ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Lilac breasted roller (Coracias caudatus)

Found in the grassland and open woods of Eastern and Southern Africa, lilac breasted rollers get their name from their courtship displays- a fast, shallow dive from high elevation with a rolling or rocking motion. They nest in natural tree holes and eat ins...ects and small amphibians. They are a 'least concern' species.

 

 

ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Matamata turtle (Chelus fimbriatus)

A fresh-water turtle found in South America. Mata mata translates as 'I kill, I kill'. They are excellent at camouflage and wait patiently for prey to approach whereby it quickly opens its jaws and thrust at the prey which 'sucks' the prey in. Females are bigger than males.

ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

A type of Mexican mole salamander, larvae fail to undergo the metamorphosis stage of transformation and so retain juvenile characteristics (known as 'neoteny'). They are used extensively in scientific research as they are able to regenerate body parts. It is only native to Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in central Mexico, although Lake Chalco no longer exists as it was artificially drained to avoid flooding. They are critically endangered in the wild and are protected by the Government of Mexico. They are kept as pets all over the world.

ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Lyre head lizard (Lyriocephalus scutatus)

A striking reptile endemic to montane forests of Sri Lanka. They are slow moving, arboreal lizards that, in captivity, favour a meal of earthworms. Males are territorial and they are listed as Near Threatened. Their main threats are extensive deforestation and the pet industry

My leaving party

So I had my leaving party in Covent Garden, London last night and came to realise what I'm leaving behind. I trully have the most wonderful, loyal and fantastic friends. They turned up from all over the country to offer me a fond farewell (maybe they're just keen to get rid of me?!) to we pretty much took over the bar for the night! I often don't think I realise what a fortunate person I am to have so many brilliant people in my life from so many different experiences- college, university, travelling. I hope I can find some more wonderful people to class as friends when I move over to Perth in a few days, but I hope I'll never leave behind all the awesome people I already have in my life.

ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius)

ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius)

Secretary birds are mostly terrestrial (meaning they live on the ground) and are found in the grasslands and savannah of the sub-Sahara, Africa. They mate in monogamous pairs and, unlike most birds of prey, they hunt on foot. Prey is eitherchased and struck with the beak or stamped on until unconcious and there have even been reports of Secretary birds killing young gazelle. They are classed as 'Least Concern'.

ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta)

ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta)

Spotted hyenas live in large matriarchal clans (meaning it's the females in charge!) and are a carnivorous mammal found in Africa. Although widely believed to be scavengers, they are skilled hunters. Females are larger than males and possess a 'psuedo-penis' which is actually an enlarged clitorus through which they give birth.

A Ground Hornbill and impala in Kruger this summer.

A Ground Hornbill and impala in Kruger this summer :)

ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Hawaiian Happy-Face Spider (Theridion grallator)

ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Hawaiian Happy-Face Spider (Theridion grallator)

A tiny spider (approxiamtely 5mm long) endemic to Hawaii. Markings differ from island to island and some even have no markings at all. They live on the underside of leaves where they build delicate webs.

ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Mahogany glider (Petaurus gracilis)

ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Mahogany glider (Petaurus gracilis)

The mahogany glider is a nocturnal marsupial endemic to Queensland, Australia. They feed on nectar and pollen and it gets its name from its mahogany coloured belly and gliding membrane. They are listed as endangered and, though similar to other gliders, it is considerably larger.