How to care for betta fish| Why is betta fish called Siamese fighting fish? 

Betta fish or the “Siamese fighting fish” originates from south-east Asia and is one of the most popular breeds of fish in the aquarium hobby. The reason behind the popularity is because bettas are easy to keep fishes that are not very demanding unless given proper care and come in a variety of vibrant and pleasing colours that just adds to the appearance of the fish tank to the next level. 

Male betta fish     Image Source-  Google | Image by - Flickr

Appearance and behaviour 

When it comes to appearance betta fish can win your heart just at one glance because of the most unique patterns and long fins with vibrant colours which are very appealing to the eyes. These may look like calm fish but do not be mistaken as male betta which has the most colourful pattern and fins are the more aggressive ones as compared to the females. 

Male bettas cannot be kept with other males as they would continuously fight and kill each other until one last male is left. On the other hand, females can be kept together which is known as “betta sorority tank” but it needs a lot of hiding places for the weak or smaller ones to hide in case of a fight. This fighting tendency has given the name “Siamese fighting fish”.

Characteristics 

Betta fish is generally 6.5 to 8.5 cm long including the vibrant coloured fins. The average life span is between 2 to 5 years depending on the care of the fish. Betta fish generally eat all kinds of fresh and frozen foods and would thrive if given small crustaceans, worms, and small insects occasionally. 

One needs to ensure while feeding if a particular food is leading to constipation or inactivity and therefore discontinue it. The most preferred food is the commercially available betta fish food that contains nutrients and minerals required specifically for betta fish. 

The myth regarding Betta fish 

One of the most common myths regarding betta fish is that these can be kept in small tanks and even in some of the pet shops these are found to be kept in small polybags which are not even half a gallon in size. This unethical practice and cruelty towards such a beautiful fish should be stopped. 

                                                        

Betta should not be kept in small tank  Image Source-  Google | Image by - Piqsels

The reason for the myth is because of the organ known as the “labyrinth” which helps betta to survive even in environments with the least supply of oxygen and hence these can survive in small tanks but cannot thrive. 

Tank requirements 

Betta fish thrive in tanks that are atleast 5 gallons in size with plenty of hiding places without sharp edges and slow-moving water or filtration system which does not involve fast circulation. Generally, small hang-on back filters are optimum for the purpose. 

Temperatures should be maintained between 72- 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Water should be maintained very clean with controlled amounts of ammonia and nitrates which would otherwise affect the health of the fish. These are prone to diseases such as fin/tail rot, bacterial infections, ich, dropsy, pop-eye, and swim bladder disease. 

Tankmates for betta fish should not be aggressive ones such as barbs and tetras. Furthermore tank mates should not have long fins as male betta tend to bite. So keeping bettas with fancy guppies would not be a good option. 

Effects of crakers and loud noises on animals during Diwali| No crackers this Diwali  

Every year Diwali is celebrated as one of the most auspicious festivals in India and other parts of the world. But the sad part is post-Diwali every year the intensity of pollution increases tenfold since thousands of crackers are burnt causing smoke and pollution. 

This pollution is very harmful to all but the most affected are our pets, and stray animals on the roads who have no place to hide and protect themselves. The burning of crackers creates loud noises which may amuse us but it is very harmful to dogs and cats since they have a sense of hearing ten times more sensitive than humans. 

So these very loud noises cause loss of hearing in many animals. Furthermore, these loud noises cause anxiety and distress in animals due to which they run here and there to save themselves and often ran far away from their habitual areas never to return since most of them get lost in the new areas. 

The most significant issue is air pollution. When these crackers are burnt, they release harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere which causes high levels of air pollution. This results in breathing issues and respiratory disease in humans but for the animals, it is even worst. 

Because of the smoke and air pollution, the dogs and cats are not able to breathe properly and some even die. This air pollution may cause eye infections and loss of sight as well in these animals both stray as well as pets which makes their life even more miserable. 

Birds during these times suffer too. Loud noise and pollution cause the loss of nesting ground of these birds. Many are killed due to burn injuries as a result of the bursting of crackers. At night these birds have a low vision which causes them to become victims of such accidents. Sometimes these crackers burn down entire trees inhabiting entire colonies of sparrows.

Not only the air pollution but also a ton of trash is dumped on the roads after Diwali night which causes land pollution. This thrash sometimes contains unburnt explosive crackers which are very harmful to any living being coming in contact with it. 

In the past, it has been seen that cows and dogs who are dying of hunger eat this thrash and die a very painfull death. Cases of horrible inhuman actions have also been seen wherein a dog's tail has been tied with burning crackers just for the sake of amusement. 

Such horrific incidents have been condemned and such criminals have been prosecuted in the past but this shows the extent to which these strays suffer. So let us pledge that we would not waste our hard-earned money in such unethical activities such as burning crackers and would celebrate this Diwali with sweets and lights. Our such small effort can prevent these innocent souls on the road to become a victim again this Diwali.

Effects of crakers and loud noises on animals during Diwali| No crackers this Diwali  

Critically endangered Bengal Florican sighted in Daying Ering wildlife sanctuary| Bengal Florican in Arunachal Pradesh   

Bengal Florican which has been declared critically endangered in IUCN "Red List" has been spotted in Daying Ering wildlife sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh state of northeastern India. The sanctuary has a wide variety of flora and fauna. Apart from the migrating Bengal Florican whose presence is only for half the year, the main attraction of the sanctuary is the two big cats Tiger and Leopard. Others include wild hog, gibbon, red panda, and a variety of herbivores. 

Bengal Florican is found in grasslands and riverine regions of India, Nepal, parts of South Asia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Sighting of these birds is rare since their number has been drastically reduced in the wild because of the destruction of their natural habitat which includes mostly riverine grasslands. 

The conversion of natural grasslands into agricultural land has caused a reduction in their habitat area which they use during their migration. Furthermore, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural practices around the region has further reduced their population.  

A Male Bengal Florican       Image Source-  Google | Image by - Wikimedia Commons

In India, these are found only in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta region where these can be found eating small flies, grasshoppers, beetles, small frogs, and other small insects. Males usually have black coloured backs with white wings while the females are not of vibrant colours like males and generally are dull brown.

In Feb 2020 conference on migratory birds and animals was held to review the need for the conservation of migratory birds and to provide them free natural routes to migrate from one country to another. Bengal florican was also an agenda for conservation. The exact number of Bengal Florican in the wild is not known since it is very difficult to sight these. 

According to wildlife experts, it is a difficult task to determine the population number of Bengal Florican in the wild since these do not habitat in a single region with movement from one place to another and these usually are hidden in the grass and could only be seen during the breeding season when the male perform to show their vibrant colours and impress female.

Anxiety in pets after the end of work from home| how to deal with separation anxiety in pets ? 

Our lives are incomplete without our pets but the effects of covid 19 in the recent past have impacted both us and our beloved pets. We may have seen some of the worst situations losing our love ones, being locked up in our houses, constant fear of deadly covid waves, and covered our faces in the mask throughout the day. 

But some of the best things happened too. It has been the longest time we stayed together with our family bonding and taking care of each other. This time has been the most important in enhancing the love and affection we have for our pets. 

Anxiety in pets when they are alone      Image Source-  Google | Image by - Pixabay

While our cats and dogs before may have become used to the fact of us leaving them alone while going to work but the work from home trend has made our pets habitual of our presence every time around them and now when things are getting to normal and work from home is going to end for most, our pets will be the most affected when we leave home for work. 

Some pets will be able to cope with the situation easily but could turn out to be a nightmare for many others. This issue has become of serious concern since a large number of pets have been adopted during covid and the number of pet owners have increased tenfold since people were alone at home.

Image by - Purrfactanimals.com

Separation anxiety and loneliness in pets could result in aggression, or distress behaviour leading to the destruction of surroundings and household. But many animal behaviourist suggest that these issues could be avoided if proper measures are taken.

Prepare well in advance 

One should not wait for the day to come when we leave our beloved pets at home alone and leave for work rather make your pets habitual of your absence during the working hours for which one should start practicing for the same well in advance and start leaving your pets alone for small intervals like for instance when you go shopping you can leave your pets alone and eventually increase the time intervals every day. This would mentally stimulate your pets and they could accept your absence.

Regular exercise 

While the lockdown has came to an end and our lives are coming back on track, regular walks and exercise are very much needed for the energy stimulation of your pets. Proper exercise would help in burning the excessive unchanneled energy and would keep your pets calm and serene during the time they are alone.

Adapting to a new routine 

Covid has been the time when our pets have been closest to us, sitting by our side, cuddling, spending all their time with us. But along with that we along with our pets enclosed in our houses have ruined our daily routine. Proper routine is very much needed for both us and our pets to live a physically and mentally healthy life. While post lockdown our pets may take some time to adapt to their usual routine but this very much helps to keep them fit and fine.

Exercise is required for better health     Image Source-  Google | Image by - Pixabay

Daycare or dog walkers 

While it may be easy for some pets to adapt to the new situation but for some it may take longer. To prevent any kind of emotional breakdown of your pet because of loneliness, one may always have the option of doggy daycare where their beloved pooches will be taken care of while their owners are out for work. However, this may not be a good option if you don't have one nearby to your house. Another way is to hire a dog walker who will be responsible to feed and care for your pets in your absence.

Pet toys and accessories

Your pet all day along needs activities to do or else could suffer from anxiety and distress. Pets whether it be a cat or dog have instincts to explore their surroundings always curious looking for something. These instincts can be dealt with by specific toys and treats which sort of give your pets a task and activity to do and in return, they would be rewarded with treats. This can be very useful in keeping your pets busy while they are all alone in the house.

Anxiety in pets after the end of work from home| how to deal with separation anxiety in pets ? 

 Cheetah in India | Reintroduction of extinct cheetah in India| Kuno National Park| Cheetah extinct in India in 1952

World's fastest land mammal running at speeds upto 75 kmph is the cheetah. These predators from the cat family can be sighted running after their prey in the African savanna which is probably one of the few natural habitats left for cheetah. 

Cheetah in African Savanna      Image Source-  Google | Image by - piqsels

According to the estimates, around 7000 cheetahs are left in the wild and those left are facing threats of poaching and other causes such as habitat loss, poisoning by humans, and destruction of the prey population. 

While in the other parts of the world the condition has been more dreadful like in Asia where the cheetah was found in all the regions of Central Asia and South Asia however only a last few 50 are left in parts of wild Iran. 

These Asiatic cousins of African cheetah were similar in appearance but had a few differences in genome. A decent number of individuals were there in wild regions of India but habitat loss and excessive poaching led to their extinction and after sighting the last individual in the wild in 1947, the species was declared extinct in India in 1952. 

Since then, the authorities and the conservationist have been working in the direction of reintroducing cheetah in India, and after several failed attempts, the Supreme court of India has permitted to reintroduce a few individuals from Africa to India on an experimental basis and to study the feasibility of the project (courtesy - Hindustan Times)

Kuno national park in the state of Madhya Pradesh has been found suitable to match the natural habitat of cheetah and will be serving as the habitat of the first few cheetahs to be reintroduced in India after 1952. 

Characteristics of the Cheetah 

The cheetah has a narrow flexible body weighing around 30 to 70 kg with a unique spine and muscles that allow it to reach speeds of upto 110kmph(70mph) in just 3.5 seconds however it can maintain such speeds for few seconds as it results in sudden increase in body temperature and blood flow after which it has to be controlled or else would be fatal. 

Cheetah's flexible body assist in reaching speeds up to 110kmph       Image Source-  Google | Image by - pxfuel

Its tail helps in the high-speed chase as it helps it to maneuver. Unlike other cats, a cheetah's claws are not retractable with a padded foot which assists it to attain high speeds. It has a distinct black spot marking very different from jaguars and leopards. 

Cheetah has black tear stripes marking below their eyes which protects from the sun's glare in hot African Savanna. Unlike other big cats such as lions, jaguars, tigers, and leopards, Cheetah does not roar instead it growls and sometimes even purr while communicating with each other.

Kuno National Park 

It is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh spread along a 748 sqkm area consisting of varied biodiversity of flora and fauna. Kuno national park contains 143 species of plants most of which are kadhai, salai, and Khair. 

It has a large grassland area some even bigger than the famous Kanha national park and Bandhavgarh national park. The grassland provides suitable habitat for the reintroduction of the cheetah. The Kuno river runs through the national park and is the lifeline of the local ecosystem. 

It has a good variety of prey base for cheetahs such as Indian gazels, nilgai, sambhar deer, wild boar, blackbuck, and barking deer. Other predators include leopards, wild foxes, striped hyenas, and sloth bears.

Habitat and Characteristics 

                                         

Greenland Shark      Image Source-  Google | Image by -  Flickr

Conservation of Greenland shark 

 Northern White Rhino| Sudan- the last male northern white rhino died| Northern white rhino is now Extinct 

Northern White rhino a subspecies belong to the African Rhino family is certainly extinct now. Many say that the last two females- Fatu and Najin of the subspecies are still alive in captivity under the supervision of veterinarians and protected by forest rangers but practically the northern white rhino had become extinct long back. 

This is an issue of debate as a species is considered extinct if no individuals are left in the wild and are no more part of their ecosystem. The last two females left are the only hope for the world to study the behaviour and characteristics of the Northern white rhino.

Characteristics 

The Northern white rhino is not white actually but grey. These are the 3rd largest animal in the African continent. These weigh around 2000 – 2400 kilograms. 

The Northern white rhino has a distinct wide mouth which assists in grazing throughout the day in the grasslands but on the other hand, another subspecies called Black rhino has a pointed mouth. 

White Rhino in Singapore Zoo  Image Source-  Google | Image by - Flickr

Cause of Extinction

The biggest reason for the extinction of the majestic northern rhino is poaching. These used to live and thrive in parts of central Africa - Uganda, Sudan, and regions of the Dominican Republic of Congo but today they all have been wiped out from the wild. 

The rising poverty, unstable political status, and civil war have given rise to the illegal trade of rhino horns which fetch a hefty amount in black markets all over the world. Due to the poor economic conditions of these countries, these have fewer resources and limited scope to protect the flora and fauna. 

Even today it is estimated that around 400 rhinos are being killed by poachers or hunters either by poisoning or gunshots. Despite protection from forest guards and rangers, it is very difficult to cover such a huge habitat covering thousands of kilometers which creates a window for the poachers to carry out their illegal trade of animal parts.  

"Sudan"- the last male northern white rhino  Image Source-  Google | Image by - Flickr

Conservation 

After the death of the last male northern white rhino "Sudan" in March 2018, through process of frozen sperm collection and IVF, a team of researchers is using techniques of genetic coding to bring back the species in the wild but the last two females left are in their old age and cannot conceive so surrogate female of a different subspecies will be used for the process and hopefully one day we can see the northern white rhinos in the wild again.

Northern White Rhino| Sudan- the last male northern white rhino died| Northern white rhino is now Extinct

 Saiga Antelope| weird nose of Saiga | Saiga of central Asia | Endangered Saiga Antelope

The flora and fauna in today’s world are facing severe threats due to rapid urbanization and industrialization to fulfill the ever-increasing demand. As a result, we have seen in the past a long list of plants and animals species that have become extinct or are on the verge of extinction but can we say the same for the kingdom of antelopes in the animal world. 

Saiga antelope in the wild      Image Source-  Google | Image by -  Flickr

We have always seen herds of different species of antelopes grazing in the grasslands in Africa or the dense tropical forests of Asia and it seems that they are surviving and thriving in large numbers despite several challenges but there are around 96 species of antelopes in the world most of which are facing the threat of extinction in the future. Of all these one of the weirdest and unusual is the Saiga Antelope.

Characteristics and Behaviour 

Saiga antelope has the most unique nose among all the antelopes which is somewhat like an "Elephant seal". Saiga has a large bulbous nose which helps it to sustain in the harsh climate. In the summers during scorching heat outside in an arid dusty environment, this nose filters down incoming air which helps to regulate temperatures and during extreme winters this nose does not allow the cold air to be inhaled directly. The rest of the body is similar to other antelopes with males having huge horns and colour of the fur is from brown to yellow. However, living in a harsh climate these can travel up to distances of 70 miles. 

These are usually found in herds of around 40-50 individuals which protect them from natural predators. Their body is adapted to harsh summers and extreme winters. 

Habitat and Diet 

Saiga antelope is mostly found in the region of Central Asia such as Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and certain regions of Russia. These are mostly found in the semi-arid and dry regions of grassland where they are grazing most of the day. 

Saiga mother with calf        Image Source-  Google | Image by -  Flickr

These are herbivores eating every vegetation available such as grass, Cyprus, shrubs, and even some plants which are poisonous to other animals. 

Conservation 

Saiga antelope is declared as a critically endangered species by IUCN and if not protected, these will become extinct in near future. The main reason behind the rapid decrease in population is poaching activities. Horns and bones of Saiga are used in certain Chinese medicine which has caused excessive poaching activities in the region. Furthermore, the need for protecting the antelope was not considered a priority before but later it was found that Saiga antelope is an important part of the ecosystem of the region. 

Shoebill Stork| Dinosaur bird | Prehistoric Era bird of Uganda| Most intimidating shoebill Stork 

The Shoebill Stork, also known as the “Dinosaur Bird” is a large intimidating bird standing at 5 feet tall resembling the giant birds existing during the dinosaur era. These may terrify by their appearance standing almost still starring with their large eyes but these cause no harm to humans and are one most popular birds among the researchers. 

Shoebill Stork looks like a prehistoric bird Image Source-  Google | Image by -  Pixabay

Characteristics and Behaviour 

Shoebill Stork is a goofy kind of bird from the family of  Ciconiidae. The research and the DNA are closely related to pelicans. Shoebill Stork is found in Eastern tropical African countries like Zambia, Sudan, etc. These are 5 feet tall creatures with wingspan spreading to 8 feet in length. Shoebill weighs around 4 to 6 kg in weight depending on male or female as males are usually heavier. These were very popular among the early Egyptians as these can be found in their arts and inscriptions. 

Shoebill has a large clog-shaped bill with a hook at the end. The entire body is deep grey coloured even the legs and larges eyes which help to prey over the fishes. Large legs assist in hunting in the swampy lands. These even having large wings fly for only short distances. The most unique feature about the shoebill is its large hollow sound like a “machine gun”. 

Habitat and Diet 

Shoebill is mostly found in the swampy regions in the eastern African region where they can be sighted preying on the banks of rivers and lakes. These stand almost still in the muddy water waiting for a fish to come close by and then that giant bill comes in handy where they immediately grab the fish and swallow the whole fish at once. 

Shoebill Stock in captivity Image Source-  Google | Image by -  Pixabay

These almost all kinds of fish especially the lungfish which can fit in their mouth along with some turtles and even small crocodiles. These birds have a huge appetite when it comes to food. 

Conservation 

According to estimate, there are only five to seven thousand wild Shoebills left in the wild and only around 150 to 180 pairs left in the region of Uganda. Several steps are being taken for conservation such as the designation of the Mabamba wetland region as centre for conservation of all migratory birds in the region wherein development changes to the ecosystem have been checked to prevent any sort of ecological destruction. 

Shoebill has been declared endangered by IUCN Image Source-  Google | Image by - Flickr

Various summits and conferences are being held every year to monitor the results of conservation programs and to suggest and implement new innovative ideas to protect the species. 

Shoebill Stork| Dinosaur bird | Prehistoric Era bird of Uganda| Most intimidating shoebill Stork 

Okapi | Forest Giraffe| Republic of Congo| Okapi with zebra stripped legs | Wildlife of Dominica 

A majestic creature living in the dense rainforest of Congo may confuse you between a Giraffe and a Zebra but it is a relative of the Giraffe family known as Okapi. While the name is unusual but the animal is itself is one of the most unusual creatures in the world which looks like a cross between a Zebra and a Giraffe.

Okapi or "The Forest Giraffe"   Image Source-  Google | Image by -  Snappy Goat

Okapi or "The forest Girrafe" is a mammal found in the Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is the only place left in the world where this amazing creature can be sighted. Although these are present today in very small numbers and have been declared as one of the “ Endangered Species”, still a small population is present in the wild which is being protected today. 

Characteristics and Behaviour 

Okapi is a hoofed mammal similar to a giraffe. It is around 8 feet in length and about 6 to 6.5 feet shoulder height. The weight is around 200 to 250 kilograms. It has a dark chestnut brown colour oily thick coat which helps to keep the coat dry in the humid rain forest. It has horizontal stripes like a zebra on its upper legs which helps in camouflage against any predator. The tail is around 15 to 17 inches in length. 

Okapi in captivity Image Source-  Google | Image by -  Pixabay

It has a blue/black long tongue which helps eat buds and leaves from trees. The lower legs are white and it has a black muzzle with a long neck. 

These have short skin-covered horns which are more dominant in males. These have large ears to detect any kind of threat such as a leopard. This is one of the few animals that can touch its ear with its tongue. 

Habitat and Diet 

These solitary creatures mostly prefer less dense areas of rainforest such as well-trodden path and group of generally mother and offspring is found roaming. 

Okapi with offspring Image Source-  Google | Image by -  Flickr

These wander around in very large areas because of which this species is facing the threat of extinction due to the loss of suitable areas as a result of development. 

Its diet is mostly plant-based such as fruits, ferns, buds, grass, etc. Its diet is supplemented by charcoal of burnt trees and clay in the waters of nearby rivers which fulfill its mineral and salt requirement.

Conservation 

Okapi Conservation Project was established to protect the species from extinction as a last five thousand are left in the wild which are still facing threats such as habitat loss, poaching and natural predator which is mostly leopard. The IUCN has listed the species as “Endangered” and the Institute in Congo for Conservation of Nature along with local authorities are trying their best to protect the species by aligning forest rangers and patrols and awareness among the locals explaining the importance of biodiversity of the region.

Okapi | Forest Giraffe| Republic of Congo| Okapi with zebra stripped legs | Wildlife of Dominica