Markhor - The Wild Goat

Kingdom : Animalia

Phylum :  Chordata

Class :  Mammalia

Order :  Artiodactyla

Family : Bovidae
Genus : Capra

Protection status : Endangered

Diet : Grasses, Leaves, Flowers and Fruits

Habitat :  Cliffs and Grassy foothills

Life span : 12-13 years

The name is derived from the Persian word Mar - Snake and Khor - Eating. Both Males and female Markhors have horns. Markhors are usually active during morning and late afternoon. They are excellent climbers. 

Markhor is the national animal of Pakistan.

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to my blog by clicking here. 

Photo was taken at Columbus Zoo, Ohio.

You might also like:

Gorillas in the Mist

Save the Mountain Gorillas

Komodo Dragon - The Giant Lizard

The large, curved claws are used in self-defense as well as to eat food

Phylum :  Chordata

Class :  Reptilia

Order :  Squamata

Suborder : Lacertilia

Family : Varanidae
Genus : Varanus

Protection status : Vulnerable

Diet : Carnivore 

Habitat :  They live in hot and dry places, open grasslands and mostly in lowlands.

Komodo dragons are the  largest and heaviest lizards in the world. They are native to Indonesia and inhabit just four islands: Flores, Pandar, Rintja and the Komodo island. The scientific name of Komodo dragon is Varanus komodoensis. Komodo dragons are also called as Komodo monitors, Giant monitors, Land crocodiles and Oras. Their life expectancy is upto 20 - 40 years. Their sense of smell is the primary method of detecting food.

The Komodo dragon's saliva contains different strains of toxic bacteria that cause deadly infections in the prey. When it bites the prey, it injects the victim with a venom. Though the prey may not succumb to its injuries right away, the patient Komodo keeps following the animal with its immense sense of smell and eventually claims its victim.

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to this blog by clicking here.

Photos were taken at Columbus Zoo, Ohio.

You might also like:

Gorillas in the Mist

Save the Mountain Gorillas

Reticulated Python

Reticulated Python can grow up to 20 feet in length

Kingdom : Animalia

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Reptilia

Order : Squamata

Family: Pythonidae

Genus: Python

Diet: Birds and mammals including domestic animals

Habitat: Can live near streams, rivers, lakes, on the grounds, in the trees and even in cities

Reticulated Pythons have complex color patterns

Reticulated Python is the world's longest snake and longest reptile. It is thin and not too heavy. Reticulated Pythons can be found in Southeast Asian countries. They are also called Java Rock Pythons and Regal Pythons. Their lifespan in the wild is up to 20 years and in captivity can live for more than 20 years. A large female can lay over 100 eggs at once. 

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to this blog by clicking here. 

Pictures were taken at Columbus Zoo, Ohio.

You might also like:

Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey

The Edge of Eden: Living with the Grizzlies

Polar Bears

Anana & Aurora play-fighting with each other

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to this blog by clicking here.

Taken at Columbus Zoo, Ohio.

You might also like:

Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey

The Edge of Eden: Living with the Grizzlies

Siberian Tiger

Tiger Tiger ! Tiger!  burning bright

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to this blog by clicking here. 

Taken at Columbus Zoo, Ohio

You might also like:

Gorillas in the Mist

Save the Mountain Gorillas