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Keep up-to-date with the latest news and information about Okapi and discover facts about this wonderful species at Chester Zoo.

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Anatomy

The okapi is a beautiful and elusive animal, unknown to western scientists until 1900! Standing five feet (1.5 m) tall, its legs and hindquarters are covered in black and white stripes, similar to a zebra. Its closest living relative, however, is the giraffe. Like its giraffe cousin, the okapi has a long, dark, prehensile tongue that allows it to easily strip buds and leaves off branches, excellent hearing and a similarly shaped triangular head. The okapi's body is covered in dark reddish brown fur that is thick and velvety but very oily, helping to keep the animal dry on rainy days. Although it generally travels alone, scent glands on the bottom of its feet allow it to keep track of its okapi neighbors and mark its territory.

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Habitat

Native to the Democratic Republic of Congo, okapis are mainly found within the Ituri Forest and prefer very dense tropical rainforests. While they usually remain in the thick vegetation, they also frequent nearby riverbeds. In the filtered sunlight of the rainforest understory, their bold stripes act as great camouflage.

Diet

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Strictly herbivores, okapis' diets consist of leaves, buds, twigs, fruits and other understory vegetation. As browsers, they consume between 45 and 60 lbs (20 and 27 kg) of vegetation each day. Like their giraffe cousins, okapis are ruminants-animals with four chambered stomachs that allow the digestion of very tough plant matter. Okapis are also known to occasionally eat the clay found by riverbeds in order to meet their mineral and salt requirements.

Threats

Deforestation, along with the changing political climate in central Africa, has led to a loss of habitat for the okapi population. They are also a target for poachers because of their unique pelts and meat. Due to their reclusive nature, most of the behavioral information known to scientists has been gathered in captivity. Scientists believe they are still well distributed throughout their range, with approximately 25,000 individuals left in the wild, and they are currently not considered threatened.

Did You Know

Okapi newborns stand within the first 30 minutes after birth, and will nurse within the first hour. Despite their ability to walk, mothers hide newborns in dense vegetation and return frequently to allow the calves to nurse. Newborn calves do not defecate until they are between four and eight weeks old. This adaptation helps to keep them hidden from their predator's keen sense of smell while they are still small and weak.

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Photo credit: iStock

Photo credit: iStock

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Map of Africa

Okapi

Okapi Classification and Evolution
The Okapi is an elusive herbivore that is found in a small pocket of tropical mountain forest in central Africa. Despite its Deer-like appearance the Okapi is actually one of the last remaining ancestors of the Giraffe, which is the tallest animal on Earth. Along with having a relatively long neck compared to its body size, the most striking feature of the Okapi is the horizontal stripes that are particularly visible on their behinds and give this animal an almost Zebra-like appearance. The Okapi is very shy and secretive, so much so in fact that they were not recognised as a distinct species by western science until the earth 20th century. Although they are seldom seen by people, the Okapi is not an endangered species as they are thought to be fairly common in their remote habitats.

Okapi Anatomy and Appearance
Like its distant and much larger ancestor, the Okapi has a long neck which not only helps it to reach leaves that are higher up, but also provides the Okapi with a tool to both defend itself and its territory. The Okapi has a red-brown coloured coat of fur with horizontal, white striped markings that are found on their hind quarters and at the tops of their legs, and provide the Okapi with excellent camouflage in the dense jungle. They have white ankles with a dark spot above each hoof and very thick skin to help protect them from injury. The Okapi has a long head and dark muzzle with large set-back ears which enable the Okapi to detect approaching predators easily. The Okapi also has an impressively long tongue, which is not only black in colour but it is also prehensile meaning that it is able to grab hold of leaves from the branches above.

Okapi Distribution and Habitat
The Okapi is found in the dense tropical rainforests of north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo generally at an altitude that can vary between 500 and 1,000 meters, although the majority of individuals are thought to inhabit areas at roughly 800 meters above sea level. They are incredibly shy and elusive animals and rely heavily on the very thick foliage around them to protect them from being spotted by predators. The Okapi can also be found in areas where there is a slow-moving fresh water source, but the range of the Okapi is very much limited by natural barriers, with unsuitable habitats on all four sides trapping these animals into the 63,000 square kilometre Ituri Rainforest. Around a fifth of the rainforest is today made up of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, which is a World Heritage Site. Although they are thought to be common in their native region, the Okapi has been severely threatened by habitat loss particularly from deforestation.

Okapi Behaviour and Lifestyle
The Okapi is a diurnal animal meaning that they are most active during the day when they spend the majority of their time roaming set paths through the forest in search of food. They are solitary animals with the exception of the time mothers spend with their calves but are known to tolerate other individuals and may occasionally feed together in small groups for a short period of time. Okapi have overlapping home ranges with males tending to occupy a larger territory than females, which is marked with both urine and by rubbing their necks on trees. Males also use their necks to fight with one other to both settle disputes over territory and to compete to mate with a female during the breeding season. Okapis are known to also communicate with one another using quiet "chuff" sounds and rely heavily on their hearing in the surrounding forest where they are not able to see very far at all.

Okapi Reproduction and Life Cycles
After a gestation period that can last for up to 16 months, the female Okapi retreats into the dense vegetation where she gives birth to a single calf. Like many hoofed-herbivores, the Okapi calf is usually able to stand within half an hour when mother and baby then begin starting to look for a good nest spot. They remain in their nest deep in the undergrowth for the majority of the next two months which not only helps the calf to develop more rapidly but also gives it vital protection from hungry predators. Although the female Okapi will protect and feed her vulnerable calf, the two are not thought to share the same close bond that occurs with numerous other hoofed mammals. Although they do begin to develop their white stripes at a fairly young age, the young Okapi do not reach their full adult size until they are roughly three years old. They are generally weaned at around 6 months old but may continue to suckle from their mother for more than a year.

The Okapi is a herbivorous animal meaning that it survives on a diet that is only comprised of plant matter. They eat leaves, shoots and twigs that are drawn into their mouths using their long prehensile tongue along with fruits, berries and other plant parts. The Okapi will even eat fungi on occasion and is known to eat more than 100 different types of plant, many of which are poisonous to other animals and Humans. Along with consuming a vast variety of plant material, the Okapi is also known to eat a reddish clay that provides essential salt and minerals to its plant-based diet. The Okapi spends a great deal of the daylight hours in search of food and walks quietly along well-trodden paths that it uses regularly to ensure an easier escape from predators.

Okapi Predators and Threats
Due to the fact that the Okapi inhabits such a secluded region of mountain rainforest, it actually has surprisingly few common predators particularly in comparison to similar species. The main predator of the Okapi is the Leopard, which is one of the world's largest and most powerful felines and an animal that spends a lot of time resting in the trees. Unlike other predators which the Okapi's acute hearing would sense moving through the undergrowth, the Leopard's position above ground means that they are able to both survey the surrounding area for potential prey and are also able to ambush it from above. Other predators of the Okapi include the Serval and Human hunters in the area, but the biggest threat to the world's Okapi population is habitat loss due to deforestation.

Okapi Interesting Facts and Features
One of the most distinctive features of both the Okapi and the Giraffe is their long prehensile tongue which can not only be used to grab onto leaves and branches but it also assists the animal when grooming. The tongue of the Okapi is in fact so long, that they are one of the few animals in the world that are said to be able to lick their own ear! Although they are quite rare and very secretive animals, there were sightings of the Okapi in these forests but these generally involved seeing the animal from behind and so the Okapi was known by many as a Forest Zebra. The Okapi was not classified as a distinct species until 1900 - 1901, when Harry Johnston sent two pieces of Zebra-like skin to London which was analysed and meant that a new species had been recorded.

Okapi Relationship with Humans
Until the beginning of the last century, the Okapi itself was not known to western scientists but the native people of the region were known to hunt this rare and elusive animal for both its meat and its thick hide. Today this secretive animal is still seldom seen in the high mountain rainforests of central Africa both due to its shy nature and its excellent camouflage amongst the dense foliage, so much of what we know about the Okapi is from observations of individuals found in zoos and animal institutions around the world. This however was not really successful until the introduction of planes as the trauma endured by the animal on trains on boats often meant that there was a high mortality rate of the individuals that were captured.

Okapi Conservation Status and Life Today
Although they are thought to be fairly common throughout their naturally isolated range, the Okapi has been listed by the IUCN as an animal that is Near Threatened from extinction in its natural environment. This is due to the increase of deforestation in parts of their natural habitat along with the fact that they are becoming increasingly caught on snares and other traps that are set by locals to catch other animals. The Okapi has been protected by law in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formally Zaire) since 1933, and the IUCN last estimated that there were between 10,000 and 35,000 individuals left in the wild.

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The Okapi is an elusive herbivore that is found in a small pocket of tropical mountain forest in central Africa. Despite its Deer-like appearance the Okapi is actually one of the last remaining ancestors of the Giraffe, which is the tallest animal on Earth.

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"Where I live"

Wild okapi live exclusively in the Ituri Rainforest in northwest Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa. The Maryland Zoo has one male okapi on exhibit in the African Journey near the giraffes.

"How I live there"

Okapi are solitary animals that live in habitat not easily penetrated. Plants grow so big and so close together in the Ituri rainforest that little sunlight makes its way to the forest floor. Okapi are well adapted to their dense, dark surroundings. Their distinctly large ears help them to sense hidden predators. Their dark bodies blend into the shadows and their striped hindquarters break up any outline, making it difficult for predators to spot them.

Okapi are active during the day (in other words, diurnal). They spend their waking hours foraging for food. They feed on leaves, fruits, grasses and some species of fungi. They also eat a reddish clay that provides essential salt and minerals.

Okapi are not social animals. They do not seek companionship, although they may feed together in small groups for a short period of time. They prefer to live alone in large, secluded areas (which is becoming increasingly difficult for them as their rainforest habitat shrinks).

"Making my mark"

The okapi is similar in many ways to its towering cousin, the giraffe. Both have cloven hooves and short, skin-covered horns. Both have long necks (although, yes, the giraffe wins the longest neck contest). Their skulls are virtually identical except that the okapi's is smaller. Most impressively, both have super long, prehensile, flexible, bluish tongues that are excellent leaf pluckers.

So here's an unusual distinction: the okapi, thanks to its extra long tongue, is one of the only mammals in the world that can lick its own ears!

Both male and female okapi travel within home ranges that may overlap. They live alone or in mother-offspring pairs. Okapi mark their territory by spraying urine, secreting a black tar-like substance from scent glands on each foot, and rubbing their necks on trees. Males will defend their territories from other males but will allow females to pass through. To show dominance, one okapi will raise its head above the other. To show submission, an okapi will lay its head and neck on the ground. When male rivals clash, they kick and bash each other with their large heads.

Okapi are certainly known to each other and to the predators that hunt them, but they remain relatively mysterious to the scientific community. Because they are reclusive animals that live in habitat not easily explored, scientists have not studied them intensively. Okapi were first brought to the world's attention in 1901 after local people revealed their existence to European explorers in Africa. For many years prior, their existence had been hinted at but never confirmed.

"What eats me"

The leopard is the okapi's most fearsome predator. Other rainforest cats, including servals and golden cats, also prey on okapi. Humans also hunt okapi (today, illegally, as okapi are protected in the DRC). This is how European explorers first became aware of okapi; pygmy hunters described the strange, zebra-like animal that they sometimes trapped in forest pits.

Raising Young

Male and female okapi come together briefly to mate, then go their separate ways. Females retreat deep into the forest to give birth. A mother okapi usually gives birth to a single offspring at a time. For the first two months of life, that offspring will remain hidden in a nest of foliage. The mother will return often to allow it to nurse. She will wean her offspring at about 6 months of age. Okapi reach full size at about age 3.

Conservation

Okapi are listed by the IUCN, the world's leading conservation organization, as an endangered species. Although it is difficult to get firm assessment data, the remaining population appears to be in steep decline over the last few decades. The species is threatened by habitat loss and by lack of conservation action. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve, a World Heritage site that covers approximately 20% of the Ituri Rainforest, is a protected reserve where many okapi live. However, civil unrest in the DRC and its neighboring countries of Sudan and Uganda has made it virtually impossible to enforce wildlife protection laws in this and other reserves.

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Wild okapi live exclusively in the Ituri Rainforest in northwest Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa. The Maryland Zoo has one male okapi on exhibit in the African Journey near the giraffes. Okapi are solitary animals that live in habitat not easily penetrated.

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Macaws are incredibly beautiful members of the parrot family. They make fascinating and entertaining pets! If you're considering making a macaw part of your life, you should be familiar with this unique bird's basic anatomy. You'll know what to look for in a well-cared-for, healthy bird.

Macaws average about 32 inches in length, but most of this brightly colored bird's length is actually taken up by incredibly beautiful plumage that falls behind him. A healthy macaw should weigh about 2.2 pounds. Plumage on a healthy, well-fed macaw should be full and glossy and clean. You'll note that the bird has three "fingers" that face forward. They can squeeze down on treats and toys to pick them up with the use of the fourth claw that comes underneath rather like a fork. It is necessary to keep your pet macaw's nails clipped.

A macaw's face is covered by areas of white skin on each side. Within this skinned area are the ever expressive eyes of this curious bird. When macaws are young, their eyes are dark. As they age, the eye become more golden yellow.Pet macaws use their eyes frequently to express interest or to respond when being talked to.

The beak or the mouth of this delicately lovely bird is not to be taken lightly. Macaws can use their mandibles to crack open nuts and to chew through wood. Macaws have extremely strong beaks. The bottom part of the mandible is black, wide and shorter than the whitish(or dark) hook that is your pet's top bite.

Read More:

3 in depth articles about Macaws!

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Macaws are incredibly beautiful members of the parrot family. They make fascinating and entertaining pets! If you're considering making a macaw part of your life, you should be familiar with this unique bird's basic anatomy. You'll know what to look for in a well-cared-for, healthy bird.

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Like other parrots, macaws start out inside of an egg, usually in a clutch of two or three. It can take up to three weeks for the eggs to hatch, but that's just the beginning of a long life that is full of physical and mental changes.

Stark Naked

When a baby macaw is born, the little parrot is a neonate, also known as a hatchling. Completely featherless and blind, these tiny naked chicks are utterly dependent on their parents or human caretakers. While parent macaws regurgitate their own diet of seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetation into the mouths of their young, human feeders use a syringe and carefully prepared formula.

Once their eyes open, the neonates are now referred to as "nestlings" and will imprint on their caretakers. This is a thoroughly enriching time for the little macaws, as stimulation from their surroundings promotes healthy and proper mental and emotional development.

Macaws become fledglings when they begin to learn to fly. This can be as early as 3 months old but as late as 7 in differing varieties of macaw. These little guys still need mom and dad macaw -- or a human -- to feed them, but their focus turns more to trying to get their wings working properly, rather than eating. Most will slim down at this point in their growing stage.

The Ugly Phase

Not long after learning to fly, baby macaws will wean themselves onto their new adult diet. Once weaned, they are considered juveniles. In the wild they will leave the nest at this time, but at home they may or may not still be housed with other siblings or cage mates. Some juvenile macaws will have slightly different feather colors than the ones they'll sport as an adult; these feather changes will occur when the parrot reaches sexual maturity. At that point, junior is considered an adult.

Growing Up is Hard to Do

Like humans, macaws and other parrots will go through some personality changes as they reach adulthood. Some of these changes occur only during puberty, or the mating season, but they can have a negative impact. In the wild, these changes allow the young macaws to find and defend territory, but captive macaws may become a little aggressive.

A newly adult macaw without a potential partner may choose their human companion as their "mate." While this sounds sweet, it often results in friends and family visiting the house being attacked by a jealous or territorial parrot. They even may attempt to regurgitate food for their owner as a sign of affection.

Fortunately, macaws tend to calm down with age. Well-tamed and socialized parrots make excellent family pets. If they do have a feathered mate of their own, they may breed, beginning the cycle all over again. They will stay with their mates their entire lives, which in captivity, can be up to 50 to 65 years. When together, they will share food and groom each other.

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Like other parrots, macaws start out inside of an egg, usually in a clutch of two or three. It can take up to three weeks for the eggs to hatch, but that's just the beginning of a long life that is full of physical and mental changes.

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The life cycle of a macaw begins when a baby bird hatches out of an egg in its parents' nest after 1 month of incubation. A juvenile macaw reaches maturity between 3 and 6 years after hatching then finds a mate. These tropical birds live between 30 and 35 years in the wild, and some live up to 50 years in captivity.

Juvenile macaws first fly out of the nest about 3 months after hatching. Young birds leave the nest permanently about a year later. Juveniles look just like their parents, except younger birds have shorter tails and darker eyes.

Macaws are monogamous and mate for life. When the mother incubates the eggs in the nest, the father finds food and brings it back to the nest. These birds dine on fruit, snails and insects. Macaws do not necessarily mate every year because they live for several decades, although a mating pair may lay several clutches of eggs over a lifetime together. Macaws usually breed between October and April.

There are 17 species of macaws, many of which are endangered or threatened due to habitat loss in tropical rainforests. These birds live in flocks of 10 to 30 individuals and communicate through a series of squawks, screams and calls.

MORE FROM REFERENCE.COM

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The life cycle of a macaw begins when a baby bird hatches out of an egg in its parents' nest after 1 month of incubation. A juvenile macaw reaches maturity between 3 and 6 years after hatching then finds a mate.

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Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

The world's largest rodent, the massive Capybara is more than a meter in length and as heavy as an adult human. As a matter of fact, the word 'capybara' is believed to mean 'master of the grasses', whereas the scientific name of this species means 'water hog' in Greek. This huge animal leads semi-aquatic lifestyle, spending a lot of its time in water. When the animal swims, its nostrils, eyes and short, rounded ears emerge from the water due to being located high on its head. The body of this rodent has neutral buoyancy in water, since it contains a lot of fatty tissue. Males of this species are identified by the prominent, well-developed scent gland on the top of their snout. This area of their body is called 'morillo'. It is dark and naked, producing white and sticky fluid, which is likely to be used in announcing dominance.

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Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris The world's largest rodent, the massive Capybara is more than a meter in length and as heavy as an adult human. As a matter of fact, the word 'capybara' is believed to mean 'master of the grasses', whereas the scientific name of this species means 'water hog' in Greek.

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Capybaras are the largest members of the rodent family and share similar characteristics to their smaller relatives like squirrels and mice. The most notable of these features are their large front teeth, which will continuously grow throughout their lifetime. Capybaras use these teeth for grazing on water plants and grasses.

Diet: Capybara diets change depending on whether it is a dry or wet season. During the dry season, capybaras will eat reeds, grains, melons, and squashes. During the wet season, they will eat fresh grasses and water plants. An adult capybara is able to eat six to eight pounds of grass per day. Sometimes, they will eat their own feces in order to get bacteria into their stomachs to help break down fibers. Three to six plant species comprise 75% of their wild diet..

In the Wild: Capybaras are well adapted for life near the water and depend on it. Just like a hippopotamus, a capybaras eyes, ears, and nostrils are located near the top of their heads, so they can be submerged in water. Capybaras will hide from predators in the water and can hold their breath for up to five minutes. Their toes are slightly webbed to swim through the water with ease.

Conservation issues/actions: Currently, wild capybara populations are threatened by deforestation, habitat destruction, and illegal poaching for their meat. To mitigate the effect of the meat market on wild populations, capybaras are now being farmed for meat as part of a mammal management plan in Venezuela and Colombia. Your actions in taking a stand against illegal wildlife hunting and trading helps wild capybara populations.

At the Zoo:

At the Reid Park Zoo, the capybaras receive regular target-training sessions for both enrichment and healthcare. You may see animal care staff working with them with a special target stick, a whistle, and a food reward. Among other behaviors encouraged by animal care staff through this positive reinforcement training, our capybaras are trained to voluntarily walk onto a scale so that their weight can consistently be tracked for healthcare purposes. The capybaras enjoy banana and lettuce as a tasty reward. You may also see various types of browse (tree trimmings) placed around the habitat, such as banana leaf and Arunda grass, that the capybaras enjoy munching on and which helps them to naturally file their teeth.

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Capybaras are the largest members of the rodent family and share similar characteristics to their smaller relatives like squirrels and mice. The most notable of these features are their large front teeth, which will continuously grow throughout their lifetime. Capybaras use these teeth for grazing on water plants and grasses.

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At about 50 cm (1.5 ft.) tall at the shoulder, 130 cm (4 ft.) in length, and 35-70 kg (75-150 lb.), the capybara takes the title of world's largest rodent.

Capybaras are semi-aquatic, spending a lot of time in the water. They inhabit southern Central America and northern South America in both savannas and rain forests near ponds, rivers, or lakes.

A constant source of water is important to capybaras, who retreat into murky waters to escape from predators like jaguars, anacondas, caimans, pumas, ocelots, and harpy eagles.

Capybaras are physically well-adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Their webbed feet help them maneuver in water and traverse soft, muddy ground. Their facial features are located towards the top of their large heads, allowing them see and breathe while swimming. Capable of staying submerged for up to 5 minutes, capybaras can press their ears against their heads to keep water out. Once they exit the water, their thin coat of coarse hair dries quickly.

Spending the hottest portions of the day in water or wallowing in the shade, capybaras graze in the morning and evening when it's cooler. They feed on grasses and aquatic plants, consuming 3-3.5 kg (6-8 lb.) a day.

Capybaras have special digestive adaptations that allow them to absorb enough nutrients from their highly fibrous diet. A large fermentation chamber, or cecum, in their intestines stores and churns the fibrous materials while mixing in bacteria, enzymes, and gases that aid in digestion. Capybaras also eat their own droppings - an activity called coprophagy. Coprophagy allows them to ingest a higher percentage of proteins and other nutrients.

Very social animals, capybaras live in small family groups of about 10-20. A typical group includes one dominant male, several females, their offspring, and a few subordinate males. The dominant male, usually the heaviest, stares down the other males in the group, driving them to the outer edges of the group. Here, the subordinate males act as sentinels (or lookouts), performing warning barks when a predator is near.

In some cases, a subordinate male will challenge the leader. The two capybaras will charge each other, rear up onto their hind legs, and engage in a scuffle until one flees the scene.

Usually, a group of capybaras has a ratio of one male to two females. The ratio is preserved because the subordinate males in the periphery of the group are more susceptible to predation. Also, juvenile males are sometimes forced out of the group once they reach sexual maturity, leaving them to fend for themselves. Without the protection of the group dynamic, these bachelors become easy targets.

Being the dominant male has several advantages. Not only does he enjoy a position toward the center of the group, safer from predators, he also mates with all the females in the group.

Capybaras mate in the water. After a 5-month gestation period, the female capybara will give birth to four to five babies. After a few days, when the babies join the rest of the group, they are communally nursed by all the females. In this way, all the offspring in the group stay together.

Baby capybaras are not effective swimmers at first, so they stay on land, hiding under brushy cover. Their smaller stature and inability to swim well make them susceptible to predators like foxes, vultures, feral dogs, and piranhas.

Capybaras can live 8-10 years in the wild, and around 12 years in captivity.

Conservation Status

Although capybaras are currently considered by the IUCN Red List to be of least concern of becoming extinct, their populations have been largely affected by hunting in the past. People eat capybara meat and produce leather from their skin. In the countries where capybara populations started to dwindle, hunting restrictions were enacted, and capybara numbers stabilized.

Capybara Distribution

Capybara Resources

Blog Posts about the Capybara

About the Author

Abi Cushman is a contributing editor of Animal Fact Guide and My House Rabbit. When she's not writing about weird animal facts, Abi writes and illustrates funny books for kids. Her debut picture book, , comes out on July 14, 2020 from Viking Children's Books.

To learn more and to download free activity sheets, visit www.abicushman.com.

Last updated on August 24, 2014.

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Capybara Facts for Kids | Animal Fact Guide

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At about 50 cm (1.5 ft.) tall at the shoulder, 130 cm (4 ft.) in length, and 35-70 kg (75-150 lb.), the capybara takes the title of world's largest rodent. Capybaras are semi-aquatic, spending a lot of time in the water.

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About Capybara

The capybara is the largest rodent in the world and belongs to the genus Hydrochoerus, along with the only other member, the lesser capybara. Its other distant relatives are the guinea pig and rock cavies, while its closer relatives include the agouti, the chinchilla, and the coypu.

Habitat

The capybara is a strictly South American rodent species. Its range extends throughout most of Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Columbia, south into the Argentinian pampas, and west to the Andes.

Diet

Capybara's diets consist mostly of grasses and aquatic plants, with some bark and fruit.

Family Life

Capybaras are social animals meaning you will typically find them in groups of 10 to 20 others. The group may consist of two to four males and four to seven females with the rest being their young. Group living appears to be extremely important to capybara survival-without a group, an individual is excluded from most grazing habitats and has little chance of finding a mate. Capybaras are polygynous and promiscuous, meaning dominant males in social groups try to monopolize mating activity by mating with multiple females, sometimes with no success.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the Capybara is classified as least concern.

Threats

Especially while young, capybaras are an important food source for many large predators including anacondas, caimans, jaguars, and humans. Capybaras will give an alarming bark when predators are near.

To avoid predators, capybara's will often hide in the water with just their nostrils and eyes exposed. They can stay completely submerged for up to five minutes.

Humans will often hunt capybaras and use their meat for food and hide (skin) for leather.

Facts about Capybara

Class: Mammalia (mammals)

Order: Rodentia (rodents)

Family: Caviidae (cavy)

Genus: Hydrochoerus (capybaras)

Species: Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (capybara)

Life Span: 6 - 10 years (wild) / 6 - 12 years (zoo)

Size: 3.5 - 4.4 feet (1 - 1.3 m)

Weight: 77 - 145 pounds (35 - 65 kg)

Fun Facts

Capybaras are the largest rodent in the world, weighing up to 145 pounds in some cases.

A master of grasses? In the language of the Guarani Indians, capybara translates to "master of the grasses".

Woof! Male capybaras can bark like dogs when they feel threatened or when helping to herd their young.

Excellent swimmers! Although capybaras are said to run as fast as horses, they are completely at home in the water - helped by the fact that their bodies are only slightly denser than water.

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Capybara - Our Animals - Henry Vilas Zoo

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The capybara is the largest rodent in the world and belongs to the genus Hydrochoerus, along with the only other member, the lesser capybara. Its other distant relatives are the guinea pig and rock cavies, while its closer relatives include the agouti, the chinchilla, and the coypu.

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A capybara is a large rodent native to Central and South America. Although people claim they are good pets, such a capybara pet will have significant, unique needs that are difficult to meet. They are social animals who must live with other capybaras for their physical and psychological health. However, investing in a pair of capybaras, a sizeable semi-aquatic enclosure tailored to their needs, and a high-quality food source can amount to a significant financial burden.

What Is a Capybara?

A capybara is a large, semi-aquatic rodent native to Central and South America. Although capybaras resemble pigs, they are actually part of the Caviidae family of rodents and are more closely related to guinea pigs.

What do capybaras look like? Capybaras are the largest rodents on the planet. They have short legs, large heads, barrel-shaped torsos, small ears, and partially webbed feet. Coarse reddish-brown fur covers most of their body. They have an extremely small tail.

Female capybaras grow a little larger than males. An adult capybara weighs between 77 and 150 pounds (35 to 68 kilograms). They stand as tall as 20 to 24 inches at the shoulders (51 to 61 centimeters).

Where do capybaras live? Capybaras are native to Central and South America. Because they are semi-aquatic animals, they must live somewhere with easy access to water. Capybaras live in various habitats, including rainforests, scrublands, grasslands, swamps, and marshes. They prefer areas where they can easily graze and swim.

Capybara lifespan. The average capybara lifespan in the wild is between four to eight years. Capybaras can live up to 12 years in captivity, though.
Interesting capybara facts:

The capybara's scientific name, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, means "water hog" in Latin.

The Catholic religion classifies the capybara as a fish for dietary purposes in seasons like Lent.

The capybara's English name is derived from the Guarani word Kapiÿva, meaning "lord of the grass".

Is It Legal to Own a Capybara as a Pet?

Not all U.S. states allow people to own exotic pets. To know if you can legally own a capybara as a pet in your state, look up your local and state laws.

American laws consider an animal a wild pet if it does not belong to one of seven domesticated species: dogs, cats, horses, pigs, cows, sheep, or goats. An exotic pet is a wild animal from a different continent.

Depending on where you live, you may need to provide documentation for owning an exotic pet, such as a license, permit, or registration document. Exotic animals must also be appropriately cared for. Owners must provide veterinary care, clean and safe housing, protection from harsh climate conditions, and a balanced diet.

Are Capybaras Good Pets?

Remember that, although they are cute, capybaras are still wild animals that are not used to human companionship. If a capybara does not have its nutritional, social, and environmental needs met, the animal's well-being is at risk.

Capybaras are trainable but cannot receive the same type of training as a dog. Meanwhile, exotic pet laws require an animal like a capybara to live in a large enclosure suitable for a semi-aquatic animal rather than inside of a home.

It's important to consider the potential harm of taking a wild animal out of its environment solely to provide companionship. A traditional pet may be safer and more humane than a capybara.

Problems with Pet Capybaras

Capybaras are social animals. In their natural environment, capybaras live in large groups, which can range in number between 10 and 30 capybaras. Living in a group is extremely important for the capybara's survival. They rely on their social structure for their psychological, physical, and social well-being.

So, if you are committed to adopting a capybara as a pet, you must be prepared to adopt more than one.

Capybaras are semi-aquatic animals. A semi-aquatic animal spends part of its time on land and part in water. Capybaras kept in captivity require access to a large pool of water to help regulate their body temperature, receive mental and physical stimulation, and promote overall well-being. The capybara's pool must be thermally regulated and have a regular filtration and water-replacement system.

Because capybaras also defecate and urinate in the water, you must filter and replace their water regularly to avoid serious health problems.

Capybaras are expensive to care for and a big commitment. It is inhumane to adopt only one capybara, but the adoption fees for two or more of these animals can be expensive. You must also create a large outdoor space with a suitable fence and a large pool equipped with a filtration system. If you live in a colder climate, you must house your pet capybaras inside during colder months, so you will need to pay to heat the capybara's space and provide high-quality UVB lighting.

Capybaras also may eat up to eight pounds of vegetation per day. In captivity, they require high-quality hay to forage throughout the day. They also need a vitamin C supplement to prevent scurvy and other health problems.

Caring for a Capybara

What do capybaras eat? Capybaras are herbivores and eat grass, aquatic plants, fruits, and tree bark. They also eat their own feces as a digestive aid to break down the cellulose in the grass they consume.

Enclosure. Capybaras are semi-aquatic animals, which means their enclosure must include a large pool of water for the animal to swim in. Capybaras come from tropical climates, so an enclosure must take their temperature requirements into account.

Social needs. Capybaras are social creatures who rely on interaction with their species for their physical and psychological well-being. You must adopt more than one capybara to keep these animals healthy and happy.

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A capybara is a large rodent native to Central and South America. Although people claim they are good pets, such a capybara pet will have significant, unique needs that are difficult to meet. They are social animals who must live with other capybaras for their physical and psychological health.

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There are more than 800 species of amphibians that range from mud-dwelling salamanders to desert toads. Among them is a family of colour, diverse, and interesting tree frogs. Perhaps the most beautiful of those frogs is the red-eyed tree frog, aptly named for its large, red eyes. These are 10 mind-blowing facts about this incredible tree frog.

10 Facts About The Red-Eyed Tree Frog

1. They grow up slowly

Many species of frogs grow up quick and live shorter lives, but the red-eyed tree frog takes much longer to grow up. At two years old, the frogs are fully mature. Their average lifespan is about 5 years in the wild, but they can live much longer in captivity due to a lack of natural predators.

2. They use the element of surprise

Red-eyed tree frogs are able to camouflage themselves to an extent, but giant red eyes and stunning blue and yellow colours on their sides make them stick out. If the frog is threatened by a predator, they use its dazzling colours as a way to disorient and startle its would-be foe. Some scientists theorize the opposite, though, that their stunning colours help them evade predators by allowing the frog to abruptly blend back in with its surroundings.

3. They're nocturnal

If you're looking for a red-eyed tree frog during the day, you may find them sleeping, well hidden among the leaves of trees. Nighttime is the right time to see the frogs in action, though. They come out at night because there are fewer predators around to hunt the frogs and plenty of delicious insects to snack on.

4. They're not very tasty

If you're looking to eat a frog, the red-eyed tree frog is not your best bet. The frogs have toxins in their skin that likely wouldn't cause you to die but don't taste very good and could potentially make you sick.

5. Their eggs hatch fast

While it takes the frogs two years to grow up, the eggs take no time at all to hatch. The tadpoles usually emerge after just four or five days, sometimes sooner. The eggs are laid on the underside of leaves that hover over pools of water. The eggs are considered to be a delicious treat for many predators. As a defence against being eaten, the tadpoles are able to force themselves to hatch early, even if they aren't ready yet, in order to increase their odds of survival.

6. They're excellent climbers

Like all tree frogs, the red-eyed tree frog is an adept climber. They're able to scale trees and cling to leaves using suction-pad-like toes. Their feet actually emit a wet mucous that allows them to better cling to nearly any surface.

7. The males mark their territory in a strange way

Male tree frogs can be territorial. When attracting a mate, they will usually find a suitable spot for raising young and then call for females. This means they have to defend their prime real estate from other males. To signal to others that their spot is taken, males will begin to shake, creating vibrations that travel up to two meters away. This signals to nearby males that they should look elsewhere.

8. They're the speed-eating champions of the frog world

In the case of the red-eyed tree frog, their gigantic red eyes aren't just there for aesthetics (or seeing), but when they catch an insect, they will blink their large eyes to help swallow their catch faster. This helps hasten how quickly they can eat so they can move on to the next insect quicker.

9. They've been around for millions of years

Frogs first arrived on the scene here on Earth about 100 million years ago. Many have since gone extinct or evolved into different animals, but the red-eyed tree frog has been relatively unchanged for more than 10 million years, according to fossil records.

10. They aren't endangered, but...

Red-eyed tree frogs are not considered threatened or endangered by the IUCN, but they're one of the lucky ones. Approximately 33% of amphibian species are considered endangered, and 43% are seeing their numbers decline. Climate change and loss of habitat are the two biggest drivers for this decline. But for now, the red-eyed tree frog is safe.

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10 Mind Blowing Facts About The Red-Eyed Tree Frog - THE ENVIRONMENTOR

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There are more than 800 species of amphibians that range from mud-dwelling salamanders to desert toads. Among them is a family of colour, diverse, and interesting tree frogs. Perhaps the most beautiful of those frogs is the red-eyed tree frog, aptly named for its large, red eyes.

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RED-EYED TREE FROGS IN THE WILD! (are we keeping them correctly?)

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Description

Dubbed "the world's most famous frog", the iconic Red-eyed Tree Frog can be found in the rainforests of Central and South America.

The species has become the poster child for many conservation organisations owing to charismatic features such as its large red eyes, its vibrant green body and the yellow and blue markings along its side.

Despite these bright colours, Red-eyed Tree Frogs are not poisonous. Their colouration is instead meant to over-stimulate a predator's eyes, in a bluffing technique known as deimatic behaviour.

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Dubbed "the world's most famous frog", the iconic Red-eyed Tree Frog can be found in the rainforests of Central and South America. The species has become the poster child for many conservation organisations owing to charismatic features such as its large red eyes, its vibrant green body and the yellow and blue markings along its side.

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What is a Capybara?  -  Interesting Capybara Facts For Kids!

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Capybara - One of the World's Largest Rodents | @Pantanal, Brazil

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Capybaras, the Largest and ‘Chillest’ Rodents in the World

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Water is a source of life for the capybara, as they eat water plants and grasses and use the water itself to escape from danger. In fact, a capybara can stay underwater for up to five minutes at a time to hide from predators.

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This rodent from South America is the largest in the world. A capybara can get close to 80 kg (175 pounds) but as intimidating as it might look, they are mostly shy and tame creatures.

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Instantly access Capybaras plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

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Instantly access Capybaras plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

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Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school.

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Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school.

Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

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Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school. Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under. Get Started

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Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school.

Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

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Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school. Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under. Get Started

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Read Rain Forest Babies: Capybara Pups on Epic

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Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school.

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Read Rain Forest Babies: Capybara Pups on Epic

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Read Capybara: The World's Largest Rodent on Epic

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Anteaters are small-to-medium-sized mammals that live in Central and South America. There are four species of anteater. As you may have guessed, their diet consists mainly of ants and similar insects. This page contains anteater facts and information. It is part of our Rainforest Animals series of articles. If you don't know what an insectivore is, you soon will do!

Anteater Information
You guessed it: an 'insectivore' is an animal that eats insects.
Anteaters are insectivores. Their diet consists almost entirely of ants and termites (termites are ant-like insects).
There are four kinds of anteater: giant anteater, silky anteater, northern tamandua, and southern tamandua.
The silky anteater, northern tamandua, and southern tamandua are 'arboreal', which means they live in trees. They have prehensile tails that can grip onto branches to help them climb.

The northern and southern tamanduas also spend some time on the gound.

The giant anteater spends most of its time on the ground, and lives in grasslands as well as in forests.

You can find out more about the four species further down the page.

Worm Tongues!

Anteaters are found-together with sloths-in the order (a group of animals) called Pilosa.

All four anteater species are in the suborder (a smaller group of animals) called Vermilingua, which means 'worm tongue'.

The giant anteater, northern tamandua, and southern tamandua are all in the Myrmecophagidae family. The silky anteater is all on its own in the Cyclopedidae family.

Smelly Creatures!

Anteaters don't have very good eyesight, so they use their acute sense of smell to locate food.

Anteaters don't move very fast, and tend to shuffle along, with their long claws curled up under their feet. They are also surprisingly good swimmers and use their long snouts like snorkels!

Anteater Video

See a giant anteater in action in the video below:

Insect-Eating Specialists

Anteaters are 'endentate' - which is a scientific way of saying that they don't have any teeth! Ants aren't particularly big or crunchy, so lack of teeth is no problem for the anteater. The insects are crushed up in the anteater's specially hardened stomach.

Anteaters have long tongues that they use to gather up lots of insects at the same time. An anteater flicks its tongue at around 160 times per minute while eating!

Anteaters have to eat quickly because the insects defend themselves with bites and stings. Anteaters usually feed for around a minute before moving off to find another food source.

This also allows the insects to rebuild their nests. Anteaters are careful not to destroy the nest entirely. This means that they can come back another day to eat there again!

Anteaters eat a lot of insects: up to 35,000 ants and termites a day!

Anteaters also have sharp claws which enable them to break open an anthill before using their long tongues to mop up the ants.

Only Fierce When Cornered

Anteaters aren't aggressive creatures, but giant anteaters in particular can be fierce when cornered. Anteaters have quite a few predators in their rainforest habitats, including jaguars and cougars.

When threatened, the anteater will stand on its back legs and strike out with its front legs. Anteaters have long, sharp claws, and giant anteaters have been known to see off big cats and other predators.

Active At Night

All four types of anteater are mainly nocturnal (active during the night), but the giant anteater can also be diurnal (active during the day).

Anteater Facts: Types Of Anteater

There are 4 different types of anteater:

Silky Anteater

The silky anteater has yellow fur, and is about the size of a large squirrel. It is arboreal.

Northern and Southern Tamanduas

The northern tamandua and southern tamandua are both around 1.2m (3 ft 11 in) long. They look largely similar, with yellow heads, legs and tails, and black 'waistcoats' around their bodies.

You can tell the difference between the two species by looking at their ears: those of the southern tamandua are slightly longer.

Both the northern tamandua and southern tamandua spend more time in trees than the giant anteater.

The southern tamandua is also known as the 'collared anteater' or the 'lesser anteater'.

Giant Anteater

The giant anteater is the biggest species of anteater and is around 2.1 metres (7ft) long. It has a long, thin nose and a black, grey and white coat.

The giant anteater is considered to be the most threatened mammal in Central America. It is classed as being 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List. Numbers of wild giant anteaters are decreasing.

Quick Anteater Facts:

Anteaters normally live alone, and are territorial.

A group of anteaters is called a parade.

A baby anteater is called a pup. Female anteaters normally only have one pup per year.

Anteaters sleep for up to 15 hours a day and spent the rest of the time eating ants.

Anteaters spend about a minute at each anthill eating as many ants as they can, then move on to the next one.

Jaguars and cougars are an anteater's main predators.

There are 4 species of anteater: giant anteater, silky anteater, northern tamandua and southern tamandua.

The tongue of an anteater can extend up to 60cm (2ft) long.

The tongue is covered in tiny spines that are sticky and make it easy to catch ants.

Anteaters can live to around 14 years in the wild.

Mother anteaters carry their babies on their backs until the baby is about a year old.

Anteaters hunt by smell, not sight.

Anteater Facts Conclusion

We hope that you have enjoyed learning these anteater facts. You can find out about more incredible animals at our rainforest animals page.

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Anteater Facts & Information For Kids, With Pictures & Video.

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Anteaters are small-to-medium-sized mammals that live in Central and South America. There are four species of anteater. As you may have guessed, their diet consists mainly of ants and similar insects. This page contains anteater facts and information. It is part of our Rainforest Animals series of articles.

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Download FREE teacher-made resources covering 'Anteater'

What is an anteater?

Anteaters are mammals that live in Central America and South America. They have several defining features, including long tongues that are covered with both small spines and sticky saliva. They use both of these features to capture their prey: insects.

An anteater does not have teeth. Instead, it relies on its long tongue to consume its food, which it crushes in its mouth before swallowing.

Anteaters also have large claws on their front feet. These are useful for ripping open insect nests, but the anteater will also use these claws to defend itself against predators.

With this Animals in the Amazon Rainforest Cut and Paste Activity, you can introduce students to the many different animals that live in the Amazon, including the giant anteater.

By having your class organise the four different layers of the Amazon with this activity, and by teaching them about the huge number of species that live alongside each other, you can help them understand how vast and important the Amazon rainforest is, and the shelter that it provides to so many forms of life.

What are the different types of anteater?

There are four types of anteater, each with their own distinctive characteristics. These are the giant anteater, the northern tamandua, the southern tamandua, and the silky anteater.

Giant anteater

The giant anteater is the largest of the four anteater species. It can be anywhere from 5 to 8 feet long from its nose to its tail, and it can weigh up to 63 kilograms.

A giant anteater will be covered in either grey or brown coarse hair, with a black-and-white stripe that runs up the whole length of its body. Its tail is bushy and can be between 2 and 3 feet long.

Giant anteaters can behave aggressively. If they are cornered, they will rear up on their hind legs, using their tail to balance themselves. This allows them to use their long front claws and their powerful legs to defend themselves against larger animals.

Giant anteaters are not social creatures; they avoid other animals, and even other anteaters unless they want to mate.

Although the giant anteater has poor vision, they can rely on their sense of smell, which is 40 times stronger than a human's. This helps them to find their food, which they capture with their lengthy, spiny tongues.

Northern tamandua

These animals are a lot smaller than giant anteaters, with their bodies only coming to 1.5 to 2.5 feet long. Their fur colour ranges from fawn to brown, and instead of the giant anteater's stripe, they will have a black "V" running down their back.

Northern tamanduas can be active either in the day or night, and they spend half of their time in trees.

Southern tamandua

This type of anteater is also known as the collared anteater. They are slightly bigger than the northern tamandua and will usually be 1.7 to 2.9 feet in length. Their fur will be either tan, blond, or brown, often with strong black markings. Their tails, however, have no fur on their undersides or at their ends, and instead will be hairless and scaly.

Southern tamanduas are mostly nocturnal, though they will occasionally be active during the day. Because they are so clumsy on the ground, they will usually hunt for their food up in trees.

If threatened while up in the branches, the southern tamandua can even cling onto the branch with its tail and hind feet and defend itself with its powerful front legs.

Both tamanduas also have a second weapon at their disposal: their ability to detonate a stink bomb from a gland underneath its tail. This defence tactic has earned the tamandua the nickname " stinkers of the forest ".

Silky anteaters

These are the smallest of the species, weighing less than 400 grams. Silky anteaters are nocturnal and spend most of their time high up in trees. Their silky hair makes them look like the seed pods of Ceiba trees, which is where silky anteaters mostly live.

Not much is known about a silky anteater's social habits, mostly because they are so difficult to find in the wild.

With this illustration of a giant anteater, you can create posters, bunting, labels, or any other kind of decoration for your classroom.

This beautiful image clearly shows the different parts of the anteater, including its sharp claws, its powerful legs, its lengthy snout, and its long tail. This is a great resource to teach a class what a giant anteater looks like and what it uses its different features for.

Where do anteaters live, and what is the ideal anteater habitat?

Anteaters live throughout Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Paraguay and Argentina. They are not usually found in North America. There are several habitats that anteaters can live in, including dry tropical forests, rainforests, grasslands, and savannahs. However, like their different sizes and features, the different types of anteater have different habitats that they are best suited to.

The giant anteater habitat can be grasslands, forests, jungles, or the lower mountain regions of Central and South America. They need large grassy areas with patches of forest, as well as an enormous supply of ants.

The northern tamandua anteater habitat is rainforests, plantations, gallery forests, and arid savannahs. The northern tamandua will often live besides streams and vine trees, which have a good chance of housing nests of ants and termites.

The southern tamandua anteater habitat can be found in many areas of South America, from Venezuela, to Argentina, to Brazil, to Uruguay, at elevations up to 6,500 feet. Like the northern tamandua, the southern tamandua lives near streams and rivers.

The silky anteater habitat is different types of forests, such as tropical evergreen and mangrove forests. Silky anteaters can be found in southern Mexico, and Central and South America.

This Layers of the Rainforest PowerPoint provides a great introduction to the anteater's rainforest habitat, as well as a way to show the animals that it lives alongside.

By showing this PowerPoint to students, you can teach them where different animals live, hunt, and forage in the rainforest, as well as giving them a better understanding of the climate and how wildlife adapts to its habitat.

Threats to anteaters and their habitats

The giant anteater is currently listed as a vulnerable species and is considered extinct in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Uruguay.

The population of giant anteaters is declining. This is mostly due to the loss of land that makes for a suitable giant anteater habitat. These losses are often the result of fires set by sugar cane growers to remove the outer leaves of the plant.

Giant anteaters are also at risk from overhunting by humans. Other factors include the low reproductive rate of giant anteaters and road traffic accidents.

There are efforts to protect giant anteaters. In Argentina, more than 100 orphaned anteaters have been rescued and reintroduced into the wild.

In some parts of Brazil, burning sugar cane is slowly being phased out, and conservationists are examining how roads affect giant anteaters, hoping to protect them more effectively.

It is estimated that between 5,000 and 10,000 giant anteaters are left in the wild. Although no population estimates are available for tamanduas and silky anteaters, their populations are relatively widespread.

What do anteaters eat?

Despite their name, anteaters do not only eat ants. Their diet includes ants and termites, but they will also eat grubs, soft fruits, and bird eggs. In zoos, anteaters will also eat fruit, hard-boiled eggs, minced beef, and dog kibble.

Interesting anteater facts

Anteaters can eat up to 35,000 ants and termites in a single day with their giant tongues.

A giant anteater tears open an anthill with its sharp claws. While eating, it can flick its tongue up to 150 times in one minute. The ants will defend themselves by stinging the anteater, meaning that an anteater may not spend more than a minute on a single nest.

Female anteaters will give birth to a single pup once a year. These pups often ride on their mothers' backs, which helps the mother look bigger and warns off predators. Young anteaters will leave their mother after two years.

Although anteaters are not aggressive, they are capable of defending themselves using their claws, rearing up on its hind legs and balancing itself with its tail. A giant anteater can sometimes fight off a puma or a jaguar. But can an anteater kill a human? Yes: it can. Several people have been seriously injured or killed by anteaters who felt threatened.

An anteater's claws are so long and sharp that they need to walk on their knuckles or wrists to avoid stabbing themselves.

A female giant anteater will usually live for around 10 years, while a male anteater can live to almost 15 years.

While the giant anteater is known for its long tongue, its tail is also impressive. Not only does the tail make up about half the length of the giant anteater, but it can also keep its own cool during the day and warm at night. The giant anteater can also use its tail as camouflage.

Giant anteaters have existed for around 25 million years!

If a giant anteater is kept in a zoo, it can be difficult to feed it over 30,000 ants and termites a day! Zookeepers will instead use an insect and fruit paste that the anteater can lick up instead.

Now that you've learned all about anteaters, you can watch this video and try drawing one!

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What is an Anteater? | Anteater Facts for Kids | Twinkl

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Download FREE teacher-made resources covering 'Anteater' Anteaters are mammals that live in Central America and South America. They have several defining features, including long tongues that are covered with both small spines and sticky saliva. They use both of these features to capture their prey: insects. An anteater does not have teeth.

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South America's Weirdest on National Geographic Wild

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Anteater Facts: the WORM TONGUE animal | Animal Fact Files

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Everything to Know About Caring for GIANT ANTEATERS - The Wild Life

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https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/jaguar

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To help the last of the American big cats, we first must find out more about where they live, how large their territories are, and how they spend their days and raise their young. Conservation scientists use trail cameras, which take a photo when something crosses in front of the camera, and place radio collars on some jaguars to track their daily movements.

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https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/macaw

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San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance manages the Cocha Cashu Biological Station, a remote field station in a pristine rainforest area of Peru's Manu National Park. From here we hope to learn more about macaws and other rainforest bird, among other rainforest wildlife.

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https://www.cuteness.com/article/macaw-life-cycle

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Like other parrots, macaws start out inside of an egg, usually in a clutch of two or three. It can take up to three weeks for the eggs to hatch, but that's just the beginning of a long life that is full of physical and mental changes.

Stark Naked

When a baby macaw is born, the little parrot is a neonate, also known as a hatchling. Completely featherless and blind, these tiny naked chicks are utterly dependent on their parents or human caretakers. While parent macaws regurgitate their own diet of seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetation into the mouths of their young, human feeders use a syringe and carefully prepared formula.

Once their eyes open, the neonates are now referred to as "nestlings" and will imprint on their caretakers. This is a thoroughly enriching time for the little macaws, as stimulation from their surroundings promotes healthy and proper mental and emotional development.

Macaws become fledglings when they begin to learn to fly. This can be as early as 3 months old but as late as 7 in differing varieties of macaw. These little guys still need mom and dad macaw -- or a human -- to feed them, but their focus turns more to trying to get their wings working properly, rather than eating. Most will slim down at this point in their growing stage.

The Ugly Phase

Not long after learning to fly, baby macaws will wean themselves onto their new adult diet. Once weaned, they are considered juveniles. In the wild they will leave the nest at this time, but at home they may or may not still be housed with other siblings or cage mates. Some juvenile macaws will have slightly different feather colors than the ones they'll sport as an adult; these feather changes will occur when the parrot reaches sexual maturity. At that point, junior is considered an adult.

Growing Up is Hard to Do

Like humans, macaws and other parrots will go through some personality changes as they reach adulthood. Some of these changes occur only during puberty, or the mating season, but they can have a negative impact. In the wild, these changes allow the young macaws to find and defend territory, but captive macaws may become a little aggressive.

A newly adult macaw without a potential partner may choose their human companion as their "mate." While this sounds sweet, it often results in friends and family visiting the house being attacked by a jealous or territorial parrot. They even may attempt to regurgitate food for their owner as a sign of affection.

Fortunately, macaws tend to calm down with age. Well-tamed and socialized parrots make excellent family pets. If they do have a feathered mate of their own, they may breed, beginning the cycle all over again. They will stay with their mates their entire lives, which in captivity, can be up to 50 to 65 years. When together, they will share food and groom each other.

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Like other parrots, macaws start out inside of an egg, usually in a clutch of two or three. It can take up to three weeks for the eggs to hatch, but that's just the beginning of a long life that is full of physical and mental changes.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6oKJ5FGk24

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Where Are the Ants Carrying All Those Leaves? | Deep Look

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emSHL03NkF8

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvOPBvSJnvM

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow9MJxAfHtU

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The Weird Wildlife Of Costa Rica | Animalogic Wild

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHmDOJrNE0M

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHmDOJrNE0M

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx6r7QX2iXk&t=13s

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC7F-OuTJRA

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Boa Constrictor Facts: the Red Tailed Boa facts 🐍 | Animal Fact Files

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https://animalia.bio/scarlet-macaw

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Population

Population threats

The species is declining due to habitat loss, being hunted for feathers and food, and capture for sale as pets. Their habitat is threatened by forest destruction. Poachers will cut down a tree with a macaw nest to get to the young, which limits the number of nesting places and thus the numbers of chicks raised. Nine out of the sixteen macaw species, including scarlet macaws are listed in Appendix I of CITES and classified as LC, i.e. least concern on IUCN's Red List.

Population number

According to the IUCN Red List, the total Scarlet macaw population size is around 20,000-50,000 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC); however, its numbers today are decreasing.

Ecological niche

Scarlet macaws are important as seed eaters of large tree fruits. They may have an impact on the generation of species of forest trees.

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The species is declining due to habitat loss, being hunted for feathers and food, and capture for sale as pets. Their habitat is threatened by forest destruction. Poachers will cut down a tree with a macaw nest to get to the young, which limits the number of nesting places and thus the numbers of chicks raised.

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https://www.rainforestanimals.net/birds/scarletmacaw/

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Scarlet Macaws are found in Central America and northern South America. They are also located on a small number of Caribbean islands including Trinidad.

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https://www.lamar.edu/arts-sciences/biology/study-abroad-belize/jungle-critters/jungle-critters-2/scarlet-macaw.html

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Photo by Tony Hisgett

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Psittaciformes

Superfamily: Psittacoidea

Family: Psittacidae

Subfamily: Arinae

Tribe: Arini

Genus: Ara

Common name: Scarlet Macaw

Geographical Location: Scarlet Macaw are found in humid lowland subtropical rain forests (below 1,000m), open woodlands, river edges, and savannas of Central and South America. They can be found from southern Mexico to as far as northeastern Argentina. It is most common throughout the Amazon basin (Slud, 1964)

Physical Characteristics: Scarlet Macaw is arguably one of the most beautiful and colorful birds in the world. As the name suggest, their plumage is mostly bright red, but the rum and tail-covert feathers are light blue, the greater upper wing coverts are yellow, the upper sides of the flight feathers of the wings are dark blue as are the ends of the tail feathers, and the undersides of the wing and tail flight feathers are dark red with metallic gold iridescence. Scarlet Macaw have a strong, large bill. The upper mandible of the bill is whitish with a black tip and base, and the lower mandible is black. Males and females are alike except for the bill of the males might be larger and the tail feathers of males may be longer than females. Juveniles and adults are similar in appearance, but can be distinguished by juveniles having a shorter tail and dark grey-brown eyes rather than the yellow eyes adults have. Weight can range from 2 - 5.5lbs. Scarlet Macaw with their wide strong wings can reach speeds of 35 miles per hour (Juniper and Parr, 1998).

Longevity: Typical average life span is between 40 and 50 years in the wild. In captivity Scarlet Macaw can live up to 75 years (Flower, 1938).

Behavior and Reproduction: The scarlet Macaw are usually seen in pairs or a small family which may join a large flock of up to 30 birds. At night the flock sleeps together, but partners maintain a monogamous bond for life. Mates are rarely found alone except for when the female is incubating and the male is feeding. Scarlet Macaw usually breeds between October and April depending on the location. Nests are usually in the canopy of the rainforest. The Scarlet Macaw may lay one to four white eggs, and females incubate for about five weeks. Chicks fledge from the nest about 90 days after hatching and do not leave parents until a year later. Scarlet Macaws communicate with different postures and vocalizations. They also have excellent vision and hearing (Juniper and Parr, 1998).

Photo by Matt Romack

Diet: Ara maco primarily eats fruits and nuts but can also consume a range of seeds, flowers, nectar, bark and leaves. They are known to eat fruits before they are ripe. Premature fruits have tougher skin and pulp which makes it difficult for many birds to access. Because they are able to access this fruits before other birds, this gives them a competitive advantage (Juniper and Parr 1998). Scarlet Macaws occasionally consume clay found on river banks, this aids in digestion by protecting the Macaw against toxic compounds present in the diet (Burge rand Gochfeld, 2003)

Ecology: Scarlet Macaw's are valuable for their meat and colorful plumage. Also, they are popular in the pet trade. The Scarlet Macaw is a CITES I listed species, meaning that they are illegal to buy, sell or use in any commercial activities without specific special permits (Marineros and Vaughan, 1995).

Endangerment: The population of Scarlet Macaw's has been decreasing in the past 50 years due to a combination of factors, particularly hunting for food and feathers, illegal capture for the pet trade, and the destruction of habitat through deforestation (Marineros and Vaughan, 1995).

Conservation: Various efforts have been made to slow population declines of scarlet Macaws. The World Parrot Trust was formed in 1989 to protect parrots in their natural environment. In Costa Rica, the Association for Parrot Protection (LAPPA) was set up in 1995 as a community based conservation organization dedicated to protecting the scarlet Macaw by guarding their nests, installing artificial nest boxes, improving habitats, scientific research, environmental education and much more. (Nemeth and Vaughan, 2005) In Guatemala, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is using similar measures to try and save the scarlet Macaw population from local extinction by the pet trade (Gonzalez, 2003).

Research: Research is being done currently to improve the birds habitat and to stop the decline of the Scarlet Macaw's population (Anonymous).
Reference:
Please note that the following references may have either been removed or relocated by the webpage owners since the time this student report was created.

Anonymous. Wildernessclassroom.com< http://www.wildernessclassroom.com/students/archives/2005/03/macaws.html>

Burger, J. and Gochfeld, M. (2003) Parrot behavior at a Rio Manu (Peru) clay lick: temporal patterns, associations, and antipredator responses. Acta Ethologica, 6: 23 - 34.

Flower, M.S.S., 1938. The duration of life in animals - IV. Birds: special notes by orders and families, in Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 195-235

González, J.A. (2003) Harvesting, local trade, and conservation of parrots in the Northeastern Peruvian Amazon. Biological Conservation, 114(3): 437 - 446.

Hisgett, Tony. 2010. "Macaw in Yucatan, Mexico". photo. Flickr.com. 18 February 2010. 30 May 2012 http://flickr.com/photo/37804979@N00/4384476529

Juniper, T. and Parr, M. (1998) Parrots: A Guide to Parrots of the World. Pica Press, Sussex.

Leonel Marineros & Christopher Vaughan (1995). "Scarlet Macaws of Carara". In Joanne Abramson, Jorgen B. Thomsen & Marsha Mello. The Large Macaws: Their Care Breeding and Conservation. Fort Bragg, California: Raintree Publications. pp. 445-467. ISBN 978-0-9635964-0-6.

Romack, Matthew. 2008. "Scarlet Macaw". photo. Flickr.com. 24 February 2008. 30 May 2012. http://flickr.com/photo/11324320@N08/2291461837

Slud, P. 1964. Birds of Costa Rica. New York: Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, Volume 128.

Vaughan, C., Nemeth, N.M., Cary, J. and Temple, S. (2005) Response of a scarlet macaw Ara macao population to conservation practices in Costa Rica. Bird Conservation International, 15: 119 - 130.

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Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Psittaciformes Superfamily: Psittacoidea Family: Psittacidae Subfamily: Arinae Tribe: Arini Genus: Ara Common name: Scarlet Macaw Geographical Location: Scarlet Macaw are found in humid lowland subtropical rain forests (below 1,000m), open woodlands, river edges, and savannas of Central and South America.

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https://animalia.bio/harpy-eagle

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American harpy eagle

The Harpy eagle is the largest and most powerful raptor found in the rainforest, and among the largest extant species of eagles in the world. The upper side of the harpy eagle is covered with slate-black feathers, and the underside is mostly white, except for the feathered tarsi (a bone in the lower leg of birds), which are striped black. A broad black band across the upper breast separates the gray head from the white belly. The head is pale grey and is crowned with a double crest. The upper side of the tail is black with three gray bands, while the underside of it is black with three white bands. The iris is gray or brown or red, the cere and bill are black or blackish and the tarsi and toes are yellow.

Distribution

Geography

Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Show More Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela Show Less

Harpy eagles are found from Mexico, through Central America, and into South America to as far south as Argentina. These birds live in tropical lowland rainforests and may occur within such areas from the canopy to the emergent vegetation. Harpies can also fly over forest borders in a variety of habitats, such as cerrados, caatingas, buriti palm stands, cultivated fields, and cities.

Habits and Lifestyle

Harpy eagles are live in pairs. They are diurnal birds and do their hunting during the day. They prefer to hunt singly in the canopy or sometimes on the ground. Most commonly, Harpy eagles use perch-hunting, in which they scan for prey activity while briefly perched between short flights from tree to tree. When the prey is spotted, the eagle quickly dives and grabs it. Sometimes, Harpy eagles are "sit-and-wait" predators which is common in forest-dwelling raptors; they perch for long periods on a high point near an opening, a river, or a salt-lick where many mammals go to feed for nutrients. On occasion, they may also hunt by flying within or above the canopy. They have also been observed tail-chasing: pursuing another bird in flight, rapidly dodging among trees and branches; this predation style is common to hawks that hunt birds. Harpy eagles use vocalizations in order to communicate with one another. They often produce "uahaaaau...uahaaaau...uahaaaau" while perching or sharp "wheeeee-wheeeee" call when the birds are close to their nest.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Diet and Nutrition

Harpy eagles are carnivores and their main prey is tree-dwelling mammals such as sloths and monkeys. They also prey on porcupines, squirrels, opossums, anteaters, armadillos, and even kinkajous, coatis, and tayras. Harpy eagles may also attack parrots and other birds. Additional prey items include reptiles such as iguanas, tegus, and snakes.

Mating Habits

Harpy eagles are monogamous and pair-bonds last for life. They breed every 2 to 3 years and pairs build their nests together. Nests are located high up in a tree, usually in the main fork, at 16 to 43 m (52 to 141 ft); they commonly measure 1.2 m (3.9 ft) deep and 1.5 m (4.9 ft) across and may be used over several years. The female lays 2 white eggs and incubates them around 56 days. The male captures much of the food for the incubating female and later the eaglet, but also takes an incubating shift while the female forages and also brings prey back to the nest. After the first chick hatches, the second egg is ignored and normally fails to hatch unless the first egg perishes. When the chick is 36 days old, it can stand and walk awkwardly. The chick fledges at the age of 6 months, but the parents continue to feed it for another 6 to 10 months. Harpy eagles don't reach breeding maturity until they are 4 to 6 years of age.

Population

Population threats

Harpy eagles are threatened primarily by habitat loss due to the expansion of logging, cattle ranching, agriculture, and prospecting. They are also threatened by being hunted as an actual threat to livestock and/or a supposed one to human life, due to its great size. Although not actually known to prey on humans and only rarely on domestic stock, the species' large size and nearly fearless behavior around humans reportedly make it an "irresistible target" for hunters. Due to these threats, Harpy eagles have become a transient sight in large parts of their range; in Brazil, they were almost wiped out from the Atlantic rainforest and are only found in appreciable numbers in the most remote parts of the Amazon basin.

Population number

According to the IUCN Red List, the total Harpy eagle population size is around 20,000-49,999 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.

Ecological niche

Harpy eagles control the population of mesopredators such as capuchin monkeys which prey extensively on bird's eggs and which (if not naturally controlled) may cause local extinctions of sensitive species.

Fun Facts for Kids

In Brazil, the Harpy eagle is also known as royal-hawk (in Portuguese: gavião-real).

The species name 'harpyja' and the word 'harpy' in the common name Harpy eagle both come from Ancient Greek 'harpyia' (ἅρπυια). They refer to the Harpies of Ancient Greek mythology. These were wind spirits and were said to have a body like a vulture and the face of a woman.

Harpy eagles possess the largest talons of any living eagle and are able to lift prey up to equal their own body weight. This allows them to snatch a live sloth from tree branches, as well as other proportionately huge prey items.

Harpy eagles may spend up to 23 hours perching on trees looking for prey.

The Harpy often builds its nest in the crown of the kapok tree, one of the tallest trees in South America. In many South American cultures, it is considered bad luck to cut down the kapok tree, which may help safeguard the habitat of this stately eagle.

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About

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American harpy eagle The Harpy eagle is the largest and most powerful raptor found in the rainforest, and among the largest extant species of eagles in the world. The upper side of the harpy eagle is covered with slate-black feathers, and the underside is mostly white, except for the feathered tarsi (a bone in the lower leg of birds), which are striped black.

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https://kidadl.com/animal-facts/harpy-eagle-facts

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What type of animal is a harpy eagle?

Falling under the class Aves and genus Harpia, all species of harpy eagles are birds. Known by many by its scientific name, Harpia harpyja, the harpy eagle is a neotropical species of the eagle. To distinguish them from Papuan eagles, they are also often called American harpy eagles. They are carnivores who hunt other mammals like sloths and monkeys, as well as some reptiles and other birds.

What class of animal does a harpy eagle belong to?

As harpy eagles can fly and are birds, they fall under the class of Aves under the Animalia kingdom. They are the top predator and are on the top of many food chains. They generally hunt mammals, reptiles, and birds.

How many harpy eagles are there in the world?

This bird species of eagles have been endangered for a while, and a healthy population of harpy eagles depends on the population of other animals and birds that it is dependent on for food. The exact number is unknown, but when they last counted in 2009, they were somewhere between 20,000 to 50,000 harpy eagles found. The species is classified as Near Threatened due to its loss of natural habitat through the actions of human beings. There are estimated to be around 5,000 harpy eagles in the Amazon alone today.

Where does a harpy eagle live?

Harpy eagles are mainly found in South American countries like Ecuador, Brazil, Guyana, Paraguay, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Suriname, Peru, French Guiana, and Northeast Argentina. Harpy eagles are also found in parts of Mexico and Central America, though the population of apex predators is very low in these areas.

What is a harpy eagle's habitat?

The natural habitat of harpy eagles is known to be rainforests in South America and Central America. The species is completely dependent on other animals and birds for food and they mostly live in long continuous forests and are seen spending most of their time in the forest canopy. It is pretty rare to see them flying over the canopy of the forest in open areas.

Who do harpy eagles live with?

Harpy eagles are a neotropical species that live in the rainforests of South and Central America. This species of eagles is generally seen in groups and they protect their territory and fellow harpy eagles from other species of eagles. They work together to ensure that they have a consistent source of food in a particular area. Harpy eagles pair up to mate and nest in the same territory for a lifetime.

How long does a harpy eagle live?

Harpy eagles are considered the top predators and are at the top of the food chain. They live in the forest canopies of long rainforests and hunt monkeys, sloths, iguanas, as well as other birds for food. They generally live for between 25-35 years on average but this time span may differ based on their living conditions, the availability of food, and the risks posed by an improper natural habitat.

How do they reproduce?

Harpy eagles form pairs for breeding which last for life. Each pair does everything together, including building nests very high (90 ft or more) above the ground. The pair will chirp each other and rub their bills against each other before leaving the nest, and all of this helps the pair build a great bond between themselves and allows them to mate for life together.

The pair will mate multiple times over a period of few days during the mating phase. The breeding season begins with the rainy season in April or May and the nests built for breeding are big and very high up from the ground so that they can be used for the future. The female lays two eggs but will only raise one child, the egg is incubated for around 56 days and the chick is completely taken care of by the parents for six to seven months (or less than 10 months). A harpy eagle does not become fully mature until the age of five or six years. Most harpy eagles return to their original nesting location to breed and harpy eagles tend to breed once every two or three years.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of harpy eagles is currently listed as Near Threatened. Harpy eagles have been endangered for a long time, when their population worldwide was between 20,000 and 50,000 back in 2009. This national bird of Panama is already extinct in various areas and is nearly extinct in Mexico and parts of America too due to the logging of rainforests in these locations. The spread of this eagle species is observed from Mexico to Northern Argentina with the population of this top predator sadly decreasing regularly.

Harpy Eagle Fun Facts

What do harpy eagles look like?

Harpy eagles are fierce birds that can hunt mammals and reptiles, as well as hunting other birds. They are typically 40 in (99 cm) in length and harpy eagles tend to reach a height of 36-40 in (90-100 cm). This Panama national bird has gray feathers with a white underside. A fan of gray feather crowns, a harpy eagle's head, and plumage are identical in males and females. The talon of a harpy eagle can be as long as 5 in (12.7 cm) and a harpy eagle claw can cause serious damage to its prey. The bird is often a combination of black, gray, and white colors and there are claims that a rainbow harpy eagle exists but no proof has been found to date. The albino harpy eagle species is very famous amongst eagle species and is also known as the white harpy eagle because of its white color.

How cute are they?

Harpy eagles are not friendly and can be aggressive. The fierce look, dangerous facial disk, and sharp feet and talons of this national bird of Panama give it a deadly and aggressive look rather than a cute one. They have bold beaks and sharp, dangerous harpy eagle feet.

How do they communicate?

Harpy eagles communicate using actions and vocals as well as tactile communication. They can be seen rubbing their bills against each other in order to bond with their partner and they often communicate with each other in a vocalized manner in the form of screech or chirp sounds.

How big is a harpy eagle?

Harpy eagles are one of the biggest species of eagles living on the planet. They can go up to 40 in (100 cm) in height and length and can have a wingspan of 78 in (2 m) wide. They are huge birds and are of immense size and weight when compared to other birds. For example, a pigeon is 1/4 of a harpy eagle in terms of height and weight and 30 times smaller in terms of weight.

How fast can a harpy eagle fly?

Despite weighing so much and having a huge body, the harpy eagle still manages to fly at 50 mph (80 kmph). This is faster than a lot of other birds and mammals in rainforests so the speed of the harpy eagle helps it prey on mammals and birds.

How much does a harpy eagle weigh?

The weight of the average harpy eagle is between 8-19 lb (4-9 kg). The weight of a harpy eagle depends on its natural habitat and the availability of prey. The heaviest harpy eagle in records weighed approximately 20 lb (10 kg).

What are their male and female names of the species?

The scientific name of harpy eagles is Harpia harpyja and there are no particular scientific names for male and female harpy eagles.

What would you call a baby harpy eagle?

A harpy eagle baby does not have a specific name. It is often called a hatchling or a chick just like many other birds.

What do they eat?

This predator feeds on other birds, reptiles, and mammals for food. Harpy eagle hunting includes hunting iguanas, snakes, mammals like sloths, opossums, monkeys, and curassows. The harpy eagle's ability to kill monkeys and sloths makes them apex predators.

How high can they fly?

A harpy eagle nest is generally built at a height of 90 ft (27 m) or more above the ground.

Would they make a good pet?

This Panama national bird doesn't make a good pet.

Kidadl Advisory: All pets should only be bought from a reputable source. It is recommended that as a potential pet owner you carry out your own research prior to deciding on your pet of choice. Being a pet owner is very rewarding but it also involves commitment, time and money. Ensure that your pet choice complies with the legislation in your state and/or country. You must never take animals from the wild or disturb their habitat. Please check that the pet you are considering buying is not an endangered species, or listed on the CITES list, and has not been taken from the wild for the pet trade.

Did you know...

Harpy eagles are the rainforest's largest and most powerful raptors. Harpy eagle wings can extend up to 78 in (2 m) when opened wide and harpy eagles tend to prey on larger and bigger animals as well as big monkeys. A harpy eagle might even steal meat, chicken, lamb from shops in rare scenarios!

The harpy eagle size is the biggest amongst lots of birds of prey. The Argentinian harpy eagle wingspan can open up to 78 in (2 m) and a harpy eagle talon can be up to 5 in (12.7 cm) long. A typical harpy eagle height is 40 in (99 cm) and a giant harpy eagle is capable of killing a big monkey or even a sloth! Their talons are as powerful as the claws of a bear and a female harpy eagle can weigh twice as a male harpy eagle sometimes.

Harpy eagles are the apex predators of their locations and territories and hunt mammals, reptiles, and other birds. The nests built by the adult harpy eagle can't be searched by human beings due to their height and the protection offered by the dense forest canopy.

How dangerous is a harpy eagle?

The harpy eagle is an apex predator with supernatural eyesight and powerful beak and claws and the ability to fly at a speed of 50 mph (80 kmph) which makes it a deadly bird. Falling under the Aves class, this species tops the food chain and can easily kill big monkeys and sloths for food. Hypothetically, the species can even kill humans if it strikes with full force at its top speed. Harpy eagle claws are as powerful as a grizzly bear's claws and can easily exert a pressure of 110 lb (50 kg) in order to kill its prey. Harpy eagles are considered one of the most powerful eagles in the world, and one of the best harpy eagle facts for kids is that in a harpy eagle vs bald eagle confrontation, the harpy eagle would be expected to win.

What eats the harpy eagle?

The harpy eagle's position in the food chain is firmly at the top. One of the most interesting facts about the harpy eagle is that when the species dies, its flesh is likely to be eaten by a jaguar or anaconda. It is later decomposed by bacteria.

Can a harpy eagle kill a human?

A harpy eagle attack on a human being can be of great impact, and hypothetically the harpy eagle is capable of killing a human being.

At Kidadl, we have created lots of interesting animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn about other birds including the great green macaw, or the southern cassowary.

You can occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our harpy eagle coloring pages.

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Falling under the class Aves and genus Harpia, all species of harpy eagles are birds. Known by many by its scientific name, Harpia harpyja, the harpy eagle is a neotropical species of the eagle. To distinguish them from Papuan eagles, they are also often called American harpy eagles.

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Morpho facts: a not so blue butterfly | Animal Fact Files

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https://amazonaid.org/species/blue-morpho-butterfly/

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Description

The Blue Morpho Butterfly (Morpho peleides) is one of the largest butterflies in the word, with a wingspan reaching up to 8 inches [1]. These butterflies are found throughout Central and South America, and are the most common butterfly of the Morpho genus in Central America. Blue Morpho Butterflies are known for the spectacular blue color on the topside of their wings, which is actually not due to a pigment, but the configuration of scales reflecting light in a way that produces an apparent iridescent blue color. On the brown underside of their wings, there are yellow eyespots that are effective in warding off predators.

Habitat

The Blue Morpho Butterfly inhabits tropical rainforests, spending most of its time in the understory. But while looking for mates, they fly throughout all parts of canopy and are even seen by pilots flying overhead [2]!

Behavior and Diet

Like most organisms that undergo metamorphosis, the Blue Morpho Butterfly has varying diet preferences at different life stages. The caterpillars munch on leaves from plants in the pea family [3]. The adult butterflies sip, not chew, food via a proboscis, or elongated mouthpart. They do not drink flower nectar like some butterflies, but instead consume rotting fruits, fermented tree sap, fungi and even dead animals [1]. Blue morphos detect food mostly using sensory apparatus on their appendages as opposed to using visual cues. Due to their short lifespan of ~ 115 days [2], Blue Morpho Butterflies spend most of their time eating and reproducing.

Threats

The conservation of this species has not yet been assessed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, but habitat destruction and fragmentation threaten the habitat it relies upon for survival. And unfortunately, Blue Morpho Butterflies experience direct mortality inflicted by collectors who harvest the butterflies for personal collections or to sell through the jewelry trade.

Ecological Importance

The Blue Morpho Butterfly is of obvious ecological importance because other Amazonian creatures prey upon it. But this species is also one small component that contributes to the overall biological diversity of the Amazon, and biodiversity is a feature worth protecting in itself. Biodiversity creates redundancy in the ecological niches (or roles) that organisms occupy, thereby protecting ecosystems by making them more resilient to long-term environmental changes [4]. In the wake of climate change and impending development, protecting biodiversity enhances the prospects that the Amazon Rainforest will continue to provide the immense amount of resources and ecosystem services* as it currently does, because species will be variably successful in adjusting to altered environmental conditions. Therefore, protecting a diverse range of species (and habitats) increases the probability that the Amazon as it now functions will be maintained into the future.
- Help Protect Butterfly Habitat

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Blue Morpho Butterfly - Amazon Aid Foundation

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The Blue Morpho Butterfly (Morpho peleides) is one of the largest butterflies in the word, with a wingspan reaching up to 8 inches [1]. These butterflies are found throughout Central and South America, and are the most common butterfly of the Morpho genus in Central America.

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Boa constrictor coloration and pattern are distinctive. Dorsally the background color is cream or brown and that is marked with dark "saddle-shaped" bands. These saddles become more colorful and prominent towards the tail, often becoming reddish brown with either black or cream edging. Along the sides, there are rhomboid, dark marks. They may have smaller dark spots over the entire body. The head of a boa constrictor has three distinctive stripes. First is a line that runs dorsally from the snout to the back of the head. Second, there is a dark triangle between the snout and the eye. Third, this dark triangle is continued behind the eye, where it slants downward towards the jaw. However, there are many variations on appearance. Boas have two functional lungs, the right much larger than the left, to match their elongated body shape. Sharp, long teeth are found on both the upper and lower jaws and curve backward towards the throat.

This new world snake has an average length of two to three metres while the largest ever recorded was 5.5 m. Sexual dimorphism (difference between males and females) includes females generally being larger in body length and girth, whereas males generally have longer tails (containing the hemipenes) and longer cloacal spurs (vestigal hind legs).

Conservation Status: IUCN

Distribution:

Boa constrictors range from northern Mexico south through Central and South America. In South America the range splits along the Andes mountains. To the east of the Andes, they are found as far south as northern Argentina. On the west side of the mountains, the range extends into Peru. Boa constrictors are also found on numerous islands off the Pacific coast and in the Caribbean. Islands included in the boa constrictor range are: the Lesser Antilles, Trinidad, Tobago, Dominica, and St. Lucia. Some islands off the coast of Belize and Honduras are also inhabited by this species.

Habitat:

Ranges from tropical rain forest to semi-desert. In Mexico it is found in semi-arid regions, on the fringes of deserts. In tropical America it is found in the dense, wet jungles (rarely entering water). They spend much of their time in trees but are also found near cultivated land and plantations. They will enter villages in search of food.

Diet:

Prey items include large lizards, birds, and small mammals (bats, monkeys, squirrels, opposums, rats, pacas, agoutis and wild pigs). There have been occasions where fairly large animals have been taken. Those boas entering villages would take rodents and chickens.

Reproduction:

Seasonal changes trigger breeding behaviour. This generally takes place in the dry season. During this period the female emits a scent from her cloaca. Females do not necessarily reproduce annually. Boa constrictors are ovoviviparous; embryos develop within their mothers' bodies. This places a great physical demand on females and a period of recovery is needed after the birthing process to restore fat reserves.

Males are polygynous, mating with more than one female. Boas are considered to be primitive snakes. Both the male and female have a pair of spurs, one on either side of the cloaca. The male's spurs are longer than the female's. He uses them to stimulate the female by scratching her body, especially around the cloaca. When ready to mate, the male inserts one of his two hemipenes into the female's cloaca. Fertilized ova are retained in the female's body for incubation. Young are born live (ovoviviparous). Up to 60 young are born, about 30-40 cm at birth. They are independent soon after birth.

Adaptation:

They are nocturnal; however they may bask during the day especially when night-time temperatures are low. Boa constrictors have good vision, even into the ultraviolet spectrum. In addition, they can detect both vibrations in the ground and sound vibrations through the air through their jaw bones.Their tongues flick continuously, bringing odor molecules into contact with the chemosensory (vomeronasal) organ in the top of their mouths. In this manner, they constantly sense chemical cues in their environment. They are excellent climbers. They capture prey by striking with their mouth open and holding on to the prey with its teeth. It then kills its prey by coiling its body around the prey and constricting, which restricts breathing and causes heart failure. The victim is seldom crushed or noticeably deformed before being eaten, but if the prey is large, the snake may crush the ribs to facilitate swallowing. Blotched or reticulate pattern forms an excellent camouflage. Boas react to danger either by fleeing or threatening by hissing; a noise that sounds like escaping steam.

Threats to Survival:

Young boas are preyed upon by many carnivorous animals. Boas are also suffering from loss of habitat, destruction of the forest, the skin trade and the pet trade. Overcollection for the pet trade and needless direct persecution has had an impact on some populations. Some populations have been hit harder than other, and various wild populations are now endangered, particularly those on offshore islands. On the mainland, boa constrictors have been harvested for their skins, meat and body parts.

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Boa constrictor coloration and pattern are distinctive. Dorsally the background color is cream or brown and that is marked with dark "saddle-shaped" bands. These saddles become more colorful and prominent towards the tail, often becoming reddish brown with either black or cream edging. Along the sides, there are rhomboid, dark marks.

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All About Orangutans - Physical Characteristics | SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

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Take a deep dive and learn all about orangutans - from what they like to eat to how they care for their young. Click here for a library of orangutan resources.

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Is there anything cuter than a squirrel monkey? In this post, you'll learn 35 squirrel monkey facts, including diet, range, all 5 species, and a couple of gross habits. We also cover specifics about baby squirrel monkeys, communication, and differences between the species. Plus lots of photos and videos.

Travel tip: If you're traveling to the Amazon, you should bring a camera with a good zoom and a decent pair of binoculars. This will increase the odds of spotting and shooting squirrel monkeys in the wild.

35 Facts About Squirrel Monkeys

Squirrel monkeys are some of the most unique creatures that you can find in the South American jungle. Not only do they have vivid colors, unusual mating habits and high-pitched calls that you can hear from a mile away, but they've also been woven into the fabric of human history. Squirrel monkeys went to space!

Do you want to know more about these fantastical animals? Here are just a few squirrel monkey facts to get you started.

1. Why are they called squirrel monkeys?

Squirrel monkeys get their name from their behavior.

They're arboreal animals, meaning that they live in trees and spend most of their time hopping between branches. They're also small, quick and nimble, so it's probably inevitable that they were nicknamed after squirrels.
However, it should be noted that it's only a nickname. Squirrel monkeys aren't actually related to squirrels. In fact, their scientific name has nothing to do with squirrels at all; it translates to "small monkey" in a native South American tongue.

Squirrel monkeys were named for their tree-hugging habits in the same way that spider monkeys were named for their long, spider-like fingers.

2. What is the squirrel monkey scientific name?

Squirrel monkeys are the only species found under the saimiri classification of monkey, but they're divided into two groups depending on their exact breed:

Saimiri sciureus: The saimiri sciureus group includes the common squirrel monkey, the Central American squirrel monkey and the bare-eared squirrel monkey.

Saimiri boliviensis: The saimiri boliviensis group includes the black squirrel monkey and the black-capped squirrel monkey.

There are also a couple of extinct squirrel monkey breeds that have only been identified thanks to fossils.

3. How many species of squirrel monkeys are there?

There are 5 species of squirrel monkeys in the saimiri genus.

4. What are the different species and subspecies of squirrel monkey?

There are 5 distinct species of squirrel monkey with an additional 8 subspecies.

1. Common squirrel monkey (or Red backed squirrel monkey) Saimiri sciureus. There are 4 subspecies of the common squirrel monkey, including: Saimiri sciureus cassiquiarensis (Humboldt's squirrel monkey), Saimiri sciureus macrodon (Ecuadorian squirrel monkey), Saimiri sciureus sciureus, and Saimiri sciureus albigena.

2. Central American squirrel monkey Saimiri oerstedii. There are two subspecies of the Central American squirrel monkey: Saimiri oerstedii oerstedii (Black-crowned), and Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus (Grey-crowned).

3. Bare-eared squirrel monkey Saimiri ustus

4. Black squirrel monkey Saimiri vanzolinii

5. Black-capped squirrel monkey Saimiri boliviensis. There are two subspecies of the Black-capped squirrel monkey: Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis (Bolivian squirrel monkey) , Saimiri boliviensis peruviensis (Peruvian squirrel monkey).

These breeds also have different scientific classifications of their own. For example, Central American squirrel monkeys can be classified as either black-crowned ( saimiri oerstedii oerstedii) or grey-crowned ( saimiri oerstedii citrinellus).

Most breeds are the same in terms of diet, behavior and habitat. They mostly vary in color and region.

5. What happened to the extinct species of squirrel monkey?

There are two breeds of squirrel monkey, saimiri annectens and saimiri fieldsi, that have only been identified through fossils.

They weighed a bit more than modern squirrel monkeys and had bigger teeth. Their bones were found in the "monkey beds" of the Colombian Andes where there are hundreds of primate fossils.

No one is sure what happened to these extinct breeds, but it probably involved the same threats that are faced by today's squirrel monkeys.

6. Are squirrel monkeys endangered?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed each breed of squirrel monkey.

Here are their findings:

The Central American squirrel monkey is in the most trouble. There are less than 2,000 of them left in the wild, and their population is on a steep downward trend. They were actually classified as "endangered" until 2008, but the IUCN upgraded them after successful conservation efforts.

These conservation efforts have faltered, however, and most experts agree that it's only a matter of time before they're downgraded again.

7. Where are squirrel monkeys found?

Squirrel monkeys are a popular feature in zoos and animal sanctuaries worldwide, but they're native to South and Central America. They can be found in places like Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Panama and Venezuela.

Certain breeds are more prevalent in certain regions. For example, the black squirrel monkey has a very limited range in the Amazon rainforest while the common squirrel monkey is spread across thousands of miles and a half-dozen countries.

8. Why are squirrel monkeys considered "New World" monkeys?

When talking about plants and animals that span the globe, it's common for biologists to separate them into "Old World" (Asia, Africa, Europe) and "New World" (North and South American) classifications.

Primates, in particular, can have some distinct differences depending on the hemisphere of their birth. For example, New World monkeys have flat noses and more teeth, but Old World monkeys are the ones with opposable thumbs.

As for squirrel monkeys, they're considered New World monkeys since they're native to South America.

9. What is the natural habitat of squirrel monkeys?

Squirrel monkeys spend 99% of their time in trees. They don't venture too high or too low because they have natural predators on either side, so they stick to canopy environments where they can move safely and freely.

For this reason, squirrel monkeys almost always live in forests and jungles with plenty of cover. They'll occasionally make do with marshes and mangroves that have a lot of trees, but they prefer denser, shadier areas.

They also like to be near water sources. There are several squirrel monkey breeds that live around the Amazon River, and many more congregate near streams, brooks and lakes.

However, squirrel monkeys rarely descend from the trees to drink from their water sources. They sip from puddles and tree holes rather than risking open exposure. They also get a lot of water from their food.

10. What do squirrel monkeys eat?

Squirrel monkeys are omnivores. While their primary diet is fruits, flowers, seeds and nuts, they also enjoy small bugs and reptiles such as grasshoppers, caterpillars, salamanders and tree frogs.

In captivity, they'll munch on treats such as eggs and yogurts.

11. How are squirrel monkeys different from other monkeys?

Unlike many of their cousins, squirrel monkeys don't have prehensile tails.

This means that they don't use their tails for gripping or swinging through branches. It's thought that the main purpose of their tails is to help them keep their balance as they run, jump, play, groom and sleep in the trees.

12. Do people experiment on squirrel monkeys?

Since their genetic makeup is quite similar to humans, squirrel monkeys are often tested, studied and utilized as stand-ins for human subjects during scientific research.

However, not all of these experiments are inhumane or unethical. The medical community has made significant progress in eyesight therapy by conducting non-invasive studies on color vision in squirrel monkeys.

There have also been famous squirrel monkeys like Miss Baker. She was one of the first animals to be successfully launched into space, and after completing a flight in her mini-helmet and mini-uniform, she served as an ambassador for the entire space program. She entertained visitors, guested on TV programs and received hundreds of letters from school children every day.

When she died, she was buried on the grounds of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. To this day, her gravestone regularly receives bananas.

13. Do squirrel monkeys make good pets?

Squirrel monkeys are often sold as pets, but if you're thinking about bringing one home, you should know that they're demanding animals that will need a lot of special attention. Many rescue and rehabilitation centers are overrun with squirrel monkeys that were bought by people who didn't know what they were getting into.

For example, you can't make it too easy for squirrel monkeys to feed. They entertain themselves by foraging for food, and if you take that away, they're prone to boredom and restlessness. Owners often have specific schedules and protocols for feeding their squirrel monkeys to keep them engaged and out of trouble.

You should also beware the range of motion of squirrel monkeys. They're made to fling themselves from tree to tree, and they can reach heights of 6.5 feet with a single jump. They can easily clear fences, cages and other enclosures that are meant to keep them safe. They might even be able to leap atop your roof!

14. How big are squirrel monkeys?

Squirrel monkeys are quite small. Their bodies are just 9 - 14 inches long, and their weight usually hovers around 20 - 40 ounces.

Their most prominent feature is their tail. Measuring between 14 - 17 inches, it's usually twice as long as their body and quick to curl around food, leaves, branches and other members of their species. While it can't grip, it can still be used as a tool or a method of communication. It's a very noticeable and versatile body part.

15. What will hunt and eat squirrel monkeys?

Squirrel monkeys have many predators. This is the main reason why they stick to such a rigid range in the trees. If they venture to the top of the canopy, they're vulnerable to raptors, falcons, vultures and other birds of prey.

If they get too low, they'll be snatched up by snakes, tigers, jaguars, weasels and leopards. Leopards are a particular concern since they can also climb trees; they can chase a squirrel monkey right into their natural habitat.

16. What is the lifespan of squirrel monkeys?

In the wild, squirrel monkeys live between 15 - 20 years.

They can double this number in captivity. According to the Animal Aging and Longevity Database, the oldest squirrel monkey on record was 30 years old when it died, and another hybrid squirrel monkey made it all the way to 32 years.

17. What do squirrel monkeys look like?

Squirrel monkeys have a very unique appearance. In addition to their small size, they're also known for their "mask-like" face with white fur around their eyes and black fur around their mouths. It looks a lot like a skull, and some languages even translate their name to "death's head monkey."

As for the rest of their fur, it can come in a variety of colors. A squirrel monkey might be black, brown, tan, orange, auburn or bronze. They might have black-tipped ears or tails.

One of the most eye-catching members of the species is the common squirrel monkey. They have white or grey fur with bright yellow arms and a black mask on their face, so they tend to stand out from the crowd. They're popular attractions at zoos and fairs.

18. Do different breeds of squirrel monkeys look different?

Yes. While all squirrel monkeys have a mask, the mask's appearance will vary between breeds.

For example, saimiri sciureus monkeys have a "gothic" arch with a dramatically-pointed V shape between their eyes, but the saimiri boliviensis monkeys have a "roman" arch that's much softer and subtler.

There can also be differences in the color, texture and location of their fur. Bare-eared squirrel monkeys get their name from the fact that they have no hair protruding from their ears like the rest of their species.

Black-capped squirrel monkeys get their name from their "caps" of black, closely-matted head fur. Golden-backed squirrel monkeys have golden fur on their shoulders. The list goes on.

19. Are squirrel monkeys classified as mammals?

Yes. Squirrel monkeys are warm-blooded, air-breathing creatures that give birth to live babies, so they're mammals. More specifically, they're primates. Primates consist of both monkeys and apes.

20. How do squirrel monkeys find food?

Squirrel monkeys have excellent, full-color eyesight, and they can spot fruits and vegetables from many feet away. They're also quite skilled at detecting motion, so if any tasty bug slithers down the branch where they're resting, they can snatch it up and enjoy a snack.

Squirrel monkeys have also been known to spring traps for things like bats and lizards. They'll find their nests and jump on them from above, and when the animal emerges in fear and panic, the squirrel monkey will strike. They have sharp claws and long fingers that make it easy for them to catch, hold and gut smaller prey.

21. Are squirrel monkeys intelligent?

Yes. Squirrel monkeys have one of the biggest brain-to-body ratios of the entire monkey family, and they're quite adept at things like problem-solving.

They can use their hands and tails as tools for eating, playing and traveling, and they can communicate with several distinctive calls that are recognized and utilized depending on the situation.

In captivity, squirrel monkeys can also be trained to complete simple tasks or run through obstacle courses. This is why they're frequently included in medical and scientific research. If you need a monkey to go into space, it's best to choose a smart one.

22. How many squirrel monkeys live in a group?

Squirrel monkeys have large and active social groups called troops. While the average size of a troop is 50 - 100 monkeys, there have been reports of troops as big as 500 monkeys.

Within these troops, squirrel monkeys usually travel in different "groups" consisting of males, females, adolescents and mothers with children. While everyone will call out to each other in dangerous situations, they tend to play, feed, rest, groom and socialize within their particular group.

The females make up the majority of the troop. They work together to find food and raise their young. Males tend to keep their distance from the bigger groups unless it's mating season.

23. Will squirrel monkeys stay with the same group?

It depends on the species. With common squirrel monkeys, females remain in their birth groups while males leave once they reach sexual maturity. They might live as solitary creatures, or they might join another mixed-gender troop. Some will even join a troop of unattached males like monkey bachelor bonding.

With Central American squirrel monkeys, however, the males are the ones that stay while the females leave. It isn't known why they behave so differently from their cousins.

24. How do squirrel monkeys reproduce?

Females go into heat between August and October. Males get very aggressive during this time, and they'll squabble and fight each other to gain access to different females.

Their bodies will also broaden around the shoulders to give them a strong, healthy appearance in hopes of attracting a mate. This "fattening" is due to an altered water balance and not any kind of dietary change, and it goes away once mating season is over.

Another unique characteristic of squirrel monkeys is that females don't accept just any mate and they'll also work together to drive off unwanted males during mating season. An interested male might approach them, but if the females aren't in the mood, they'll behave aggressively or chase him off with the help of their sisters, daughters and cousins.

25. When and where do squirrel monkeys give birth?

Female squirrel monkeys are pregnant for around five months. They give birth to a single baby, and they make sure to choose a safe, secluded spot to do it. This is usually a hole in a tree or tree trunk.

Females don't get pregnant or give birth very often. Depending on the breed, it might take between 1 - 2 years for a female to have a single baby.

They usually handle the whole process alone. Males don't play any part in child-rearing after birth.

26. How long do baby squirrel monkeys stay with their mother?

Baby squirrel monkeys are entirely dependent on their mothers for the first few weeks of life. Eventually, they'll start to explore the trees and socialize with other young monkeys through playing, feeding and grooming.

They reach full independence around 10 - 12 months old. This is when the males or females will start to break away from their birth troops and seek a new life elsewhere.

27. How many baby squirrel monkeys survive to adulthood?

It's estimated that only around 50% of squirrel monkeys reach full maturity.

Their biggest danger period is when they're newborns; they're so small and helpless that they're easy prey for birds, snakes, possums, weasels, toucans and big cats. There have even been cases of spider monkeys eating newborn squirrel monkeys.

28. How does a squirrel monkey protect itself?

The best defense for squirrel monkeys is to stick together.

In a large troop, they can have eyes and ears everywhere, and they can warn each other with high-pitched sounds when a predator enters their midst. Some troops have also been known to overwhelm small- and mid-sized predators and chase them off.

In terms of strength, squirrel monkeys aren't completely defenseless, but their small size makes it difficult for them to do any real damage.

The sharpness of their claws and the dexterity of their fingers is mostly meant for foraging and grooming rather than fending off enemies. They might be able to escape something that isn't much bigger than them, but generally speaking, they try to avoid trouble in the first place rather than fight it.

29. Do squirrel monkeys form alliances with other animals?

Yes. Squirrel monkeys have been observed working with capuchin monkeys to find food and watch out for predators.

In addition, they'll tolerate the presence of certain squirrels and non-predatory birds that trail behind them and use them to find their own food.

More reading: Guide to Ecuador's Rainforest Animals

30. Are squirrel monkeys nocturnal?

No. Like most monkeys, squirrel monkeys sleep at night after being active during the day.

While it isn't unheard of for a squirrel monkey to go hunting or foraging after the sun sets, it isn't common in the species as a whole.

31. What threats face the squirrel monkey?

Deforestation is the single biggest threat to the squirrel monkey.

They're losing their habitat to everything from forest fires to construction projects, and as they're pushed more and more out of their lands, they become increasingly vulnerable to outside dangers. Not only does this result in deaths, but it fragments their population and makes it harder for them to breed in large numbers.

Squirrel monkeys are also on the decline thanks to hunters and poachers. Monkey parts are used in a variety of medicines and fashion accessories, and squirrel monkeys in particular have very unusual colorings that make them prized possessions.

Some are bred for the express purpose of being pets or show animals, others are snatched out of the wild. It happens to both babies and adults, and it's putting a stranglehold on breeds like the Central American squirrel monkey.

32. Is the squirrel monkey an invasive species?

While not technically classified as an invasive species, squirrel monkeys can be quite the nuisance for South American farmers.

They tend to raid crops and fields when they aren't finding enough food in the wild, and since they eat all kinds of bugs, plants, seeds and small reptiles, they can impact a local ecosystem. It isn't uncommon for farmers to shoot a squirrel monkey on sight.

33. How do squirrel monkeys communicate?

Squirrel monkeys are very active communicators. They cry, shriek, peep, call and cackle depending on the situation. Danger sounds are usually loud and high-pitched while aggressive posturing during a fight is lower and almost growl-like.

Squirrel monkeys also have a pretty unique method of non-verbal communication: urine. They'll rub their hands and feet with their own pee so that they'll leave scent trails as they jump around the jungle. The other members of their troop can smell it and follow it.

34. How often do squirrel monkeys sound off an alarm cry?

Squirrel monkeys have hair-trigger instincts when it comes to danger.

This is especially pronounced when they're high up in the trees; they're so alert towards birds of prey that they'll shriek a warning and dive for cover if a particularly large branch falls over. They've also been recorded making alarm cries for airplanes and other airborne objects.
You can hear their warning shriek near the end of the following video.

35. Do squirrel monkeys have opposable thumbs?

No. This is one of the differences between "New World" and "Old World" monkeys: New World monkeys don't have opposable thumbs while Old World monkeys do.

It should be noted, however, that even if squirrel monkeys don't have opposable thumbs, their thumbs still exist and are still quite nimble. For this reason, they're sometimes said to have "semi-opposable" thumbs to distinguish their digits from other animals that completely lack strength or flexibility in their hands.

Learn more about another monkey from the Amazon, the tiny pygmy marmoset.

Your turn

Squirrel monkeys are fun to watch, with their vivid colors and crazy sounds. And when you look a little deeper, they're also smart, social creatures with complex group dynamics.

Have a fact to add? Or a question about squirrel monkeys? Have you seen these in the wild? Let me know below!

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35 Squirrel Monkey Facts: All 5 Saimiri Species (Plus 8 Subspecies) | Storyteller Travel

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Is there anything cuter than a squirrel monkey? In this post, you'll learn 35 squirrel monkey facts, including diet, range, all 5 species, and a couple of gross habits. We also cover specifics about baby squirrel monkeys, communication, and differences between the species. Plus lots of photos and videos.

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Squirrel Monkey Facts

Main Characteristics

Squirrel monkeys are little primates living in large groups in the forests of South America. They are active during the day and spend most of their time in the trees. They run on all fours and use their tail to balance on branches. They are close relatives to the capuchin monkeys.

Anatomy and Appearance

Their Tail is Longer Than their Body

The body of a playful squirrel monkey is not larger than 12.5 inch (32 cm). With a length of up to 16 inch (41 cm), their tail is even longer than their body.

Behavior

Are Squirrel Monkeys Good Climbers?

Squirrel monkeys can't use their tails to grab onto things like branches as the chameleon can. Nevertheless, its tail is very useful for them, because it helps them balance on thin branches.

Are Squirrel Monkey Aggressive?

By the way: Squirrel monkeys are rather amicable. Many other animals indulge in fierce territorial fights, but squirrel monkeys prefer to keep out of harm's way. This is rather clever, as there is enough space for all animals.

Squirrel Monkeys Use Scent Marks

Just imagine the following situation: You fixed a date to meet a friend at a certain place. But your friend did not turn up. Now you would like to leave him a message that you were there. If you were a squirrel monkey, you would pee on your hands and feet and then walk about on all fours at the meeting point, so that your friend could smell that you were there. Luckily, we have smartphones ...!

Reproduction

During the mating season, male squirrel monkeys fight against each other. Afterwards, the strongest male monkey can mate with most female animals. After the birth of a baby monkey, the male monkey loses most of its influence. From the first day onwards, the young monkey rides on the back of its mother. After about two months it starts to explore its environment on its own. After ten months, the young monkey no longer depends on its mother.

Fun Facts

Why Are They Called Squirrel Monkeys?

They are called squirrel monkeys because they are as agile and move as quickly as squirrels. In Germany they are named "Totenkopf-Äffchen" (skull monkeys), because their face resembles a skull. Take a closer look: Their eyes are black, the fur on their face is white, and their nose and mouth are gray. Can you see the skull in its face?

Squirrel Monkeys Are Patient

Scientists had some capuchin monkeys play a video game in 2020. The animals didn't always succeed, but even if they didn't get a reward, they kept playing. They were dying to win the game. This is fairly unusual in the animal kingdom, because trying something in vain takes a lot of time and effort. The scientists believe, that sometimes it is more important for the animals to be patient - for example when trying to find a partner or to finish building the nest.

The Squirrel Monkey Is Related To:

Animals in the Same Biome:

Watch Now on animalfunfacts.net:

Rainforest Animals

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Squirrel monkeys are little primates living in large groups in the forests of South America. They are active during the day and spend most of their time in the trees. They run on all fours and use their tail to balance on branches. They are close relatives to the capuchin monkeys.

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Squirrel Monkeys are some of the most commonly seen monkeys in the Central American rainforest's, even though they are very shy and skiddish. They average about 1 foot in length, with the their tails adding on another full foot. Squirrel monkeys weigh 1.5-2.5 lbs, and are diurnal, or active during the daytime.

Your average squirrel monkey lives about 30 meters off the ground in virgin and secondary forests and in cultivated areas, usually along rivers and streams. This allows them access to their favorite foods. A spider monkey's diet includes insects, spiders, bird eggs, young birds, fruit and nuts. About 90% of their diet is composed of soft, tropical fruits.

Squirrel Monkeys can move almost silently through the upper canopy. They are usually quiet, but cry when alarmed. Squirrel Monkeys spend most of their lives in the trees, and are considered Arboreal, although they'll occasionally descend to the ground.

Additional Images:
Woah! Hang on, buddy!
Squirrel Monkeys make their way from tree to tree by jumping. Squirrel Monkeys have thighs that are shorter relative to their lower legs; this allows more jumping force.

When baby squirrel monkeys are born, they spend the first few months of life clinging to their mother's back. The mothers are very protective of their young, and caring for the young squirrel monkeys is a community affair.

Squirrel Monkeys live in groups of 10-30, which is a much larger group than other species of monkeys found in South and Central America.

Like other monkeys in the Central American rainforest, the Squirrel Monkey is facing some problems. Currently, deforestation and habitat destruction due to agriculture and tourism development are the major causes of decline. Insecticide spraying, the pet trade and electrocution from electric power lines have also adversely affected these squirrel monkeys.

Squirrel monkeys are very cute and look like they would make good pets. However, they are wild animals, and pefer the forest much more than a home. Because people have made them pets in the past, their numbers are being threatened. If they were to vanish from the rain forest, we would lose one of the most interesting animals in Central America.

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Squirrel Monkeys are some of the most commonly seen monkeys in the Central American rainforest's, even though they are very shy and skiddish. They average about 1 foot in length, with the their tails adding on another full foot. Squirrel monkeys weigh 1.5-2.5 lbs, and are diurnal, or active during the daytime.

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Common squirrel monkey

Appearance

The Common squirrel monkey is a New World monkey with a squirrel-like appearance, endemic to tropical areas of South America. This primate can be found in countries such as Bolivia and Venezuela. Around 10 years ago, this species was also introduced to Southern Florida, where these animals successfully reproduce. Additionally, a group of these monkeys have been recently spotted in Rio de Janeiro, evidently as a result of escape from an illegal pet trade capture.

Distribution

Geography

Common squirrel monkeys are endemic to tropical forests of South America (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela), typically occurring in the middle level of the rainforest canopy, although they may be found at different levels when looking for food and shelter. The ideal habitat for this species is wet areas with marshlands and swamps, although some populations also inhabit savannahs.

Habits and Lifestyle

These monkeys are highly social creatures, forming large troops of up to 300 individuals, although most contain only 40 - 50 animals. Each such troop generally consists of females, although multiple males are always present. Social hierarchy in this species is not pronounced, but males are noticeably more dominant than females. When moving through forest, a group of these primates makes a loud noise. Overall, the social structure of this species varies between populations in different regions. Group members don't practice mutual grooming to enhance social bonds. Common squirrel monkeys are known to cooperate with the Brown capuchins, helping each other to find food and escape predators. As diurnal animals, the Common squirrel monkeys sleep in groups at night, being active during the daytime hours, when these groups split into smaller sub-groups to forage. The communication system of these monkeys includes a wide variety of calls.

Diet and Nutrition

As omnivorous animals, the Common squirrel monkeys consume food of both plant and animal origin, including fruit, berries, flowers, nectar as well as various insects.

Mating Habits

Common squirrel monkeys are polygynandrous (promiscuous), which means that multiple males mate indiscriminately with multiple females. As reproductive season starts, males usually gain weight and become more active, fiercely competing over females. The winner eventually mates with majority of females. The breeding season lasts from September to November, while most births occur in February-April. A single infant is born after 150 - 170 days of gestation. The newborn baby is cared for only by its mother. It travels on the back of its mother for the first 5 - 10 weeks after birth, at which point the infant starts to occasionally leave its mother, exploring the surroundings. Independence is reached at 10 months old. The age of sexual maturity is 2 years old in females and 4 years old in males.

Population

Population threats

Although these primates aren't currently threatened with extinction, they do suffer from destruction of their natural habitat. Additionally, the Common squirrel monkeys are used in laboratories as well as captured and sold as a pet species. Nevertheless, despite the above-mentioned factors, the overall population of these animals remains stable during the last several decades.

Population number

According to IUCN, the Common squirrel monkey is widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. According to the Wikipedia resource, in the 1980s, 500 and 1000 Common squirrel monkeys remained in the shuttered Masterpiece Gardens Park in Polk County. Currently, the species is classified as Least Concern (LC), although its numbers are decreasing.

Domestication

Due to their inquisitive and playful nature these common squirrel monkeys are popular pets. They require a large amount of space and food.

Fun Facts for Kids

Squirrel monkeys are known to have the largest brain for their body mass among all of the world's primates. The massive brain of these animals is double the proportion of human brain.

These agile primates are able to take long horizontal leaps of as long as 2 meters.

Only young individuals of this species exhibit a prehensile tail, whereas adults typically use this part of their body as a prop, helping them balance.

When sleeping, they bend forward while their tails are curled between the legs, covering their shoulders.

These monkeys use a unique method of scent marking known as urine washing: this is when an animal urinates on its hands and then rubs it on its tail.

They easily detect fruits among dense vegetation of their forest habitat due to well-developed eyesight, allowing them to recognize colors.

Group members use 25 - 30 various vocalizations to communicate with each other. They also give out certain calls when foraging, threatened as well as during the reproductive season.

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Common squirrel monkey The Common squirrel monkey is a New World monkey with a squirrel-like appearance, endemic to tropical areas of South America. This primate can be found in countries such as Bolivia and Venezuela. Around 10 years ago, this species was also introduced to Southern Florida, where these animals successfully reproduce.

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Diet: The common squirrel monkey is considered both frugivorous and insectivorous (or omnivorous) with their diet consisting primarily of fruit and insects. They love berry-like fruit on branches and a variety of insects. Squirrel monkeys rarely go after insects that are in motion and prefer to capture stationary insects on plant surfaces. They prefer caterpillars and grasshoppers over other insects. They also look for mollusks (snails and crabs) and small vertebrates, such as tree frogs. They will also occasionally eat seeds, nuts, eggs, nectar, flowers, buds, leaves, and gum.

In the wild, aggression and competition for food depends on the species of squirrel. The common squirrel monkey has more intra group competition due to a habitat with large amounts of available fruit. These monkeys feel the need to stay and protect their food source. Other species who live where fruit is more scarce, simply move on to another patch after a short time.

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squirrel monkey, (genus Saimiri), most abundant primate of riverside forests in the Guianas and the Amazon River basin, distinguished by a circle of black hairless skin around the nose and mouth set against an expressive white face. Their short, soft fur is gray to olive green, with whitish underparts. Squirrel monkeys are 25-40 cm (10-16 inches) long, not including the heavy nonprehensile tail, which is at least as long as the body. Hands, arms, and feet are yellow to orange. Common squirrel monkeys ( Saimiri sciureus) have olive or grayish crowns and are found only in South America, whereas the endangered Central American squirrel monkeys ( S. oerstedii) have black crowns and reddish backs. The common and Central American species both have hair on the ears, unlike the bare-eared squirrel monkey ( S. ustus) of central Brazil.

Squirrel monkeys form larger groups than any other New World monkey-one group of 300 was counted in a pristine Amazonian rainforest. They are also among the most vocal of primates, communicating with at least 26 different calls, including barks, purrs, screams, peeps, and squawks. Exceptionally agile jumpers and runners, these monkeys prefer life in the trees, though they will occasionally descend to the ground. They are active during the day and move single file after a leader along frequently used pathways in the treetops. At night, they sleep huddled together on branches, tails wrapped around their bodies. Squirrel monkeys and capuchin monkeys sometimes forage together, eating fruit, leaves, buds, tree gum, insects, spiders, and small vertebrates. Females give birth to a single baby after a gestation of about six months. The baby rides the mother's back jockey-style for the first few weeks of life and remains dependent on the mother for a year.

Attractive, gentle, affectionate, and clean, squirrel monkeys were popular pets in the United States until the capture and importation of wild primates as pets was outlawed in 1975. They seem to fare best when kept with others of their kind and may live up to 20 years under favourable conditions. Squirrel monkeys are primates of the family Cebidae.

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squirrel monkey, (genus Saimiri), most abundant primate of riverside forests in the Guianas and the Amazon River basin, distinguished by a circle of black hairless skin around the nose and mouth set against an expressive white face. Their short, soft fur is gray to olive green, with whitish underparts.

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Sloths are highly successful, slow-moving mammals that spend their lives hanging about in the trees of Central and South America. There are two types of sloth. They look quite different and are defined by how many digits they have. Two-toed, Choloepus sloths actually have three toes, but only two fi…

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The brown-throated three-toed sloth is a truly unique animal that inhabits the rainforest canopies of Central and South America. The term sloth is synonymous with the word slow, and sloths certainly live up to that definition.

Sloths evolved to expend very little energy because their diet does not provide them with a lot of calories and nutrition. Brown-throated sloths primarily eat tough, rubbery rainforest leaves. These leaves are also full of toxins (a form of protection for the rainforest trees). But sloths have developed a digestive system to handle these highly indigestible leaves. Their stomachs are multi-chambered, similar to a cow's stomach, and house a mix of bacteria which helps to slowly break down the leaves. It takes two weeks for a sloth to digest one meal - the slowest digestion time of any mammal!

Sloths are specially adapted to live among the treetops. Their fur hangs upside down, running from their stomachs to their backs. This is because sloths themselves usually hang upside down. The orientation of their fur helps the rain water flow away from their body.

In addition, sloths have large curved claws to help them effortlessly grasp branches and vines, and hang comfortably while they eat and sleep. Brown-throated three-toed sloths, as you may have guessed, have three toes and three claws per foot. But interestingly, even two-toed sloths have three toes per foot! The difference is that they only have two claws on each.

Brown-throated sloths have the ability to rotate their heads like owls. They can turn their heads up to 300 degrees due to their unique neck structure. They have nine cervical vertebrae (the bones in the spine that support the head), as opposed to the seven that most mammals have. This allows for greater rotation, which helps the sloth scan for predators like spectacled owls, harpy eagles and snakes.

Once a week, brown-throated three-toed sloths descend from the rainforest canopy to urinate and defecate. Although their large curved claws help them immensely in the treetops, they make traveling on the ground very difficult. Sloths crawl very awkwardly and slowly on the ground, making them easy targets for predators like ocelots.

But sloths take the risk to climb down to the ground because of a symbiotic relationship they have with the flora living in their fur. Sloth fur is rife with macro- and microorganisms like algae, fungi and moths. While these organisms benefit from having a sheltered place to live among the long coarse hairs, the sloth also gains from the relationship. The algae provides supplemental nutrition for the sloth and tints the fur green, which helps camouflage the sloth among the leaves. The fungi helps fend off parasites known to cause diseases like malaria and Chagas disease. The moths provide fertilizer for the algae.

When sloths descend from the canopy, they come in contact with the beneficial fungal spores in the soil. In addition, the moths have a chance to lay their eggs in the sloth's dung. In this way, a complete ecosystem thrives between the sloth and the organisms living in its fur.

Another unique trait of sloths is that they rely on solar energy to regulate their body temperature. With such a slow metabolism, sloths must sunbathe in order to keep their body temperature up. In this way, sloths are similar to reptiles.

Male brown-throated three-toed sloths can be easily distinguished from females because they have a bright orange patch with a black stripe on their backs. This patch has scent marking glands that attracts female sloths. Alpha males have a larger patches than other males.

The mating season for brown-throated sloths is in the spring, which is July-November in South America and February-May in Central America. Female sloths give birth to one infant at a time. The baby sloth spends 5-10 months attached to its mother, using her body like a jungle gym. This helps prepare the baby for life hanging in the treetops.

Conservation Status

The brown-throated sloth is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN because it has a wide distribution in the Amazon forest.

But the sloth faces many ongoing threats. Due to deforestation and development, sloths are losing critical habitat. They are forced out of the trees in search of new territory, often getting hit by cars when they cross roads. Sloths are also sold as pets on the black market to tourists.The poachers take baby sloths from their mothers and cut off their teeth and claws. These infants usually do not survive long.

What You Can Do to Help

To help three-toed sloths, you can help protect their habitat. Donate to organizations like the World Land Trust or WWF.

You can also support sloth rehabilitation centers like Sloth Sanctuary or APPC.

Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth Distribution

Sloth Resources

About the Author

Abi Cushman is a contributing editor of Animal Fact Guide and My House Rabbit. When she's not writing about weird animal facts, Abi writes and illustrates funny books for kids. Her picture books, and Animals Go Vroom!, are available now from Viking Children's Books.

To learn more and to download free activity sheets, visit www.abicushman.com. Follow her on Twitter at @AbiCushman and on Instagram at @Abi.Cushman.

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Sloth Facts | Three-Toed Sloths | Brown-throated Sloth

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The brown-throated three-toed sloth is a truly unique animal that inhabits the rainforest canopies of Central and South America. The term sloth is synonymous with the word slow, and sloths certainly live up to that definition. Sloths evolved to expend very little energy because their diet does not provide them with a lot of calories and nutrition.

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World Animal Protection works around the globe to protect sloths and other wild animals--like elephants, otters, and tigers--and keep them in their natural habitats and free from the cruelty of the animal entertainment industry and global wildlife trade.

Read on to learn more about sloths and why they belong in the wild.

10 Interesting Facts About Sloths

1. It takes two

Found in Central and South America, sloths call the tall trees their home, as their long claws make it difficult for them to walk on the ground. There are two types of sloths, two-toed and three-toed. However, this can get confusing as both types have three claws, or 'toes,' on their hind limbs. In reality, the 'two-toed' sloth should really be called the 'two-fingered' sloth, as the difference between both can be found on their front limbs.

2. Big brother

The modern sloth is usually around the size of a medium-sized dog. But ancient sloths of years ago, known as 'Megatherium,' could grow as large as an Asian elephant! These giant sloths sometimes featured areas of small bone discs that would act as 'armor plating' for protection. They became extinct around 10,000 years ago.

3. Natural camouflage

Sloths possess a symbiotic relationship with the algae that grows on their fur. While the sloth provides the algae with shelter and water (as sloth fur is highly absorbent), the algae provide the sloth with camouflage and extra nutrients through the sloth's skin.

4. Hanging around

Sloths can spend 90% of their lives hanging upside down thanks to their impressive biology. Studies show this is possible because their organs are attached to their rib cage, so they don't weigh down on their lungs. Unlike us, a sloth can hang upside down without affecting their breathing.

5. A green diet

A sloth's diet consists mainly of buds, leaves, and tender shoots. They have a multi-compartment stomach that allows them to effectively digest the tough cellulose that they eat. This is a slow process, taking 30 days to digest one leaf!

6. Looking at you

Sloths have extra vertebrae at the base of their neck, allowing them to turn their head on a 270° axis. They can obtain an almost 360° view of their surroundings, which proves to be a highly beneficial defense mechanism. This unique feature makes sloths stand out from other mammals whose bone structures do not allow for this flexibility.

7. Doing the lengths

Although sloths have long claws that make walking on land difficult, they can move up to three times faster when they swim - surprising for such a typically slow-moving animal! They can also hold their breath for an impressive 40 minutes, suppressing their metabolism to make their heart rate a third of its average speed.

8. Taking it slow

The sloth's nature allows them to conserve energy, moving slower than any other mammal. This modest pace means that sloths generally travel no more than 125 feet (38 meters) in a single day, and on the rare occasion that they find themselves at ground level, they crawl only 1 foot (30 cm) per minute.

9. Beauty sleep

The Greek goddess Aergia was the ancient personification of the sloth and was known to sleep often. Sloths in the wild sleep as much as humans, at around 8-9 hours a day.

10. A photo smile

The facial structure of a sloth gives the appearance that they are constantly smiling - even if they're experiencing pain, stress, or anxiety. When sloths are used as a photo prop for wildlife selfies, tourists may accidentally confuse this feature for happiness or contentment.

Help keep sloths in their natural habitat

Our study found that the most common species used for selfies in the Amazon are sloths, pink river dolphins, anacondas, and caiman - with sloths being used the most.

In the wild, sloths typically live quiet, sleepy lives. When used as props for tourist photos, they are constantly surrounded by noise and poorly handled by guides and tourists alike. Research shows that sloths are frequently held by their claws or arms with no support, causing them to experience high levels of fear and stress.

When traveling, take pictures of sloths and other wild animals from a distance and when they are in their natural habitat. Do not interact with them, and say no to anyone who offers you to hold a sloth for a photo. Help protect sloths by signing the Wildlife Selfie Code for more tips to keep wildlife where they belong: in the wild. Sloths do not want a hug-- they want to survive.

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World Animal Protection works around the globe to protect sloths and other wild animals--like elephants, otters, and tigers--and keep them in their natural habitats and free from the cruelty of the animal entertainment industry and global wildlife trade. Read on to learn more about sloths and why they belong in the wild.

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Two-toed Sloth | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants

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“Leaf it” to the sloth: Thousands of years ago, large ground sloths roamed the United States. They ranged in size from an average-size dog to that of an elephant. These ground sloths had long claws and ate plants. They became extinct about 10,000 years ago. Present-day sloths are much smaller, and l…

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The two-toed sloth, a nocturnal animal that lives in trees in Central and South America, lives at its own pace-a slow one! Using its long, sharp claws, the sloth makes its way through the branches hanging upside down. What a funny view!

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These slow moving, peaceful creatures can be found in the forests of South America.

Sloth facts for kids

⭐ What do sloths eat?
Sloths are classed as herbivores. Their diet consists mainly of leaves but occasionally they will eat fruit and they have been known to eat bird’s eggs, lizards and insects. In the wild, they live in the rainforest so have access to a wide range of trees and plant species. At Folly Farm, our sloths eat a lot of vegetables and are particularly fond of asparagus and baby corn!

Can I adopt a sloth?
Yes!  Folly Farm offers sl oth adoption – the perfect gift for any lover of sloths.

Do sloths have any predators?
They do. They include anacondas, harpy eagles, ocelots and jaguars.

Can I feed a sloth?

Yes again!  You can meet the sloths and feed the sloths on our new sloth experience in the new Sloth Forest enclosure in our Tropical Trails exhibit.

Why are sloths still for so long?
It’s due to their low energy diet. They try to save what little energy they have. They do this by moving very slowly and deliberately. And by sleeping up to 15 hours a day!

Why are sloths so slow?
In a tree, they move at about three metres per minute, but on the ground, it’s a little slower at only two metres per minute. They’re actually quite dangerous because their claws are razor sharp but they’re not likely to catch you.

How much does it cost to adopt a sloth?
An adopt a sloth pack costs just £29 and includes an adoption certificate, a cuddly sloth, a sloth fact sheet and your name displayed at our sloth enclosure.

How much does it cost to feed a sloth?
You can feed our sloths on our sloth experience. It costs £85 per person and as well as the chance to feed our sloths (subject to them being bothered!) you can ask our keepers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about sloths. Plus you’ll receive a sloth cuddly toy to remember your sloth feeding experience!

Conservation

Although listed as least concern there is a decrease in numbers in the wild. This is mainly down the destruction of their natural habitat. It’s actually quite difficult to get a real idea of numbers in the wild as sloths and people have very little contact.

Facts about two toed sloths

We're proud to be members of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Our membership means we share knowledge with leading zoos across the UK and Europe, and we learn from them too.

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Two-toed Sloth – Fun Facts & Information For Kids

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Find out more facts about two-toed sloth, including where do they live? What do they eat? How long do they sleep for? Lots of fun facts for kids!

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It's a good thing sloths don't have to go to school. They'd never make it on time. These drowsy tree-dwellers sleep up to 20 hours a day! And even when they are awake, they barely move at all. In fact, they're so incredibly sluggish, algae actually grows on their fur.

Sloths live in the tropical forests of Central and South America. With their long arms and shaggy fur, they resemble monkeys, but they are actually related to armadillos and anteaters. They can be 2 to 2.5 feet (0.6 to 0.8 meters) long and, depending on species, weigh from 8 to 17 pounds (3.6 to 7.7 kilograms).

There are two main species of sloth, identified by whether they have two or three claws on their front feet. The two species are quite similar in appearance, with roundish heads, sad-looking eyes, tiny ears, and stubby tails. Two-toed sloths are slightly bigger and tend to spend more time hanging upside-down than their three-toed cousins, who will often sit upright in the fork of a tree branch. Three-toed sloths have facial coloring that makes them look like they're always smiling. They also have two extra neck vertebrae that allow them to turn their heads almost all the way around!

Some scientists think sloths developed their slow-motion lifestyle so they would be less noticeable to predators such as hawks and cats, which rely heavily on their eyesight when hunting. The algae that grows on sloths' fur also helps them avoid predators by letting them blend in with green leaves. They rarely come down from the trees. About once every week, they descend to go to the bathroom, slowly moving about by digging their front claws into the dirt and dragging their bodies. If they are caught by a predator, sloths turn from sluggish to slugger, biting fiercely, hissing, slashing with their claws, and shrieking.

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It's a good thing sloths don't have to go to school. They'd never make it on time. These drowsy tree-dwellers sleep up to 20 hours a day! And even when they are awake, they barely move at all. In fact, they're so incredibly sluggish, algae actually grows on their fur.

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In all seriousness, you're unlikely to cross paths with a sloth in the wild (they rarely leave their treetop hideouts). But if you do, like any wild animal, it's best to keep your distance.

Sloths typically rely on their camouflage to protect themselves from predators. However, when threatened, they can use their 3- to 4-inch-long claws and teeth to defend themselves. And despite their slow movements, sloths are surprisingly strong.

And there are other reasons not to snuggle up to a sloth. Each strand of a sloth's coarse fur has grooves that run from top to bottom where two types of blue-green algae grow. The green tint of the algae helps sloths blend in to their leafy surroundings, but it also invites ticks, mites, beetles, moths and other creepy crawlies to the party. This little ecosystem created by the algae is so unique that some species, like the sloth moth, live exclusively on sloth fur!

So, do sloths have predators?

Jaguars and eagles are common predators of sloths.

Do sloths have tails?

They're not much to look at, but three-toed sloths do have short, stubby tails.

What do sloths eat?

Sloths eat leaves, fruit and some select fresh green shoots (they're not keen on crunchy twigs). Though mostly herbivorous, they may occasionally snack on a larval insect or other passive, protein-packed snack (like a bird egg). They lap dew drops off of leaves and fruits, and get additional water from their food.

Did you know that a sloth's teeth grow continuously throughout its life? As sloths chomp on plants, their teeth get worn down, which prevents them from getting too long.

It takes a long time for a sloth to digest its leafy diet. So long, in fact, that a sloth usually only climbs down from its tree about once a week to poop!

How much do sloths sleep?

True to their name, sloths sleep for about 15 hours a day. They're mostly nocturnal, sleeping during the daytime and waking up at night to eat.

How can I help sloths?

Sloths live in rainforests, where habitat destruction is a serious threat. Supporting the responsible use of resources (like choosing Smithsonian Bird Friendly Coffee) can help protect them from habitat loss.

They're also impacted by wildlife trafficking. Sloths may be amazing and adorable but, like other exotic animals, they don't make good pets. Their unique diet, lifestyle and health needs require specialized care. Instead, get your fix by visiting sloths at the Smithsonian's National Zoo or taking home a sloth plush through the Adopt a Species program.

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Why are Sloths So Slow? And Other Sloth Facts

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In all seriousness, you're unlikely to cross paths with a sloth in the wild (they rarely leave their treetop hideouts). But if you do, like any wild animal, it's best to keep your distance. Sloths typically rely on their camouflage to protect themselves from predators.

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Zebra, Horse or Neither? | National Geographic

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Okapi: The Forest Giraffe with a Prehensile Tongue

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Keep up-to-date with the latest news and information about Okapi and discover facts about this wonderful species at Chester Zoo.

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(Image credit: Lena Ivanova | Shutterstock.com)

Though sometimes called forest giraffes, this creature doesn't look like a giraffe. It does have a long tongue, but it has the body of a horse and its legs have stripes, like a zebra. Males also have two small horns on the tops of their heads that are covered with skin. Okapi are part of the Giraffidae family, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), which does make them relatives of giraffes.

Size

Okapi are about 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall. Females are typically a little heavier at 495 to 770 lbs. (225 to 350 kilograms) while males weigh 440 to 660 lbs. (200 to 300 kg).

Habitat

These animals are found in the African rainforest where trees are dense. They are native to the Democratic Republic of Congo and are typically found within the Ituri Forest, according to the Rainforest Alliance.

Habits

Okapi are solitary and territorial. They have scent glands on their feet that spread sticky, tar-like territory markings to alert others of their region. Males also mark their territory with urine. On rare occasions, okapi join together to eat in small groups. During this time okapi may groom each other and play together.

They are most active during the afternoon and evening, spending this time in search of food, according to the San Diego Zoo. They follow paths worn through the forest foliage by other okapi who have trod before them. Males tend to have a larger territory and may travel up to 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) a day.

Diet

Okapi are herbivores, which means they eat only vegetation. They will reach up into trees with their tongues, pull down a branch and rake off the leaves with their mouths as they let go of the branch.

They also eat twigs, buds, fungi, fruits and other vegetation that can be found in the rainforest's understory. Clay from riverbeds is also important to their diet. The clay gives them minerals and salt that they may not be getting from vegetation. An okapi can eat between 45 and 60 lbs. (20 and 27 kg) of vegetation each day, according to the Rainforest Alliance. Like a giraffe, the okapi has to spread its long legs to get close enough to the ground to get a drink of water.

Offspring

Female okapis typically only give birth to one baby at a time. Birth comes after a gestation period of 14 to 16 months, and the young is born in a nest on the ground.

Baby okapis are called calves. They are about 2.6 feet (80 centimeters) tall when they are born and weigh about 35 lbs. (16 kg). Calves triple in size by the time they are 2 months old.

(Image credit: Ken Bohn, Sand Diego Zoo)

Calves can walk 30 minutes after birth. They don't defecate until they are between four and eight weeks old, according to the San Diego Zoo. This is a defensive maneuver. Without the smell of feces, it is harder for predators to track the vulnerable newborn.

Okapis become mature around 2 to 3 years old and live 20 to 30 years.

Classification/taxonomy

Here is the classification of okapi, according to ITIS:

Kingdom: Animalia Subkingdom: Bilateria Infrakingdom: Deuterostomia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Infraphylum: Gnathostomata Superclass: Tetrapoda Class: Mammalia Subclass: Theria Infraclass: Eutheria Order: Artiodactyla Family: Giraffidae Genus: Okapia Species: Okapia johnstoni

Conservation status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the okapi as endangered. This is because the rate of population decline is estimated to have exceeded 50 percent over the past 24 years.

The population is continuing to decrease. According to the San Diego Zoo, only 25,000 are believed to be alive in the wild. IUCN lists human habitation of the okapi's home area and hunting as causes for the population decline.

Ancestry

The common ancestor of the okapi and giraffe lived about 16 million years ago. This ancestor, known as Canthumeryx, had an elongated neck, according to a 2015 study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science. After Canthumeryx, the family tree split into two branches, with the ancestors of the giraffe on one side and the precursors to the okapi on the other.

While the giraffe ancestors' necks lengthened over time, the animals on the okapi side developed shorter necks.

Before the 2015 study was published, experts suspected that the okapi was "more primitive" than modern giraffes, because it had a shorter neck, Nikos Solounias, a professor of anatomy at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) College of Osteopathic Medicine, told Live Science. But now, scientists know that the okapi shared a long-necked common ancestor with the giraffe, and it developed separately on a different branch of the family tree.

(Image credit: by Karl Tate, Infographics Artist)

Other facts

The okapi wasn't discovered by Western scientists until 1900, according to the Rainforest Alliance.

Okapi have thick, oily fur that keeps them dry when it rains.

In addition to being a great utensil for eating, their tongue is also used for grooming. It is so long they can reach their eyes and ears with it.
Additional resources

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(Image credit: Lena Ivanova | Shutterstock.com) Though sometimes called forest giraffes, this creature doesn't look like a giraffe. It does have a long tongue, but it has the body of a horse and its legs have stripes, like a zebra. Males also have two small horns on the tops of their heads that are covered with skin.

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Okapi

Regions

Democratic Republic of Congo

IUCN Status

Fence Grade

Land Area

Water Area

1081 m² +125 m²/ea. add'l

Biomes

Group Size

Male Bachelor

Fem. Bachelor

1‒2 (up to 1 male, up to 1 female)

The ( Okapia johnstoni) is a large African ungulate featured in Planet Zoo. It is featured in the Standard Edition of the game.
Zoopedia Description

Population in the Wild: 10,000-35,000

The okapi (or Okapia johnstoni) is a secretive species native to the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They have a distinctive appearance with a grey-white face, dark brown coat across their torso, as well as bright white stripes across their legs and hindquarters. The sexes differ slightly as the males also have small horns, whereas females have whorls of hair in the equivalent area. Both average 1.4 to 1.6m tall and 2.4 to 2.6m long.

The species is endangered for a number of reasons. Firstly, deforestation and the expansion of human infrastructure have caused the destruction of their habit, but they are also killed for the bushmeat trade and have been victims of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The war there means the use of firearms and also the enforcement of boundaries, which may impact on their territory and foraging routes. The okapi is the flagship species for the Congo rainforest ecosystem, and as such has nature reserves and multiple captive breeding programmes dedicated to protecting it.

Okapis are solitary, interacting only to mate - the only exception being a mother with her calf.

Reproduction

Okapis live alone in dense woodland, marking their territory with scent released from glands in their feet. These are then tracked by other okapis in order to mate; when two meet, they will court each other by circling, sniffing and licking each other, before mating and going their separate ways. After a pregnancy of 14 to 16 months, the mother will give birth to one calf, which spends the first two months of its life hiding in the undergrowth while its mother forages. The young okapi mature into adults at 2 years old, leaving to establish their own home range.

Animal Care

Zoopedia Fun Facts

The okapi and the giraffe are the only members of the giraffe family.

Newborn okapis do not defecate for the first month of their life to prevent predators from locating them.

Okapis have a 30 cm long prehensile tongue.

Okapis can retract their eyeballs into their skull to protect their eyes when travelling through thick undergrowth.

The okapi had the nickname 'African unicorn' before it was officially discovered. People would tell stories of seeing a 'donkey-like' creature with small horns in the forest, but its existence wasn't confirmed until 1901.

Other trivia

The okapi was formally revealed on World Animal Day.

References

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The Okapi (Okapia johnstoni) is a large African ungulate featured in Planet Zoo. It is featured in the Standard Edition of the game. Population in the Wild: 10,000-35,000 The okapi (or Okapia johnstoni) is a secretive species native to the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Not ready to purchase a subscription? Click to download the free sample version Download sample

The okapi, referred to as the forest giraffe, Congolese giraffe, or zebra giraffe, is a central African artiodactyl mammal indigenous to the northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although the okapi has zebra-like striped patterns, it is most tightly linked to the giraffe. The only extant members of the Giraffidae family are the okapi and the giraffe.
See the fact file below for more information on Okapi or alternatively, you can download our 26-page Okapi worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information

The okapi is around 1.5 m (4.9 ft) elevated at the shoulder and has an average body length of approximately 2.5 m. (8.2 ft). It weighs between 200 and 350 kg.

It has a chocolate to reddish brown coat that contrasts dramatically with the white horizontal streaks and circles on the legs and white ankles. Okapi males have horn-like bumps on their skulls called ossicones that are less than 15 cm (5.9 in) long. Hair whorls are present in females, but ossicones are not.

Okapis are primarily diurnal. However, they may be active for a few hours at night. They are mainly solitary, only congregating to reproduce. Okapis are herbivores that eat tree leaves, buds, grasses, ferns, fruits, and fungi.

Male rut and female estrus are not affected by the season. Estrus cycles repeat every 15 days in captivity. The gestation period lasts around 440 to 450 days, after which a single calf is usually delivered.

Okapis live in canopy forests at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 meters (1,600-4,900 ft). The IUCN lists the okapi as endangered.

Significant risks include habitat loss caused by logging and human development. Illegal mining and intensive hunting for bushmeat and skin have also contributed to population declines. The Okapis Conservation Project was founded in 1987 to protect okapi populations.

Although the okapi was unbeknownst to the Western world until the twentieth century, it may have been represented on the facade of the Apanada at Persepolis from the early fifth century BCE as a gift from the Ethiopian procession to the Achaemenid dynasty.

For years, Europeans in Africa have heard about an animal known as the African unicorn. The animal gained prominence in Europe due to conjecture about its existence reported in journalistic accounts documenting Henry Morton Stanley's trips in 1887.

In his travelogue of touring the Congo, Stanley noted a type of donkey named the by the indigenous, which experts eventually identified as the okapi.

Sir Harry Johnston, the British special commissioner in Uganda, discovered five Congolese Pygmy people being taken for display by a showman and rescued them. He vowed to restore them to their homes. Pygmies piqued Johnston's interest in the animals depicted in Stanley's book.

The okapi traces shown to Johnston perplexed him; he had anticipated being on the trail of a forest-dwelling horse, but the tracks were of a cloven-hoofed beast.

Although Johnston never saw an okapi, he did get portions of striped skin and, finally, a skull. The okapi was accurately identified as a giraffe related based on this skull, and the species was formally designated as Okapia johnstoni in 1901.

In 1902, Swiss biologist Charles Immanuel Forsyth Major proposed that O.johnstoni be classified as a member of the extinct giraffid subfamily Palaeotraginae. However, Swedish palaeontologist Birger Bohlin ranked the species in its own subfamily Okapiinae in 1926, owing to the lack of a cingulum, a key trait of palaeotragids. Based on a cladistic study, Okapia was eventually identified as the sister genus of Giraffa in 1986. Giraffini is made up of the two genera as well as Palaeotragus .

Giraffidae initially arose in Africa during the early Miocene, having separated from the deer-like climacoceratids. Giraffids migrated across Europe and Asia to the Pliocene by the middle Miocene but were wiped off by a drop in variety in the Pleistocene. Several major early giraffids, including Canthumeryx, Giraffokeryx, Palaeotragus, and Samotherium, coexisted in the Miocene (23-10 million years ago).

Samotherium split into Okapia and Giraffa 18 million years ago, according to paleontologist and writer Kathleen Hunt (12 million years ago). J. D. Skinner, on the other hand, contended that Cathumeryx gave birth to the okapi and giraffe via the latter three species and that the okapi is the present form of Palaeotragus.

Okapi is frequently characterized as a living fossil since it has been around for a long time and morphologically resembles more primordial forms (e.g., Samotherium). A genomic analysis published in 2016 discovered that the giraffe and okapi shared a common ancestor around 11.5 million years ago.

Okapi is a standard-size giraffid with a shoulder height of 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in). It has an average body length of 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) and a weight range of 200 to 350 kg (440 to 770 lb). It has a long neck as well as broad, flexible ears.

The okapi's coat is a chocolate-reddish brown, contrasting sharply with the white horizontal lines on the legs and ankles. The stripes are similar to those of a zebra, and these characteristics provide excellent concealment in thick foliage. The skin of the face, throat, and chest is greyish-white.

Male okapis have small, hair-covered horn-like structures called ossicones that are less than 15 cm (5.9 in) long and are similar in appearance and function to giraffe ossicones. Okapi has sexual dimorphism, with females being 4.2 cm (1.7 in) taller, somewhat redder, and missing conspicuous ossicones in favor of hair whorls.

The okapi may be identified from its closest living relative, the giraffe, and it is substantially smaller than the giraffe and resembles bovids and cervids more externally. Ossicones are exclusively found in male okapis, although both sexes of giraffes have them.

Okapi is the only giraffid with significant palatine sinuses (hollow chambers in the palate). The giraffe and the okapi share morphological features such as the use of a pacing gait, stepping simultaneously with the front and posterior legs on the same side of the body, unlike other large mammals that walk by shifting alternate legs on either side of the body - and a long, black tongue (more extended in the okapi) useful for pulling buds and leaves as well as grooming.

Okapis are primarily diurnal. However, they may be active for a few hours at night. They are mainly solitary, only congregating to reproduce. They have overlapping home ranges and are often found in 0.6 animals per square kilometer concentration.

Male house ranges are typically 13 km2 (5.0 sq mi), but female home ranges are typically 3-5 km2 (1.2-1.9 sq mi). Males constantly travel, while females remain static. Males frequently use urine to mark territory and bushes, while females utilize normal feces. Grooming of the earlobes and neck is a frequent procedure. Okapis often brush their necks on trees, causing a brown exudate to form.

The male defends his area while allowing females to pass through to forage. During the breeding season, males visit female home ranges. Although the okapi is usually calm, he can kick butt with his head to demonstrate hostility.

Due to the underdevelopment of the vocal records, vocal communication is mainly limited to three sounds: "chuff" (contact cries used by both sexes), "moan" (by females during courting), and "bleat" (by infants under stress).

Individuals may exhibit the Flehmen reaction, a visual expression in which the animal bends back to its top lips, reveals its teeth and inhales for a few seconds through the mouth. The leopard is the okapi's primary natural predator.

Okapis are herbivores that eat tree leaves, buds, grasses, ferns, fruits, and fungi. They are the only known animal in the Ituri Forest that feeds entirely on understory flora, using their 18-inch-long (46 cm) tongues to forage for appropriate plants carefully. They also use their tongue to clean their ears and eyes.

They would rather eat in treefall gaps. The okapi has been observed feeding on over 100 plant species, some of which are harmful to humans and other animals. According to fecal studies, none of the 100 species dominates the okapi's diet, and shrubs and lianas are stapled foods.

The diet is dominated by woody, dicotyledonous plants; monocotyledonous plants are rarely consumed. The okapi eats mainly on the plant groups Acanthaceae, Ebenacae, Euphorbiaceae, Loganiaceae, Rubiaceae, and Violaceae in the Ituri forest.

Female okapis attain sexual maturity at around one and a half years, while males reach sexual maturity after two years. The season has little effect on male rut or female estrous.

Estrous cycles occur every 15 days in captivity. Courtship begins with the male and female circling, sniffing, and licking each other. The male expresses his curiosity by stretching his neck, tossing his head, and extending one leg forward. Following this comes mounting and copulation.

The gestation cycle lasts around 440 to 450 days, after which a single calf weighing 14-30 kg is usually delivered (31-66 lb). The pregnant female's udder begins to grow two months before parturition, and vulval secretions may occur.

Birth takes 3-4 hours; the female stands the entire time, save for brief relaxation times. The mother swallows the afterbirth and grooms the newborn intensively. Her milk is high in protein yet low in fat.

Only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, north and east of the Congo River, are the okapi found. It stretches from the Maiko National Park in the north to the Ituri rainforest in the south, then via the Rubi, Lake Tele, Ebola river basins in the west, and the Ubangi River in the north.

The okapi lives in canopy forests at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 meters (1.600-4,900 ft). It occasionally uses seasonally waterlogged places, although it does not exist in gallery forests, swamp forests, or ecosystems dispersed by human settlements. It explores rocky inselbergs that provide fodder not found elsewhere during the rainy season.

There is evidence that Europeans saw okapis in Uganda's Semuliki Valley but they became extinct in the late 1970s. The Semuliki Valley is comparable to the Congo Basin in terms of habitat.

The okapi is endangered by the IUCN and entirely protected by Congolese law. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve and Maiko National Park are home to considerable okapi populations. However, numbers have been steadily declining owing to a variety of stressors.

Significant challenges include habitat degradation caused by logging and human development. Population losses have also been driven by extensive hunting for bushmeat and skin and illegal mining. The existence of armed criminal groups surrounding protected areas has lately surfaced as a danger, impeding conservation and monitoring efforts.

In June 2012, a group of poachers raided the Okapi Wildlife Reserve headquarters, murdering six guards, several workers, and all 14 okapis at their breeding center.

The Okapi Conservation Project, founded in 1987, strives to protect the okapi while promoting the growth of the indigenous Mbuti people.

The White Oak Conservation Center and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens sponsored an international conference of the Okapi European Endangered Species Programme in November 2011, with representatives from zoos in the US, Europe, and Japan in attendance. The goal was to discuss captive okapi management and to organize support for okapi conservation. Okapis are presently kept in several zoos in North America and Europe.

Okapi Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Okapi across 26 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Okapi worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about Okapi, which is referred to as the forest giraffe, Congolese giraffe, or zebra giraffe, is a central African artiodactyl mammal indigenous to the northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Okapi Facts

Okapi Cards

Physical Attraction

Word Connect

Okapi World

Taxonomy of Okapi

Okapi Islander

Fact or Bluff

Get Word

Miniclip

Stripes and Spots

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Okapi?

The okapi, referred to as the forest giraffe, Congolese giraffe, or zebra giraffe, is a central African artiodactyl mammal indigenous to the northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although the okapi has zebra-like striped patterns, it is most tightly linked to the giraffe. The only extant members of the Giraffidae family are the okapi and the giraffe.

Where does Okapi reside?

Only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, north, and east of the Congo River, are the okapi found. It stretches from the Maiko National Park in the north to the Ituri rainforest in the south, then via the Rubi, Lake Tele, Ebola river basins in the west, and the Ubangi River in the north.

What are the similar features that Okapi and Giraffes have?

The giraffe and the okapi share morphological features such as the use of a pacing gait, stepping simultaneously with the front and posterior legs on the same side of the body, unlike other large mammals that walk by shifting alternate legs on either side of the body - and a long, black tongue (more extended in the okapi) useful for pulling buds and leaves as well as grooming.

How does Okapi reproduce?

Estrous cycles occur every 15 days in captivity. Courtship begins with the male and female circling, sniffing, and licking each other. The male expresses his curiosity by stretching his neck, tossing his head, and extending one leg forward. Following this comes mounting and copulation.

Is Okapi endangered?

The okapi is endangered by the IUCN and entirely protected by Congolese law. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve and Maiko National Park are home to considerable okapi populations. However, numbers have been steadily declining owing to a variety of stressors.

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Link will appear as Okapi Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, July 26, 2018
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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Okapi Worksheets and Facts | Habitat, Threats, Conservation

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Not ready to purchase a subscription? Click to download the free sample version Download sample The okapi, referred to as the forest giraffe, Congolese giraffe, or zebra giraffe, is a central African artiodactyl mammal indigenous to the northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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Geographical Range

Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo (in Africa)

Habitat

Dense rain forest

Scientific Name

Okapia johnstoni

Conservation Status

Endangered

Although okapis have stripes like zebras, they are actually most closely related to giraffes. These large hoofed mammals were not known to science until 1901, probably because of their secretive lifestyle. Even today, the okapi largely remains a mystery to the outside world. They live a quiet life in the lush rainforest. Their velvety dark striped coats create an almost perfect camouflage in the low light of the forest understory, and their keen hearing helps them detect predators at a far distance. Okapis browse on a diverse diet of leafy vegetation.

Threats to Okapis

Habitat destruction has been the greatest threat to okapis. In 1992, the Democratic Republic of the Congo set aside a portion of its Ituri Forest as a preserve for these and other threatened wildlife. But the species is still in trouble, and is among those animals that winds up victim to the illegal trade in "bushmeat".

Okapis (and other mammals) are being killed for their meat. In some cases, the hunters are poor people who need protein to survive. But more and more, the carcasses are being sold to cities, where bushmeat is bought as a "gourmet" food.

Conservation groups are working to solve the bushmeat crisis before it's too late. To learn more about what's being done to help okapis and other bushmeat victims, read about the work of the Bushmeat Crisis Task Force (BCTF).

The Zoo is Helping Okapis

The Saint Louis Zoo is a participant in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) for okapi (see sidebar). For 28 years, the Zoo has supported the conservation of okapi ex situ (protecting a species outside its natural habitat) and in situ (in its natural habitat). The Saint Louis Zoo's WildCare Institute, in close cooperation with Okapi Conservation Project, the AZA Okapi SSP and many AZA partner institutions, supports the in situ okapi conservation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since 1992, the Saint Louis Zoo and WildCare Institute have provided more than $200,000 to okapi conservation in situ.

About Okapi Conservation Project

The Okapi Conservation Project was initiated in 1987 to secure a protected area for okapi in the wild, while preserving the biological and cultural dynamics of the Ituri Forest. This project provides support for training and equipping wildlife guards and lends community assistance (clean water, medical services, school supplies, etc.) to the people living next to the reserve. It also offers conservation education and care for managed breeding and research. Learn more about this program.

What Can You Do?

What can you do to help okapis? You can help protect their habitat. Make sure that you, your family, and friends recycle old cell phones. Cell phones contain cobalt, which is mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo and significantly impacts the Okapi's natural habitat.

Fun Facts

The stripes on the okapi's rump and legs look like streaks of sunlight filtering through the trees

The okapi's tongue measures 14-18 inches long

Okapis are sometimes referred to as "forest giraffes"

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Geographical Range Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo (in Africa) Habitat Dense rain forest Scientific Name Okapia johnstoni Conservation Status Endangered Although okapis have stripes like zebras, they are actually most closely related to giraffes. These large hoofed mammals were not known to science until 1901, probably because of their secretive lifestyle.

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Like giraffes, okapis have very large, upright ears, which catch even small sounds, helping them to avoid trouble. So why does the okapi have zebra-like stripes? These markings, which seem very bold to us, give the animal great camouflage when hiding in the partial sunlight that filters through the dense rainforest of the northeastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo where okapis make their home.