Axolotl

 The axolotl are also known as the Mexican salamander or the Mexican walking fish. Though many people call it a walking fish it is not a fish. The axolotl are amphibians. Axolotl do not go through metamorphosis, because of this they stay in water their whole life and always have gills. In 2010 they almost went extinct due to water pollution and to this day they are still endangered.

Giant Pacific octopus

Giant Pacific octopus's are usually reddish-pink with a delicate, veinlike pattern when you see them up close, fading to white on the underside of the tentacles. Its eight arms are covered with suction cups—2,240 of them in females, about 100 fewer in males—which give the octopus an iron grip as well as exquisite powers of taste and smell.

 When Full-grown giant Pacific octopus often top 50 pounds, and the record was a creature weighing 600 pounds and measuring nearly 30 feet across. 

 

Golden Dorado

    The Golden Dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) is a large river fish that lives in central and east-central South America. Despite having Salminus in its name, the dorado is not related to any species of salmon, nor to the saltwater fish also called dorado. It is very popular among recreational anglers and also supports large commercial fisheries.    The average size of the golden dorado is about 3–10 kilograms (6.6–22 lb). The largest recorded size is 100 centimetres (39 in) length and 31.4 kilograms (69 lb). Golden Dorado live in warm freshwater habitats in southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and northern Argentina, where found in the river basins of the Paraguay, Uruguay, Chapare and Mamoré, and the drainage of the Lagoa dos Patos. The dorado is considered an endangered species in Paraguay and therefore a 5-year fishing ban is currently on effect there. Other South American river basins hold relatives of this species: S. franciscanus in the São Francisco Basin, S. hilarii in the upper Paraná, Amazon and Orinoco basins, and S. affinis in the Santiago and Magdalena basins in Ecuador and Colombia.

The Wild Rat

The Wild Rat is a hardy that have no problem adjusting to change. Once a Wild Rat makes a home in house it is nearly impossible to get rid of. They can survive in habitats that would kill a common mouse .Even when it is tried extensively to exterminate them, a Wild Rat will be stubborn and do what-ever it takes to stay there. So the best way to cope with these animals is to live with the fact that their there and you cant do anything about it.

Post Of The Month

     Over June, you have seen many posts, from extinct snakes to carnivorous plants. But now, it is time to vote on your favorites. The post with the most votes by July 1st wins post of the month. Post your favorites in the comments, and we will reveal the winner afterwards. Choose wisely!

The Dumbo Octopus

The Dumbo Octopuses are known to be the deepest living species of octopus at around 12,000 feet below the surface. It's name appropriately comes from the Disney character, Dumbo, the flying elephant, because of the octopuses large ear like fins on the top of it's head. There are 17 known species of Dumbo Octopus. They can grow to be up to five feet in diameter and unlike other octopus species that grind up their prey the Dumbo Octopus swallows it prey whole.

The Silent Rattlesnake

The Silent Rattlesnake is not a new species of rattlesnake, but a adaptation that rattlesnakes are beginning to adopt. Humans are one of the main causes of this adaptation because we have taken to killing rattlesnakes on sight. Usually it isn't us seeing them, but them rattling and us locating the source of the sound and killing it. But when the rattlesnake doesn't rattle it tends to not be noticed and therefore not be killed making the non-rattling version of the species more dominant than the original rattling version. This good or bad adaptation has been around for around six or seven years but is only being publicly noticed in the past year or so.

Monitor Mayhem: Nile Monitor

    The Nile monitor, or Varanus niloticus, is a species of monitor native to central and southern Africa. These carnivores prey upon crocodile eggs, fish, frogs, turtles, rodents, lizards, mussels, crabs, and snails. They are commonly found in the woodlands and swamps of their range. Their main predators are crocodiles and pythons. They can measure in length from 5 to 7 feet. This aggressive lizard  has a whipping tail and a powerful bite force. They are semi-aquatic and can stay underwater for up to an hour, allowing them to evade predators or stalk prey. Due to release from pet owners, Nile monitors have established a population in south Florida. In this environment, they can prey upon native and endangered Florida species. There are efforts to end the invasion, but if these monitors spread and thrive, they might become the dominant species, and spread to northern states.

Monitor Mayhem: Crocodile Monitor

       The crocodile monitor, or Varanus salvadorii, is a species of monitor lizard native to southern New Guinea. Weighing up to 200 pounds and measuring an outstanding 12 feet, they are the longest monitors in the world. There even reports from natives of the island of 20 foot crocodile monitors. This could explain the New Guinea reports of the extinct monitor, Megalania prisca. These top predators feed upon birds, mammals, fish, and reptiles. They are diurnal and arboreal so they spend much of their days in the canopy. They are mainly dark-colored with lighter spots. Like other monitors, crocodile monitors have a whip-like tail, rough skin, and powerful muscles. Unlike their relatives, these monitors' teeth are serrated, similar to a crocodile's teeth, giving them their name. Their tails are so powerful that when whipped, people can even obtain severe lacerations. Some people have compared them to velociraptors because of their calculating minds. They have been known to keep an eye on everyone nearby, and when cornered, plan escapes. Due to their range of uncharted land, there are no accurate population estimates. However, because of their rarity, there are conservation efforts to save these secretive giants.

Monitor Mayhem: Komodo Dragon

      The Komodo dragon, or Varanus komodoensis, is a species of monitor lizards indigenous to the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia. They are the largest lizards in the world, measuring 10 feet long and weighing up to 300 pounds. They are armed with razor sharp teeth, poisonous bacteria in their saliva, sharp claws, and a muscular tail which they utilize as a whip. Komodo dragons feed upon deer, pigs, smaller monitor lizards, water buffalo, and even humans. Only about 5,000 of these lizards are believed to be alive in the wild, causing them to be classified as endangered. The Komodo dragon is an elusive creature and was only discovered about 100 years ago. Although attacks are rare, there have been over 10 attacks within the last 5 years. This just goes to show that these majestic monitors should be observed, not disturbed.

Monitor Mayhem: Emerald Tree Monitor

     The emerald tree monitor, or Varanus prasinus, is a species of monitor lizard indigenous to the rain-forests of Australia and Papua New Guinea. They can reach lengths of 36 inches and live to be over 15 years old. They commonly feed upon insects, small mammals, and birds. The tail of the emerald tree monitor is extremely prehensile, and is used as a fifth limb. Unlike some of it's larger relatives, this monitor only bites in extreme situations as self-defense. Another strange characteristic, emerald tree monitors stay in groups led by a dominant male. From a prehensile tail, to it's one of a kind emerald coloration, the emerald tree monitor is a truly unique creature.

     Check back soon for more monitor-themed specials.

Underwater Death-match

      Deep in Antarctic waters there is a constant war between a colossal predator and colossal prey. Two of the largest killers on Earth constantly fight to the death. They are the sperm whale and the colossal squid.

      The sperm whale is a large species of carnivorous whale. It feeds on fish and-yes, squid. It dives thousands of feet every day in search of prey. It is easily distinguishable because of it's huge rectangular head which is used to hold the worlds largest brain. They are also equipped with razor sharp teeth for grabbing prey. Males can grow to over 50 feet long.

       The colossal squid is the largest squid (in terms of mass) alive today. It is the second longest though, behind the giant squid. No living adults have been recorded, but because of dead specimens and juveniles, it is estimated that an adult colossal squid could reach 35 feet, and weigh up to 1,000 pounds. They are equipped with eight grasping arms and two long tentacles lined with hooks perfect for grabbing sperm whales. Unlike their enemy, they do not eat their competitor. Instead, they eat fish.

        After these titanic battles, it is usually the sperm whale that swims away. However, sometimes the colossal squid defeats the sperm whale. Although these battles have never been actively watched, due to either a scar-covered whale, or a dead squid, these battles are happening and devastating both species forever.

The Monitor Lizard

This determined animal has amazing ability at catching its prey.....

Eupethecia

      Eupethecia is a genus of caterpillars native to the Hawaii Archipelago. This genus of tiny monsters consists of about 20 caterpillar species, all but two of which are carnivorous. They feed upon flies, moths, crickets, cockroaches, and even other caterpillars. They capture their prey by using their claw-like body to grab insects and lift them into the air while holding onto the ground with their back legs. This strange adaptation is likely the cause of being isolated on the islands of Hawaii. These are true freaks of nature and should be respected.

Kermode Bear

      The Kermode bear, also known as: the spirit bear, the ghost bear, or Ursus americanus kermodei, is a subspecies of the American black bear. They are extremely elusive and are a rare and stunning sight. Kermode bears are indigenous to The Great Bear Rain-forest, a forest located in a section of mainland and a few islands. It is believed that they were isolated in this area thousands of years ago where they began to evolve into the Kermode. Most are black, but about 10 percent have the iconic white fur because of a recessive gene passed down between generations. It is estimated that less than 1,200 of these majestic creatures are left in the wild. These rare and beautiful bears show just what the pristine corners of our Earth have to offer.

Monster of the Deep

     This beast ruled the oceans in prehistoric times. It went extinct millions of years ago, or did it?




 






    Check back soon for this mega-sized special feature.

Terrestrial Arboreal Alligator Lizard

     The Terrestrial Arboreal Alligator Lizard, or Abronia Graminea, is a small species of lizard native to the Mexican states of Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Puebla. They grow in size to about 12 inches, but their average length is closer to 8 inches. They live in the trees of mountain cloud forests. Their main threat is deforestation and degradation of habitat. They mainly feed upon insects but occasionally consume smaller lizards. They are usually an emerald green color. They are occasionally sold in stores as house pets.

Venus Flytrap

      The Venus Flytrap, or Dionaea muscipula, is a carnivorous plant that lives in boggy areas. Unlike most plants that get their nutrients from the soil, the Venus Flytrap gets many of its nutrients from insects. They have two round leaves with tooth-like bristles giving them the iconic mouth-like appearance. They are native to swamps of North and South Carolina. Due to their fascinating traits, many have been collected from the bogs, endangering them. Today, Venus Flytraps are grown in greenhouses to raise the population.

The Malo Kingi

Malo Kingi are one of the most venomous creatures in the world. This venomous creature is about the size of your thumb nail. Malo Kingi usually live near Australia but they have been found near Japan and Florida.  It was nicknamed the Common Kingslayer when it

A Malo Kingi

killed a man named Robert King. Robert King was an American tourist swimming on the coast of Australia and got stung, soon after he died. This jellyfish is deadly partly because of its ability to fire its stingers. About 30 minutes after someone gets stung they will feel pain in many parts of their body and get headaches, nausea, vomiting and their blood pressure and heart rate will increase. Currently there isn't an anti-venom but hopefully there will be one soon.

The Liger

A Liger Standing up Against a Bus

        The Liger is a mammalian hybrid between a male lion and a female tiger therefore it has parents of different species but same genus.
Some of their characteristics are the like to swim, which comes from the tiger, and being very sociable, which come from the lion. The first recorded time in history that ligers are known to have been created in is the year 1798
in India. The liger is believed to be the largest cat in the world at a stunning 11.5 feet long and 6 feet tall, while on all four legs. Even larger than a Siberian Tiger. This amazing hybrid is a great example of why we, as humans, should be extremely careful when experimenting with hybrids.

Giant Pacific Octopus

      The giant pacific octopus, or Enteroctopus dofleini, is an enormous cephalopod and also the largest octopus alive. They can reach tremendous lengths of up to 30 feet and weigh up to 600 pounds. Similar to other cephalopods, they have the ability to change their skin's color and texture. They mainly feed upon shrimp, lobsters, fish, and sharks. They are indigenous to waters between California, Alaska, Russia, and Japan. They are highly intelligent creatures and have been known to open jars, climb between aquarium tanks, and many other interesting feats.

Titanoboa cerrejonensis

Titanoboa or Titanoboa cerrejonensis was a giant snake related to boa constrictors and anacondas and could grow to 49 feet long and weighed up to 2500 pounds. It had a width of 60-70 centimeters. It lived in the lowlands of northern Colombia. It was the top predator of its time eating everything from turtles to crocodiles. Titanoboa lived from 60 million years to 58 million years ago and went extinct because of changing climates.

The Echidna

        The echidna, or Tachyglossidae, are the only monotremes other than the platypus. They are covered with hedgehog-like spines and have an anteater-like proboscis. There are two species: the long-beaked echidna, which is native to the highlands  of Papua New Guinea, and the short-beaked echidna, which is native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. They can reach up to 21 inches as an adult. They usually feed on termites. They can weigh up to 13 pounds. Their only natural predators are dogs, eagles, and dingos.

Tarpon

The tarpon is a fish that has been known to exceed 300 pounds. Characteristics include large flat scales up to three inches in diameter, an elongated dorsal fin, falcate anal fin and large bony underslung jaw. Little is known of the tarpons spawning activity or growth. Tarpon of six to 18 inches have been found in river mouths, lakes and bar-ditches and sometimes in polluted areas, Young tarpon often go into the brackish water of small marsh channels, while adults may swim far up the larger rivers of South Texas, perhaps in search of food. Most commonly found off the beachfront in the Gulf and they may be found throughout the Atlantic Ocean to  the Caribbean and Brazil. 

Japanese Giant Salamander

      The Japanese giant salamander, or Andrias Japonicus, is an enormous species of salamander that is indigenous to the rivers of Japan. They can reach lengths of up to 5 feet and can weigh up to 55 pounds. Strangely, the way it collects oxygen to breathe is by absorbing it through its skin. There are stories about this legendary beast dragging children to the bottom of the river. These salamanders eat anything from crabs to fish to mice. However, if you encountered this monster in the wild, you'd still be terrified.

Giant Snakehead

      The giant snake-head, or Channa micropeltes, is a ferocious freshwater fish. They are deadly predators that have been known to attack and even kill humans. This monster grows up to about 6 feet and can weigh over 44 pounds. They are indigenous to lakes and rivers of Southeast Asia. They mainly feed upon fish, frogs and birds. Snake-heads can breathe air, so they can crawl across land for over 3 days, allowing them to travel between unconnected bodies of water.

Mexican Axolotl

      The Mexican axolotl, or ambystoma mexicanum, is an amphibian related to the salamander. They have a long tadpole-like tail, two pairs of legs, and feathery larval gills. They are found exclusively in the Xochimilco lakes of Mexico. Different than other salamanders, axolotls remain exclusively in water rather than having the ability to travel on land. They can grow to lengths of about 12 inches. Axolotls can weigh up to 8 ounces or half of a pound. They feed upon mollusks, insects, crustaceans, and certain fish.

Vinegaroon

      Thelyphonida is an order of arthropods which consists of arachnids known as vinegaroons, also known as whip scorpions. However, these creatures are not true scorpions. They have a few distinct differences. To start, instead of a stinger, they have a thin "whip". They also have pincer-like jaws like most scorpions. They have three pairs of legs for walking, and one antennae-like pair for feeling. They range in size from about 1 and a half to 3 inches. They are commonly found in Western Texas. Vinegaroons mainly eat smaller creatures such as insects and worms. They are known to use their pincers to defend against large predators. They can also secrete an odor from a gland that smells similar to vinegar, giving them the name "vinegaroon".

Golden poison dart frog

The golden poison dart frog is considered one of the most toxic animals on Earth. A single specimen measuring two inches (five centimeters) has enough venom to kill ten grown men. These brightly colored amphibians are among the largest of the more than 100 poison dart frog species, averaging more than one inch (two and a half centimeters) in length. They live within a tiny area of rain forest on the Pacific coast of Colombia. Though the population in its small range is abundant, widespread decimation of  its habitat has put this species on international endangered lists. Their coloring, which can be yellow, orange, or pale green, depending on their particular range, is deliberately ostentatious to ward off potential predators, a tactic called aposematic coloration. Their diet includes flies, crickets, ants, termites, and beetles.

Peregrine Falcon

         Powerful and fast-flying, the Peregrine Falcon hunts medium-sized birds, dropping down on them from high above in a spectacular stoop. They were virtually eradicated* from eastern North America by pesticide poisoning in the middle 20th century. After significant recovery efforts, Peregrine Falcons have made an incredible rebound and are now regularly seen in many large cities and coastal areas.

*eradicated, to remove or destroy utterly.