your life and made a bug out of it just to punish you!

Fortunately, the male’s scorpion-like tail doesn’t sting and is only presented to females for courtship displays — pretty much like a box of chocolates! The Vampire Deer —————————————————————— Nope, this is not a prank that involves novelty wax Dracula teeth, it really is a deer with freaking 3in long fangs! Also, I am sure nobody could blame you for accidently stabbing one through the heart with a wooden stake on a first encounter. Though, for the record, they are totally harmless and there is no record of one biting a person — who then returns from the grave to walk the earth as an undead Vampire Deer themselves. Then again, there is no record of it not happening either and it could just mean they are really good at getting away with it… The Blue Parrot Fish —————————————————————— This weird but amazing looking fish is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. In Polynesia, it is served raw and was once considered “royal food”, only eaten by a King. Now, I understand that this photo doesn’t even look like a good Photoshop and more of a Windows Paint at best.

But please keep in mind that some species of Parrot Fish can envelope themselves in a transparent cocoon (which is made from an organ on their head). They do this to hide their scent from predators and, obviously, to look like a Pixar cartoon animal. The Blue Bird Of Paradise —————————————————————— Here it looks like some hoaxter pasted a retro video game character in some wildlife documentary. It actually looks a lot like one of those 4Chan memes you’d expect to burst out in singing and dancing anytime now. However, in order to make sense of this picture, it’s probably best to just enjoy the video below. The Panda Ant —————————————————————— This ant, that looks like a Panda, is actually a wingless wasp. So why do they call it a Panda Ant? We don’t have a clue, other then the assumption that taxonomists are high a lot when they are naming newly-discovered animals. The Atelopus Frog aka Harlequin Frog —————————————————————— Unfortunately, this amazing looking creature — which looks like a Grateful Dead Poster come to life — is also one of the world’s rarest and highly endangered amphibians . The Red Lipped Batfish Is prostitution becoming a problem on the ocean floor?

—————————————————————— I hope you enjoyed it. Also — if you don’t mind putting a extra pair of underpants in the laundry — then also be sure to check out our: Yangtze River Wildlife, Animals Living along the Yangtze River Yangtze Sceneries Yangtze River Wildlife The Yangtze River is one of the most well known rivers in the world and has a rich history and is of great importance to China's people. The longest river in Asia, it not only serves as a lifeline to millions of people, but also to some of the most unique and beautiful animals on this planet. Beginning high in the Kunlun Mountains and running to just north of Shanghai where its mouth opens into the East China Sea, the river covers almost 4,000 miles and winds its way through 11 provinces. It is a region of extremes which boasts an array of wildlife. The waters sustain animal and plant life in a 3.7 million square mile area. Every sized creature, from the tiniest fish to providing life to the bamboo forests that feed the giant panda, finds something to benefit from the Yangtze.

Animals in the Water While various birds, rodents, mammals and amphibians flock to the waters for food, it is the animals within the waters that capture the attention and imagination of millions. There are over 350 species of fish that make their home in the rich waters of the Yangtze. More populated species, such as the yellow head catfish and the carp, are also important to the ecosystem and the food chain. Copper fish, Chinese shad, eel and anchovy are also quite common in the waters. The Chinese Puffer fish is also home in the Yangtze, as well as other Asian bodies of water. Its skin and reproductive organs are highly toxic and poisonous to humans. Chinese Alligator The Chinese alligator is the only known living species of alligator native to China. It makes its home exclusively in The Yangtze River and the surrounding ponds in the river's lower regions. Although it is very similar in appearance to the American alligator, the Chinese alligator is much smaller than its counterparts, usually reaching just 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length and weighing around 45 kilograms (100 pounds).

With only around 200 individuals accounted for in the wild, the Chinese alligator is listed as a critically endangered species. Currently, conservation efforts are being made to the re-populate the species in wild habitats, as well as protecting the alligator with strict restraints on trade and exportation worldwide. Yangtze River Dolphin The freshwater Finless Porpoise,which is also known as Yangtze River Dolphine , also makes it home in the shallower waters of the Yangtze. Missing its dorsal fin, the people of China aptly have named it the 'river pig'. The Finless Porpoise is also in danger of becoming extinct. Only around 800 of the animals remain in the river, and that number is rapidly dropping. But just like the Chinese alligator, efforts are being made to decrease sand dredging, which muddies the lakes and disturbs the porpoise's habitat. Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle Another extremely rare animal is The Yangtze River Giant Softshell Turtle. Once thriving in its native waters, as little as four individuals are known to remain. The soft-shell turtle looks a bit different from its hard-shell counterparts.

It is known for its deep head and pig-like snout, as well as a smooth, non-scaly, leathery shell. This feature allows the turtle to move more easily in muddy lakes and river bottoms. Chinese Giant Salamander The clearer, fast running waters of the Yangtze support the curious Chinese Giant Salamander. It prefers dim, rocky mountain streams, and has been over hunted for its use in tradition Chinese medicines. Dark dwelling places have left them nearly blind. They relies on sensory nodes to detect their prey. While most are not quite as large as the name would imply, some reach up to 1.8 meters (5.9 feet). The Chinese Paddlefish The Chinese Paddlefish is the one of the largest fresh water fish in the world. An individual animal can reach lengths of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) and weigh around 25 kilograms (55 pounds), and is equipped with a long paddle-like snout to stir up the bottom while looking for food. Poetically referred to as the "Giant Panda of the River", these massive swordfish-like creatures are critically endangered, threatened by dams, which divide and isolate groups.

Last confirmed living fish was sighted in early 2003 The Yangtze River . Yangtze Sturgeon Named a 'national treasure' by the Chinese government, the Yangtze Sturgeon, also known as Dabry's Sturgeon, is truly a living fossil. Thought to have lived amongst the dinosaurs, this bony river fish spends its life in both fresh and salt water, much like the salmon. The sturgeon migrates upstream to reproduce in the Yangtze's fresh waters. Its existence is also threatened by pollution and other harmful acts by man. A recent re-population program by the Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences has bred the species in captivity in hopes of restoring the river's population before it is lost forever. Creatures around the Yangtze While cruising on the river, it is amazing to see just how many species find life in and around the Yangtze. Look up into the trees and see a whole different kind of animal activity than that below the surface. The adorable Red Panda is home here and found only in the foliage forests of eastern China and Nepal. The small, rust colored creature resembles more a raccoon than a panda.

The coloring helps the animal blend in with the red mosses and white lichens in its habitat. Red-and-White Flying Squirrel Another tree dwelling species, the Red-and-White Flying Squirrel, makes it's home above the Yangtze. Similar in color to the Red Panda, the flying squirrel doesn't actually fly from branch to branch, but rather uses a skin flap between the front and hind legs to catch wind and glide long distances between trees. The Pangolin The pangolin, a unique nocturnal animal, can also be found around The Yangtze River . It is also known as the scaly anteater, and while active at night, it spends most of the day rolled up in a ball, sleeping. While it poses virtually no threat to humans, the pangolins are skilled at climbing and their scales can be razor sharp. Chinese Golden Monkey The Chinese Golden Monkey is home in the depths of the fir forests and in the snow covered mountains of the Yunnan-Tibetan areas, which are, of course, supported by the rich Yangtze River. Cute faced and small in stature, the monkeys are recognizable by their unique light colored gold faces.

They share their habitat with others, often living in family groups, and have been known to live in herds of over 600 individuals. Living quite high above sea level, they share an ecosystem with the giant panda. Chinese Golden Swallow Unique and varied species of birds also nest around the Yangtze waters. The Golden Swallow, a short-beaked bird which nests in caves and rock structures is often made into soups and delicacies. The Golden Pheasant, or the Chinese Pheasant, also lives in the native forests around the Yangtze. They feed on the ground and prefer running to flying, but do roost in trees at night. The males of the species are brightly colored from head to toe, and while hard to spot in the wild, are found at most zoos and reserves. The Chinese Grouse, very similar to the Hazel Grouse, is a sedentary bird native to the mixed forests of central China. The Golden Eagle The birds around the Yangtze aren't limited to small, insect feeding species. The Golden Eagle, one of the best known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere, might also be spotted along the river banks.

They make great use of their agility, speed and powerful talons when hunting down small and large rodents and mammals. They have even been known to attack deer and hunt and kill wolves, so as you can imagine, their status is highly regarded in China and around the world. It gets its name from the lighter, gold colored plumage around their necks and heads. It gives the birds the illusion of a golden glow. The Siberian Crane The eastern populations of the Siberian Crane, a beautiful and elegant creature, escape the harshness of the Arctic tundra and fly in mass numbers to Poyang Lake. This body of water is closely associated with the Yangtze. The Three Gorges Dam , a massive hydroelectric dam that spans the Yangtze River has caused significant ecological changes and altered water routes which might disturb the migration of the Siberian Crane, as well as have impact on countless other species. These beautiful birds are characterized by their stark white coloring, in contrast to the black primary feathers are seen only while flying, and their naked red face. While only around 3000 still remain in the wild, thousands of those migrate yearly to China to winter.

Large Species in the Forests near the Yangtze Large, well-known and elusive species also lurk in the forests sustained by the Yangtze. Tibetan Antelope Up in the Tibetan plateau, in Quinghai province and in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, roams the Tibetan Antelope, also sometimes referred to as the Chiru. It is a medium sized animal with a grey to reddish-brown coat and a white underbelly. There are currently less than 75,000 animals remaining in the wild. The Chiru's wool is soft and fine, and while it can be obtained without killing the animal, many poachers don't take this humane approach. Without the Yangtze, these herds would not have sufficient water and food supplies to last. Mongolian gazelle The Mongolian gazelle is also sometimes referred to as Zeren. This medium-sized antelope is native to the Asian steppes in Mongolia, but can also be found in China. Look for the distinctive heart-shaped patch on their rears and their light brown coat. While they prefer to stay in smaller groups, massive herds of over 5,000 members are not unheard of.

The Wolf Man's best friend first appeared around the waters of the Yangtze over 16,000 years ago. Today, its ancestor, the wolf, can still be spotted in some regions of China. Isolated pockets of the grey wolf are scattered around the southwestern and northern regions of the country. Like other animals in the area, the wolf is also in danger of becoming extinct. They used to thrive in central China, but numbers have now dwindled due to environmental disturbances. Snow Leopard The elusive Snow Leopard also inhabits the Yangtze Basin. Large and heavy-bodied, this beautiful creature prefers to spend most of its time in the rocky Himalayan foothills. It sports a thick smoky gray or tan coat with black rosette spots covering the back and face of the animal. Their paws are wide and tails long and thick, which help them to maintain balance on rocky cliff sides. For hunting purposes, the Snow Leopard descends into the Yangtze Basin for better prey. With less than 5,000 in the wild, the leopard is a rare, albeit magnificent, sight. Giant Panda The Giant Panda, the most recognizable animal from China, makes it home in the central western and southwestern regions of the country.

Although officially classified as a carnivore, the animal's diet consists of 99% bamboo. The amount of bamboo needed to sustain just one animal is outstanding. An adult panda will eat anywhere from 9 to 14 kilograms of bamboo shoots a day. Only a river as large as the Yangtze could support an ecosystem that feeds giant species such as the panda. In China's past, pandas were thought to be rare and kingly creatures. Unlike other animals, pandas were rarely thought to have medical uses. Today, the giant panda is among the world's most adored and protected animals, especially in China, where its image is stamped on a large number of commemorative coins. Its lovable nature is why wide-scale efforts have been made to protect the panda's habitat. A depletion of its ecosystem, coupled with a very low birthrate, has labeled the pandas an endangered species. Current Situation of Animals in and around the Yangtze Because of its commercial use, along with tourism and pollution, the Yangtze has had more species become extinct than any other river in the world. While efforts are being made to restore the habitat for many animals, there is no telling how long the river's waters will sustain some of the precious life within.

Beautiful waters, unique rock formations, winding waterways and an ancient history draw tourists from all over the world. It is no wonder that The Yangtze River is highly regarded and revered by all who visit. 10 Fastest Animals On Earth - Fastest Animals In The World 10 Fastest Animals On Earth Apr 6 • Animal Profiles • 40767 Views • Comments Off on 10 Fastest Animals On Earth How fast can you run? Research suggests that human beings could run as fast as 40 miles an hour—in theory—but sprint speeds average to closer to 12-15 mph. You may be thinking, “that’s not too shabby,” but as you will see, a 15 mph sprint would not be enough to win a race with any of the fastest animals on earth. Many animals can go much faster than we can—some of them predatory. What is the fastest animal on earth? Let’s find out. 1. Peregrine Falcon Peregrine Falcon (Wikimedia) Birds have something of an advantage when it comes to speed, for obvious reasons.

The peregrine falcon is particularly swift, capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 mph while at a dive, making it a fearsome hunter. The rest of the time it does not fly this fast, but that hardly matters to its prey. It is the fastest animal on the planet when in a dive. 2. Frigate Bird Frigate Bird (Wikimedia) This spectacular avian makes the peregrine falcon look slow by comparison. It can reach speeds of up to 95 miles per hour—much faster than you drive on the highway. It has the largest wingspan to body weight ratio and can stay in the air for intensely long periods. Sometimes these birds do not touch down for over week at a time. How’s that for speed and endurance? 3. Sail Fish Sail Fish (Wikimedia) What is the fastest sea animal? That honor goes to the sail fish, which can read speeds up to 68 miles per hour—again possibly faster than you are used to driving on the highway. Can you imagine a fish racing alongside your vehicle and keeping up with you? That’s one fast sea animal. The characteristic sail is used when the fish is frightened in order to intimidate threatening animals.

The rest of the time, it is kept folded up. 4. Cheetah Cheetah (Wikimedia) The fastest animal in the world is of course the cheetah. This animal is actually only slightly faster than the pronghorn antelope, and can reach speeds of up to 61 miles per hour. This record was set by an 11 year old cheetah in 2012 named Sarah. Unlike most of the other animals on this list, the cheetah is a predator. It represents a serious threat to animals on this list that inhabit the same geographic areas (not just grasslands, but forest environments as well). The cheetah is a sprinter, not a long distance runner, but pairs agility with speed for deadly attack runs. Cheetahs are also very fast accelerators, and can ramp up their speed four times faster than human beings can. They can also pull to a stop extremely fast. It is also interesting to note that the speed and agility of the cheetah is not matched by strength. The cheetah is fairly fragile and will lose in most fights with other predators. As a result, they will quickly surrender prey to competitors.

An injured cheetah may not be able to run quickly, which can put its life in danger. 5. Pronghorn Antelope Pronghorn Antelope (Wikimedia) This antelope takes second place among land animals for speed. It can easily out-sprint most predators at speeds as high as 60 miles per hour. Interestingly enough, a pronghorn antelope is not actually an old world antelope, and is native to North America. Actual antelopes are quite fast as well, but not as fast as the pronghorn. Also curious is the fact that the pronghorn is far faster than the predators which inhabit North America. This seems to indicate that it evolved its great speed at some point in the past under the threat of a now-extinct predator, perhaps the American cheetah. The pronghorn has a number of special adaptations that allow it to function at high speeds, including cushioned, pointed toes to absorb shock, and extra large organs that assist with air intake. 6. Blue Wildebeest Blue Wildebeest (Wikimedia) Another swift land animal which also inhabits the plains is the blue wildebeest.

They are not quite as fast as the pronghorn, but are still pretty impressive at around 50 miles per hour. 7. Lion Lion (Wikimedia) Unfortunately for the blue wildebeest, the lion’s fastest speed almost exactly matches. Lions can chase down their prey at around 50 miles per hour, making them extremely deadly predators on the plains. 8. Thomson’s Gazelle Thomson’s Gazelle (Wikimedia) This is another creature in the same category as wildebeests and lions, also capable of running at around 50 miles per hour. Chases between lions and cheetahs and gazelles can be quite intense as a result of the close speed matching. Unfortunately for Thomson’s gazelles, they are the preferred prey of cheetahs, the fastest animal on our list. 9. Brown Hare Brown Hare (Wikimedia) One of the smallest animals on our list is the brown hare. This little creature can run extremely fast, reaching speeds of up to 47 miles per hour. The story of the tortoise and the hare is famous for a reason. Hares really are incredibly fast creatures, and they are capable of outrunning the majority of other animals.

10. Elk Elk (Wikimedia) There are a number of animals which run faster than the elk, but the elk deserves a mention because it is a good deal larger and less “swift” looking than a gazelle or antelope. Elks can be quite large, but their size and build should not deceive you. The elk is capable of running at speeds as high as 45 miles per hour. Do not make an elk angry. If it charges you, it is going to win. As you can see, there are some impressively fast animals on the land, as well as in the sea and air. These remarkable animals showcase the many different ways that creatures can adapt to fulfill the role of either predator or herbivore. While we may be at the top of the food chain thanks to our tools and inventions, we are easily outclassed when it comes to speed. Many of these creatures are as fast as the cars we have constructed to get from place to place at a reasonable pace. If that isn’t a humbling thought, what is? Mass Animal Deaths 2017 - Updated List of Worldwide Die Offs If the information on this page causes you concern regarding the future, then see what must I do to be saved?

Below is a list of worldwide mass animal deaths for 2017, with pages also for mass die offs from the previous 6 years. There are animals dying all over the world today in huge numbers, due to the polluted state of the sea and air. Millions of Fish and massive numbers of various marine creatures are washing ashore dead. Birds are falling dead out of the sky, and millions of poultry and wildlife are dying from avian flu. The animals of the land are also dying in large numbers from disease. Although animals and fish have been dying all throughout history, we have not seen the massive consistant numbers that we are seeing today. Please remember! This is just one of the MANY signs of the last days. In many of these events people from all walks of life are saying that they have "never seen anything like this before". Some people say this is all a mystery. Some say these are all natural die offs. Some people say that Chemtrails is the cause. Some say this is caused by Fukushima. Some people say this is due to man's pollution. And others say this is God's judgment. Whatever the cause, we know one thing for certain, that this was prophesied to happen in the Bible.

Hosea 4:1-3 ...'Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.' Revelation 11:18 ...'And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.' MASS ANIMAL DEATH LIST 17 Known MASS Death Events in 13 Countries (or Territory) 11th January 2017 - Massive fish kill found washed up on a lake in New South Wales, Australia.

Link 10th January 2017 - Thousands of animals/cattle dead due to wildfires in La Pampa, Argentina. Link 10th January 2017 - Thousands of fish die in farms, 'due to flooding' in Kelantan, Malaysia. Link 10th January 2017 - 700 fish die in a lake, 'due to drought' in Sinigo, Italy. Link 9th January 2017 - Hundreds of dead lobsters, starfish and crabs found washed ashore in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Link 9th January 2017 - 80 swans have died due to avian flu in Dorset, England. Link 9th January 2017 - Hundreds of fish dying in a lake in Pozzuoli, Italy. Link 9th January 2017 - Thousands of dead fish, plus dead birds found in a quarry lake in Basiglio, Italy. Link 8th January 2017 - Thousands of fish die suddenly in a dam in East Java,, Indonesia.

Link 5th January 2017 - 350,000 birds to be killed due to avian flu in Quilpue Chile. Link 5th January 2017 - 20,000+ chickens killed due to avian flu in Yunlin, Taiwan. Link 4th January 2017 - Hundreds of thousands of ducks to be killed due to avian flu across France. Link 4th January 2017 - Large number of dead sea birds found washed up in the Bay of Gibraltar, Spain. Link 4th January 2017 - Hundreds of dead fish found in a lake in Bundaberg, Australia. Link 3rd January 2017 - Dozens of birds fall dead from sky in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, America. Link 3rd January 2017 - Dozens of dead turtles washing up on beaches in Jagatsinghpur district, India. Link 1st January 2017 - 5 Humpback whales have washed ashore in recent weeks in Hawaii, America. Link If you are affected by this information, then please see what must I do to be saved?

There is no doubt that these mass animal deaths occuring around the world today is one of the many signs of the times , showing that we are living in the last days . Throughout history we have not seen animals dying in these kinds of numbers all around the world. But the earth and the seas are so polluted now from man made chemicals and oil spills, the animals just don't stand a chance! But this was to be expected, as God has already warned us through Bible prophecy that this world is heading for complete ruin. Friends, it's time to turn to Jesus Christ. He is our ONLY hope for the future. Animals of the Caspian Sea — Caspian Sea Environment You are here: Home / Caspian / Biodiversity / Animals of the Caspian Sea Info Animals of the Caspian Sea The important feature of the Caspian region is its extreme variety of biotopes as well as its variety of biotic and abiotic conditions. However the majority of the endemic flora and fauna are poor competitors with introduced species and are often outcompeted.

Present day fauna and flora of the Caspian Sea are thought to be a combination of species from different origins: those of Caspian sea origin, others of Arctic Ocean origin, some of Atlantic and Mediterranean origin and even some of fresh water origin. The biodiversity of the Caspian Sea is 2.5 times poorer than the biodiversity of the Black sea, and 5 times poorer than in the Barents Sea. The main reason may be the variable salinity. For fresh water fauna and flora the salinity levels of the Caspian Sea is too high, and for marine species the salinity is too low. Thus, the modern Caspian Sea is only suitable for species adapted to slightly saline waters. Despite these particular salinity conditions, the Caspian Sea is home to 87 species of microphytes and many species of green algae. In the Caspian Sea the greatest variety is within fish and crustaceous species. These organisms, due to their very good osmoregulatory abilities, are capable of living in a very wide range of salinities ranging from fresh water up to salt concentrations even higher than those found in the ocean (Zenkevich, 1963).

In the past, species with poor osmoregulation mechanisms died out because of changes in salinity. Thus, the modern biodiversity of the Caspian Sea has been 'selected' by thousands of years of de-salting and salinization processes. The first good report about flora and fauna of the Caspian Sea was published in 1963 by L. Zinkevich. This report included a great quantity of data published in 1951 by A.Derzhavin. According to these two authors there are 718 species in the Caspian Sea: 62 species of protozoa, 397 invertebrates, 79 vertebrates and 170 species of parasitic organisms. Excluding the Protozoa and parasitic organisms, A. Derzhavin and L. Zenkevich defined 476 species of freely living Metazoa, of which 46 % are endemic to the Caspian Sea, 66 % also live in the neighboring southern seas, 4.4 % are of Atlantic and Mediterranean origin and 3% are of Arctic Ocean origin.

Furthermore, there are 315 species and sub-species of zooplankton that can be found in the Caspian sea, the majority of which are indigenous. (Kasymov, 1987) Out of the 315 species of zooplankton, 135 species are infusorians (Agamaliev, Bagirov,1975). Due to the Caspian Sea’s division from other oceans thousands of years ago is has developed distinctive species of ichthyofauna endemic to the Caspian Sea. The Caspian Seal (Phoca caspica), is the smallest existing varieties of seal. The Caspian seal is endemic to the region as well as being the only mammal to live in the Caspian Sea. It lives throughout the sea, occasionally going into deltas of the rivers of Volga and Ural (Badamshin, 1966, 1969).

High numbers of these seals can be observed during the autumn period (October - November) on shell-composed islands in the eastern part of the Northern Caspian and on sandy spits of the Southern Caspian (Krylov, 1982, 1986). However, the largest numbers of the Caspian Seals have been observed during wintertime in icy areas of the Northern Caspian throughout the reproduction and molting seasons (Mammals of Kazakhstan, 1981). In 1993 the Caspian Seal was classified as a vulnerable specie and was included into the Red List of MUPN (International Union for Protection of Nature). The population size of the Caspian Seal has decreased approximately from 1.5 million heads by the beginning of 20-th century down to 360-400 thousand heads by the end of the eighties (Krylov, 1989). There are many introduced species in the Volga River originating from the Caspian Sea.

According to Birshtein, there are 44 species of invertebrates, including: 1 specie of Isopoda, 26 species of Amphipoda, 10 species of Cumacea, 6 species of Mysidacea, 1 specie of Decapoda and 18 species of fish which have penetrated into the Volga River from the Caspian Sea. The most commonly introduced species from the Caspian Sea into fresh water bodies are Cordylophora caspia, Polypodium hydriforme, Dreissena polymorpha, Hypania invalida, H. kovalewskyi, as well as species from the genera Theodoxus and Melanopsis. Both Cordylophora caspia and Victorella pavida have spread throughout the world and can be found living in coastal waters of Northern and Southern America, China, Australia and New Zealand. Some species originating from the Caspian Sea have also been introduced into the Baltic Sea. For example species of goby fish as well as some water fleas (Cladocera) from the genera Cercopag.

Other species such as the seahorse (Mysidae), get transported in fresh water tanks and found their way to the Baltic Sea. Cercopagis pengoi are crustaceans that have been found colonizing areas as far away as Lake Ontario. During the 19th Century, 'zebra mussels' (Dreissena polymorpha) were introduced into Europe and later to the Americas. These introduced species can cause ecological imbalances within the new ecosystem which may lead to further environmental problems. The full range of flora and fauna within the Caspian Sea has still to be fully documented. The Caspian sea is believed to be home to many undiscovered species. Species of commercial value The natural resources of the Caspian Sea are of high economic value. Many species of species of fish, crustaceans, shrimp, as well as some aquatic birds and the Caspian seal are hunted for their commercial value. Fish Fisheries are very important industries throughout the Caspian countries.

500-600 thousand tons of fish are extracted annually from the Sea, the majority of which include species such as the beluga (Huso huso), sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus), as well as migrating marine herring species, zander (Stizostedion), sazan (Cyprinus carpio carpio), bream (Abramis), cat fish (Silurus glanis) and the Caspian roach (Rutilus). However, by the end of the 1950s, anthropogenic interference had lead to a severe decline in fish numbers. Large hydro-engineering constructions as well as redistribution of water for irrigation caused changes within the natural hydrological cycle. Pollution also led to the deterioration of natural habitats, without which the fish were unable to reproduce efficiently. Some of the most commercially valuable transboundary fish species of the Caspian Sea include sturgeon (5 species) and sprat (3 species). Species of Goby are widespread throughout the Caspian Sea and form an important link in the food chain as food for predatory fishes. Sturgeon is by far the most commercially valuable fish.

It is fished for its meat as well as for caviar which is in great demand throughout the world market. As a result, the sturgeon is subjected to a lot of illegal poaching. The most commonly fished species are the Russian and Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus), beluga (Huso huso) and the sevruga (Acipenser stellatus). The ship (Acipenser nudiventris) fish specie population is declining, and is presently only fished in Kazakhstan. The Kura river, was previously used by as its spawning grounds however, more recently the stock has decreased and fishing in this river has lost commercial importance. In Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan the ship sturgeon is included in the Red Book. The Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenis) is a fresh water fish and lives only in the Volga River. Up until the 1960s cod was a considerable commercial resource. However, near the end of the 1900’s the stock was radically reduced. It was not until a few years ago that the stocks began to be replenished. Herring (or shad) is another commercially important specie.

In particular the blackback shad (Alosa kessleri kessleri), dolginka shad (Alosa brashnikovi brashnikovi), Caspian shad (Alosa caspia caspia). The fishing of shad is carried out in the Volga delta (in particular of the blackback shad) as well as near Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and along the Iranian coast. A number of salmon species can be found in the Caspian Sea and used for commercial purposes. These species migrate to the southwestern coasts in order to feed and remain in waters of 40-50 meters in depth. However, recently the salmon population has decreased significantly due to poaching. As a result, Caspian salmon has been included into the Red Book of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Russia. The population size of the white fish, which is considered to be of commercially importance, has recently plummeted due to over-fishing. Presently it is only fished along the Volga River, even though the population continues to decrease. In the Caspian Sea, white fish are only caught for monitoring purposes.

White fish is included into the Red Book of the majority of the Caspian states. In the southern regions of the Caspian Sea, shoals of kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum) can be split into western and southern ‘herds’. In the Northern regions, kutum has become very rare, therefore Russia and Kazakhstan have included it into their Red Books. The Asp (carp family) is another specie found in the Caspian Sea. It is a widely spread predatory specie and can be fished throughout the sea. During the nineties, the number of sturgeon (beluga, ship and sevruga), salmon, white fish (Coregonus albula), khramulya (Varicorhinus), as well as many other species decreased due to a large amount of uncontrollable illegal fishing. Another factor effecting the number of fish was the decrease in release of young fish from artificial breeding centres. In Turkmenistan, 2 species of crustaceous (the thick-foot and long-foot crabs) have recently been found to be an effective alternative to fish poaching as their catch volume may reach up to 50 thousand tons a year.

However, present catch levels do not exceed 3-5 tons per year. At the present time these crabs are fished for in the Kara-Bogaz-Goll area. Mammals The only mammal to live in the Caspian Sea is the seal. Seal hunting has a long-lived history stretching back 2 to 3 centuries. It was not until the 20th century that the number of seals caught increased to hundreds of thousands of individuals. As a result, research throughout the past 10 years, has shown that the Caspian seal population has been decreasing. Between 1986 to 1995, the seal population was reduced by approximately 20%. Furthermore, in 2000, the Caspian seals suffered from an epidemic of dog distemper, which began in the Northeast and spread across the sea. Previously, seal hunting was carried out according to a set of quotas and only during the winter months as seals can easily be seen floating on ice blocks. However, in 1997, seal hunting was declared illegal by all countries except Russia. In 1998, Russia also declared seal hunting to be illegal.

Common coastal dealing mammals include the brown hare (Lepus europaeus), wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), coypu (Myocastor coypus), forest dormouse (Dyomys nitedula), wolf (Canis lupus), jackal (Canis aureus), fox (Vulpes vulpes), raccoon (Procyon lotor), weasel (Mustela nivalis), stone marten (Martes), badger (Meles meles), otter (lutra lutra), reed cat (Felis chaus), steppe cat (Felis libyca) and djeiran (Gasella subgutturosa). These mammals are of major economical value as well as being an important source of food for humans. The most common ungulate along the Caspian coastline is the wild boar (Sus scrofa). These animals are subjected to sport hunting as well as being of commercial importance. The jackal (Canis aureus) is the most widespread specie of mammal along the Caspian coast.

Large numbers of jackal are to be found in the Lenkoran and Samur-Divichensky regions (Azerbaijan). They can be found mainly in lowlands and in dense thickets along river or sea banks. Jackal fur, although not of great aesthetic value, is of good commercial value particularly to the Kazakhs as they are much warmer and lighter than sheep skin. The fox is the most commonly hunted animal for its fur. It is also a beneficial animal within the environment as it controls the rodent population. (Novikov, 1965; Gidayatov, 1967). The lynx (Felis lynx), otter, steppe cat, red cat, marten and weasel (Mustela nivalis) are also hunted for their fur. Otter fur is considered to be quite valuable. That of the red cat is of little value and can be produced only in very small quantities. Fur from the Lynx is the most valuable. However, it can only be produced in small quantities. The weasel is found throughout the Caspian region. The fur of which is not considered to be of any value.

The Weasel plays a positive role within the environment by predating on rodents. The largest predator along the Caspian coast is the wolf, which spans the entire coastline. The coypu is a valuable commercial mammal belonging to the rodent family. It is a source of meat as well as valuable fur. Its fur has dense sub-fur layer and is therefore quite water resistant which enables this animal to stay under water for long periods at a time. The corsac fox (Vulpes corsac) and steppe cats (Felis libyca) can be found along the Caspian coastline in Kazakhstan and are also hunted for their fur and meat. Another important specie of commercial value in Kazakhstan is the saigak antelope (Saiga tatarika). Two populations of saigak exist, those belonging to Ust-Yurt population and those belonging to the Volga-Ural populations. The size of saigak population in the recent decade has been maintained at 250-275 thousand. Birds Hunting of aquatic and water associated birds is a common sport throughout the Caspian states. They are hunted for their meat as well as for their feathers.

Duck species are the most commonly hunted throughout the Caspian states. The coast of Azerbaijan is an important region for migratory birds, in particular for the grey goose (Anser anser), ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), whistling teal (Anas crecca), grey duck (Anas superciliosa), red-wing (Turdus iliacus) and many more. Hunting is allowed throughout this region. In Turkmenistan, the main hunting areas are along the central part of the coastline, called the Krasnovodsk gulf. 40% of the total bird poaching is thought to take place in areas surrounding the Krasnovodsk city within the gulf region. Document Actions The 13 Scariest Freshwater Animals in the World -- National Geographic Piranha Photograph by Martin Shields, Alamy Notorious for their sharp teeth and voracious appetites, piranhas inhabit several of the major river basins in South America. These omnivorous fish are known for their taste for meat, although attacks on human beings are quite rare, despite breathless accounts from early explorers.

In a historic visit to Brazil, Theodore Roosevelt famously saw a group of piranhas shredding pieces of a cow carcass in seconds. His dramatic account would color popular imagination for years, even though it was based on a manipulated spectacle in which fishermen blocked off a group of the fish and starved them beforehand. Still, piranhas are important scavengers and predators in their native rivers, and they often resort to cannibalism if food gets scarce. It's true that local fishermen occasionally have scars from close encounters with them. It's unknown how many species of piranhas exist, with estimates ranging from 30 to 60. —Brian Clark Howard Electric Eel Photograph from Bettman Archive/Corbis Electra the electric eel (Electrophorus electricus) demonstrates her shocking power at Ford Motor Company's "Cycle of Production" exhibit at the 1939 New York World's Fair. Despite their name, electric eels are actually a type of knifefish and are more closely related to catfish than they are to true eels. These unusual fish inhabit waterways in the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America, where they hunt prey and defend themselves by producing powerful bursts of electricity.

Electric eels gulp air from the surface in order to breathe. Thanks to specialized internal organs, they can produce pulses of electricity greater than 500 volts, with a current greater than one amp. That's enough to kill an adult human being. Electric eels mostly hunt invertebrates, though adults also consume fish and small mammals. They only attack human beings if they are disturbed. They tend to live in murky, stagnate waters. Scientists have long been fascinated by the species and have probed its impressive electrical abilities. Goliath Bird-Eater Spider Photograph by John Mitchell, Getty Images The second largest spider in the world, the goliath bird-eater (Theraphosa blondi), is related to the tarantula. It received its fearsome name after Victorian explorers witnessed one feasting on a hummingbird. The big spiders inhabit marshy land in the rain forests of nothern South America, where they can grow to a leg span of up to 12 inches (30 cm) and can weigh more than 6 ounces (170 grams). As with many other spiders, females may eat the males after mating.

Partially as a result, males have a lifespan of 3 to 6 years, while females have a lifespan of 15 to 25 years. Despite the spider's name, birds are not the main prey of the goliath bird-eater. They prefer to eat insects and other invertebrates, although they will occasionally eat small vertebrates. The big spiders are not generally considered dangerous to human beings, although they can bite if disturbed, leaving a wound about as painful as a wasp sting. They can also release hairs that irritate the skin. Tiger Fish Photograph by Chris Johns, National Geographic Widely distributed across much of Africa, tiger fish are fierce predators with large, razor-sharp teeth. They often hunt in packs and occasionally eat large animals. Attacks on human beings are rare but not unheard of. The two largest species are the goliath tiger fish (Hydrocynus goliath) and the Hydrocynus vittatus, which is commonly called the tiger fish. Both are prized as game fish. The goliath tiger fish, which can reach sizes up to 110 pounds (50 kg), is found in the Congo River and Lake Tanganyika.

The tiger fish can weigh up to 33 pounds (15 kg) and is found in the Zambezi River system. Photograph by Jonathan Blair , National Geographic A year-old Nile crocodile attempts to snap up a frog in the St. Lucia Estuary in South Africa (from the National Geographic book Visions of Earth ). Also known as the common crocodile, these large reptiles are distributed across much of Africa, and they have earned their reputation as among the most ferocious, deadly animals on the planet. Male crocs typically measure from 11.5 to 16 feet long (3.5 to 5 meters), but they have been known to exceed 18 feet (5.5 meters) in length. Individual crocodiles attack anything the same size or smaller than them. They are occasionally known to hunt in packs, in which they can take down animals as large as hippos and rhinos. Nile crocodiles occasionaly prey on human beings, with estimates ranging from several hundred to several thousand deaths a year. The ancient Egyptians feared and revered Nile crocodiles and worked them into their mystic religions.

In modern times, the big animals were heavily hunted for their leather, although recent protections have helped stabilize the population at an estimated 250,000 to 500,000. Photograph by Jason Edwards , National Geographic Snakeheads are often feared in the West, where populations of the aggressive fish have occasionally taken root as invasive species. After a fisherman found a Northern snakehead (Channa argus) in a pond in Maryland, it caused a media sensation. Biologists warned that the large freshwater fish could readily become established in North America, where it could wreak havoc on native ecosystems. The voracious top-level predators can reach a length of three feet (one meter). They prey on invertebrates, frogs, and smaller fish, though they are known to attack anything moving when they are breeding. Snakeheads can breathe air and can survive out of water for up to four days. They can survive much longer periods of drought by burrowing into the mud. Several species of the fish are native to much of Asia, where they are commonly caught and are prized for the dinner table. They are also frequently kept as aquarium fish and are noted for their aggressive behavior.

Mata Mata Photograph by Alessandro Mancini, Alamy A mata mata (Chelus fimbriatus) is a freshwater turtle that inhabits the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. The bizarre turtles are entirely aquatic, although they prefer shallow, stagnant water, where they can easily reach their head out of water to breathe. The mata mata can grow quite large, up to 33 pounds (15 kilograms). They feed on invertebrates and fish and aren't dangerous to people, despite their appearance. Mata mata are fairly sensitive to water quality, both in captivity and in the wild, so they can be harmed by pollutants. Giant Catfish Photograph by John Robertson, Alamy Divers work with a model European catfish in the Great Lake at Ostersund in Sweden. Large catfish live in many rivers throughout the world, where they are important scavengers. The largest on record is the Mekong giant catfish, which has reached recorded sizes up to 10.5 feet (3.2 meters) and 660 pounds (300 kilograms). Once distributed across several countries in Southeast Asia, the Mekong giant catfish is now critically endangered, thanks to habitat disruption.

Not much is known about the world's biggest freshwater fish, although conservation efforts are underway. Big catfish are rarely considered dangerous to people. The Mekong species can live to be more than 60 years old. Diving Bell Spider Photograph by Gerhard Schulz, Getty Images The diving bell spider (Argyroneta aquatica) is the only known spider in the world that lives entirely underwater. Like other arachnids, it must breathe air, but it provides its own supply by forming a bubble, which it holds by hairs on its legs and abdomen. The spiders must occasionally return to the surface to replenish their air supply, although some gas exchange happens across the surface of their bubbles, so they don't have to come up very often. The diving bell spider is found in northern and central Europe and parts of northern Asia. Unusual for spiders, the males are bigger than the females, perhaps because the males are more active hunters. The spiders can inflict a painful bite that is often accompanied by feverish symptoms. Those who are afraid of spiders may be disturbed to know they may not be safe from them, even in the water. Anaconda Photograph by Elwin R.

Sanborn, National Geographic Animal handlers hold a 19-foot anaconda at the Zoological Gardens. Among the world's largest snakes, anacondas live in rivers and wetlands of South America. The word anaconda is thought to come from the Tamil word anaikolra, which means elephant killer, alluding to the reptile's fearsome reputation. Anacondas feed on fish, birds, reptiles, and small mammals, though they have been known to take the occasional domestic animal. The big snakes can be dangerous to people, though reports of deliberate predation are very rare. Like other boas, anacondas are nonvenomous, and they often kill their prey by constricting it. Like other snakes, they swallow their prey whole. Giant Freshwater Stingray Photograph by Fenolio Dante, Getty Images As National Geographic previously reported , freshwater stingrays are known to inhabit rivers in Southeast Asia and northern Australia, where they can reach enormous proportions, measuring up to 16.5 feet (5 meters) long and up to 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms). However, very little is known about these creatures, including how many are left, and if they ever enter saltwater.

Freshwater stingrays are hard to see, because they often bury themselves in river sediments. They hunt for clams and crabs by detecting their electric impulses. There are reports of the big animals overturning boats, though they rarely attack people. Even so, stingrays can pack a powerful punch; they have a barb at the base of their tail that contains deadly poison and a stinger as long as 15 inches (38 centimeters). Many scientists fear that freshwater stingrays are threatened by habitat loss and pollution. Vampire Fish Photograph by Peter McBride, National Geographic Fanged vampire fish, or payara (Hydrolycus scomberoides), are offered at a market in Pevas, Peru, on the Amazon River. This fearsome, little-known fish is prized for its meat in the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Vampire fish prey primarily on smaller fish, especially piranhas, which they impale with their long, sharp fangs. The intimidating teeth can grow up to six inches long. Candiru Photograph by Max Gibbs, Getty Images Perhaps the most feared freshwater species of all, candiru are parasitic catfish in the family Trichomycteridae.

These small, narrow fish normally feed on the gills of larger fish in the Amazon. However, over the past few centuries there have been reports of these creatures lodging in the urethras of men and women. Some native peoples along the Amazon have described means of preventing such a disturbing infection, which is said to be hard to remedy, even with surgery. Protection measures are said to include tough clothing, tying off extremities with ligatures, and avoiding urination around rivers. It was long believed that urine attracted the candiru, although a recent study showed that the animals displayed no interest in it. There are very few documented cases of candiru attacks on human beings, and a much discussed incident from 1997 has been met with considerable skepticism. Further, with an average width of a quarter of an inch and average length of three inches, the fish are a little large to enter a urethra. Still, the prospect remains frightening enough to keep many people out of tropical waters, even far away from the candiru's range.

Question: What sort of creature is the Shikra. Is it a bird, an antelope or a fish?
Answer: BIRD