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Animal Of The Day Thread!

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Blue whale


With a maximum length of almost 30 metres (98 ft) and a weight up to 199 t, the blue whale is the largest known animal that ever existed. The four recognized subspecies are present in all oceans around the world. Like all kinds of baleen whales their diet almost consists of krills. When these whales vocalizing, they reach a fundamental frequency in a range of 8 Hz to 25 Hz and a volume of 188 dB - louder than an explosion of a jet engine! blue whales are equipped with good ears and hear their songs in a circle of 1600 km, humans in a range of 850 km. It is part of their communication and fitted for propagation of high distances. Their summer feeding areas are located near the poles, while their winter breeding is at grounds near to the tropics. Almost to the point of extinction due to whale hunting, the International Whaling Banning Commision banned all blue whale hunting in 1966, but despite this ban blue whales are according to IUCN's rate 'endangered': ocean noise, ship strikes, climate changes and pollution of the oceans lead to this current conservation status. These marine mammals have a life expectancy around 80-90 years and more. A pair of one light and dark wax of layers indicates a year of life what enables to determine the oldest whale with 110 years.
Original post
by Kallisto

Blue whale

With a maximum length of almost 30 metres (98 ft) and a weight up to 199 t, the blue whale is the largest known animal that ever existed. The four recognized subspecies are present in all oceans around the world. Like all kinds of baleen whales their diet almost consists of krills. When these whales vocalizing, they reach a fundamental frequency in a range of 8 Hz to 25 Hz and a volume of 188 dB - louder than an explosion of a jet engine! blue whales are equipped with good ears and hear their songs in a circle of 1600 km, humans in a range of 850 km. It is part of their communication and fitted for propagation of high distances. Their summer feeding areas are located near the poles, while their winter breeding is at grounds near to the tropics. Almost to the point of extinction due to whale hunting, the International Whaling Banning Commision banned all blue whale hunting in 1966, but despite this ban blue whales are according to IUCN's rate 'endangered': ocean noise, ship strikes, climate changes and pollution of the oceans lead to this current conservation status. These marine mammals have a life expectancy around 80-90 years and more. A pair of one light and dark wax of layers indicates a year of life what enables to determine the oldest whale with 110 years.
Interesting facts.
They're very large and noisy.
We've done about whale hunting in Geography and it is sad.:frown:
Original post
by Geo Lover 7
Interesting facts.
They're very large and noisy.
We've done about whale hunting in Geography and it is sad.:frown:


And because they cause a blue mood, they are called blue whales! - tasteless pun, sorry.

They are noisy, but underwater their songs are filtered. Water molecules don't propagate sound waves as good as air molecules. Otherwise divers are well-adviced to avoid the immediate proximity of whales.


Umbrellabird


The common name distinguishes three species: long-wattled umbrellabird, amazonian umbrellabird and bare-necked umbrellabird (picture above). From Southwestern part of Colombia to Ecuador, Amazon basin, Costa Rica and Panama, they are distributed in South and Central America and two of them are at risk of extinction thanks to habitat loss. Umbrellabirds have a diurnal lifestyle: these birds search for food during the day time and roost at night. They are known for altitudinal migration and goes up and down the mountains and don't cross the land from north to south like typical birds do. In loose aggregations (lekking) male animals gathered to engage in courtship rituals and competition for females and call and extend their wattles to attract them. Their breeding runs from March until early June. Umbrellabirds make their nest far from the ground to protect their eggs from predators well. Females lay a single egg, occasionally two. The incubation lasts a month before the chicks hatches and they leave the nest after a few months.
Requests in what a sense? you can ask questions to the animals I introduce, refer to facts they are wrong or just read the texts publish here. Feel free to do what you like. :smile:
Original post
by Kallisto
Requests in what a sense? you can ask questions to the animals I introduce, refer to facts they are wrong or just read the texts publish here. Feel free to do what you like. :smile:


Can I make a post on elephants, please? 🐘

Or if this only a thread between yourselves, can you make a post on elephants.
Will you just write about elephants in particular or about animals in general, so like I and @DerDracologe do? I don't mind when you want to be a part of our staff to publish texts, you just need Draco's agreement. Send a message to him (her?) and ask for permission. It was originally an idea by two of us.

And of course, I would even agree with guest contribution and label it as such. But distinguish the species, if it is needed (example African elephants and Indian elephants)!

Reply 88

Original post
by Kallisto
Will you just write about elephants in particular or about animals in general, so like I and @DerDracologe do? I don't mind when you want to be a part of our staff to publish texts, you just need Draco's agreement. Send a message to him (her?) and ask for permission. It was originally an idea by two of us.
And of course, I would even agree with guest contribution and label it as such. But distinguish the species, if it is needed (example African elephants and Indian elephants)!

could post on Monday cos thats meant to be one of my days to posts but Im not posting until Tuesday?
Original post
by Kallisto

Umbrellabird

The common name distinguishes three species: long-wattled umbrellabird, amazonian umbrellabird and bare-necked umbrellabird (picture above). From Southwestern part of Colombia to Ecuador, Amazon basin, Costa Rica and Panama, they are distributed in South and Central America and two of them are at risk of extinction thanks to habitat loss. Umbrellabirds have a diurnal lifestyle: these birds search for food during the day time and roost at night. They are known for altitudinal migration and goes up and down the mountains and don't cross the land from north to south like typical birds do. In loose aggregations (lekking) male animals gathered to engage in courtship rituals and competition for females and call and extend their wattles to attract them. Their breeding runs from March until early June. Umbrellabirds make their nest far from the ground to protect their eggs from predators well. Females lay a single egg, occasionally two. The incubation lasts a month before the chicks hatches and they leave the nest after a few months.
Interesting.
Why are they called umbrellabirds?
Original post
by Geo Lover 7
Interesting.
Why are they called umbrellabirds?


I quote the page from mystico park to answer your question:

(...) The umbrellabird gets its name from the large, umbrella-like crest that droops over its beak and head, especially noticeable in males (...)



You can post about an elephant tomorrow, ! just notice:

if there are species with difference in both behaviours and habitats, it is a good idea to separate in different posts instead summarizing to one. My advice to write a text:

- Name their habitat and location on earth.
- Indicate to their behaviour.
- mention to special features.
- Add extraordinary and stunning numbers.
- Refer to conservation status, if adequate to text.

Will you make a contribution tomorrow? have fun. :smile:
Original post
by DerDracologe
@5hyl33n could post on Monday cos thats meant to be one of my days to posts but Im not posting until Tuesday?


Apologies, I didn’t mean to take over your thread - elephants just really fascinate me! :blushing:

Original post
by Kallisto
You can post about an elephant tomorrow, @5hyl33n! just notice:

if there are species with difference in both behaviours and habitats, it is a good idea to separate in different posts instead summarizing to one. My advice to write a text:

- Name their habitat and location on earth.
- Indicate to their behaviour.
- mention to special features.
- Add extraordinary and stunning numbers.
- Refer to conservation status, if adequate to text.

Will you make a contribution tomorrow? have fun. :smile:

Perfect structure. I will follow it. :yep:

Reply 92

You’re not! Sorry if it came across that way! I haven’t been posting on here for a little while but plan to start again on Tuesday. Usually id post Monday, Tuesday and Thursday so as no-one will post tomorrow its actually a great coincidence you want to post about elephants!
Original post
by DerDracologe
You’re not! Sorry if it came across that way! I haven’t been posting on here for a little while but plan to start again on Tuesday. Usually id post Monday, Tuesday and Thursday so as no-one will post tomorrow its actually a great coincidence you want to post about elephants!


Oh, no, it didn't come across that way. :hugs:

I'm glad to be of service. :hat2:

Reply 94

Original post
by Kallisto

Umbrellabird

The common name distinguishes three species: long-wattled umbrellabird, amazonian umbrellabird and bare-necked umbrellabird (picture above). From Southwestern part of Colombia to Ecuador, Amazon basin, Costa Rica and Panama, they are distributed in South and Central America and two of them are at risk of extinction thanks to habitat loss. Umbrellabirds have a diurnal lifestyle: these birds search for food during the day time and roost at night. They are known for altitudinal migration and goes up and down the mountains and don't cross the land from north to south like typical birds do. In loose aggregations (lekking) male animals gathered to engage in courtship rituals and competition for females and call and extend their wattles to attract them. Their breeding runs from March until early June. Umbrellabirds make their nest far from the ground to protect their eggs from predators well. Females lay a single egg, occasionally two. The incubation lasts a month before the chicks hatches and they leave the nest after a few months.

Interesting facts :yep: I really like the bird's name, as well as how it looks! :flower2:

Thanks for introducing me to this thread @Kallisto :h:
I am glad to read your text to an elephant, if it comes true today. :yes: Don't feel to be forced to write an article.
Original post
by SilentPrincess13
Interesting facts :yep: I really like the bird's name, as well as how it looks! :flower2:
Thanks for introducing me to this thread @Kallisto :h:
Hope your final exam goes/has gone well!:jumphug:

Reply 97

Original post
by Geo Lover 7
Hope your final exam goes/has gone well!:jumphug:

It did! Thank you :jive:


Spoiler

Original post
by SilentPrincess13
It did! Thank you :jive:

Spoiler

Great to hear!

Image 16-06-2025 at 11.39.jpeg


ELEPHANTS


There are three living species currently recognised: African Bush Elephant, Asian Elephant and the African Forest Elephant.

For the purposes of this post, I will discuss each species in turn...

African Bush Elephant


African bush elephants are found in a variety of habitats such as open and wooded savannas, deserts and forests. The largest populations are in Southern and Eastern African countries.
The African bush elephant is the largest and heaviest living land animal. In terms of special features, they have a massive body covered in thick, wrinkled skin. They also have a large, fan-shaped ears that help it stay cool in hot environments, and a long, flexible trunk used for breathing, smelling, touching/grasping, and making sounds. Both males and females have long, curved tusks made of ivory, which they use for digging, stripping bark, and defence. Their long, thick legs are ideal to support its great weight, and they have a relatively thin tail with a tuft of coarse hair at the end, used to swat away insects.
The African bush elephant is a highly social and intelligent animal. However, females and young stay together, while males leave to live alone or in small groups. They communicate using sounds, body language, and deep rumbles that travel long distances. Elephants form strong bonds, show empathy, and can remember key locations for years. They spend much of their time foraging.
The African bush elephant is currently classified as endangered, primarily due to poaching and habitat loss.

Asian Elephant


Asian elephants are found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
The Asian elephant is the largest living land animal in India. Their skin is grey to dark grey, often with patches of pink pigmentation, especially on the ears, trunk, and face. Only some males have tusks, while most females have small or no visible tusks, called tushes. They have smaller, rounded ears that do not cover their shoulders, which helps reduce heat loss in forested environments. Their trunk has a single finger-like projection at the tip and their back is arched.
Asian elephants are highly social and intelligent animals. However, females and young stay together, while males live alone. They spend much of their time feeding, bathing, and resting, and they play a key role in shaping their environment by dispersing seeds and creating clearings in forests.
The Asian elephant is currently classified as endangered, primarily due to poaching and habitat loss.

African Forest Elephant


African forest elephants are found in humid tropical forests in West Africa and the Congo Basins.
It is the smallest of the three living elephant species. African forest elephants have smaller, more rounded ears, helping them navigate dense forest environments. Their trunks are narrower and straighter, and their tusks are thinner, straighter, and tend to point downward, often showing a pinkish tint. Their skin is usually darker and smoother, which may offer protection in humid rainforest conditions. With slimmer bodies and shorter legs, they are well adapted for moving quietly and efficiently through thick vegetation.
African forest elephants are quiet, gentle, secretive animals. They are also known as important seed dispersers and play a vital role in maintaining the health and diversity of tropical rainforests.
The African forest elephant is currently classified as endangered, primarily due to poaching and habitat loss.

General Fun Facts:


Elephants have the longest pregnancy of any mammal (up to 22 months).
Despite their size, elephants walk quietly due to their soft, cushion-like pads on their feet that absorb sound and pressure.
Elephant herds are led by the oldest and most experienced female.
Elephants grow 6 sets of molars in their lifetime. When the final set wears out, they can no longer chew, which often leads to natural death in the wild.
An adult elephant can eat up to 300 kg of food and drink up to 50 gallons of water every day.


I have met two Asian elephants (male and female) so feel free to AMA about my experience in detail.
(edited 6 months ago)

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