Monday, May 14, 2012


May 11, 2012
                                               Trout faking orgasms? Yes it is true!

In 2001, a Swedish researcher (Erik Petterson) did a research experiment on mating behavior and spawning in trouts. He found that 69 out of 117 times, the female trout faked her orgasm. You might ask why the female trout is doing so. The researcher explains that after the female has dug a gravel for for her eggs, she positions herself and wait for an easily tricked male to come by. If the female is not completely satisfied with the males position, she simply does not release any eggs, she just pretend that she does. The male release his sperm unaware that it is just going to waste. To CBC radio, Peterson says that the male trout behaves like it is confused, because normally after the spawning has taken place, the female cover the fertilized eggs.  But in this case, after she has faked an orgasm, she simply starts preparing a new gravel, waiting for another male who satisfies her expectations of becoming her offspring's father. 




(The article was published in Animal Behavior Vol.61, no.2). (February, 2001)

Here are some others sources:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2002/05/17trout_orgasm020517.html





May 13, 2012
                          
The Mating Behavior of the Leopard Slug 

The most fascinating and bizarre behavior of the Leopard slug is its mating “dance.” After two slugs meet to reproduce, their ritual starts on the ground by interwinding with one another. Next they both climb up a tree or a wall. Once they found the perfect height they produce a slime rope that they will hang in the air from (about 16 in). The slugs continues to spin around each other. Because the slugs are both hermaphrodites, their penises also starts spinning around as well. After this “dance” is over, one of the slugs will crawl up while it eats the slime-rope, and the other falls to the ground. Each slug might have as much as 200 fertilized eggs each that are all potential slugs if they survive until the following spring when they hatch.






http://www.molluscs.at/gastropoda/terrestrial.html?/gastropoda/terrestrial/limax.html


May 14, 2012
                                                                The 17-Year Locusts

The 17-year locusts are native for North America and does not exists anywhere else in the world. The name 17-year locusts comes from the 17 years spent underneath the ground before they emerge to the surface. The periodical cicada crawls to the surface as soon spring has arrived. For 10 days the males are trying their best to impress the female by making this buzzing sound. The female respond with a snapping sound (similar to snapping fingers). The female can lay 400-600 eggs, preferably in a tree. After six to eight weeks, the future 17-year locusts hatch and start digging their way underneath the ground where they stay for 17 years until they dig their way back up from the soil.





http://biology.clc.uc.edu/steincarter/cicadas.htm

http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/periodical-cicada



May 14, 2012
The Pistol Shrimp
The Big Claw Snapping Shrimp is a type of shrimp that can stun its pray by snapping its claw.  If there are many shrimps snapping their claws at the same time, the sound can be so intense that it disturbs sonars on ships and submarines. About a year ago, a group of scientists found that it is not only the sound that makes its pray unconscious, but it is actually a bubble released from the claw. The bubble is so fast and and is also extremely hot, so it knocks out the pistol shrimp’s pray like it would if it had an actual pistol. If you watch the video it is not the claws snapping that makes the sound, but it is the bubble bursting that you can hear.







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Saturday, February 25, 2012

Posted 02.04.12
The Fishing Cat

    Growing up with cats that were terrified of water (especially Socrates my Persian cat),  I was a little surprised when I visited the San Diego Zoo for the first time and learned about the Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus).  I was not sure what to expect when I looked for it;  a fish with four legs and a tail?  When I finally discovered it lazily lying on a branch enjoying the warm sun, I thought it looked like a really cool cat.  I was really amazed to learn that this cat was nothing like the snooty cats I was used to spending time with while growing up.  This cat loves the water and willingly goes for a swim to catch its own fish.  I hope I can raise some awareness to this endangered species who rely on us to make smarter decisions about the products we use everyday.








Posted 02.12.12
Evolutionary background for Prionailurus viverrinus



Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Prionailurus
Species: Prionailurus viverrinus
Common name: Fishing cat

Evidence
     The Fishing cat belongs to the class Mammalia (meaning the class of animals that are covered with hair and give their offsprings breast milk). The order that the species belongs to is Carnivora, which means that they eat meat. The family is Felidae, meaning that the fishing cat belongs to one out three groups within the family categorization which is the grouping of smaller cats. Finally, each genus (Prionailurus) contains individual species (Prionailurus viverrinus) of cats that normally breeds and produces fertile offsprings.








Through evolution
     About 200 million years ago the earliest ancestors of cats evolved from reptiles. Archeological evidence of cats are few, however there are some dental similarities between cats and creodonts, a primitive fish-eating mammal that lived about 50 million years ago (the images underneath are showing a Fishing cat’s jaw (bottom image) and on top, a 3-D construction of a creodont’s maxilla and mandible). There are no direct decendants from the creodonts living today after they failed to survive. Another group of mammals that had similar teeth was the Miacids. They evolved into the carnivores that exists today, including the Fishing cat.







Image of a Miacid and its mandible



 
Relatives
     The fishing cat’s closets relatives are the Leopard cat (top)(Prionailurus bengalensis) (top image), Rusty spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginous) (middle image) and Flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps)(bottom image). These cats all lives in the same region as the Fishing cat, and they share the same rural habitat, diet and they do not mind the water. The Leopard cat is the only one who’s species that does not have the status as endangered or vulnerable.








Sources

http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/18150/0

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=fishing+cat

http://www.provet.co.uk/cats/evolution%20of%20the%20cat.htm


Images

http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2007/11/velvet_claw_part_ii.php

http://www.fishingcatproject.info/en/ecology






Posted 02.19.12
Foraging Behavior in Fishing Cats

        Because of the fishing cat's preference in habitat that consists of densely vegetated ares near water and rivers, the fishing cat's diet includes different prays that are to be found in the same area were these clever cats seek protection and shelter. The diet includes birds, hard-shell fresh water mollusks, snakes, snails, small mammals and fish. These unique water loving animals attracts the fish by carefully tapping the water to mimic an insects movement. Elegantly, the cat scoops the fish out of the water and carries it away with its mouth (the second video shows this). Another way the fishing cat catches its pray, is by swimming under water to catch and unknowing bird with its webbed paws. Also, the fishing cat has been observed catching larger pray like dogs and calves; so this is not a cat you would want as a pet. The fishing cat's short tail functions as a rudder in the water which makes it easier to stay balanced and makes the hunt more efficient. The fishing cats start early to learn from their mother's hunting technique. As soon as the offspring is old enough, they are taken to the water to learn to hunt. The fishing cat's small ears are easily closed while swimming, however their white spots on the back of their ears makes it easier for the mother to watch her little ones while out learning to hunt. Pay attention to the fishing cats ears, the paws and the exposed claws in the first video clip underneath. Enjoy!!

Fishing cat kittens out for a hunt





Grown fishing cat hunting



Sources


http://www.fishingcatproject.info/en/ecology


http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AsiaTrail/FishingCats/factsheet.cfm


http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2009/09/baby-fishing-cat-kittens-cincinnati-zoo.html


http://www.arkive.org/fishing-cat/prionailurus-viverrinus/video-08a.html






Posted 02.25.12

Territorial Behavior


  In order to promote chances of successful mating the territory plays an important part. A good territory for the fishing cat is a place where it can find good camouflage to protect itself and its offspring. The vegetation also help the fishing cat’s hunting outcome. Secondly, a good territory needs to have good access to food sources, which in the case of the fishing cat would be near a river or a lake where it could find fish and other aquatic food sources. Lastly, this place also needs to be near potential mates that could contribute to healthy offspring. Finding a safe area like described above can lead to conflicts. 


A male fishing cat’s territory ranges up to 8.5 sq mi. Within the male’s territory, there are several females who also has their own area. However, a female fishing cat’s territory is much less, about 2.3 sq mi. As long as there are good food resources the cats can manage to stay in a smaller area and live relatively peacefully together. To mark their territory the fishing cat scratches  and rub against trees to leave a scent. They will also mark their area by spraying. As for wild and domestic cats, a good territory is key for survival and successful reproduction. Because of this, fighting can easily occurs. Wild and domestic cats share the same way in marking and fighting for their territory. 


  Posturing is a way the cat would defend its area. When the “intruder” tries to enter another cat’s territory there will be a nonphysical conflict that consists of staring, showing teeth and by hissing. The “intruder” usually gets the message and therefore leaves. The posturing can also lead to loud and fatal fights if the cat does not decide to leave the territory.  





Sources


http://a-z-animals.com/animals/fishing-cat/


http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Prionailurus_viverrinus.html


http://animal.discovery.com/cat-guide/cat-behavior/cat-marks-territory.html





Posted 03.09.12
Reproduction


     There are little research available on fishing cat's reproductive behavior.  Here is a short summary of what is know about the endangered species and its offspring. 
     At the beginning of the year, the female fishing cat loudly notifies the males in the area that mating season has started.  Mating season is in January to February (fishing cats have also been observed mating in June).  The gestation period lasts for 63-70 days so the litter is normally expected from March to May.  The size of the litter ranges from one to four, but the average is two.  A newborn fishing cat weighs 100 -173 grams (3.5 - 6.2 ounces).  After 16 days, the kittens open their eyes. The newborn suckles until they are 6 months old and start eating meat when they are 2 months old.  At the age of 8 months, the fishing cat has reached its adult size (female average: 26'' and 13 lb, male average: 28'' and 33 lb) but does not become independent until it is 10 months old.  The cats usually lives for 12 years but have been recorded to live for 15 years in captivity.  Another interesting fact is that in captivity, the males are around to help the mother with the litter.  Even though this cat is mainly a solitary animal the males have been observed caring and providing for his little family.  However, it is not known if the male fishing cat does the same in the wild.


In the video underneath (at 2:06) you can hear the fishing cat's call. Enjoy:)


 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRRatpjSVFQ

Sources


http://eol.org/pages/1037335/details


http://www.catsg.org/catsgportal/cat-website/catfolk/viver01.htm


http://www.denverzoo.org/toyota_elephant_passage/assets/pdf/dzoo_fishing_cat.pdf

http://www.animalinfo.org/species/carnivor/priovive.htm 






Posted 03.24.12


Predatory Behavior

     When cats an humans met 11000 years ago the humans quickly discovered the advantage of having cats around. The cat's appetite for rodents was benefiting the humans, so they did not hunt for the species. The fishing cat along with other cats are excellent hunters. Both eyes and ears are highly developed and essential for their success while hunting.  One thing that is common for cats is their excellent night vision. Can you imagine being able to see six times better at night than you currently do? That is what is normal for felidae, the cat family. Their vision also allows them to hunt in the dark. To explain it simple, the shape of the cat's pupil allows it to dilate more when it is dark dark, compared with a human's pupil. Also, a cat's eye is made up of more rods than cones that also absorbs most of the light, that allows them to see better. Underneath is an image that tries to compare what a human would be able to see compared with a cat.


    Can you imagine being out at night in the dark to try to catch some fish with your hands? For the fishing cat, highly developed vision is essential. However, being sensitive to sound and movement is also dependent on the outcome of their ability to hunt for pray. Fishing cats have ears that can rotate 180 degrees which is helpful when locating small sounds. According to Animal Planet's website, a cat that is 3 feet away from can precisely detect a location from a sound within six one-hundredths of a second. Apparently cats can also hear sounds from a distance four-five times better than a human. Because of this, it made me think that the fishing cat probably learns to detect  and recognize different sounds from animals that lives both under water or close to it. The video clip is showing a fishing cat hunting at night. The cat is feeling with its webbed paws for the fish after the cat noticed the fish. 








Sources


http://www.cathealth.com/vision/night-vision-in-cats


http://www.animalinfo.org/species/carnivor/priovive.htm


http://animal.discovery.com/cat-guide/cat-anatomy/ears-hearing.html




April 6, 2012


Scholarly articles on fishing cats seems as distinct as the fishing cat itself. What I did find was this little poem. Here is something to keep you thinking while I continue my searches for some articles on the fishing cat.





FISHING CAT STORY


The sea loves the cat

as turmoil loves calm.

It whispers: scratch

my back; pull

out these bothersome tickling fish; sit

by my side; talk

to me.

It booms: oh, cat,

I am so bored

with depths and shores.

I will splash

your rock to get
your attention.
The morning stars shine
less bright
than your eyes.


                                               BETTY LOWRY 






May 5, 2012


Visit to San Diego Zoo

It's there, but where?




May 8, 2012


     Saturday afternoon on April 28th, and I was venturing off to San Diego Zoo hoping to catch a glimpse of the shy fishing cat. As you can see in the above picture the shy fishing cat was not easy to spot. It was simply relaxing in the shade as the other animals were doing. I stood there for a while hoping it would at least move a little, and it did!! The fishing cat stood up starring at us like it was almost a little disappointed  having to reveal its excellent disguise. I thought it was really cool to actually see it move around a little. I t is not easy to see but I tried to take some pictures of the cat the short time that it was sitting up.












May 10, 2012

Conservation Status 

     The fishing cat’s population is steadily decreasing. As a result, research is not that easy to perform.  However, there is a small group of biologists that started the Fishing Cat Research and Conservation Project in 2003.  In a interview with ABC, biologist Namfon Cutter said that 8 years passed until she saw the first wild fishing cat.  I think this explains how difficult it is to do any research on these shy animals. When it comes to the Fishing Cat Research and Conservation Project, it is based on the fishing cat population in Thailand where it is larger than other places in Southeast  Asia. This project is divided into four parts: 


  • A review of fishing cat distribution and conversational status throughout Southeast Asia.
  • Ecological study of fishing cat in their natural habitat.
  • Screen the captured animals for diseases.
  • Education about the fishing cat’s dependence of its habitat.
  The reason of the fishing cat has status as endangered is the result of their habitat being destroyed. In Thailand, shrimp farms are placed in the fishing cat’s and other species’ wet land habitat. This is where they live, catch their food and learn their young ones to hunt. Because of the shrimp farms, the cats have a harder time finding food so they are sometimes being caught hunting for food on farms, which leads to several cats being killed by farmers trying to protect their animals. 
So, if you want to show your support and help the fishing cat population to increase; don’t by shrimp from Thailand.







http://www.fishingcatproject.info/en/home


http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/18150/0

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/04/thailands-shrimp-farms-threaten-rare-fishing-cats/#comments


Scholarly Article 

May 16, 2012

Reproductiveness in Fishing Cats

That the fishing cat population is declining is not a secret. If it is due to their habitat disappearing to shrimp farms or if it s caused by something else is not easy to say.  Rachel Santymire, a researcher of reproductive physiology, has done several studies on animals to gain a better knowledge about their health and reproduction cycle. She and her team, collects samples of animal droppings and examines hormone values. In fact, her motto is: "If it defecates, we will study it." A  year ago, a study was performed in a one year duration, examining four males and ten female fishing cats in seven different zoological institutions in the US.  As I wrote on March 9th, it was not known if the fishing cats reproduced year around or only at certain times.  In Dr. Santymire’s study, feces were collected and estrogen, progestagen and androgen values were then measured. The results found that fishing cats can reproduce all year around, and not only in the spring time as previously thought.
The web-address underneath provides only the abstract. If you are interested, the whole article is available online through USD’s library website.
Santymire, R., Brown, J., Stewart, R., Santymire, R., Wildt, D., & Howard, J. 
Reproductive gonadal steroidogenic activity in the fishingcat (Prionailurus viverrinus) assessed by fecal steroid analyses. Animal Reproductive Science. 128. (2011): 60-72. Web. 16 May. 2012. 




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