Happy Otter Day

Here is a quick look at the small clawed otters found on Discovery Island at the Animal Kingdom

These otters are found in South East Asia and India. They are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. That means they are one step away from being endangered. Besides habitat destruction, pollution is the biggest threat to this species. Pollution has caused a big reduction in fish population, which, of course, is the animals primary food source.

With Safari Mike away exploring the high deserts, Dave calls on his old friend, and self-professed Pandora lover, Scott Campbell from the Enchanted Tiki Talk podcast to discuss the new Avatar-themed land at Disney's Animal Kingdom with someone who has a totally different perspective on Pandora then either of your hosts. We have SPOLIERS galore on this one so be warned...



If you have any questions or comments about the show, feel free to email us at jamboeveryone@gmail.com. Asante Sana and enjoy the show!

Spotted Hyena

Species: Spotted Hyena
Habitat: African plains
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Kilimanjaro Safari

The spotted hyena is also commonly called the laughing hyena, and you can probably guess why. It is the largest of all hyenas who as a family of carnivores are more closely related to bears than dogs. It is believed the hyena as a family of species originated in Asia, and according to prehistoric cave paintings, were found throughout Europe, as well. 

The hyena is one of the most adaptable carnivores on Earth. They also make the most use of their food, with powerful teeth allowing them to eat even bone. They will eat almost anything, hunting and foraging and even in some parts of Africa, garbage from city streets. As such, they are plentiful throughout their range.

They are also one of the most social animals. Their society is matriarchal, with females being larger. Females also have a pseudo-penis.  The society of a pack is extremely complex. Some groups can have as many as 80 members (though that is extremely rare). Larger groups split up into smaller groups for hunting within the territory. Dominance is not often related to size, but with alliances. Despite this, overthrows of matriarchs and infighting is unusual.

Episode 110 of Radio Harambe: 10 Things You Never Knew About Gorilla Falls

How well do you know the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail? Maybe not as well as you might have thought. On Today’s show, Safari Mike presents us with 10 Things You Never Knew about the former Pangani Forest area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you have any questions or comments about the show, feel free to email us at jamboeveryone@gmail.com

Blesbok

Species: Blesbok
Habitat: high veld of South Africa
Status: Not Threatened
DAK Locale: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Sunset savanna

The Blesbok is very closely related to the very similar but much more endangered bontebok. Although considered a separate species, they are close enough that they can interbreed. The two species are distinguishable by their face, the blesbok has a thin brown line breaking the white fur patch on the nose, while the bontebok has a solid white patch.

In South Africa, the species is found in large numbers at many of the national parks. It is confined to the grasslands, avoiding woodlands. Like the bontebok, the blesbok can't jump, an unusual trait in antelopes, which made them much easier to conserve when they were on the brink of extinction by fencing them on private property. Now, there are approximately 240,000 animals in South Africa.

They are a staple food item for many of the predators on the savanna including lions, cheetah, wild dogs, hyenas, eagles, and more. While they cannot jump well, they are fast, reaching nearly 45 miles per hour.

King Vulture

Species: King Vulture

Habitat: Rain forest of South and Central America

Status: Least Concern

DAK Locale: Flights of Wonder

The beautiful king vulture can be found in the lowland rain forest from Mexico to Argentina. Like all vultures, their head and necks are bald to avoid infestation when eating rotten meat. But these birds do make up for it with vibrant coloration. They also have a very pronounced fleshy piece on their beak called a caruncle. 

The king vulture can soar for hours at a time, rarely beating their wings and conserving energy. Wing beats are deep and strong, and you can that at the Flights of Wonder show, as seen below. They are relatively unassuming at a kill and do not fight and bicker nearly as much as many other types of vultures. As you would have guessed, they eat mostly carrion but have been known to kill injured animals before feasting. 

The king vulture is one of the most common animals seen in Mayan art and codices. It was thought to carry messages between the gods. Today, it is still quite common with as many as 100,000 birds living the wild. Although it is listed as of least concern, numbers are declining in large part due to deforestation. 

Water Buffalo

Species: Asian Water Buffalo
Habitat: Throughout the world
DAK Locale: Maharajah Jungle Trek
Status: Domesticated

There are over 170 million water buffalo in the world, and nearly 96% of them are found in Asia. It is a domesticated species most likely related to the wild water buffalo of south east Asian jungles. It seems they were first domesticated in India about 5000 years ago and there are nearly 98 million head there today. Another species were domesticated in China about 4000 years ago. 

Today, more human beings depend on the water buffalo than any other type of domestic animal. Their milk is rich in protein. They are also quite suited to tilling rice fields.

By Safari Mike 

Marabou Stork

Species: Marabou Stork
Habitat: African savanna
DAK Locale: Animal Kingdom Lodge
Status: Least concern

This stork is huge, reaching a height of 5 feet in some instances, with a wingspan reaching up to nearly 12 feet.  It is also called the undertaker bird, not only for its appearance but due to its propensity for eating carrion. This diet is also one reason it has adapted to having a bald head like the vultures.  

It is a colonial breeder. During the savanna's dry season, they will nest in treetops, laying 2 or 3 eggs. It is not very vocal, but does engage in bill rattling displays. It is a wading bird, like other storks, but while common around lakes, will also be found in the more arid areas of the savanna.

New Guinea Masked Plover

Species: Masked Plover
Habitat: Open ground of Australia and neighboring islands
DAK Locale: Maharajah Jungle Trek
Status: Least Concern

The masked plover, or the masked lapwing, is found on the islands of New Zealand and New Guinea, as well as Australia. At the park, it is often found standing near the main pond in the aviary. Although, it can fly, it spends nearly all of its time on the ground in search of insects and worms for food. It also nests on the ground and is not shy about nesting in high traffic areas like parks or even supermarket parking lots and the roof of a suburban home.  

The bird is highly territorial, especially during nesting season. Using loud calls and aggressive dives to drive off potential predators of a chick or egg. They even use distracting displays such as pretending to have an injured leg to attract would be predators from the nest.

Indian Pygmy Goose

Species: Indian Pygmy Goose
Habitat: Freshwater lakes of Indian and SE Asia
DAK Locale: Maharajah Jungle Trek
Status: Least Concern

The Indian pygmy goose is also known as the cotton pygmy goose. It is found throughout India, Sri Lanka, Southern China and Southeast Asia, wherever is a large body of open water. It mostly feeds on aquatic vegetation. 

Like many birds, the male is more striking than the female. While the female is a drab off white, the male is a striking combination of grey, white and black. The wings have an iridescent look. A breeding pair will lay as many as 12 eggs and will stay close to the young as they grow.

Great Argus Pheasant

Species: Great Argus Pheasant
Habitat: Malaysian Forest
DAK Locale: Maharajah Jungle Trek
Status: Near Threatened

Not as brilliantly colored as some other pheasants, this large ground bird is mostly dark brown with the males having light blue heads, The one pictured below is a female. The males make up for its lack of color with tremendous displays in an attempt to attract females. Loud calls are accompanied by fan-like feathers that appear to have numerous eyes.

The bird is now listed as near threatened. Habitat destruction of its forest home is a major conservation for the bird. Also, locally it has been hunted for food and for its feathers. 

By Safari Mike

Northern Pintail Duck

Species: Northern Pintail
Habitat: Open wetlands of North America, Europe and Asia
DAK Locale: Oasis
Status: Least Concern

This ducks species is quite widespread being found throughout the northern half of the globe. It is migratory, flying south to the equator for breeding season. In some areas the population is in decline, but overall it is estimated that there are at least 5 million pintails across its range.

It will live near open wetlands and will nest on the ground, although some distance from the water. Nests are frequently preyed upon by foxes and raccoons. It is a dabbling duck, feeding mostly on aquatic plants. It does have a longer neck than other dabblers, allowing it to feed a bit lower in the water than most.

Naked Mole Rat

Species: Naked mole rat
Habitat: African underground
DAK Locale: Pangani Forest
Conservation: Least Concern

Underneath the arid grasslands of Eastern Africa lives a very remarkable animal, the naked mole rat. It is incredibly adapted to live in the tunnels they call home. Their eyes are small leaving them virtually blind. Their legs are also small being built to move quickly through tunnels both forward and backward. They have very small lungs and their blood is rich in oxygen which helps them breathe in their limited oxygen homes.

They also do not regulate their body temperatures like other mammals. Their body temperatures are influenced by the environment unlike other "warm blooded" mammals. They will huddle together in tunnels to warm up and if their temperature gets too high, they will retreat to the colder, deeper tunnels.

For its size, the naked mole rat lives an incredibly long time, up to 30 years. They are also apparently virtually immune to cancers.

Perhaps the most unusual characteristic is the social structure which resembles those of ants and termites. There is a queen as well as one to three breeding males in every group. There are workers, who are sterile. When the queen dies, a worker female becomes sexually active. All naked mole rats are involved with the care of the young born to the queen.

Spider Tortoise

Species: Spider Tortoise
Habitat: Coast of Madagascar
DAK Locale: Pangani Forest
Conservation: Critically Endangered 

We have mentioned on the show how bad things are in Madagascar as a whole. Well over 90% of the land animals (such as reptiles) are endemic to the island. That is, they are found nowhere else in the world. When that fact is combined with the fact that the island nation is one of the 10 poorest nations in the world and habitat is being destroyed at an alarming rate, things are critical for many of the species such as this small tortoise.

The animal is named after the spider web like pattern on the male's shell. In fact, it has become a popular victim of the illegal pet trade as many are captured and sold as such. It is critically endangered.

In the wild, it lives in the sandy coastal areas of Madagascar where they live mostly on vegetation. 

Eld's Deer

Species: Eld's Deer
Habitat: Forests of SE Asia
Status: Endangered
DAK Locale: Maharajah Jungle Trek

The Eld's deer is an endangered species located in Asia with three different subspecies found in India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and China. It is also sometimes called the thamin or the brow-antlered deer.

The Eld's Deer has been at the Animal Kingdom since the Jungle Trek opened in 1999, like this male

The species is generally found alone or in pairs. However, during mating season, a bull male will try to create a harem of several breeding females. He will spend a large portion of the time attempting to fight off rivals for his females. There is usually a single calf born which like many other types of deer have spots as camouflage for the broken light of the forest floor.

They are endangered. As a large deer species with impressive antlers, they are a popular game prize. They are also a favored prey for local hunters. In times of war, they would be slaughtered in mass to feed armies. In many areas, there is very little suitable habitat left thanks to deforestation.

By Safari Mike

Kigelia

Species: Kigelia
Habitat: Tropical Africa
Status: Not Endangered
DAK Locale: Harambe Village

The Kigelia is more popularly referred to as the sausage tree. It is named as such for obvious reasons as it has fruit that grows as a peduncle, hanging down from the leaves. They look much like sausages hanging from the branches. In some areas, it is also referred to as the cucumber tree for the same reasons.

It is an unusual plant as it is the only species in its genus. However, it is fairly widespread throughout its home continent from Chad in the Sahara all the way to South Africa.

It can grow to be 20 meters in height. The fruit is a type of berry that is commonly eaten by many species like monkeys, bush pigs, giraffe, elephants and hippos. The fruit is also used by local people as a medicine for all types of ailments from syphilis to snake bites to evil spirits. It is also used to make beer and is found in some skin care products.

By Safari Mike

Sarus Crane

Species: Sarus Crane
Habitat: Wetlands of India, SE Asia, Australia
Status: Vulnerable
DAK Locale: Maharajah Jungle Trek

This species of crane is nonmigratory although it will move short distances during the rainy and dry seasons. It is the tallest flying bird with some specimens measuring in at nearly 6 feet tall. Its generally grayish color is in stark contrast to the bright red feathers found on its head.

In India, this bird is the symbol of marriage. It is believed in myth that these birds mate for life and will actually starve themselves to death if they lose their partner. The latter is not really true, however. And frankly neither is the former in all circumstances (although many do mate for life). Nevertheless, the bird is revered and in the Hindu culture, eating the meat of the crane is taboo. In India they are sacred and left alone, and often the birds feel not threatened by man.

The sarus is known for its loud trumpeting calls which are often used in courtship. The male dances in order to attract a mate. Dancing is also used when the bird feels the young or nest are endangered as a way to distract would be predators.

The bird is officially listed as Vulnerable. However, it is locally extinct in Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. The biggest threat to the bird is the conversion of their wetlands to farms. Many farmers believe the species is damaging to rice fields. The species is in greater danger in Southeast Asia. The populations in India and Australia, while down from historical records, are stable.

By Safari Mike

Bongo

Species: Bongo
Habitat: Dense Forest of Africa
Status: Near Threatened
DAK Locale: Kilimanjaro Safari

Many of us know the safari driver line about the "ghost of the forest," that is the bongo. It is called that due to its ability to blend into the broken light and foliage of the jungle. The chestnut brown fur and white stripes are deceptively good camouflage. Adding to its mystery is the fact that is mostly nocturnal (a trait generally not true for its savanna brethren). Also, it is one of the largest of Africa's antelopes and certainly one of its most beautiful.

The bongo lives in the densest jungles of Africa. There, it eats mostly leaves, grasses and roots as well the occasional fruit. It has a long prehensile tongue that it uses to pull up grass and pull off leaves. It will also eat the burnt bark of trees scorched by lightning, a behavior it shares with okapi. It is believed these animals do this to obtain otherwise hard to come by minerals.

This antelope species is currently listed as Near Threatened and estimates put the total population at around 28,000. Habitat destruction being the biggest culprit in the animal's decline, although its beautiful coat makes it a favorite poacher's target. It is part of the SSP program throughout North American zoos.

By Safari Mike

Spiny Devil Walkingstick

Species: Spiny Devil Walkingstick
Habitat: Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands
Status: Not Listed
DAK Locale: Rafiki's Planet Watch

There is little doubt as to how this huge insect got its name. It lives in the forests of the some of the islands of Australasia and due its camouflage can be quite difficult to spot. But its so large (sometimes as much as 15 cm) it is often called the New Guinean land lobster. The legs are used by local fisherman as hooks.

Like all stick insects, these guys are vegetarians eating leaves and the like. They have very strong mandibles for pulling apart vegetation. They mostly feed at night using the protection of their camouflage during the day. They will form groups and will even migrate from foraging area to foraging area, an unusual behavior for this family of insects.

They are not listed by the IUCN, however there are some dangers to this species. Most importantly is of course, habitat destruction as the native forests of the area are its home. It is also commonly taken as a pet.

By Safari Mike

White Stork

Species: White Stork
Habitat: The Old World
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Tree of Life Gardens

On a hidden path behind the Tree of Life, one can find these graceful birds living along the Discovery river. They are nearly a global species being found throughout the old world. It is a long distance migrant, breeding in Europe (all the way to Finland), northern Africa and Southwestern Asia, while wintering in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent. When traveling from Europe though, it detours around the Mediterranean sea, over the straights of Gibraltar.

Like all storks, it has a long beak, neck and legs, to help catch its food, insects, reptiles and amphibians. They are quite social, with sometimes thousands making up a flock in migration. Although the social structure is loose, there is behavior like allopreening that helps maintain bonds, They also make a noise called bill clattering that sounds like a machine gun and is made with a rapid clicking of the bill amplified by a throat pouch.

In the 1980s, this bird was considered Near Threatened but it is now classified as of Least Concern. Due to its widespread distribution, it is the focus of many cultural stories. Not the least of which is the belief in European folklore that storks delivered newborns. German folklore had storks finding babies in caves only to bring them to deserving parents. Slavic folklore held that storks carried unborn souls to Earth. Because one stop on migration routes was Mecca, the bird is revered in Islamic cultures. In Ancient Egypt, the bird was associated with the hieroglyph for soul. Also, this one species is focus of at least three Aesop fables.