2012
The Caribbean islands, stretching from Vnezuela to Florida, may be popular holiday destinations, life can still be hard for the native wildlife. Most were created by volcanoes, mostly long dormant, and later acquired coral reefs, which creates very different biotopes. the relative isolation and rarity of predation allowed many species to evolve particularly, rather leisurely, even a monkey. A special case is Trinidad, an old coral atoll which rose when the sea-level sank.
2012
Japan is an 6852 islands archipelago situated where three tectonic plates meet, causing major seismic and volcanic activity. Their climates varying from the subtropical mangroves on Okinawa to the Siberian conditions at the sea of Ochotsk. The wildlife is accordingly diverse, with a record number of unique, well-adapted native species and migratory guests like the Siberian swan. Versatile monkeys especially fascinate scientists.
Fri, Jan 9, 2015
Vancouver Island, along Canada's southern West coast, has the richest Pacific wildlife, thinks to the ideal fishing grounds for salmon, who produce abundant eggs in its many rivers and lakes, the tiny surviving percentage reaching the ocean trying to return there, spawn and die five years later. They cater for many predators, from egg-eating birds to vultures, eagles and black bears, and even fertilize the trees enough to grow thrice as fast. Seals, giant octopuses and orca (killer whales) are among the marine predators enjoying the abundant seafood.
2012
The Galapagos archipelago, way off Chile's coast, is named after the saddle shape of it iconic, century-living giant turtle species. Considered hellish by its Spanish discovers, it became a paradisaic nature reserve. Its uniquely odd land - and aquatic wildlife, evolving at record speed due to the fast emergence and transformation of volcanic islands at a tectonic crack where three major ocean currents meet, greatly inspired Charles Darwin's evolutionary theories.
Mon, Jan 5, 2015
Some small or larger islands in rivers of the Amazon system are flooded annually for months. While birds can just keep flying, for most of wildlife everything changes, as the lush forest habitat drowns to become a wetland or back. Several species adapted thoroughly, sometimes even into a specialized subspecies.
2012
Off India's eastern coast lies Sri Lanka (the former Ceylon), alias Monsoon island, which has a double monsoon climate. Two thirds are relatively dry plains, were largely derelict rice irrigation was the basis of ancient Buddhist kingdoms, but remains crucial to wildlife, including the largest herds of Asian elephants, a slightly larger subspecies, yet Indian relatives with tusks are imported for temple ceremonies. The largest leopard subspecies is the alpha predator, in the absence of larger felines, mainly hunting deer. More unique is the rich wildlife in the central mountains and highlands, where tropical rain is exceptionally abundant. Each has unique species, including monkeys.
2012
The Philippines, a multiple chain of over 7000 -mainly small or tiny, men being concentrated on a few large ones- islands, have a combined coast length among the world's largest, like neighbor Indonesia. The wildlife is accordingly rich and diverse, with a number of rare or unique, well-adapted native species and migratory guests like water monitors.
2012
On the Zanzibar islands, off the Indian Ocean coast of Tanganyka, mild predation and relatively easy feeding contributed to the development of giant species, as of crabs and bats. Only Pemba, the second largest island, is a regular la,d mass, the others were coral reefs until the sea-level fell. Its coastal waters harbor aquatic giants too, like whale sharks and mantra rays.
2012
Way off Scotland's western coast are the desolate Hebrides. They are scattered with ruins from wave after wave of failed human settlement, but wildlife adapts well enough to thrive there, especially thanks to some of the richest fishing waters in the world. The abundant bird nests feed various hunters, and at times provide vital nutrients to the few remaining humans.