Thursday, November 8, 2018
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Huge alligator getting its back scratched and scrubbed with a push broom
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Video
of a huge alligator getting its back scratched and scrubbed with a push
broom at Everglades Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale has gone viral.
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/watch-caretaker-scrubs-giant-alligator-s-back-with-push-broom/22685189 Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Texas student's photo with alligator goes viral
Graduation snap: Texas student's photo with alligator goes viral
Makenzie Noland’s pose with 14ft Big Tex has become an internet sensation
Makenzie Noland, a Texas student, poses for hergraduation photo in cap, sash and – somewhat unusually – with an alligator.
The student shared the image on Facebook and Instagram with the caption “not your typical graduation photo”, and found herself at the centre of the internet’s attention.
“I am overwhelmed with how viral my post has gotten,” she posted on Tuesday, “and to see everyone from my hometown pushing me to move forward and supporting me is truly incredible”.
The student, originally from Bellevue in Nebraska, said Tex was adopted by the centre a couple of years ago. According to her social media posts, the animal, who can be fussy about who feeds him, first let Noland do so back in May and they have now become friends.
“I get in the water with that animal every day,” she said, adding that she also tickled his nose before feeding him. “Every single time I get in the water with him, I realise how huge he is. He’s a real-life dinosaur.”
The rescue centre is owned by Arlie Hammonds and Gary Saurage and claims to be the largest alligator sanctuary in south-east Texas, home to more than 450 alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles.
The student’s photos have been better received than another alligator-related stunt from earlier this year. In March, Melody Kliebert posted a gender-reveal video, which showed an alligator biting into a watermelon to show a blue colour and, with that, the news that she was expecting a boy.
The Klieberts run an alligator farm, and countered criticism of the video by saying there were several trained alligator handlers available. The video has had more than 10m views on Facebook since it was first posted.
Link: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/07/texas-student-makenzie-noland-alligator-photo-viral
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Florida’s Dragon Problem
Florida’s Dragon Problem
Huge monitor lizards have invaded the state, and the rest of the U.S. is one unlucky boatload away.
by Ed Yong
It’s also the largest lizard in Florida.
No one knows exactly when the monitor arrived in Florida, but it was first spotted in 1990. It was probably introduced as part of the pet trade. It then either escaped or was released by people who realized much too late that maybe a huge, intelligent, active, predatory lizard doesn’t make a great pet.
Once the monitors were free, events unfolded predictably. These lizards wander over large areas, grow quickly, breed at an early age, and lay up to 60 eggs in a single clutch—so their numbers quickly grew. They love water, and were drawn to the same waterfront properties that attract Florida home-owners. There are now three permanent breeding populations in the state, the largest of which includes more than 1,000 individuals.
To predict what the monitor lizard will do in the future, Stephanie Dowell from Fordham University decided to look at how it behaves in its native home. Together with her supervisor, self-confessed museum geek Evon Hekkala, Dowell sequenced the DNA of dozens of Nile monitors from all over Africa—both freshly caught individuals and those preserved in museum collections.
She found several surprises. A supposedly distinct species called the ornate monitor turned out to be the Nile monitor under a different name. So two lizards became one. But the canonical “Nile monitor” actually comprises three genetically distinct lineages from the west, north, and south of Africa. The western one should count as a distinct species: It separated from the others 7.7 million years ago and its genome differs by up to 9 percent, a far greater gulf than exists between us and chimpanzees. So one lizard became two again.
West Africa Nile monitor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Africa_Nile_monitor
The West Africa Nile monitor (Varanus stellatus) is a cryptic species of Polydaedalus monitor lizard from West Africa
The newly minted West African Nile monitor isn’t just genetically distinct, but also genetically narrow. Based on the similarities between different individuals, Dowell estimated that the lizard’s population crashed between 1,000 and 1,800 years ago. That coincides with the rapid expansion of the ancient Malian city of Djenné-Djenno—a major hub for trans-Saharan trade.Archaeological evidence confirmed that people were indeed catching and trading monitor lizards, probably for food. That’s why the lizard’s numbers plummeted.
Such exploitation continues today. Every year, around 500,000 Nile monitor skins are shipped around the world to be made into shoes, bags, and accessories. Another 10,000 live individuals are exported for the pet trade. And some of them have made their way to Florida.
When Dowell analyzed the DNA of 25 Florida monitors, caught by colleague Todd Campbell,
she found that all of them belong to the West African species. All are
descendants of lizards that had been captured somewhere between Liberia
and Cameroon and shipped across the Atlantic. This happened on at least
three separate occasions, giving rise to populations now living in Cape
Coral, West Palm Beach, and Homestead.
But the other species of Nile monitor is another matter. It can survive through the cold and frosty winters of southern Africa by hibernating. If it got into the U.S., Dowell’s simulations predict that it could make itself comfortable across the eastern and western seaboards, especially if the climate continues to warm.
“If, for example, we decided to crack down on the trade in West Africa, and the exploitation shifted to south Africa, that lineage could spread very quickly,” says Hekkala. “Its invasiveness is much greater. It is so pre-adapted to the North American climate that it could spread almost to Chicago, even without climate change.”
This scenario shows how important it is to stop the lizards from entering the country in the first place. “Once we figure out that a species is here, and there are multiple reports, it’s too late. We need to do a better job screening,” says Steve Johnson from the University of Florida. “We don’t do a good enough job as a state to regulate what’s coming in.”
He’s not wrong. Florida is the world’s number one hub for invasive reptiles and amphibians. It has several ports, a large population of potential pet-owners, and a warm, humid climate. Almost 140 alien species have made their home there, including cane toads, panther chameleons, Burmese pythons, giant tegu lizards, green anacondas, and tentacled snakes.
“Every bit of biological and ecological info we can get about a species in its native range takes us one step closer to coming up with a management strategy to control it in its introduced range,” says Johnson. “I don’t think we’ll ever eradicate Nile monitors from Florida but hopefully we can contain them.” And in the meantime, if you spot one, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission wants you to tell them about it on IveGot1.org (yes, really) or their IveGot1 app. And for pity’s sake, don’t try to capture one.
image:
Source: http://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/04/the-past-and-future-of-floridas-dragon-problem/478905/
WATCH LIVE: Crocodile on Florida beach | Monday, 20 November 2017
WATCH LIVE: Crocodile on Florida beach
Officials are trying to grab a crocodile that has been hanging out on a Hollywood, Florida beach.
Officials are trying to grab a crocodile that has been hanging out on a Hollywood, Florida beach.
CROC ON BEACH: Officials are trying to move a crocodile off the beach in Hollywood, Florida.
Crocodile interrupts beach day in South Florida
Crocodile interrupts beach day in South Florida
WHAT A CROC 🐊
Beachgoers in South Florida are being kept away from the water after 6-foot crocodile was spotted on the beach.
Crocodile at the beach: A crocodile is eluding trappers at Hollywood Beach in Florida. 🐊
Crocodile at the beach: A crocodile is eluding trappers at Hollywood Beach in Florida. 🐊
Crocodile on Hollywood, FL Beach
A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer tries to capture a six-foot crocodile along Hollywood Beach near Johnson Street. After several attempts the crocodile was caught unharmed. The crocodile was first spottted near the Dania Beach pier, drifted south and came ashore near Margaritaville drawing large crowds of onlookers. The American crocodile has federal protection as a threatened species and is likely to be relocated to its natural habitat.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Four men seen frolicking in baited crocodile traps in Australia
‘Idiots of the century’: Four men seen frolicking in baited crocodile traps in Australia
‘Idiots of the century’: Four men seen frolicking in baited crocodile traps in Australia http://ebx.sh/2y4Vc1r
Four men have been dubbed the “idiots of the century” by a local mayor in Queensland, Australia, after Facebook photos showed them swimming into a baited crocodile trap.
“I
was absolutely gobsmacked, this is incredibly stupid and dangerous
behaviour. I’m wondering if these fellows are vying for the idiots of
the year award or the idiots of the century award,” Julia Leu, the mayor
of Douglas Shire, told Australia’s ABC Radio.In the photos, the men are seen swimming around the trap, venturing inside the trap, and even standing on top of it. The trap was set up after a 79-year-old woman with dementia was reportedly taken by a 4.3-metre long crocodile just two weeks ago. That croc was trapped, but the area is a well known habitat for the animals.
Queensland’s environment minister also chimed in, stunned at the men’s stunt.
“Srsly?” Steven Miles tweeted. “The meat we put in these traps is bait. For crocodiles. Don’t swim in them! It’s stupid, and illegal.”
The Queensland government recently introduced fines of more than $15,000 for people who tamper with traps. The men have not been identified, but an investigation has been launched.
Queensland, in Australia’s northeast, has a coastline spanning more than 7,000 kilometres. Its Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and is home to thousands of marine species.
Link: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/world
Monday, September 18, 2017
Journalist for prestigious newspaper gets eaten by crocodile while washing hands
Journalist for prestigious newspaper gets eaten by crocodile while washing hands
A journalist for Financial Times was reportedly eaten by a crocodile
after he strayed away from his friends to wash his hands at a nearby
lagoon in Sri Lanka.
Police said the alleged attack occurred Thursday afternoon after Paul
McClean, 25, separated from friends he was vacationing with and walked
some distance in the lagoon.
McClean, who graduated from Oxford University with an honors degree in
French, was reportedly seen frantically "waving his hands in the air"
before being dragged underwater at a lagoon known as Crocodile Rock, The
Sun reported.
His body was recovered the morning after he went missing in the Panama
lagoon.
The Financial Times, where McClean had been employed since 2015, said on
its website that officials have also told McClean's friends the young
reporter was likely attacked by a crocodile.
The cause of death, however, has yet to be established and a post-mortem
investigation is slated to be conducted Friday.
Friday, July 14, 2017
Saturday, June 17, 2017
American Crocodile illustrated
American Crocodile
American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). #SciArt by Jean Gabriel-Prêtre for Ramón de la Sagra, Histoire Fisica, Politica y Natural de la Isla de Cuba(1855).
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVdjNLLBA_F/
Histoire Fisica, Politica y Natural de la Isla de Cuba(1855).
We almost missed #WorldCrocDay, but fear not...
This lovely rendering of an American Crocodile has saved our biodiversity special day cred!
Thanks to the Peter H. Raven Library at Missouri Botanical Garden (@mobotgarden) for contributing this work.
BHLVerified account @BioDivLibrary
#SciArtFix:
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Saturday, April 15, 2017
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
The BIGGEST Turtle You've EVER seen!
published on Oct 2, 2014
Please SUBSCRIBE NOW! http://bit.ly/BWchannel
Coyote
Peterson comes across turtles where ever he goes, but nothing can
prepare him for a once in a life time encounter with North America's
largest swamp monster, the Alligator Snapping Turtle. If you think
you've seen a big turtle...wait till you get a look at this beast!
The
Alligator Snapping Turtle is the largest fresh water turtle in the
United States and is a species uncommonly seen as far south as the
Everglades. Coyote and the team were lucky enough to encounter one of
these giants on a private wildlife preserve where these turtles are
being protected in what was once their native environment.
Breaking
Trail leaves the map behind and follows adventurer and animal
enthusiast Coyote Peterson and his crew as they explore a variety of
wildlife in the most amazing environments throughout North America!
Watch More Breaking Trail: animalist.com/breakingtrail
Subscribe Now! https://www.youtube.com/user/Breaking...
Find more info at: www.CoyotePeterson.com
Coyote Peterson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/COYOTEPETERSON
Coyote Peterson on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoyotePeterson
Coyote Peterson G+: https://plus.google.com/1003108037546...
Coyote
Peterson comes across turtles where ever he goes, but nothing can
prepare him for a once in a life time encounter with North America's
largest swamp monster, the Alligator Snapping Turtle. If you think
you've seen a big turtle...wait till you get a look at this beast!
The
Alligator Snapping Turtle is the largest fresh water turtle in the
United States and is a species uncommonly seen as far south as the
Everglades. Coyote and the team were lucky enough to encounter one of
these giants on a private wildlife preserve where these turtles are
being protected in what was once their native environment.
Breaking
Trail leaves the map behind and follows adventurer and animal
enthusiast Coyote Peterson and his crew as they explore a variety of
wildlife in the most amazing environments throughout North America!
Watch More Breaking Trail: animalist.com/breakingtrail
Subscribe Now! https://www.youtube.com/user/Breaking...
Find more info at: www.CoyotePeterson.com
Coyote Peterson on Twitter: https://twitter.com/COYOTEPETERSON
Coyote Peterson on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoyotePeterson
Coyote Peterson G+: https://plus.google.com/1003108037546...
Monday, March 6, 2017
Hundreds of alligators gather at Florida watering hole for sunbathing session
Hundreds of alligators gather at Florida watering hole for sunbathing session
The tightly packed group of alligators is so large the predators can even be seen on Google Earth satellite images
TWO hundred alligators were snapped sunbathing at a Florida watering hole by Brit wildlife snapper Lee Dalton.
Lee, 38, of Ardingly, West Sussex said of the scene at Myakka River
State Park: “It was intimidating but incredible. I felt privileged.”
A group of two hundred alligators were snapped at a Florida watering hole
The reptiles are often only seen individually or in small clusters of three or four.
The large gathering at the US sinkhole is said to be so large Google Earth can even pick them up.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Alligator Farm in the 1920s.
.@jenkincheloe @4gottenflapper Ladies posing with friends at the Los Angeles Alligator Farm in the 1920s. What could go wrong?
Monday, February 13, 2017
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Meet Pearl - a rare albino alligator
CHECK
OUT this rare albino alligator who certainly wouldn’t blend into her
surroundings unless there was a thick blanket of snow.
The
stunning pictures and video show the snow-white alligator creep out of
the water and try to snatch a hat after someone teases her by hitting
her on the nose with it.
The seven and a half-foot-long,
105-pound alligator is no slouch and her pink eyes make it hard to see
where she is looking. The incredible images and footage show Pearl, the
resident albino alligator at Gatorland in Orlando.
For the full story visit www.mediadrumworld.com.
To license this video email editorial@mediadrumworld.com.
OUT this rare albino alligator who certainly wouldn’t blend into her
surroundings unless there was a thick blanket of snow.
The
stunning pictures and video show the snow-white alligator creep out of
the water and try to snatch a hat after someone teases her by hitting
her on the nose with it.
The seven and a half-foot-long,
105-pound alligator is no slouch and her pink eyes make it hard to see
where she is looking. The incredible images and footage show Pearl, the
resident albino alligator at Gatorland in Orlando.
For the full story visit www.mediadrumworld.com.
To license this video email editorial@mediadrumworld.com.
Rare albino alligator
Pearl
Pearl, a 10-year-old, 105-pound albino gator, has quickly become the star of Florida park Gatorland for her unpigmented skin and startling pinkish-white eyes.And they sure are a hit with parkgoers.
Just to clarify one more time: this is a real alligator. Not fake.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Giant Alligator Spotted at Florida Nature Preserve
The massive reptile was spotted and caught on video at the Polk Nature Discovery Center in Lakeland, Florida.
Who says Dinosaurs are extinct?”
Giant gator caught strolling through Polk nature center
A giant alligator was caught on camera during a morning stroll at a nature center in Polk County.
The Lakeland Police Department shared the video, taken by Kim Joiner, on
their Facebook page saying, "Who says Dinosaurs are extinct?"
The big daddy gator was strolling through the Circle B Bar Reserve, an area of of protected lands in Polk County.
Alligators are not by any means uncommon in the American South, particularly in Florida, where there about a million of the modern dinosaurs live. Male alligators can grow very large, reaching up to 15 feet and weighing up to 1,000 pounds. Joiner told Florida television station WKMG she believed the one she spotted to be 12 feet long.
Giant gator caught strolling through Polk nature center
A giant alligator was caught on camera during a morning stroll at a nature center in Polk County.
The Lakeland Police Department shared the video, taken by Kim Joiner, on
their Facebook page saying, "Who says Dinosaurs are extinct?"
The big daddy gator was strolling through the Circle B Bar Reserve, an area of of protected lands in Polk County.
Alligators are not by any means uncommon in the American South, particularly in Florida, where there about a million of the modern dinosaurs live. Male alligators can grow very large, reaching up to 15 feet and weighing up to 1,000 pounds. Joiner told Florida television station WKMG she believed the one she spotted to be 12 feet long.
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