Archives

Blood Python

NOTE: Education Animals are “behind-the-scenes” animals & only appear to the public during Educational events. This includes scheduled events or programs such as daily animal mingles, private onsite programs, and zoo reaches. For more information, please reach out to edureservations@lvzoo.org.

Program and General Information

The Blood Python is medium to large-sized, non-venomous snake species found in the Malay Peninsula, Thailand, Sumatra, and other smaller islands. They inhabit forested hills, marshes, and tropical swamps. These snakes can reach an average of 4-6 feet in length and weigh up to 30 pounds. Females are larger than males overall, but males tend to have longer tails. Their body color ranges from tan, brown, and yellow to a cherry red, bright red, or oxblood. Lighter gold, tan, or orange and black blotches and stripes overlay the main body color. The belly is usually white, very often with small blackish markings. Blood pythons are carnivores that eat mainly small mammals, but will also consume birds as well.

Breeding season likely occurs in late fall/winter. Females are oviparous and about 60-70 days after a successful mate will lay 12-30 eggs. Hatchlings will emerge after 2-3 months and mature around 2-4 years old. Snakes are becoming more popular in the pet trade. By purchasing and owning an exotic animal, you could be supporting the illegal exotic pet trade so be sure to do your research and only purchase from reputable breeders.

Diet

Blood pythons will prey upon small mammals and occasionally birds. Rats, mice, and other rodents make up the majority of their diet.

These pythons are more active during the night and will often hide under leaves, brush, or in the water to ambush prey.

They are non-venomous snakes, like all pythons, and kill their prey by constriction. After biting their prey, they wrap around it and squeeze tighter every time the prey lets out a breath, until the prey is dead. Blood pythons then swallow the item whole. They are also aided by heat-sensing pits on their upper lips that help them to detect their warm-blooded prey.

Habitat and Range

Blood pythons are native to the low forested hills, marshes, and tropical swamps of Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Unconfirmed records state that these snakes may be found in several other countries, like Singapore, but it is more likely that they were introduced there by humans.

They have been known to exist well in human populated areas and are especially found in oil palm plantations where they feed on rodents attracted to the area. It is believed that the ability to thrive in these human-modified areas is leading to an increase in the general population of the species.

Common Physical Features

Blood pythons are a medium to large-sized snake. The blood python is a thick bodied snake with a long, broad head and short tail that tapers at the end. They can reach an average height of 4-6 feet (some individuals can grow to 8 feet, but that is very rare) and weigh up to 30 pounds. Females tend to be larger than males, but have shorter tails. Blood pythons range greatly in coloration, from a dark brown to a light yellow.

The head is usually gray, although some specimens may exhibit a black or even reddish head, they are also known for their changing head colors. So a black-headed snake in the morning could have a very pale, faded head coloration in the evening and vice versa. They are the only species of the three short-tailed pythons with a red color phase – leading to this snake’s common name “blood python.” Individuals with the red color phase have patterns of rich, bright red to orange, to a duller rusty red ground color. The main color pattern of each snake is overlaid with yellow and tan blotches and stripes that run the length of the body, as well as tan and black spots that extend up the sides. The belly is usually white, very often with small, blackish markings. Those with the blood red color phase go through a gradual, yet significant, color change prior to maturity.

Adaptations: Blood pythons have adapted to hunt better during the night when they are most active. Above their lip they have heat-seeking pits, which are able to detect wavelengths of light in the infrared spectrum and the signal is processed visually, meaning, they are capable of seeing a thermal image of their surroundings giving them an advantage in hunting in the dark as well as seeking out refuges when temperatures are too hot or cold.

Snakes have an interesting way of sniffing out their prey items. Like other reptile species, ball pythons have a Jacobson’s organ in the roof of their mouth. They will stick out their tongue in order to pick up scent particles in the air or from the surface of objects. Their tongues are forked at the end, splitting in two directions in a V-shape, allowing the snake to pick up scent particles from two different directions. When the tongue is brought into the mouth to the Jacobson’s organ, the organ will process the information and determine which side of the tongue the scents came from. This will inform the snake which direction to go to find that scent. (If it picks up the scent on the left fork, then it knows to go to the left. If it picks it up on the right, then it goes to the right. And then if it picks up the scent on both forks then it knows the scent is coming from straight ahead. )

Pythons are ambush predators; they will sit and wait for their prey to come to them; blood pythons typically hide either in the leaves and brush, or in the water. Like other snakes, they do not have moveable eyelids. Instead, they have a special clear scale that covers the eyes, making them appear to be always awake. Not having eyelids allows pythons to refrain from blinking and keep their cover when camouflaged. Once a prey is close enough, they will grab the prey and wrap tightly around it.

They have powerful body muscles to squeeze and suffocate prey. Snakes have a highly flexible skull that allows them to swallow their prey whole. Contrary to popular belief, they do not actually unhinge/dislocate their jaws to swallow prey because there isn’t anything to actually unhinge/dislocate! A snake’s jaw is only loosely joined to its skull by ligaments, which allows the jaw to be solid enough to bite, but flexible enough to expand for swallowing. Once prey is inside the mouth, the snake alternate using the left and right sides of the upper and lower jaws to “walk” the prey to the back of the throat where powerful muscles will help force the prey down the rest of the body. To better visualize the movement of the jaw imagine laying on your stomach and crawling using your elbows and knees to move. That is similar to how the snake’s upper and lower jaws work to push the food into the mouth and down the throat.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Breeding season for the blood python likely occurs in late fall/winter. Females are oviparous and about 60-70 days after a successful mate will lay 12-30 eggs. Unlike most snakes, pythons do not leave their eggs and will stay coiled around them during the incubation period for temperature and humidity control. Since pythons cannot regulate their internal body temperature, they cannot incubate their eggs per se; instead, they raise the temperature of their eggs by small movements of their body (known as thermogenesis). Because of this, they may lose half their body weight during incubation.

After a 2.5 – 3 month incubation period, hatchlings will emerge from the eggs. These hatchlings are about 12 – 14 inches long and generally shed for the first time between the ages of 2-4 months. They are independent and will mature between 2-4 years of age.

Conservation Messaging

Purposeful Pet Ownership
Many snake species are becoming more popular in the pet trade. Blood pythons are large snakes and can live for quite a long time, and many people are not properly equipped to handle such a large snake species. While reptile might seem like an easy pet, you may not realize just how much work goes into caring for them. Reptiles require specific lighting, humidity, space, nutrients, substrate, heating, and if they do not receive the proper care then that reptile’s health can decline rapidly. It can be difficult to find veterinarians that are equipped to care for reptiles if they get sick.
By purchasing and owning an exotic animal, you could be supporting the illegal exotic pet trade. Oftentimes these exotic pets are taken out of their natural habitat to be sold in the pet trade, which can be detrimental to wild populations. One more exotic pet in captivity is one less animal in the wild which is resulting in species population numbers dropping drastically.

What can we do?: Be sure to fully research any pet before buying one. While you may think a reptile would make a cool pet, it’s important to know all of the care that goes into providing that animal with the best possible welfare, and as mentioned before reptiles require a lot of extra care. It is important to make sure that if you do buy an exotic pet that you are buying it from a reputable breeder, someone who knows how to properly care for the animal and hasn’t taken that animal from its natural habitat.

Do not release an unwanted pet into the wild. While you may think that you are doing something good by releasing the animal back into the wild, animals that have been kept under human care often do not know how to survive on their own out in the wild and could end up getting hurt or dying if left to their own devices.

Fun Facts

  • Also known as Brongersma’s Short-tailed Python or Red Short-tailed Python. This snake was originally considered as subspecies of Python curtus but was recently upgraded to its own species in 2001.
  • They spend most of their time underwater waiting to ambush their prey.
  • A special tube on the bottom of its mouth stays open to one side of the mouth so it can breathe while swallowing.
  • In Thailand, they are called ngoo lahm pad ped.
  • Despite the fact that these pythons appear stout and don’t move around much, scales on their belly are designed to grip the bark of trees making them good climbers.
  • Although the increase in palm oil plantations is potentially benefitting this snake species, palm oil plantations are the leading source of rainforest destruction in Malaysia and Indonesia and are negatively impacting the survival of endangered animals.
  • Blood Pythons are hunted frequently for their scales for leather. 50,000 skins are reported to CITES by Indonesia every year. Be careful when buying leather or snake skin. Do not buy leather or fur from real animals.

Bibliography

Ball Python

NOTE: Education Animals are “behind-the-scenes” animals & only appear to the public during Educational events. This includes scheduled events or programs such as daily animal mingles, private onsite programs, and zoo reaches. For more information, please reach out to edureservations@lvzoo.org.

Program and General Information

Ball pythons are a non-venomous, constrictor species native to the bushlands and savannas of Central and Western Africa. They are a medium-sized snake ranging from 3-6 feet with females being larger than males. They are typically a light brown-green and black in color, with a tan-yellow underbelly and splotches of brown/tan along their body. Ball pythons are carnivores that prey primarily on rodents. Breeding season occurs from mid-September through mid-November. The male will use his spurs to clasp onto a female during mating. Females are oviparous and lay about 4-12 eggs. After about 75-80 days the eggs will hatch. Hatchlings are independent and will mature between 18 months – 4 years. Due to their docile nature, ball pythons have become popular pets. By purchasing and owning an exotic animal, you could be supporting the illegal exotic pet trade so be sure to do your research and only purchase from reputable breeders.

Diet

Ball pythons are primarily rodent hunters, but will also hunt birds, amphibians and other reptiles.

They are largely nocturnal preferring to hunt for their food at night. Heat- seeking pits above the mouth help the snakes to figure out the distance and direction of warm-blooded prey.

Habitat and Range

Ball pythons are native to Western and Central Africa, and can be found primarily in Benin, Ghana, and Togo. Ball Pythons prefer savanna, sparsely wooded plains, and dry bushland habitats.

They are mainly terrestrial snakes and spend the majority of their time on the ground, but may occasionally be found in water or in low stumps and foliage.

Common Physical Features

Ball pythons are a smaller, heavy bodied snake with a small head and short tail. They average 3-6 feet in length and weigh between 2-4 pounds; females are generally larger than males. They are primitive snakes that still possess a pelvic girdle and “vestigial” limbs (an early stage presence of hind limbs, left from evolutionary adjustments). They are typically a light brown-green and black in color, with a tan-yellow underbelly and splotches of brown/tan along their body.

Adaptations: Ball pythons are terrestrial, nocturnal hunters and have adapted to hunt better at night. Above their lip they have heat-seeking pits, which are able to detect wavelengths of light in the infrared spectrum and the signal is processed visually, meaning, they are capable of seeing a thermal image of their surroundings giving them an advantage in hunting in the dark as well as seeking out refuges when temperatures are too hot or cold.

Snakes have an interesting way of sniffing out their prey items. Like other reptile species, ball pythons have a Jacobson’s organ in the roof of their mouth. They will stick out their tongue in order to pick up scent particles in the air or from the surface of objects. Their tongues are forked at the end, splitting in two directions in a V-shape, allowing the snake to pick up scent particles from two different directions. When the tongue is brought into the mouth to the Jacobson’s organ, the organ will process the information and determine which side of the tongue the scents came from. This will inform the snake which direction to go to find that scent. (If it picks up the scent on the left fork, then it knows to go to the left. If it picks it up on the right, then it goes to the right. And then if it picks up the scent on both forks then it knows the scent is coming from straight ahead. )

Ball pythons are ambush predators; they will sit and wait for their prey to come to them. Ball Pythons (like other snakes) do not have moveable eyelids. Instead, they have a special clear scale that covers the eyes, making them appear to be always awake. Not having eyelids allows the Ball Python to refrain from blinking and keep its cover when it is camouflaged. Once a prey is close enough, the ball python will grab the prey and wrap tightly around it.

They have powerful body muscles to squeeze and suffocate prey. Snakes have a highly flexible skull that allows them to swallow their prey whole. Contrary to popular belief, they do not actually unhinge/dislocate their jaws to swallow prey because there isn’t anything to actually unhinge/dislocate! A snake’s jaw is only loosely joined to its skull by ligaments, which allows the jaw to be solid enough to bite, but flexible enough to expand for swallowing. Once prey is inside the mouth, the snake alternate using the left and right sides of the upper and lower jaws to “walk” the prey to the back of the throat where powerful muscles will help force the prey down the rest of the body. To better visualize the movement of the jaw imagine laying on your stomach and crawling using your elbows and knees to move. That is similar to how the snake’s upper and lower jaws work to push the food into the mouth and down the throat.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Breeding season for the ball python typically occurs from February to April during the rainy season. Males will seek out a female and use their spurs to clasp on during mating. Females are oviparous and lay about 4-12 eggs inside an abandoned animal burrow or log. Once the eggs are laid, females will coil around them for temperature and humidity control. Since pythons cannot regulate their internal body temperature, they cannot incubate their eggs per se; instead, they raise the temperature of their eggs by small movements of their body. Eggs will hatch after 75-80 days and hatchlings will be completely independent. Hatchlings will take anywhere from 18 months – 4 years to mature. Males typically mature faster than females.

Conservation Messaging

Purposeful Pet Ownership
Although a decent sized snake, ball pythons have a very gentle disposition and tend to curl into a ball when threatened rather than immediately bite. This has made them quite popular in the pet trade. Many people don’t realize, however, just how much work goes into caring for reptile species. Reptiles require specific lighting, humidity, space, nutrients, substrate, heating, and if they do not receive the proper care then that reptile’s health can decline rapidly. It can be difficult to find veterinarians that are equipped to care for reptiles if they get sick.

By purchasing and owning an exotic animal, you could be supporting the illegal exotic pet trade. Oftentimes these exotic pets are taken out of their natural habitat to be sold in the pet trade, which can be detrimental to wild populations. One more exotic pet in captivity is one less animal in the wild which is resulting in species population numbers dropping drastically.

What can we do?: Be sure to fully research any pet before buying one. While you may think a reptile would make a cool pet, it’s important to know all of the care that goes into providing that animal with the best possible welfare, and as mentioned before reptiles require a lot of extra care. It is important to make sure that if you do buy an exotic pet that you are buying it from a reputable breeder, someone who knows how to properly care for the animal and hasn’t taken that animal from its natural habitat.

Do not release an unwanted pet into the wild. While you may think that you are doing something good by releasing the animal back into the wild, animals that have been kept under human care often do not know how to survive on their own out in the wild and could end up getting hurt or dying if left to their own devices.

Fun Facts

  • Coiling around the eggs and using body movements to maintain temperature is one of only a few documented cases of parental behavior in snakes. The mother will stay to warm and protect her young until they hatch and will not eat for this whole time period.
  • The oldest recorded Ball Python reached 48 years of age in human care.
  • Ball Pythons are also called Royal Pythons because it is believed that Cleopatra used to keep them coiled around her wrists.
  • Ball Pythons like to burrow, and although they spend most of their lives on the ground, this species of python is able to climb and be perfectly comfortable up in the trees.
  • The name Ball derives from its tendency to, when stressed, curl into a tight “ball” with their heads hidden inside, often for long periods of time.

Bibliography

Argentine Black and White Tegu

NOTE: Education Animals are “behind-the-scenes” animals & only appear to the public during Educational events. This includes scheduled events or programs such as daily animal mingles, private onsite programs, and zoo reaches. For more information, please reach out to edureservations@lvzoo.org.

Program and General Information

Argentine black and white tegus are a larger lizard found in the tropical rainforests, savannas, and semi-desert regions of Eastern and Central South America. This species is the largest of the “tegu lizards” reaching lengths up to 4 feet long; males are typically larger. These tegus have black and white beaded scales that are often arranged into a banding pattern across the back and tail. They are omnivores and prey primarily on smaller mammals, invertebrates, eggs, and other reptiles. They will also eat vegetation, fruits, and seeds. They have a very long and powerful tail that they can use to defend themselves. Brumation for wild tegus occurs between September-March, and breeding will begin a few weeks after waking up and will last about a month. Females build a nest and lay 12-30 eggs about 1-2 months after breeding. Eggs will hatch after a 120- 170 day incubation period. Young tegus will mature around 3 years of age.

Diet

Tegus are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. As juveniles, wild tegus eat a wide range of invertebrates, including insects, spiders, and snails, as well as, fruits and seeds. They may seek out eggs from other reptiles and from birds’ nests, and will eat small birds and other vertebrates. As adults, they will continue to eat the same diet, but can now prey on larger mammals and reptiles.

Similar to snakes, tegu’s use their tongues to sniff out prey. Their
tongues are forked to assist them in figuring out which direction to go for food. The Jacobson’s organ on the roof of the mouth will process the information from scent particles on the tongue and determine which side of the tongue the scents came from.

Tegus are diurnal and more active during the day.

Habitat and Range

Black and white tegus are native to the tropical rainforests, savannas, and semi- desert regions of Eastern and Central South America. They have also been found disturbed habitats such as forest clearings, roadsides and fence rows, and can adapt to both drier and wetter environments.

Tegus are terrestrial lizards, rarely climbing more than a few feet off
the ground. And although they prefer the land, tegus are also excellent swimmers and can stay underwater for long periods of time. To stay hydrated and protect themselves from the extreme temperature of their native habitats, these lizards will dig or take over burrows deep underground where temperatures do not fluctuate a great deal.

Tegus are considered an invasive species in Georgia and Florida.

Common Physical Features

Tegus are a relatively large and stocky lizard. They can reach lengths of up to 4.5 feet and can weigh upwards of 15 pounds. They have a mottled black and white coloration that often is arranged into a banding pattern across the back and tail. Hatchlings display similar markings, but are more green in color; this green color will fade to white as they grow. Tegus have powerful jaws and sharp teeth, as well as thick claws. Males are larger and thicker than females. Males also have bigger jowls (“chubby cheeks”), which not only house large
jaw muscles, but also help male tegus attract a mate. The larger the jowls the stronger and more attractive the tegu!

Adaptations: Tegus use their out their tongue to sniff out prey items. Like other reptile species, Tegus have a Jacobson’s organ in the roof of their mouth. They will stick out their tongue in order to pick up scent particles in the air or from the surface of objects. Their tongues are forked at the end, splitting in two directions in a V-shape, allowing the tegu to pick up scent particles from two different directions. When the tongue is brought into the mouth to the Jacobson’s organ, the organ will process the information and determine which side of the tongue the scents came from. This will inform the tegu which direction to go to find that scent. (If it picks up the scent on the left fork, then it knows to go to the left. If it picks it up on the right, then it goes to the right. And then if it picks up the scent on both forks then it knows the scent is coming from straight ahead.)

Because of their large size, tegus don’t have many predators. However, if a predator does come along, tegus have a few defense mechanisms for protection. If tegus feel threatened they will puff out their cheeks, open their mouth really wide, and try to make themselves look bigger. They may also huff and stomp as a warning. This is especially useful for defending their territory from other tegus. Tegus are also capable of running at high speeds
and can run bipedally (on their back legs) for short distances.

If this warning display does not deter the potential threat, tegus will begin to thrash their incredibly powerful tail around. The tail can be curled into a J-shape and used like a whip to keep threats away. If this warning also fails, then Tegus can charge and bite. They have a strong jaw that clamps down and is unlikely to let go.

Many lizard species can drop their tail, a process known as autotomy. While Tegus appear to have the ability to lose their tail and regenerate it, it is unlikely that they will do so. Their tail is important for locomotion and defense, and because Tegus do not have many predators, it is not worth the energy needed to regrow the tail if dropped. There is very little research done on the family Teiidae and their ability to autotomize their tail, but from what research has been done it is likely that smaller members of the family Teiidae are more likely to drop their tail than larger members like the Tegu.

Behavior and Life Cycle

During the colder months of September – March tegus will go into
brumation, the reptile equivalent of hibernation. During this time they will burrow under the ground, their heart and respiratory rate will slow and their activity level and body temperature will drop. Breeding occurs a few weeks after waking up from brumation. Tegus are typically solitary, but will come together to breed and will sometimes brumate in groups.

Tegus are oviparous, or egg-laying. After a successful breed, females will begin building a nest and will lay eggs about a month or two later. The average clutch size is around 12-30 eggs. The female guards the nest and will aggressively defend it against all perceived threats. The eggs will hatch anywhere from 120-170 days later. Hatchlings are around 8 inches and will stay with their mother for a short while. Maturity occurs around 3 years of age.

Conservation Messaging

Purposeful Pet Ownership
Tegus are becoming more popular in the pet industry and pet trade. Before buying these lizards one should know where they were bred, as catching them from the wild is decreasing their populations, and wild caught tegus can be very aggressive. Potential pet owners should also know the size that these lizards reach and the amount of space required, as well as what these lizards need for daily care. Many people don’t realize just how much work goes into caring for reptile species. Reptiles require specific lighting, humidity, space, nutrients, substrate, heating, and if they do not receive the proper care then that reptile’s health can decline rapidly. It can be difficult to find veterinarians that are equipped to care for reptiles if they get sick.

What can we do?: Be sure to fully research any pet before buying one. While you may think a reptile would make a cool pet, it’s important to know all of the care that goes into providing that animal with the best possible welfare, and as mentioned before reptiles require a lot of extra care. It is important to make sure that if you do buy an exotic pet that you are buying it from a reputable breeder, someone who knows how to properly care for the animal and hasn’t taken that animal from its natural habitat. Do not release  an unwanted pet into the wild. While you may think that you are doing something good by releasing the animal back into the wild, animals that have been kept under human care often do not know how to survive on their own out in the wild and could end up getting hurt or dying if left to their own devices.

Fun Facts

  • Black and white tegus are one of the few partially warm-blooded
    lizards, having a temperature up to 10 degrees higher than the
    ambient temperature at night time. However, unlike true endotherms, these lizards only display temperature control during their reproductive season from September to December.
  • Tegus have a moderate temperament and are very intelligent and
    inquisitive; Many tegu keepers have found that the intelligence of this species rivals that of a dog.
  • Black and white tegus are considered an invasive species in Florida and Georgia. Escaped or released pets remain a primary source of introduced species.
  • Tegus prey upon the nests of other animals, and researchers have documented tegus eating American alligator eggs and disturbing American crocodile nests in Florida.

Bibliography

West African Crowned Crane

NOTE: Education Animals are “behind-the-scenes” animals & only appear to the public during Educational events. This includes scheduled events or programs such as daily animal mingles, private onsite programs, and zoo reaches. For more information, please reach out to edureservations@lvzoo.org.

Program and General Information

West African black crowned cranes are native to the grasslands, marshes, and meadows of Northwest Africa. They are typically found near lakes and streams. They average about 3 feet in height and have wing spans reaching up to 6 feet. . Adults have a black body with white wings and wing feathers ranging in color from white to brown to gold. The head is topped with stiff golden feathers, red and white cheek patches, and a small red throat sac. Crowned cranes are omnivores that eat primarily grasses, seeds, and grains, but will also consume insects, small mammals/ reptiles, and even seeds from cultivating crops. Breeding occurs from May to December, typically during the rainy season. Black crowned cranes nest in or very near standing water. Females lay clutches of 3-4 eggs and incubation lasts about 30 days. A family of black crowned cranes will stay together for 9-10 months, and by 12 months chicks will begin gaining their adult plumage. Maturity is reached around 3 years.

Diet

West African black crowned cranes are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. The majority of their diet consists of grasses, seeds, and grains, but they will also consume crustaceans, small mammals, reptiles, and seeds from cultivating crops. They tend to forage most in grasses growing near marshes and swamps, and in croplands.

Black crowned cranes roost in trees at night and are active during the day. They spend 50-75% of their waking hours foraging for food. They may seek shade and rest during the hottest part of the day, and will pant visibly on extremely hot days. These cranes are known to stamp their feet when walking through grassy vegetation in order to stir up insects that they can feed upon. They will also walk among grazing cattle, presumably to catch insects that cattle disturb and/or attract.

Habitat and Range

West African black crowned cranes are native to Northwest Africa from Chad and Cameroon to Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya. They prefer more wetland areas and can be found near lakes and streams in open grasslands, marshes, and meadows.

Black crowned cranes are quite noticeable when gathering together and roosting in large flocks. They often select habitats with trees, because they are one of only two crane species that are able to roost in trees.

Common Physical Features

West African crowned cranes can get up to 3 feet and have a wing span of 6 feet. Although they are a rather tall bird, these cranes only weigh on average 8 pounds. Adults have a black body with white wings and wing feathers ranging in color from white to brown to gold. The head is topped with stiff golden feathers, red and white cheek patches, and a small red throat sac. They also have long, black legs and a short, grey bill. The juveniles have blackish feathers with a cinnamon-brown head, no cheek patches, and a spiky, dull crown.

Adaptations: Crowned cranes are named for their striking golden head feathers. There is even an African legend about their golden crowns! The legend states that a great chief once became lost while hunting with his court in the heat of the summer. He quickly became weak from lack of water and food. He asked several passing animals, such as zebra, elephant, and antelope, if they would help him, but they all refused because he had hunted them. Finally, a flock of cranes flew by and agreed to help him. They brought the chief water and then led him to his court. As a reward, he had his goldsmith make each crane a gold crown. The next day, the cranes appeared without the crowns and explained to the chief that the other animals were jealous and had stolen and destroyed the crowns. The chief then called for his court magician, who touched each crane on the top of the head. From the place where the crane was touched grew its crown of gold feathers.

Because of their height, African crowned cranes are able to easily see over tall grass and keep an eye out for any nearby predators. The golden feathers on top of their head also help the bird camouflage among the grass.

Cranes are some of the tallest birds in the world. In flight, their body forms a straight line from bill to toes. They use a slow, downward flap and a rapid upstroke. They fly with their neck outstretched and their feet straight out behind.

These remarkable birds also have a vast vocal communication system. Each type has its own tone and volume, from the soft honks of crowned cranes to the flutelike call of Siberian cranes. Crane chicks start to learn their “language” as soon as they hatch and know at least six calls by the end of their first year.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Black Crowned Cranes are monogamous and appear to mate for life. During courtship they perform a “nuptial dance” in which both birds bob, bow, and jump around each other while calling and spreading their wings. All cranes, young and old alike, participate in elaborate, enthusiastic “dancing.” For the young, dancing helps to develop physical, social skills, and may even help to reduce anxiety/stress. Pairs cooperatively build nests, incubate eggs, and care for their young. Black crowned cranes nest in or very near standing water, in marshes, swamps, or flooded fields. This provides cover but allows the crane maximum visibility with only its head showing.

Breeding season occurs from May to December and cranes may move to more wetland areas to breed. Pairs will defend their nesting territory aggressively.

Females lay clutches of 2-4 eggs and incubation lasts about 30 days. Eggs laid in warmer climates are white or light-colored to help the eggs reflect excess heat. Eggs laid in colder regions are darker in color so the eggs can absorb heat. After the chicks hatch, they stay near the nest for about a day and then begin to follow their parents around in search of food. About 12 hours after hatching they are capable of swimming and floating. They begin eating after 24 hours. A family of black crowned cranes will stay together for 9-10 months before the chicks are left to their own devices. Chicks will begin to gain their adult plumage around 12 months and will reach maturity around 3 years.

Conservation Messaging

Conservation of the Natural World
Black Crowned Cranes are in danger due to habitat loss including desertification, illegal capture for commercial trade, unintentional and intentional poisoning, human disturbance, unsustainable exploitation and conversion of wetlands.

Habitat loss and degradation are the Crowned Crane’s major threats. This occurs due to natural events such as droughts and fires, and human events such as overgrazing, agriculture, pollution, and industrial construction. The intensification of agriculture has also increased the amount of pesticide use. This can be toxic to cranes if ingested and will also decrease the amount of food available.

What can we do?: Supporting local conservation efforts and organizations is a great way to help ensure species such as the West African black crowned crane continue to thrive. One of the biggest ways we can help is by supporting sustainable agriculture practices. By purchasing products that are certified by organizations such as Bird Friendly, you are helping in the conservation of forests and habitats around the world. Switching to a more sustainable lifestyle can also help. By using public transport, turning off lights that are not in use, reducing the use of plastic, and using more organic cleaning products we can help to reduce pollution in our environments. Remember the phrase, “reduce, reuse, recycle!”

Fun Facts

  • Some African people believe these birds bring rain, while others have incorporated the crane’s dances into their own rituals.
    West African crowned cranes are also known as black crowned cranes and are the national bird of Nigeria.
  • The mating rituals of crowned cranes are so engaging that some African tribes have made them a part of their culture.
  • In a flock of cranes, once a dance starts, it can quickly become contagious, with all the cranes joining in.
  • Red-crowned cranes are associated with nobility and immortality in China.
  • The flag of Uganda features a crowned crane, making it one of the few national flags to bear the image of a bird.
  • Fossil records show that crowned cranes existed 37 to 54 million years ago. Prehistoric cave paintings of cranes have been found in Europe, Africa, and Australia.

Bibliography

Red-Tailed Hawk

Physical Description

Red-tailed hawks have a wingspan of 41-53 in. All adult red-tailed hawks have a copper-colored tail. The rest of their plumage varies greatly, though generally the back and wings are darker than the rest of the body, ranging from a light auburn to a dark brown. Their beaks are short and hooked, and they have large, curved talons.

Predators

Being an apex predator, red-tailed hawks do not have many predators. Owls and crows may attack their nests.

Lifespan

They live on average 12 years in the wild, and up to 29 years under human care.

Reproduction

Red-tails pair up for life. Both parents build a nest, usually in a tall tree. The nest can be up to three feet (one meter) across. The female lays 1-5 grayish-white, speckled eggs at two-day intervals. Both parents incubate the eggs, but when it’s the female’s turn, the male provides her meals. Young hawks begin to fledge in 42 to 48 days but remain with the parents for another 30 to 70 days.

Fun Facts

  • The powerful cry of a red-tailed hawk is the same cry used in TV commercials depicting bald eagles.
  • Red-tailed hawk eggshells are tinted green on the inside.

Conservation Messaging

Most of the Bird of Prey here at the zoo are all rehabilitated birds who have sustained different injuries deeming them unreleasable. These birds fall victim to debris found on the side of the road. If it’s an apple core, banana peel, or some discarded trash it will attract their prey items which will then attract the bird of prey. Birds of prey have tunnel vision when hunting and will often not see a car coming. One simple way we can help is to dispose of all your trash properly, even natural items like apple cores and banana peels.

Eastern Screech Owl

General Information

The Eastern screech owl is an average sized bird with a 19-24 inch wingspan. As is common with many birds of prey, the females of this species tend to be larger than the males. They can be either gray or rufous (a red/brown coloration), with darker streaking of color covering the body. Eastern screech owls also have feathered tufts on their heads and feathered feet as well. They are carnivores that prey on small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and even smaller birds.

Breeding season occurs in late winter early spring. Females lay clutches of 2-6 eggs, which will incubate for about 26 days. Chicks will fledge – i.e. leave the nest and start to fly – after about four weeks, but will remain dependent on their parents for food for another five to six weeks. Maturity occurs around 1 year.

Diet

Eastern screech-owls in the wild have a greatly varied diet. They catch and eat most things smaller than them including insects, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. These amazing little owls are even agile enough in flight to prey on finches, jays, and doves among other birds. When it comes to mammals, screech-owls frequently consume rats and mice as well as moles and rabbits.

Eastern screech owls are sit-and-wait hunters that swoop down silently on their next meal from low-lying branches. They usually hunt in the dim light of dusk and dawn or at night. If an eastern screech-owl catches more food than it can eat, it may cache excess food in tree cavities to save for other days when hunting isn’t as successful. After eating, screech owls (like other owls) expel small pellets of indigestible prey parts: bones, fur, feathers, and even teeth. The average screech owl regurgitates two to four pellets per day.

Habitat and Range

Due to their ability to easily adjust to many habitat types, the eastern screech owl has a large ecological niche. These small owls can be found all along the eastern part of North America from the bottom of Canada to the top of Mexico. They can readily adapt to living near humans in urban and suburban areas, although they prefer to be located in wooded regions.

Eastern screech-owls do not build nests and thus must find already made nest cavities to occupy. They will use anything from woodpecker holes to nest boxes meant for wood ducks and kestrels. Eastern screech-owls are not migratory birds.

Common Physical Features

Eastern screech owls are a smaller owl ranging in size from 6-10 inches and a wingspan of 19-24 inches. As is common with many birds of prey, the females of this species tend to be larger than the males. Eastern screech owls are a mix of white, gray, and reddish-brown—coloration that helps them blend into the branches and trees. Eastern screech owls have feathered tufts on their heads and feathered feet as well. Juveniles of the species closely resemble adults, but have ear tufts that are not fully developed and may also have light and dark barring on the head, mantle, and under parts.

In areas where both western and eastern screech owls are found, it is easiest to tell the two apart by sound. Also, the Eastern Screech-Owl is slightly smaller than the Western Screech-owl. The two most common calls of the eastern screech owl are the even-pitched trill and the descending whinny. Both of these calls can be heard at night as this animal is primarily a nocturnal hunter.

Adaptations: Eastern screech owls are ambush predators that swoop down silently on their next meal from low-lying branches. The soft edges on their serrated flying feathers help muffle the sound of their flapping wings, enabling them to sneak up on their prey silently. Most hunting is done during the first 4 hours after sunset.

These owls have symmetrical ears, which suggest that they hunt primarily using their vision. They do, however, have excellent hearing as they often capture prey hidden by leaf litter. Disc feathers around eyes serve as sound collectors. Wide set ear tufts, which are feathers and not the actual ears, can stand up totally when alert or lay flat against head to help funnel sounds into ear slits which are located on the sides of the head.

The Eastern screech owl’s yellow eyes are so large that they can’t move in their sockets. In order to look around, these owls have to turn their neck, which can rotate up to 270 degrees in either direction. They have excellent vision in both the light and dark.

Like other owls, the screech owl also has a strong curved beak and talons to help it catch its prey.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Once they’ve reached sexual maturity, Eastern screech-owls will select a mate and pair bond to that bird. Like many birds of prey, most eastern screech-owls mate for life after successful breeding. If breeding isn’t successful, however, the pair may switch and re-pair with other birds until they form a successful breeding pair.
Breeding occurs in late winter early spring.

To court a female, the male screech-owl will give a trill call while running up and down branches. Once mated, the female will select a nest location. Eastern screech owls don’t build a nest. Instead, thy will look for natural tree cavities or the abandoned nests of other animals. Females lay their eggs directly on the layer of fur and feathers left over from their previous meals that lines the bottom of their den.

Females lay clutches of 2-6 eggs in early spring and incubate the eggs for about 26 days. After hatching, chicks are covered in white down and their eyes are sealed shut. The female will brood them (i.e. keep them safe and warm) while the male provides food. Chicks will fledge – i.e. leave the nest and start to fly – after about 4 weeks, but will remain dependent on their parents for food for another 5-6 weeks. Chick will fully mature around 1 year of age.

Conservation Messaging

Together with Nature
Most of the Bird of Prey here at the zoo are all rehabilitated birds who have sustained different injuries deeming them unreleasable. These birds fall victim to debris found on the side of the road. If it’s an apple core, banana peel, or some discarded trash it will attract their prey items which will then attract the bird of prey. Birds of prey have tunnel vision when hunting and will often not see a car coming.

What can we do?: One simple way we can help is to dispose of all your trash properly, even natural items like apple cores and banana peels. Ecosystems have a natural balance so it’s important for us as humans to leave no trace! Once you leave nature, no one should know that you’ve been there. This means bringing out anything that you’ve brought in. Additionally, leaving the environment unaltered is equally important.

Never remove an animal from the wild! Some well-meaning people may think its a good idea to try and aid injured animals or relocate “pest” animals, but the truth is, trapping rarely ends well for wildlife and is not a long term solution.

While you might be thinking you are helping that animal, most people don’t realize the amount of care and time that goes in to caring for these animals, and removing them from their natural environment can be detrimental to the wild populations. If wild animals are not causing damage or posing danger, the best solution is to coexist! If you come across injured wildlife please call your local wildlife rehabilitation center as they are better equipped to handle and care for that animal.

Fun Facts

  • The eggs generally hatch in the order they were laid, so that all the young are not born at the same time.
  • Regurgitate pellets (castings) of feathers, bones and fur several hours after they’ve eaten. It’s believed that pellet formation and regurgitation are necessary for a bird’s good health.
  • The screech owl is the most abundant and familiar of all North American owls, ranging throughout the United States and northern Mexico and are the smallest “eared” owls east of the Rocky Mountains.

Bibliography

Black Vulture

Physical Description

Vultures are very large birds with sharp, hooked beaks for tearing apart meat and wide wingspans. New World vultures have a distinctive bald head, an adaptation that helps reduce the risk of disease. Their strong immune system allows vultures to eat rotting and possibly infected meat without getting sick. They have long, horizontal nostrils with a space between them and lack a voice box, so they cannot make any sound except hisses and grunts.

Predators

Jaguars, mountain lions, hawks, eagles, and raccoons.

Lifespan

In the wild vultures live around 20 years. Under human care they can live into their 30s.

Reproduction

Vultures form monogamous pairs for life, and males will court females by showing off their flying skills, almost touching the females’ wing tip as they fly by. New World vultures lay their egg(s) in a cave or under a rocky overhang, under bushes or rock piles, or in tree hollows or fallen logs. Females lay one egg if she is a larger vulture and two eggs if she is smaller. Both parents incubate and feed the chicks. Chicks remain in the nest for 2-3 months until they learn how to find and compete for food.

Fun Facts

  • Black vultures maintain close social ties with their extended families throughout their lives.
  • When a vulture is upset, its head turns red and it looks like it is blushing.

Conservation Messaging

Most of the Bird of Prey here at the zoo are all rehabilitated birds who have sustained different injuries deeming them unreleasable. These birds fall victim to debris found on the side of the road. If it’s an apple core, banana peel, or some discarded trash it will attract their prey items which will then attract the bird of prey. Birds of prey have tunnel vision when hunting and will often not see a car coming. One simple way we can help is to dispose of all your trash properly, even natural items like apple cores and banana peels.

Barred Owl

Physical Description

A barred owl is the second largest owl in Pennsylvania. It is easily recognized by its stocky body, large dark brown eyes, and the puffy round head with no ear tufts. The horizontal bars on the throat and upper breast, and the vertical streaks on the belly give this owl its name.

Predators

Foxes, bobcats, coyotes, bears, and occasionally snakes and other birds of prey.

Lifespan

In the wild, owls live on average around 5-10 years. Under human care they can live up to 30 years.

Reproduction

Owls are usually solitary outside of breeding season. Male owls may bring offerings of food, dropping the item near the female, who is usually much larger, to catch her interest. If prey is scarce, only two or three eggs may be laid; if food is easily available, then six or more eggs may be laid. Chicks generally hatch two days apart, with the oldest chicks getting the most food. Young owl chicks are cared for by their mother for about three months.

Fun Facts

  • Young Barred Owls can climb trees by grasping the bark with their bill and talons, flapping their wings, and walking their way up the trunk.
  • Barred owls are one of the most vocal owl species.

Conservation Messaging

Most of the Bird of Prey here at the zoo are all rehabilitated birds who have sustained different injuries deeming them unreleasable. These birds fall victim to debris found on the side of the road. If it’s an apple core, banana peel, or some discarded trash it will attract their prey items which will then attract the bird of prey. Birds of prey have tunnel vision when hunting and will often not see a car coming. One simple way we can help is to dispose of all your trash properly, even natural items like apple cores and banana peels.

Barn Owl

Physical Description

Barn owls can be identified by their heart-shaped facial disk, white underparts, and long legs. Owl eyes are so big that there is little room for eye muscles, meaning owls can’t move their eyes. Instead, owls move their entire head turning their heads about 270 degrees in either direction.

Predators

Foxes, bobcats, coyotes, bears, and occasionally snakes and other birds of prey.

Lifespan

In the wild, owls live on average around 5-10 years. Under human care they can live up to 30 years.

Reproduction

Owls are usually solitary outside of breeding season. Male owls may bring offerings of food, dropping the item near the female, who is usually much larger, to catch her interest. If prey is scarce, only two or three eggs may be laid; if food is easily available, then six or more eggs may be laid. Chicks generally hatch two days apart, with the oldest chicks getting the most food. Young owl chicks are cared for by their mother for about three months.

Fun Facts

  • Having the most sensitive hearing of all owls, the barn owl can pinpoint the direction and distance of rustling prey in total darkness.
  • Not a hooting owl, this bird makes raspy screeches, hisses, and clicks with its beak.

Conservation Messaging

Most of the Bird of Prey here at the zoo are all rehabilitated birds who have sustained different injuries deeming them unreleasable. These birds fall victim to debris found on the side of the road. If it’s an apple core, banana peel, or some discarded trash it will attract their prey items which will then attract the bird of prey. Birds of prey have tunnel vision when hunting and will often not see a car coming. One simple way we can help is to dispose of all your trash properly, even natural items like apple cores and banana peels.

White’s Tree Frog

Program and General Information

White’s tree frogs are an adaptable species native to Australia and New Guinea. They are rather large ranging from 3-5 inches in length. Although they can live in both dry and wet habitats, white’s tree frogs prefer damper tropical forests and scrublands. They are commonly a light bluish-green to emerald green color, but they do have the ability to change their color to a more brownish color or darker green. White’s tree frogs have a thick cuticle and can secrete a milky-white substance called “caerviein” to keep moisture in; both adaptations allow the frog to survive in more arid environments. Breeding occurs in summer in grassy, rain- filled marshes. Females can lay clutches of 150-300 eggs, which hatch 1-3 days after fertilization and metamorphose 2-3 weeks later.

Diet
White’s tree frog’s diet consists of insects, spiders, moths, roaches, and even smaller mammals and amphibians. As long as they can fit it in their mouth, a frog will try to eat it!

White’s tree frogs don’t use their tongue to catch prey like other frog species do, but instead ambush prey and use their front limbs to shove the prey into their mouth. Frogs will actually use their eyes in order to swallow their prey.

Frog saliva is very thick and while it aids in keeping prey items in their mouth, it also makes swallowing more difficult. So in order to swallow frogs will push their eyeballs into their mouth cavity and push down on the prey against the tongue. This will increase the pressure inside the mouth liquifying that super thick saliva, which releases the prey from the tongue and forces that prey down the throat.

Habitat and Range

White’s tree frogs are an arboreal (tree-dwelling) species native to Northern, Eastern, and Southern Australia, as well as, Southern New Guinea. They can live in seasonally dry and wet habitats but prefer moist forested and scrubland environments. Because they are so adapted to living in more arid regions, white’s tree frogs can also be found living in suburban and agricultural areas with humans.

While primarily nocturnal, white’s tree frogs have been known to be active during the daytime. Being an arboreal species, these frogs spend the majority of their time higher up in the trees.

Common Physical Features

White’s tree frogs are one of the larger species of frogs ranging from 3-5 inches in length. Females do tend to be bigger than males. They are typically a light bluish-green to emerald but do have the ability to alter their color to a darker brown or green. White’s tree frogs have large webbed toes and a second finger that is longer than the first. Their pupils are horizontal and they have a distinctive fatty ridge over the eyes, often giving them a sleepy look. Males are more slender in appearance than females and have a grayish wrinkled vocal sac that is located underneath the throat region.

Adaptations: White’s tree frogs are excellent climbers. Large adhesive pads on their toes and fingertips, sticky webbing between their toes and finger, and loose skin on their bellies all enable the White’s tree frog to cling to surfaces for climbing. Extra cartilage between the last 2 bones of each toe allows for greater mobility to grip onto thin twigs.

White’s tree frogs have binocular vision. Their nostrils and large eyes sit high on the head, so when the frog is sitting in the water it can breath and watch for food and predators with the rest of its body hidden in the water out of view.

They are well adapted to living in more arid environments. Their skin is covered in a thick cuticle to help with water retention making these frogs fairly drought resistant. To further aid in keeping in moisture, White’s tree frogs secrete a milky-white substance called “caerviein,” which they will coat their body in. This coating acts like sunscreen to protect the frog from drying out in the heat.
During the dry season, White’s tree frogs will cover themselves in a cocoon of shed skin and mucus and burrow to keep moist.

Behavior and Life Cycle

For most of the year, White’s tree frogs call from high positions, such as trees and gutters. During their summer breeding season, the frogs descend, although they remain slightly elevated, and call close to still-water sources. Females can lay clutches of 150-300 eggs. These eggs will hatch 1-3 days after fertilization and metamorphose from tadpole to froglet within 2-3 weeks.

Like many frog species, White’s tree frogs call not only to attract mates but also to advertise their location outside the breeding season, usually after rain, for reasons that are uncertain to researchers. They will emit a stress call whenever they are in danger, such as when a predator is close or when a person steps on a log the frog resides in.

Conservation Messaging

Conservation of the Natural World
Although population numbers are stable, habitat loss and pollution are a concern for the White’s tree frog and could lead to future decline. Human activities, such as residential and commercial development, farming and ranching, construction of roads and railways, and fishing have all contributed to habitat destruction for the White’s tree frog.

Pollution is another big concern for frog species. Amphibian’s permeable skin can easily allow toxins and pollutants to enter their bodies, therefore, they cannot survive in polluted habitats. Tree frogs are considered an important indicator species that warns of future environmental degradation. If population numbers begin to decline then there is a strong possibility that that habitat could be polluted.

What can we do?: Supporting local conservation efforts and organizations is a great way to help ensure species such as the White’s tree frog continue to thrive. Switching to a more sustainable lifestyle can also help. By using public transport, turning off lights that are not in use, reducing the use of plastic, and using more organic cleaning products we can help to reduce pollution in our environments. Remember the phrase, “reduce, reuse, recycle!”

Never remove an animal from the wild! You might think you are helping it, but most people don’t realize the amount of care and time that goes into caring for these animals, and removing them from their natural environment can be detrimental to the wild populations. And while you may think they would make a cute pet, amphibians have a lot of special requirements, such as heating, humidity, nutrition, light, that all need to be considered before purchasing; and always be sure you are buying from a reputable breeder.

Fun Facts

  • While not all tree frog species are affected, the widespread infectious fungal disease chytridiomycosis has devastated many wild populations worldwide. Chytrid fungus can infect waterways and can cause the keratinized areas of the frogs to thicken. This hinders the ability to pass oxygen and other gasses through the skin and causes the frog to dry out. We can help prevent the spread of the Chytrid fungus by washing items we take into waterways, rinsing off our boots and shoes after being in waterways, and by not handling any wild animals.
  • Said to be able to alter how much water evaporates from their skin, White’s tree frogs may be able to slightly control their temperature (impressive for a cold-blooded animal).
  • Extracts from the skin have medical uses such as fighting staphylococcus bacteria that can cause abscesses, lowering blood pressure, and treating cold sores caused by the herpes virus.

Bibliography