Earth Touch Blog

Did you know?

Did you know? Flap-neck chameleon Mar 27 2008

The flap-neck chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) of Southern Africa is named for the occipital (relating to the back part of the head) flap that extends from the back of its head over its neck. It raises this flap when agitated, to make itself appear larger, as well as hissing, gaping and changing colour. The size of the flap varies between populations of this species, as well as by sex and age.

From the field

Big Bert the potato bass Dec 3 2007

The first time Earth-Touch featured the big potato bass that local divers call Bert (Myriad of underwater life on Mozambique reef), the most common question we received was “how big is he?”

I was quite taken aback by this, as I hoped that the stories that we put out were totally riveting, but it seems like Bert’s size was the crucial point!

Did you know?

Did you know? The difference between black-backed and side-striped jackals Nov 6 2007

Despite the obvious difference between these two species – one has a black back and the other a side stripe – there are also other differences that distinguish these two jackals.

They differ in size, with the side-striped jackal (Canis adustus) being up to 10kg (22lb) heavier than the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas). The face and coat of the black-backed jackal are tan, whereas the side-striped jackal is grey in colour.

From the field

Ocean swell: how big is big? Oct 23 2007

Living and working on the coast, I often hear arguments about the size of waves or swells that end up crashing on our shore. The banter is usually divided between fishermen and surfers, each having a different perspective on why the size of a wave is relevant.

Fishermen who navigate the surface of the sea in boats have the utmost respect for big swells and waves. At all costs these mountains of water must be avoided.

From the field

Girl or boy? How does one tell? Sep 19 2007

By Andy Crawford, field crew

Distinguishing the gender of wild animals is often no easy task. Certainly with some species the presence of obvious markers (such as horns or manes) make it simple.

However, with certain species it is almost impossible. Hyenas are notoriously difficult as the females have external genitalia exactly like those of a male. The size and attitude of the hyena are the only factors that give one an indication of its gender – the females are significantly larger than, the males, and are more dominant.

Size and attitude as a general rule of thumb can be the distinguishing factor, in the absence of the usual clues such as horns or genitals. Other than hyenas and a few other animals, it is the males of a species which are usually larger.

Did you know?

Did you know? Manta rays Sep 12 2007

Manta rays (Manta birostris) are the world’s largest rays, and favour tropical and sub-tropical oceans.

Wildlife news from around the world

Researchers attempt to save ‘living fossil’ in China Aug 29 2007

One of the world’s largest species of freshwater fish, the Chinese sturgeon, has survived since the time of the dinosaurs, but with only perhaps 1000 left in the wild, is now facing extinction.

National Geographic News reports that scientists at the Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute in Jingzhou, China, are trying to avert that by breeding the massive sturgeon, which can grow to 4m (13ft) in length and weigh 450kg (1,000lb), in captivity, and then releasing them into the Yangtze River, where they have traditionally spawned.

Did you know?

Did you know? Stonefish Aug 21 2007

Stonefish are regarded as one of the most dangerous fish, not for their size or bite, but because of their effective camouflage and the toxin in their dorsal spines. A stonefish’’s sting can kill a fully grown person within a few hours, if not attended to quickly.