Asiatic LionFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, searchAsiatic Lion

Male

Female (Lioness)

Conservation status

Critically Endangered (IUCN 3.1)[1]

Scientific classificationKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: MammaliaOrder: CarnivoraFamily: FelidaeGenus: PantheraSpecies: P. leoSubspecies: P. l. persica

Trinomial namePanthera leo persica

Meyer, 1826

Current distribution of the Asiatic Lion in the wild

Synonyms

Leo leo goojratensis (India)Leo leo persicus (Persia)

The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is a subspecies of the lion which survives today only in the Gir Forest of Gujarat, India where it is also known as the Indian lion or Persian lion.[2][3] In 2005, the Gujarat government reported that 359 Asiatic lions were sighted in the Gir forest.[4]

The Asiatic lions once ranged from the Mediterranean to the north-eastern parts of the Indian subcontinent, but excessive hunting, water pollution and decline in natural prey reduced their habitat.[5] Historically, Asiatic lions were classified into three kinds – Bengal, Arabian and Persian lions.[6] Asiatic lion are smaller and less aggressive than their African counterparts.

Contents[hide]

1 Biology and behavior 2 Status 3 Inbreeding concerns

o 3.1 Threats to the subspecies o 3.2 Genetic hybridization of captive Asiatic lions and African lions

4 Reintroduction 5 Asiatic Lions in Europe and Southwest Asia 6 The Barbary Lion 7 Asiatic Lion in Culture 8 See also 9 References

o 9.1 Cited references 10 Other references

11 External links

[edit] Biology and behavior

Panthera leo persica, sketch by A.M Kamarov (1826)

Asiatic lions are similar to African forms, though they have less swollen tympanic bullae, shorter postorbital constriction, and usually have divided infraorbital foramen. The colour ranges from reddish-brown to a highly mottled black to sandy cinnamon grey.[7]

Their size corresponds to that of central African lions. In adult males, the maximum skull length is 330-340 mm, while that of females is 266-277 mm.[7] They reach a weight of 160-190 Kg. (n=4) for the males and 110-120 Kg. (n=2) for the females.[8] The scientific record for the longest male is of 292 cm,[9] while the maximum height to the shoulders reported is of 107 cm.[10] The Captain Smee hunted a male of 268 cm long, which weight 222.3 kg, excluding the entrails.[11] The largest known wild male, in the hunting records, was exactly 3 m (9.9 ft) in length.[12]

Asian lions are highly social animals, living in units called prides. Asiatic lion prides are smaller than those of African lions, with an average of only two females, whereas an African pride has an average of four to six. The Asian males are less social and only associate with the pride when mating or on a large kill. It has been suggested that this may be because their prey animals are smaller than those in Africa, requiring fewer hunters to tackle them.[13] Asiatic lions prey predominantly on deer (sambar & chital), antelope (nilgai), gazelle (chinkara), wild boar, and livestock.

[edit] StatusThe Gir Forest National Park of western India has about 359 lions (as of April 2006) which live in a 1,412 km² (558 square miles) sanctuary covered with scrub and open deciduous forest habitats. The population in 1907 was believed to consist of only 13 lions when the Nawab of Junagadh gave them complete protection. This figure however is highly controversial because the first census of lions in the Gir that was conducted in 1936 yielded a result of 234 animals.

The Bengal Tiger, along with the Indian leopard, until about 150 to 200 years ago shared most of the habitat where Asiatic Lion was found in large parts of west and central India along with the Asiatic Cheetah, now locally extinct in India. However, Asiatic Cheetahs preferred open grasslands more and Asiatic Lions prefer open forests interspersed with grasslands, also home to tigers and leopards. The Bengal Tiger and Asiatic lion might have competed with each other in for food and territory.

These Indian big cats lost most of their open jungle and grassland habitat in India to the rising human population which almost completely converted their entire habitat in the plains of India into farmland. They frequently became targets of local and British colonial hunters.

[edit] Inbreeding concernsThe wild population, said to be about 350 Asiatic Lions, is thought to be derived from just 13 individuals and thus was widely thought to be highly inbred. Many studies have reported that the inbred populations could be susceptible to diseases due to weakening immune system, and their sperm were deformed leading to infertility. In earlier studies Stephen O'Brien, a geneticist, had suggested that "If you do a DNA fingerprint, Asiatic lions actually would look like identical twins... because they descend from as few as a dozen individuals that was all left at the turn of the 20th century."[14] This makes them especially vulnerable to diseases, and causes 70% to 80% of sperm to be deformed — a ratio that can lead to infertility when lions are further inbred in captivity.

A subsequent study suggested that the low genetic variability may have been a feature of the original population and not a result of inbreeding in recent times. They also show that the variability in immunotypes is close to that of the tiger population and that there are no spermatazoal abnormalities in the current population of Asiatic Lions.[15][16] The results of the study have been questioned due the use of RAPD techniques which are unsuitable for population genetics research.[17]

The population figure of 13 Asiatic lions at the turn of 1900s is inaccurate according to some reports and is said to have been publicized to discourage hunting. Census data from that time indicates that the population was closer to 100.[18] Hunting of lions was a popular sport with the British Colonialists and Indian Royalty, and all other lions in India had been exterminated by then.

[edit] Threats to the subspecies

Lions are poisoned for attacking livestock. Some of the other major threats include floods, fires and epidemics. Their restricted range makes them especially vulnerable.

Nearly 15,000 to 20,000 open wells dug by farmers in the area for irrigation have also acted as traps with many lions drowning. Suggestions for walls around the wells as well as the use of "Drilled Tube wells" have been made.

Farmers on the periphery of the Gir Forest frequently use crude and illegal electrical fences by powering them with high voltage overhead power lines. These are usually intended to protect their crops from Nilgai but lions and other wildlife are also killed.

The biggest threat faced by the Gir Forest is the presence of Maldharis.[citation needed] These communities are vegetarian and do not indulge in poaching because they are basically pasturalists, with an average of 50 cattle (mainly "Gir Cow") per family. The areas

around Maldhari settlements, nesses, are overgrazed. This habitat destruction by the cattle and the firewood requirements of the populace reduces the natural prey base and endangers the lions. The lions are in turn forced by the lack of natural prey to shift to killing cattle and are in turn targeted by the people. Many Maldharis had been relocated outside the park by the forestry to allow the lions a more natural surrounding and more natural prey.

[edit] Genetic hybridization of captive Asiatic lions and African lions

Native captive Asiatic Lions in Indian zoos until recently were interbred with African Lions confiscated from circuses. Once discovered, this led to the complete shut down of the European (EEP) and the American endangered species registered breeding programs (SSP) for Asiatic Lions as the founder animals originally imported from India were ascertained to be intraspecific hybrids of African and Asian lions. Since then India has corrected its mistake and now breeds only pure native Asiatic Lions, and has helped revive the European endangered species registered breeding program (EEP) for Asiatic Lions. However, the American SSP which completely shut down in early 1980s has yet to receive pure bred Asiatic Lions from India to form a new founder population for breeding in zoos on the American continent.[17][19][20][21]

[edit] Reintroduction

The habitat of the Asiatic lion is very smallMain articles: Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project and Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary

Work has been going on over the past decade to establish the world's second completely removed population of the wild free ranging Asiatic Lions. Wildlife Institute of India researchers confirmed that the Palpur-Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary is the most promising location to re-establish a free ranging population of the Asiatic lions and certified it ready to receive its first batch of translocated lions[22] from Gir Wildlife Sanctuary where they are highly overpopulated. Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary was selected as the reintroduction site for critically endangered Asiatic lion because it is in the former range of the lions before it was hunted into extinction in about 1873.[23].

[edit] Asiatic Lions in Europe and Southwest AsiaLions were once found in Europe. Aristotle and Herodotus wrote that lions were found in the Balkans. When King Xerxes of Persia advanced through Macedon in 480 BC, several of his baggage camels were killed by lions. Lions are believed to have died out within the borders of present-day Greece around AD 80-100. The Nemean Lion from Greek Mythology is widely associated with depictions of Heraklis/Hercules in Greek Mythological art.

The European population is sometimes considered part of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) group, but others consider it a separate subspecies, the European lion (Panthera leo europaea) or a last remnant of the Cave lion (Panthera leo spelaea).

Lions were found in the Caucasus until the 10th century. This was the northernmost population of lions and the only place in the former Soviet Union's territory that lions lived in historic times. These lions became extinct in Armenia around the year 100 and in Azerbaijan and southwest Russia during the 10th century. The region was also inhabited by the Caspian Tiger and the Persian Leopard apart from Asiatic Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) introduced by Armenian princes for hunting. The last tiger was shot in 1932 near Prishib village in Talis, Azerbaijan Republic. The principal reasons for the disappearance of these cats was their extermination as predators. The prey for large cats in the region included the wisent, elk, aurochs, tarpan, deer and other ungulates.

Lions remained widespread elsewhere until the mid-19th century when the advent of firearms led to its extinction over large areas. The last sighting of a live Asiatic Lion in Iran was in 1941 (between Shiraz and Jahrom, Fars province). In 1944, the corpse of a lioness was found on the banks of Karun river, Khuzestan province, Iran. There are no subsequent reliable reports from Iran.[24] By the late 19th century the lion had disappeared from Turkey.[25][26]

[edit] The Barbary LionMain article: Barbary Lion

In 1968, a study of the skulls of the extinct Barbary (North African), extinct Cape, Asiatic, and African lions showed the same skull characteristics - the very narrow bar - that existed in the Barbary and Asiatic lion skulls.[citation needed] This shows that there may have been a close relationship between the lions from Northernmost Africa and Asia. It is also believed that the South European lion that became extinct around AD 80-100, could have represented the connecting link between the North African and Asiatic lions. It is believed that Barbary lions possessed the same belly fold (hidden under their manes) that are seen in the Asian lions today. Some Barbary lions may have been bred with the North African subspecies of Asiatic lion, thus producing hybrids that are bigger or smaller than their parents.

[edit] Asiatic Lion in CultureFor more details on this topic, see Cultural depictions of lions.

"Bharat Mata" ("Mother India"), National personification of India, depicted with an Asiatic / Indian lion at her side

This is the famous original sandstone sculpted Lion Capital of Ashoka preserved at Sarnath Museum which was originally erected around 250 BCE atop an Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath. The angle from which this picture has been taken, minus the inverted bell-shaped lotus flower, has been adopted as the National Emblem of India showing the Horse on the left and the Bull on the right of the Ashoka Chakra in the circular base on which the four Indian / Asiatic lions are standing back to back. On the far side there is an Elephant and a Lion instead. The wheel "Ashoka Chakra" from its base has been placed onto the center of the National Flag of India.

Found famously on numerous Flags and Coat of Arms all across Asia and Europe, the Asiatic Lions also stand firm on the National Emblem of India.

Narasimha ("man-lion") (also spelt as Narasingh, Narasinga) is described as an incarnation (avatara) of Vishnu within the Puranic texts of Hinduism and is worshiped as "Lion God" thus Indian or Asiatic Lions which were commonly found throughout most of India in ancient times are considered sacred by all Hindus in India.

Singh is an ancient Indian vedic name meaning "Lion" (Asiatic Lion), dating back over 2000 years to ancient India. It was originally only used by Rajputs a Hindu Kshatriya or military caste in India since the 7th Century. After the birth of the Khalsa brotherhood in 1699, the Sikhs also adopted the name "Singh" due to the wishes of Guru Gobind Singh. Along with millions of Hindu Rajputs today, it is also used by up to 10 million Sikhs worldwide.[27][28]

"Singhāsana (lit., seat of a lion)" is the traditional Sanskrit name for the throne of a Hindu kingdom in India since antiquity.

The island nation of Singapore (Singapura) derives its name from the Malay words singa (lion) and pura (city), which in turn is from the Sanskrit ि�ंसह siṃha and पुर pura.[29] According to the Malay Annals, this name was given by a 14th

century Sumatran Malay prince named Sang Nila Utama, who, on alighting the island after a thunderstorm, spotted an auspicious beast on shore that his chief minister identified as a lion (Asiatic Lion).[30] Recent studies of Singapore indicate that lions have never lived there, and the beast seen by Sang Nila Utama was likely a tiger.

The Asiatic lion makes repeated appearances in the Bible, most notably as having fought Samson in the Book of Judges.

The Asiatic lion is the basis of the lion dances that form part of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations, and of similar customs in other Asian countries.

Chinese guardian lions : Interestingly, the lion is not indigenous to China however Asiatic lions were quite common in neighboring India then. These Asiatic lions[31] found in nearby India are the ones depicted in the Chinese culture. When Buddhist priests, or possibly traders, brought stories to China about stone Asiatic / Indian lions guarding the entry to Indian Buddhist temples, Chinese sculptors modeled statues after native dogs for use outside their temples as nobody in China had ever seen a real lion before. The mythic version of the animal, was known as the Lion of Fo, the word Fo 佛 being Chinese for Buddha. The Mandarin pronunciation of the word for lion is "Shi" derives from the Cantonese "Si" which is a shortened form adopted from their Sanskrit name "Sinh" in the neighboring India. The Buddhist version of the Lion was originally introduced to Han China as the protector of dharma and these lions have been found in religious art as early as 208 BC. Gradually they were incorporated as guardians of the Chinese Imperial dharm. Lions seemed appropriate regal beasts to guard the emperor's gates and have been used as such since.

A page from Kelileh o Demneh dated 1429, from Herat, a Persian translation of the ancient Indian Panchatantra (These tales depict characters based on local wild animals from the Jungles of India including the Asiatic / Indian lion) derived from the Arabic version — Kalila wa Dimna — depicts the manipulative jackal-vizier, Dimna, trying to lead his lion-king into war.

Romanesque capital showing Samson and the lion (13th cent.).

[edit] See also Lion Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden , Junagadh Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project Reintroduction in-situ conservation Wildlife conservation Ex-situ conservation Extinction National Emblem of India Narasimha ("man-lion") (also spelt as Narasingh, Narasinga) is described as an

incarnation (avatara) of Vishnu within the Puranic texts of Hinduism and is worshiped as "Lion God" thus Indian or Asiatic Lions which were commonly found throughout most of India in ancient times are considered sacred by all Hindus in India.

Singh

[edit] References

[edit] Cited references

1. ̂ Cat Specialist Group (2000). Panthera leo persica. 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2007. Retrieved on 12 August 2008. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of Critically endangerd

2. ̂ Biodiversity and its conservation in India - By Sharad Singh Negi 3. ̂ Big cats - By Tom Brakefield, Alan Shoemaker 4. ̂ Highest-ever lion count at 359 in Gir sanctuary 5. ̂ Indian wildlife - By Budh Dev Sharma, Tej Kumari 6. ̂ The English Cyclopaedia - edited by Charles Knight 7. ^ a b V.G Heptner & A.A. Sludskii. Mammals of the Soviet Union, Volume II, Part

2. ISBN 9004088768.

8. ̂ Nowell K, Jackson P (1996). "Panthera Leo" (PDF). Wild Cats: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN/SSC Cat hi ialist Group. pp. 17–21. ISBN 2-8317-0045-0. http://carnivoractionplans1.free.fr/wildcats.pdf.

9. ̂ Idem 10. ̂ Sterndale, R. A. 1884. Natural History of the Mammalia of India and Ceylon.

Thacker, Spink and Co., Calcutta, 540 pp. (See No. 200. Felis leo).[1] 11. ̂ Idem 12. ̂ Wood, The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats. Sterling Pub Co Inc

(1983), ISBN 978-0851122359 13. ̂ Asiatic lion 14. ̂ National Geographic feature 15. ̂ Shivaji,S. , D. Jayaprakash and Suresh B. Patil (1998) Assessment of inbreeding

depression in big cats: Testosterone levels and semen analysis. Current science. 75(9):23-30 [2]

16. ̂ Central Zoo Authority of India (CZA), Government of India 17. ^ a b authors? (1997) "Indians Look At Their Big Cats' Genes", Science, 278: 807

DOI: 10.1126/science.278.5339.807b 18. ̂ The Asiatic Lion Information Centre Accessed January 2007 19. ̂ Pattabhiraman Shankaranarayanan* and Lalji Singh* year? Mitochondrial DNA

sequence divergence among big cats and their hybrids journal? 20. ̂ G.S. Mudur (2004) BEASTLY TALES The Telegraph, Calcutta, India.

Published December 26

African-Asian lion problems were first spotted in the US. It’s the price you pay for playing God. After toying with lion-breeding programmes for years, zoo officials in India are staring at a man-made evolutionary disaster.

21. ̂ S.J. O’Brien et al. (1987) "Evidence for African Origins of the Founders of the Asiatic Lion SSP" Zoo Biology.

The report’s authors used genetic tests to compare the wild population in Gir with those in captivity. They conclude that the captive population was not pure Asiatic. As a result of the O’Brien report the SSP was discontinued. Asiatic Lion Information Centre Accessed on September 19, 2007

22. ̂ Preparations for the reintroduction of Asiatic lion Panthera leo persica into Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, India by A.J.T. Johnsingh, S.P. Goyal, Qamar Qureshi; Cambridge Journals Online; Oryx (2007), 41: 93-96 Cambridge University Press; Copyright © 2007 Fauna & Flora International; doi:10.1017/S0030605307001512; Published online by Cambridge University Press 05Mar2007

23. ̂ Ravi Chellam and A.J.T. Johnsingh (1999), Translocating Asiatic Lions, India RE-INTRODUCTION NEWS No. 18, Page 11

24. ̂ Guggisberg, C.A.W. (1961). Simba: The Life of the Lion. Howard Timmins, Cape Town.

25. ̂ Ustay, A.H. (1990). Hunting in Turkey. BBA, Istanbul.

26. ̂ Asiatic Lion Information Centre. 2001 Past and present distribution of the lion in North Africa and Southwest Asia. Downloaded on 1 June 2006 from [3]

27. ̂ Dr. McCleod, Head of Sikh Studies, Department of South Asian Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

28. ̂ Khushwant Singh, A History of the Sikhs, Volume I 29. ̂ "Singapore". bartleby.com. http://www.bartleby.com/61/46/S0424600.html.

Retrieved on 2006-04-14. 30. ̂ "Early History". Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts,

Singapore. http://www.sg/explore/history.htm. Retrieved on 2006-04-14. 31. ̂ Where does the Lion come from in ancient Chinese culture? Celebrating with

the Lion Dance by B. N. Goswamy, October 6, 2002, The Tribune Newspaper, Chandigarh, India

[edit] Other references Cat Specialist Group (2000). Panthera leo ssp. persica. 2006 IUCN Red List of

Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this subspecies is critically endangered

S.M.Nair (English edition); Translated by O. Henry Francis (1999). Endangered Animals of India and their conservation (In Tamil). National Book Trust.

Kaushik, H. 2005. Wire fences death traps for big cats. Times of India, Thursday, October 27, 2005.

Nowell, K. and Jackson, P. (compilers and editors) (1996). Wild Cats. Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.

Chellam, Ravi, and A. J. T. Johnsingh. "Management of Asiatic Lions in the Gir Forest, India" Symp. Zool. Soc. Lond. (1993), No. 65, 409-424.

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Panthera leo persica

Wikispecies has information related to: Panthera leo persica Asiatic Lion Information Centre (Includes an informative "News" section) Asiatic Lion Protection Society (ALPS), Gujarat, India Lion (Panthera leo) from “ARKive images of life on Earth” website] Panthera leo (lion) from “Animal Diversity Web”] "Vanishing Herds Foundation (VHF), India" comes to the rescue of Asiatic Lion Asiatic lions in online video (3 videos)

Asian Black BearFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

  (Redirected from Asiatic Black Bear)Jump to: navigation, search

Asian Black Bear

Conservation status

Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)[1]

Scientific classificationKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: MammaliaOrder: CarnivoraFamily: UrsidaeGenus: UrsusSpecies: U. thibetanus

Binomial nameUrsus thibetanus

(G. Cuvier, 1823)

Asian Black Bear range

Synonyms Selenarctos thibetanus

The Asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus or Selenarctos thibetanus), also known as the Asiatic Black Bear, Tibetan black bear, the Himalayan black bear, or the Moon bear, is an Asiatic species of medium sized bear with a distinctive white or cream "V" marking on its chest. It is a close relative of the American black bear, with which it is thought to share a European common ancestor.[2]

Contents[hide]

1 Physical characteristics 2 Range and habitat 3 Diet 4 Behavior 5 Status 6 Subspecies 7 See also 8 References

9 External links

[edit] Physical characteristicsThe Asian black bear is intermediate in size between the sloth bear and the sun bear. It grows to approximately 130 to 190 cm (4¼ to 6¼ ft) in length. Males weigh between 100 and 218 kg (220 to 480 lb) and females weigh between 50 to 125 kg (110 to 275 lb).[3] The tail is 4.4 inches long.[4] Its neck is remarkably thick and its ears large for its size. The claws however are comparatively weak.[5]

[edit] Range and habitatThe Asian Black Bear has a wide distribution range spanning from the east to west of the Asian continent. This bear can be found in the forests of hilly and mountainous areas in East Asia and South Asia, including South Korea, North Korea, Iran. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, southern Siberia in Russia, northeastern China, Taiwan, and Japan. It can be found in areas with elevations as high as 4,700 m (13,776 ft), but in lower lands as well. In

some parts of its range, the Asian Black Bear shares its habitat with the larger and stronger Brown Bear (Ursus arctos). However, the smaller black bear has an advantage over its competitor: its climbing skills which help it reach for fruit and nuts in the trees. Asian Black Bears share Giant Panda habitat in China's Wolong Reserve, where they feed occasionally, among other things, on bamboo, which is their more specialized relatives' favorite food. The subspecies of the Asian Black Bear that is found in Taiwan is the Formosan Black Bear (U. thibetanus formosanus).

[edit] DietThe Asian Black Bear is an omnivore which consumes a great variety of foods and are opportunistic and seasonal in diet. In fall, they fatten themselves on acorns, chestnuts, walnuts, and other fat-rich resources. They climb trees to get these foods, as well as picking them from the forest floor. In the spring, new plant growth provides a bounty for the bears, which seek out bamboo, raspberry, hydrangea, and other plants. They also raid rodents' caches of acorns or collect those left on the forest floor from the previous fall, and may also eat the rodents on the rare occasion of catching them. Other plants offer food in summer, including raspberries, cherries, and grasses. Insect food, especially ants, augments the summer diet. Asian Black Bears will eat carrion, and sometimes attack livestock. Vertebrates, mostly small, are taken when available, including fish, birds, rodents and other mammals.[3] The Asian Black Bear is thought to be somewhat more carnivorous than its American cousin. Nevertheless, meat only makes up a small part of its diet.

[edit] BehaviorThis bear has been known to be quite aggressive towards human beings (more so than the American Black Bear); there have been numerous records of bear attacks and killings. This is probably mainly because the Asian Black Bear is more likely to come into contact with people, and will often attack if startled. Due to their size and disposition, adult bears have few natural enemies, although they may comprise up to 7% of the prey taken by Siberian tigers where the two are sympatric.[6] Black bears are not preyed upon by tigers as frequently as brown bears, due to their ability to escape danger by rapidly climbing trees.[7]

[edit] StatusListed as vulnerable on the World Conservation Union's (IUCN's) Red List of Threatened Animals. It is threatened mainly by deforestation and habitat loss. The bears are also killed by farmers due to the threat they pose to livestock, and they are also unpopular for their habit of stripping bark from valuable timber trees.

Asian Black Bears are also threatened by hunting, especially for their gall bladders to obtain bile, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Since China outlawed the poaching of native bears in the 1980s, bear bile has been supplied to Chinese consumers

by special farms, where the bears are kept constantly caged and restrained while catheters inserted in their gall bladders allow bile to drip into a container and be collected. Supporters of this practice contend that, without these farms, the demand for bear bile would create a tremendous incentive for poaching and put the already endangered species at even greater risk. Critics, however, assert that the practice is patently cruel and inhumane, and that synthetic bear bile, ursodeoxycholic acid, is just as medicinally effective as real bear bile, and in fact much cheaper.

[edit] Subspecies Formosan Black Bear , Ursus thibetanus formosanus Swinhoe, 1864, or

Selenarctos thibetanus formosanus - in Taiwan Baluchistan Bear, Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus Blanford, 1877, or Selenarctos

thibetanus gedrosianus - in Iran and Pakistan Japanese Black Bear ,Ursus thibetanus japonicus Schlegel, 1857, or Selenarctos

thibetanus japonica - in Japan Ursus thibetanus laniger (Pocock, 1932), or Selenarctos thibetanus laniger - in

Afghanistan and southeast Iran and southern China Ursus thibetanus mupinensis (Heude, 1901), or Selenarctos thibetanus mupinensis

- in southwestern China Ursus thibetanus thibetanus Cuvier, 1823, or Selenarctos thibetanus thibetanus -

in Himalaya and Indochina Ursus thibetanus ussuricus (Heude, 1901), or Selenarctos thibetanus

ussuricus[verification needed] - in Southern Siberia, northeastern China and Korean peninsula

[edit] See also Bile bear Asian Black Bears in Russia: wild bears, illegal trade, restoration of winter

denning-trees, prevention of conflicts between bears and beekeepers, and other [8]

[edit] References1. ̂ Garshelis, D.L. & Steinmetz, R. (2008). Ursus thibetanus. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened

Species. IUCN 2008. Retrieved on 27 January 2009. Listed as Vulnerable (VU A1cd v2.3) 2. ̂ Macdonald, David (1984). The Encyclopedia of Mammals: 1. pp. 446. ISBN 0-04-500028-x.

http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Mammals-David-W-Macdonald/dp/0871968711. 3. ^ a b http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/ZooGoer/1999/2/fact-asiaticblack.cfm 4. ̂ Brown, Gary (1996). Great Bear Almanac. pp. 340. ISBN 1558214747. 5. ̂ The Penny Cyclopædia of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge By Society for the

Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (Great Britain) Published by C. Knight, 1835 6. ̂ islav Mazak: Der Tiger. Nachdruck der 3. Auflage von 1983. Westarp Wissenschaften

Hohenwarsleben, 2004 ISBN 3 894327596 7. ̂ V.G Heptner & A.A. Sludskii. Mammals of the Soviet Union, Volume II, Part 2. ISBN 9004088768. 8. ̂ www.geocities.com/new_jalsomino

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ursus_thibetanus

Wikispecies has information related to: Ursus_thibetanus Hunter becomes hunted: Poacher mauled by endangered bear ARKive - images and movies of the Asian black bear

Indian RhinocerosFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Indian Rhinoceros[1]

Indian rhinoceros (from left to right: infant male, adult female, and juvenile female)

Conservation status

Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)[2]

Scientific classificationKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: Chordata

Class: MammaliaOrder: PerissodactylaFamily: RhinocerotidaeGenus: RhinocerosSpecies: R. unicornis

Binomial nameRhinoceros unicornis

Linnaeus, 1758

Indian Rhinoceros range

The Indian Rhinoceros or the Great One-horned Rhinoceros or the Asian One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is a large mammal primarily found in Pakistan, north-eastern India, Nepal and parts of Bhutan. It is confined to the tall grasslands and forests in the foothills of the Himalayas.

The Indian Rhinoceros once ranged throughout the entire stretch of the Indo-Gangetic Plain but excessive hunting reduced their natural habitat drastically. Today, about 3,000 Indian Rhinos live in the wild, 1,800 of which are found in India's Assam alone.[3] In 2008, more than 400 Indian Rhinos were sighted in Nepal's Chitwan National Park.[4]

The Indian Rhinoceros can run at speeds of up to 25 mph (40 km/h) for short periods of time and is also an excellent swimmer. It has excellent senses of hearing and smell, but relatively poor eyesight.

Contents[hide]

1 Taxonomy o 1.1 Evolution

2 Description 3 Behavior

o 3.1 Diet o 3.2 Social life o 3.3 Reproduction

4 Range 5 Population & Threats 6 In captivity 7 Cultural depictions 8 Footnotes 9 References

10 External links

[edit] TaxonomyThe Indian Rhinoceros was the first rhinoceros known to Europeans. Rhinoceros from the Greek, "rhino" meaning nose and "ceros" meaning horn. The Indian Rhinoceros is monotypic, meaning there are no distinct subspecies. Rhinoceros unicornis was the type species for the rhinoceros family, first classified by Carolus Linnaeus in 1758.[5]

[edit] Evolution

Main article: Rhinoceros#Evolution

Ancestral rhinoceroses first diverged from other Perissodactyls in the Early Eocene. Mitochondrial DNA comparison suggests that the ancestors of modern rhinos split from the ancestors of Equidae around 50 million years ago.[6] The extant family, the Rhinocerotidae, first appeared in the Late Eocene in Eurasia, and the ancestors of the extant rhino species dispersed from Asia beginning in the Miocene.[7]

Fossils of Rhinoceros unicornis appear in the Middle Pleistocene. In the Pleistocene, the Rhinoceros genus ranged throughout Southeast Asia and South Asia, with specimens located on Sri Lanka. Into the Holocene, some rhinoceros lived as far west as Gujarat and Pakistan until as recently as 3,200 years ago.[5]

The Indian and Javan Rhinoceros, the only members of the genus Rhinoceros, first appear in the fossil record in Asia around 1.6 million–3.3 million years ago. Molecular estimates, however, suggest the species may have diverged much earlier, around 11.7 million years ago.[8][6] Although belonging to the type genus, the Indian and Javan Rhinoceros are not believed to be closely related to other rhino species. Different studies have hypothesized that they may be closely related to the extinct Gaindetherium or Punjabitherium. A detailed cladistic analysis of the Rhinocerotidae placed Rhinoceros and the extinct Punjabitherium in a clade with Dicerorhinus, the Sumatran Rhino. Other studies have suggested the Sumatran Rhinoceros is more closely related to the two

African species.[9] The Sumatran Rhino may have diverged from the other Asian rhinos as far back as 15 million years ago.[7][10]

[edit] Description

The Indian Rhinoceros at the Kaziranga National Park, India

In size it is equal to that of the white rhino in Africa; together they are the largest of all rhino species. Fully grown males are larger than females in the wild, weighing from 2200- 3000 kg (4,800 - 6,600 lb). Female Indian rhinos weigh about 1600 kg. The Indian Rhino is from 1.7 to 2 m tall (5.7 to 6.7 feet) and can be up to 4m (13 ft) long. The record-sized specimen of this rhino was approximately 3500 kg.

The Great One-Horned Rhinoceros has a single horn; this is present in both males and females, but not on newborn young. The horn, like human fingernails, is pure keratin and starts to show after about 6 years. In most adults the horn reaches a length of about 25 centimeters,[11] but have been recorded up to 57.2 centimeters in length. The nasal horn curves backwards from the nose. Its horn is naturally black. In captive animals, the horn is frequently worn down to a thick knob.[5]

This prehistoric-looking rhinoceros has thick, silver-brown skin which becomes pinkish near the large skin folds that cover its body. Males develop thick neck-folds. Its upper legs and shoulders are covered in wart-like bumps. It has very little body hair, aside from eyelashes, ear-fringes and tail-brush.[5]

In captivity, four are known to have lived over 40 years, the oldest living to be 47.[5]

[edit] Behavior

Moghul emperor Babur on a rhino hunt

These rhinos live in tall grasslands and riverine forests, but due to habitat loss they have been forced into more cultivated land. They are mostly solitary creatures, with the exception of mothers and calves and breeding pairs, although they sometimes congregate at bathing areas. They have home ranges, the home ranges of males being usually 2-8 square kilometers in size, and overlapping each other. Dominant males tolerate males passing through their territory except when they are in mating season, when dangerous fights break out. They are active at night and early morning. They spend the middle of the day wallowing in lakes, rivers, ponds, and puddles to cool down. They are extremely good swimmers. Over 10 distinct vocalizations have been recorded.

Indian rhinos have few natural enemies, except for tigers. Tigers sometimes kill unguarded calves, but adult rhinos are less vulnerable due to their size. Humans are the only other animal threat, hunting the rhinoceros primarily for sport or for the use of its horn. Mynahs and egrets both eat invertebrates from the rhino's skin and around its feet. Tabanus flies, a type of horse-fly are known to bite rhinos. The rhinos are also vulnerable to diseases spread by parasites such as leeches, ticks, and nematodes. Anthrax and the blood-disease septicemia are known to occur.[5]

[edit] Diet

Captive Indian Rhino at the Metro Toronto Zoo.

The Indian Rhinoceros is a grazer. Their diet consists almost entirely of grasses, but the rhino is also known to eat leaves, branches of shrubs and trees, fruits and submerged and floating aquatic plants.[5]

Feeding occurs during the morning and evening. The rhino uses its prehensile lip to grasp grass stems, bend the stem down, bite off the top, and then eat the grass. With very tall grasses or saplings, the rhino will often walk over the plant, with its legs on both sides, using the weight of its body to bush the end of the plant to the level of the mouth. Mothers also use this technique to make food edible for their calves. They drink for a minute or two at a time, often imbibing water filled with rhinoceros urine.[5]

[edit] Social life

The Indian Rhinoceros forms a variety of social groupings. Adult males are generally solitary, except for mating and fighting. Adult females are largely solitary when they are without calves. Mothers will stay close to their calves for up to four years after their birth, sometimes allowing an older calf to continue to accompany her once a newborn calf arrives. Subadult males and females form consistent groupings as well. Groups of two or three young males will often form on the edge of the home ranges of dominant males, presumably for protection in numbers. Young females are slightly less social than the males. Indian Rhinos also form short-term groupings, particularly at forest wallows during the monsoon season and in grasslands during March and April. Groups of up to 10 rhinos may gather in wallows—typically a dominant male with females and calves, but no subadult males.[12]

The Indian Rhinoceros makes a wide variety of vocalizations. At least ten distinct vocalizations have been identified: snorting, honking, bleating, roaring, squeak-panting, moo-grunting, shrieking, groaning, rumbling and humphing. In addition to noises, the rhino uses olfactory communication. Adult males urinate backwards, as far as 3–4 meters behind them, often in response to being disturbed by observers. Like all rhinos, the Indian Rhinoceros often defecates near other large dung piles. The Indian Rhino has pedal scent glands which are used to mark their presence at these rhino latrines. Males have been observed walking with their heads to the ground as if sniffing, presumably following the scent of females.[12]

In aggregations, Indian Rhinos are often friendly. They will often greet each other by waving or bobbing their heads, mounting flanks, nuzzling noses, or licking. Rhinos will playfully spar, run around, and play with twigs in their mouth. Adult males are the primary instigators in fights. Fights between dominant males are the most common cause of rhino mortality, and males are also very aggressive toward females during courtship. Males will chase females over long distances and even attack them face-to-face.[12] Unlike African Rhinos, the Indian Rhino fights with its incisors, rather than its horns.[13]

[edit] Reproduction

Mother and calf at Buffalo Zoo.

In zoos, females may breed as young as four, but in the wild females are usually six before breeding begins.[14] The higher age in the wild may reflect that females need to be large enough to avoid being killed by the aggressive males. The Indian Rhinoceros has a very lengthy gestation period of around 15.7 months. The interval between births ranges from 34–51 months.[15] In captivity, males may breed at five years. But in the wild, dominant males do the breeding, and rhinos do not attain dominance until they are older and larger. In one five-year field study, only one rhino who achieved mating success was estimated to be younger than 15.[16]

[edit] RangeThe rhino once inhabited areas completely over Pakistan all the way to Burma & Bangladesh and may have even roamed in China. But because of human influence their range has shrunk and now they only exist in small populations in northeastern India, Bhutan, Nepal and Lal Suhanra National Park, a national park in Pakistan (Punjab).

Elephant safari after Rhinoceros unicornis in Chitwan National Park

On the former abundance of the species, Thomas C. Jerdon wrote in 1874 in the Mammals of India:

This huge rhinoceros is found in the Terai at the foot of the Himalayas, from Bhotan to Nepal. It is more common in the eastern portion of the Terai than the west, and is most abundant in Assam and the Bhotan Dooars. I have heard from sportsmen of its occurrence as far west as Rohilcund, but it is certainly rare there now, and indeed along the greater part of the Nepal Terai;... Jelpigoree, a small military station near the Teesta River, was a favourite locality whence to hunt the Rhinoceros and it was from that station Captain Fortescue, of the late 73rd N.I., got his skulls, which were, strange to say, the first that Mr. Blyth had seen of this species, of which there were

no specimens in the Museum of the Asiatic Society at the time when he wrote his Memoir on this group.

—Jerdon, T. C. 1874 The mammals of India.

[edit] Population & ThreatsIn the nineteenth and early twentieth century, the Indian Rhinoceros was hunted relentlessly and persistently. Reports from the middle of the nineteenth century claim that some military officers in Assam individually shot more than 200 rhinos. In the early 1900s, officials became concerned at the rhino's plummeting numbers. By 1908 in Kaziranga, one of the rhino's main ranges, the population had fallen to around 12 individuals. In 1910, all rhino hunting in India became prohibited.[5]

This rhino is a major success of conservation. Only 100 remained in the early 1900s; a century later, their population has increased to about 2500 again, but even so the species is still endangered. The Indian rhino is illegally poached for its horn, which some cultures in East Asia believe has healing and potency powers and therefore is used for Traditional Chinese Medicine and other Oriental medicines. Habitat loss is another threat.

The Indian and Nepalese governments have taken major steps toward Indian Rhinoceros conservation with the help of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park in Assam, Pobitora reserve forest in Assam (having the highest Indian rhino density in the world), Orang National park of Assam, Laokhowa reserve forest of Assam having a very small population and Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal are homes for this endangered animal.

Population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros in India and Nepal[17]

Current status of Indian one-horned rhinoceros in India and Nepal (2004)

Name of the Area Number of Rhino Total Area

Kaziranga NP, Assam 1600 + 430 km2

Royal Chitwan NP, Nepal 600 + 932 km2

Pobitara WLS, Assam 78 16 km2

Jaldapara WLS, West Bengal 65 21 km2

Orang WLS, Assam 46 78 km2

Gorumara NP, West Bengal 32 8.88 km2

Manas NP Doubtful existence -

Laokhowa WLS None known -

Current status of Indian one-horned rhinoceros in Reintroduced Population

Name of the Area Number of Rhino

Dudhwa NP/ TR, India 21

Royal Bardia NP, Nepal 85

Royal Sukhlaphanta WLS, Nep 16

Demographic trends of Rhinoceros unicornis. Sources : here.

YEAR TOTAL INDIA NEPAL

1910 100

1952 350 300 50

1958 700 400 300

1963 600

1964 625 440 185

1966 740 575 165

1968 680

1971 630

1983 1000

1984 1500

1986 1711 1334 377

1987 1700

1990 1700

1994 1900

1995 2135 1600 535

1997 2095

1998 2100

2000 2500

2002 2500

2005 2400

[edit] In captivityIndian Rhinos have been somewhat tamed and trained in circuses, but remain dangerous and unpredictable animals. The Indian Rhinoceros was initially difficult to breed in captivity. The first recorded captive birth of a rhinoceros was in Kathmandu in 1826, but another successful birth would not occur for nearly 100 years; in 1925 a rhino was born in Kolkata. No rhinoceros was successfully bred in Europe until 1956. On September 14, 1956 Rudra was born in the Zoo Basel, Switzerland.

In the second half of the 20th century, zoos became adept at breeding Indian rhinoceros. By 1983, nearly 40 had been born in captivity.[5] As of 2008, 31 Indian rhinos were born in the Zoo Basel, which means that most animals kept in a zoo are somehow related to the population in Basel, Switzerland.

[edit] Cultural depictions

The Rhinoceros

Artist Albrecht Dürer

Year 1515

Type woodcut

Dimensions 24.8 cm × 31.7 cm (9.8 in × 12.5 in)

See also: Dürer's Rhinoceros

The Indian Rhinoceros was the first rhino widely known outside its range. The first rhinoceros to reach Europe in modern times arrived in Lisbon on May 20, 1515. King Manuel I of Portugal planned to send the rhinoceros to Pope Leo X, but the rhino perished in a shipwreck. Before dying, however, the rhino had been sketched by an unknown artist. A German artist, Albrecht Dürer, saw the sketches and descriptions and created a woodcut of the rhino, known ever after as Dürer's Rhinoceros. Though the drawing had some anatomical inaccuracies (notably the hornlet protruding from the rhino's shoulder), his sketch became the enduring image of a rhinoceros in western culture for centuries.

Assam state of India has one-horned rhino as the official state animal. It is also the organizational logo for Assam Oil Company Ltd.

one-horned rhino as logo of Assam Oil Company Ltd.

[edit] Footnotes1. ̂ Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds), ed (2005). Mammal Species of the

World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=14100071.

2. ̂ Talukdar, B.K., Emslie, R., Bist, S.S., Choudhury, A., Ellis, S., Bonal, B.S., Malakar, M.C., Talukdar, B.N. & Barua, M. (2008). Rhinoceros unicornis. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2008. Retrieved on 28 November 2008.

3. ̂ Indian army to help prevent rhino poaching 4. ̂ Rare One-Horned Rhino Bouncing Back in Nepal 5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Laurie, W.A.; E.m. Lang, and C.P. Groves (1983). "Rhinoceros

unicornis". Mammalian Species (211): 1–6. doi:10.2307/3504002.

http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Biology/VHAYSSEN/msi/default.html.

6. ^ a b Xu, Xiufeng; Axel Janke, and Ulfur Arnason (01 Nov 1996). "The Complete Mitochondrial DNA Sequence of the Greater Indian Rhinoceros, Rhinoceros unicornis , and the Phylogenetic Relationship Among Carnivora, Perissodactyla, and Artiodactyla (+ Cetacea)". Molecular Biology and Evolution 13 (9): 1167–1173. http://mbe.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/13/9/1167. Retrieved on 2007-11-04.

7. ^ a b Lacombat, Frédéric. The evolution of the rhinoceros. In Fulconis 2005, pp. 46–49.

8. ̂ Tougard, C.; T. Delefosse, C. Hoenni, and C. Montgelard (2001). "Phylogenetic relationships of the five extant rhinoceros species (Rhinocerotidae, Perissodactyla) based on mitochondrial cytochrome b and 12s rRNA genes". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 19 (1): 34–44. doi:10.1006/mpev.2000.0903.

9. ̂ Cerdeño, Esperanza (1995). "Cladistic Analysis of the Family Rhinocerotidae (Perissodactyla)". Novitates (American Museum of Natural History) (3143). ISSN 0003-0082. http://digitallibrary.amnh.org/dspace/bitstream/2246/3566/1/N3143.pdf. Retrieved on 2007-11-04.

10. ̂ Dinerstein 2003, pp. 10–15 11. ̂ Dinerstein 2003, pp. 272 12. ^ a b c Dinerstein 2003, pp. 283–286 13. ̂ Dinerstein 2003, pp. 134–135 14. ̂ Dinerstein 2003, pp. 142 15. ̂ Dinerstein 2003, pp. 142 16. ̂ Dinerstein 2003, pp. 148–149 17. ̂ http://www.wii.gov.in/envis/ungulatesofindia/index.html

[edit] References Dinerstein, Eric (2003), The Return of the Unicorns; The Natural History and

Conservation of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, New York: Columbia University Press, ISBN 0-231-08450-1

Foose, Thomas J. and van Strien, Nico (1997), Asian Rhinos – Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan, IUCN, Gland, Switzerland, and Cambridge, UK, ISBN 2-8317-0336-0

Fulconis, R. (ed.) (2005). Save the rhinos: EAZA Rhino Campaign 2005/6. London: European Association of Zoos and Aquaria.

[edit] External links Indian Rhino Info & Indian Rhino Pictures on the Rhino Resource Center Indian Rhino page at International Rhino Foundation website Greater Indian Rhinoceros page at TheBigZoo.com

Indian Rhino page at AnimalInfo.org Indian Rhino page at AmericaZoo.com Indian Rhinoceros page at nature.ca Page Rhinocéros indien à nature.ca Indian Rhinoceros page at UltimateUngulate.com Short narrated video about the Indian Rhinoceros Images, videos and information on the Indian Rhinoceros Asian Rhino Foundation

Wikispecies has information related to: Rhinoceros unicornis

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Rhinoceros unicornis

Kashmir stagFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

State animal of KashmirKashmir Stag

Conservation statusEndangered

Scientific classificationKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: MammaliaOrder: ArtiodactylaSuborder: RuminantiaFamily: CervidaeSubfamily: CervinaeGenus: CervusSpecies: C. elaphusSubspecies: C. e. hanglu

Trinomial nameCervus elaphus hanglu

The Kashmir stag (Cervus elaphus hanglu), also called hangul, is a subspecies of Red Deer native to northern Pakistan and India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir where it is the State Animal of Kashmir.

Contents[hide]

1 Description 2 Distribution and ecology 3 Threats and conservation 4 References

5 External links

[edit] DescriptionThis deer has a light rump patch without including the tail. Its coat color is brown with a speckling to the hairs. The inner sides of the buttocks are grayish white, followed by a line on the inner sides of the thighs and black on the upper side of the tail. Each antler consists of five tines. The beam is strongly curved inward, while the brow and bez tines are usually close together and above the burr.

[edit] Distribution and ecologyThis deer lives in groups of two to 18 individuals in dense riverine forests, high valleys, and mountains of the Kashmir valley and northern Chamba in Himachal Pradesh. In Kashmir, it's found in Dachigam National Park at elevations of 3,035 meters.

[edit] Threats and conservationThese deer once numbered from about 5,000 animals in the beginning of the 20th century. Unfortunately, they were threatened, due to habitat destruction, over-grazing by domestic livestock, and poaching. This dwindled to as low as 150 animals by 1970. However, the state of Jammu & Kashmir, along with the IUCN and the WWF prepared a project for the protection of these animals. It became known as Project Hangul. This brought great results and the population increased to over 340 by 1980.

Much of the earlier published material was by the distinguished E. P. Gee, a member of the Bombay Natural History Society. Shortly before the expedition was mounted, Fiona Guinness and Tim Clutton-Brock, both noted deer experts, had visited Kashmir and had gathered some useful field data, which confirmed that Hangul numbers were at a dangerously low level.

Scientifically known as Cervus elaphus hanglu, Hangul is the only surviving race of the Red Deer family of Europe in the sub-continent. The animal is battling for its survival in its last bastion: they are now scattered within 141 km² of the Dachigam National Park located on foothills of Zabarwan range on the outskirts of Srinagar. Known for its magnificent antlers with 11 to 16 points, hangul was once distributed widely in the

mountains of Kashmir. During 1940's, their number was believed to be about 3,000-5,000. As per the latest census in 2008, only around 160 exist. There are plans to breed them in captivity to increase their chances of survival[1]

[edit] References1. ̂ Captive breeding for Hangul

[edit] External links Rare Kashmiri deer on verge of extinction, 12 May, 2008, REUTERS; The

Economic Times, Times of India Endangered Hangul spotted in many parts of Kashmir, 5 May 2008, PTI, Times of

India Wildlife institute wants larger area for Hangul deer, April 09, 2008, Aditya V

Singh, The Indian Express Deer Specialist Group 1996. Cervus elaphus ssp. hanglu. In: IUCN 2007. 2007

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 19 May 2008. IUCN Red List status of Endangered is outdated, Kashmir Stag is a Critically Endangered as numbers have fallen to below 200 individuals as of 2008.

Hoolock gibbon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

  (Redirected from Hoolock Gibbon)Jump to: navigation, search

Hoolock gibbons[1][2]

Scientific classificationKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: MammaliaOrder: PrimatesFamily: HylobatidaeGenus: Hoolock

Mootnick & Groves, 2005

SpeciesHoolock hoolockHoolock leuconedys

The hoolock gibbons (Hoolock), also known as hoolocks, are two primate species from the family of the gibbons (Hylobatidae).

Hoolocks are the second largest of the gibbons, after the Siamang. They reach a size of 60 to 90 cm and weigh 6 to 9 kg. The sexes are about the same size, but they differ considerably in coloration: males are black colored with remarkable white brows, while females have a grey-brown fur, which is darker at the chest and neck. White rings around the eyes and around the mouth give their face a mask-like appearance.

The range of the hoolocks is the most northwestern of all the gibbons, extending from Assam in North-East India, to Myanmar. Small populations (in each case few hundred animals) live also in the eastern Bangladesh and in southwest China. Like the other gibbons, they are diurnal and arboreal, brachiating through the trees with their long arms. They live together in monogamous pairs, which stake out a territory. Their calls serve to locate family members and ward off other gibbons from their territory. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, insects and leaves.

Young hoolocks are born after a seven month gestation, with a milky white fur. After about six months their fur turns black. After 8 to 9 years they are fully mature and their fur reaches its final coloration. Their life expectancy in the wild is about 25 years.

[edit] ClassificationThe classification of this gibbon has changed several times in the past few years. Classically, all gibbons were classified in the genus Hylobates, with the exception of the Siamang. After some studies, the genus was divided into three subgenera (including the Siamang's Symphalangus), and then into four (recognizing Bunopithecus as the hoolock subgenus distinct from other gibbon subgenera). These four subgenera were elevated to full genus status. However, the type species for Bunopithecus is Bunopithecus sericus, an extinct gibbon or gibbon-like ape from Sichuan, China. Very recent investigations have shown that the hoolocks are not closely related to B. sericus and so have been placed in their own genus, Hoolock. In the process, the two subspecies of hoolocks have been raised to species level.[1][2]

There are two species of Hoolock:[2]

Western Hoolock Gibbon , Hoolock hoolock Eastern Hoolock Gibbon , Hoolock leuconedys

[edit] References1. ^ a b Groves, C. (2005-11-16). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed. Mammal Species of the World (3rd

edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 178-179. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12100753.

2. ^ a b c Mootnick, A.; Groves, C. P. (2005). "A new generic name for the hoolock gibbon (Hylobatidae)". International Journal of Primatology 26 (26): 971–976. doi:10.1007/s10764-005-5332-4.

Lion-tailed Macaque

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, searchLion-tailed Macaque[1]

Conservation status

Endangered (IUCN 3.1)[2]

Scientific classificationKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: MammaliaOrder: PrimatesFamily: CercopithecidaeGenus: MacacaSpecies: M. silenus

Binomial nameMacaca silenus(Linnaeus, 1758)

Synonyms Simia silenus

(Linnaeus, 1758) Cercopithecus vetulus

(Erxleben, 1777) Simia (Cercopithecus)

silenus albibarbatus (Kerr, 1792)

Simia ferox (Shaw,

1792) Simia veter (Audebert,

1798)

Simia silanus (F. Cuvier, 1822)

The Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) is an Old World monkey that lives only in the Western Ghats of South India.

Contents[hide]

1 Physical Characteristics 2 Behavior 3 Population 4 References

5 External links

[edit] Physical CharacteristicsThe hair of the Lion-tailed Macaque is dark-brown or black. Its outstanding characteristic is the silver-white mane which surrounds the head from the cheeks down to its chin, which gives this monkey its German name of "Beard Ape". The hairless face is black colored. With a head-to-tail length of 45 to 60 cm and a weight of 3 to 10 kg it ranks among the smaller macaques. The tail is medium length with a length of approximately 25 cm and is a black tuft at the end, similar to a lion's tail. The males tail-tuft is more developed than that of the females.

Gestation is approximately six months. The young are nursed for one year. Sexual maturity is reached at four years for females, six years for males. The life expectancy in the wild is approximately 20 years, while in captivity up to 30 years.[3]

[edit] BehaviorThe Lion-tailed Macaque is a diurnal rain forest dweller. It is a good climber and spends a majority of its life in the upper canopy of tropical moist evergreen forests. Unlike other macaques, it avoids humans. In group behavior, it is much like other macaques: it lives in hierarchical groups of usually ten to twenty animals, which consist of few males and many females. It is a territorial animal, defending its area first with loud cries towards the invading troops. If this proves fruitless, it brawls aggressively.

Lion-tailed macaque behaviour is characterized by typical patterns such as arboreal living, selectively feeding on a large variety of fruit trees, large inter-individual spaces while foraging, and time budgets with high proportion of time devoted to exploration and

feeding.[4] The Lion-tailed Macaque primarily eat indigenous fruits, leaves, buds, insects and small vertebrates in virgin forest but can adapt to rapid environmental change in areas of massive selective logging through behavioural modifications and broadening of food choices to include fruits, seeds, shoots, pith, flower, cone, mesocarp, and other parts of many non-indigenous and pioneer plants.[4]

[edit] PopulationA recent assessment for IUCN reports 3000-3500 of these animals live scattered over several areas in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu [5] . The Lion-tailed Macaque ranks among the rarest and most threatened primates. Their range has become increasingly isolated and fragmented by the spread of agriculture and tea, coffee, teak and cinchona, construction of water reservoirs for irrigation and power generation, and human settlements to support such activities. They don't live, feed or travel through plantations. Destruction of their habitat and the fact that they avoid human proximity, has led to the drastic decrease of their population.

During 1977 to 1980, public concern about the endangered lion-tailed macaque became the focal point of Save Silent Valley, India's fiercest environmental debate of the decade. During 1993 to 1996, fourteen troops of lion-tailed macaque were observed in Silent Valley National Park, Kerala, one of the most undisturbed viable habitats left for the lion-tailed macaque.[6] A self-sustainable single population of 32 groups of lion-tailed macaques occurred in Sirsi-Honnavara, Karnataka, the northernmost population of the species.[7] A local census concluded in 2007, conducted in the Theni District of Tamil Nadu, put their numbers at around 250, which was considered encouraging, because till then, there had not been any records of Lion-tailed Macaques in that specific area.[8] Many zoos take part in breeding programs which help to secure the survival of this species. 368 of these Macaque are reported to live in zoos.[3]

[edit] References

1. ̂ Groves, C. (2005-11-16). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 164. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3.

2. ̂ Kumar, A., Singh, M. & Molur, S. (2008). Macaca silenus. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2008. Retrieved on 4 January 2009.

3. ^ a b Lion-tailed Macaque "Article - World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), Virtual Zoo"". http://www.waza.org/virtualzoo/factsheet.php?id=106-008-003-010&view=Monkeys&main=virtualzoo Lion-tailed Macaque.

4. ^ a b Singh Mewa and Kaumanns Werner (2005-10-10). "Behavioural studies: A necessity for wildlife management". Current Science 89 (7): 1233. http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/oct102005/1230.pdf.

5. ̂ Molur S, D Brandon-Jones, W Dittus, A. Eudey, A. Kumar, M. Singh, M.M. Feeroz, M. Chalise, P. Priya & S. Walker (2003). Status of South Asian Primates: Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (C.A.M.P.) Workshop Report, 2003. Zoo Outreach Organization/CBSG-South Asia, Coimbatore

6. ̂ Ramachandran, K. K.; Joseph, Gigi, K. (2001). "Distribution and demography of diurnal primates in Silent Valley National Park and adjacent areas, Kerala, India" ([dead link]). Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 98 (2): 191–196. http://trophort.com/010/482/010482224.html.

7. ̂ Singh Mewa and Kaumanns Werner (2004-10). "Distribution and Abundance of Primates in Rain Forests of the Western Ghats, Karnataka, India and the Conservation of Macaca silenus". International Journal of Primatology 25 (5): abstract. doi:10.1023/B:IJOP.0000043348.06255.7f. http://www.springerlink.com/content/u764n60121272h4m/.

8. ̂ "Article-"Nilgiri Tahr, lion-tailed macaque sighted in Theni district"". http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/09/stories/2007050903360200.htm.

[edit] External links

Wikispecies has information related to: Lion-tailed Macaque ARKive - images and movies of the lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) The Knights of the Forest - Photo-essay of Lion-tailed macaque

[show]

v • d • e

Extant species of family Cercopithecidae (Old World monkeys) (subfamily Cercopithecinae)

AllenopithecusAllen's Swamp Monkey ( A. nigroviridis )

Miopithecus(Talapoins)

Angolan Talapoin ( M. talapoin )  · Gabon Talapoin ( M. ogouensis )

ErythrocebusPatas Monkey ( E. patas )

Chlorocebus(Vervet monkeys)

Green Monkey ( C. sabaeus )  · Grivet ( C. aethiops )  · Bale Mountains Vervet ( C. djamdjamensis )  · Tantalus Monkey ( C. tantalus )  · Vervet Monkey ( C. pygerythrus )  · Malbrouck ( C. cynosuros )

CercopithecusDryas Monkey ( C. dryas )  · Diana

(Guenons)

Monkey ( C. diana )  · Roloway Monkey ( C. roloway )  · Greater Spot-nosed Monkey ( C. nictitans )  · Blue Monkey ( C. mitis )  · Silver Monkey ( C. doggetti )  · Golden Monkey ( C. kandti )  · Sykes' Monkey ( C. albogularis )  · Mona Monkey ( C. mona )  · Campbell's Mona Monkey ( C. campbelli )  · Lowe's Mona Monkey ( C. lowei )  · Crested Mona Monkey ( C. pogonias )  · Wolf's Mona Monkey ( C. wolfi )  · Dent's Mona Monkey ( C. denti )  · Lesser Spot-nosed Monkey ( C. petaurista )  · White-throated Guenon ( C. erythrogaster )  · Sclater's Guenon ( C. sclateri )  · Red-eared Guenon ( C. erythrotis )  · Moustached Guenon ( C. cephus )  · Red-tailed Monkey ( C. ascanius )  · L'Hoest's Monkey ( C. lhoesti )  · Preuss's Monkey ( C. preussi )  · Sun-tailed Monkey ( C. solatus )  · Hamlyn's Monkey ( C. hamlyni )  · De Brazza's Monkey ( C. neglectus )

Macaca(Macaques)

Barbary Macaque ( M. sylvanus )  · Lion-tailed Macaque (M. silenus) · Southern Pig-tailed Macaque ( M. nemestrina )  · Northern Pig-tailed Macaque ( M. leonina )  · Pagai Island Macaque ( M. pagensis )  · Siberut Macaque ( M. siberu )  · Moor Macaque ( M. maura )  · Booted Macaque ( M. ochreata )  · Tonkean Macaque ( M. tonkeana )  · Heck's Macaque ( M. hecki )  · Gorontalo Macaque ( M. nigrescens )  · Celebes Crested Macaque ( M. nigra )  · Crab-eating Macaque ( M. fascicularis )  · Stump-tailed Macaque ( M. arctoides )  · Rhesus Macaque ( M. mulatta )  · Formosan Rock Macaque ( M. cyclopis )  · Japanese Macaque ( M. fuscata )  · Toque Macaque ( M. sinica )  · Bonnet Macaque ( M. radiata )  · Assam Macaque ( M. assamensis )  · Tibetan Macaque ( M. thibetana )  · Arunachal Macaque ( M. munzala )

Lophocebus(Crested mangabeys)

Grey-cheeked Mangabey ( L. albigena )  · Black Crested Mangabey ( L. aterrimus )  · Opdenbosch's Mangabey ( L. opdenboschi )  · Uganda Mangabey ( L. ugandae )  · Johnston's Mangabey ( L. johnstoni )  · Osman Hill's Mangabey ( L. osmani )

RungwecebusKipunji ( R. kipunji )

Papio(Baboons)

Olive Baboon ( P. anubis )  · Yellow Baboon ( P. cynocephalus )  · Hamadryas Baboon ( P. hamadryas )  · Guinea Baboon ( P. papio )  · Chacma Baboon ( P. ursinus )

TheropithecusGelada ( T. gelada )

Cercocebus(White-eyelid

mangabeys)

Sooty Mangabey ( C. atys )  · Collared Mangabey ( C. torquatus )  · Agile Mangabey ( C. agilis )  · Golden-bellied Mangabey ( C. chrysogaster )  · Tana River Mangabey ( C. galeritus )  · Sanje Mangabey ( C. sanjei )

MandrillusMandrill ( M. sphinx )  · Drill ( M. leucophaeus )

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion-tailed_Macaque"Categories: IUCN Red List endangered species | Old World monkeys | Mammals of Asia | Mammals of IndiaHidden categories: All articles with dead external links | Articles with dead external links from May 2008

Indian Elephant

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, searchIndian Elephant

Conservation statusEndangered

Scientific classificationKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: MammaliaOrder: ProboscideaFamily: ElephantidaeGenus: ElephasSpecies: E. maximusSubspecies: E. m. indicus

Trinomial nameElephas maximus indicus

Cuvier, 1798

An elephant named Sri Hari during Sree Poornathrayesa temple festival, Thrippunithura.

The elephant namely Soman at the elephant training centre, Konni, Pathanamthitta

The Indian Elephant, Elephas maximus indicus, is one of four subspecies of the Asian Elephant, the largest population of which is found in India. This subspecies is also found in Bangladesh, Pakistan ,Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Laos, Peninsular Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The other three subspecies of the Asian Elephant are the Sumatran Elephant (E. m. sumatranus), Sri Lankan Elephant (E. m. maximus)[1] and Borneo Elephant (E. m. borneensis).

Contents[hide]

1 Habitat 2 Physical characteristics 3 Population & endangerment 4 See also 5 References

6 External links

[edit] HabitatIndian Elephants live in or near scrub-forested areas, although their habitat may vary. They tend to be nomadic in nature and do not stay in one place for more than a few days. They can live in jungles but gravitate towards areas that contain open space and grass.

[edit] Physical characteristicsThe Indian Elephant is up to 6.4 metres (21 ft) long; it is taller and thinner than the Asian elephant found in Thailand. The largest Indian Elephant was 26ft (7.88m) long, stood 11 ft (3.4 m), 9in (3.61m) at the arch of the back, and weighed 8 tons (17935 lbs). [2] Indian elephants look similar to African elephants but they have smaller ears and shorter tusks.[citation needed].

[edit] Population & endangermentThe WWF considers the Indian Elephant widely distributed, but endangered. The current population of the Indian Elephant is in the range of 20,000-25,000[3]. The Indian Elephant was assessed as an endangered species in 1996 by the Asian Elephant Specialist Group. [4]

Indian Elephants are threatened by poaching for the ivory of their tusks, by the loss of habitat due to human pressure on forested areas and due to human conflict. The isolated populations of wild elephants in individual wildlife sanctuaries are also threatened by loss of genetic diversity. Recently a number of corridors connecting wildlife sanctuaries have been established to encourage the migration of wild elephants.[5]

[edit] See also Asian Elephant Elephants in Kerala culture

[edit] References1. ̂ Honolulu Zoo Indian Elephant 2. ̂ Honolulu Zoo Indian Elephant 3. ̂ WWF - Indian elephant 4. ̂ 2007 IUCN Red List – Search 5. ̂ Indian Elephant,Asian Elephant,Elephant in India,Asian Elephant India,Information on Indian

Elephant,Endangered Animals in India,Asian Elephant Tours

Shoshani J, Eisenberg JF (1982) Elephas maximus. Mammalian Species 182: 1–8. Full text

Animal Diversity. Elephas maximus. Honolulu Zoo Indian Elephant

http://bigbook of elephants

[edit] External links Thirteen Years Among the Wild Beasts of India: Their Haunts and Habits from

Personal Observation, Chapt. VI Paintings of Indian Elephants

 This article about a mammal is a stub