Monster sized wasps start a colony beside busy Indonesian street
These wasps are banded paper wasps and they are among the biggest wasps in the world. They were seen in Bali as they rapidly began construction of a nest under a small overhang beside a busy city street. A tourist who was waiting for his friends to come out of a store, found shelter from the rain under this overhang. He heard a loud buzzing sound and saw one of these giant wasps fly right over his head. It sounded more like a small drone than an insect as it came in for a landing. The tourist looked up to see several of these beasts right above his head.
Wasps were coming and going, bringing chunks of meat or insect carcasses. These were being fed to larvae and young wasps that had recently emerged from the cells.
Wasps like these are carnivores. They kill and eat insects and use them to feed their young. They prefer caterpillars or larvae, but they will feed on various flying or crawling insects. As they feed the larvae, larvae emit a sweet fluid, similar to honey that the adults also feed on.
These wasps were 3-4cm (1.5 inches) in length, with large wings and large heads. A local tour guide said that they are commonly referred to as turmeric wasps due to their yellow colouring. He warned that these wasps deliver an extremely powerful sting if they are disturbed or threatened and that anyone experiencing this would feel an intense fire in the affected area that could also make them feel very sick.
Indonesia is home to many unique and fascinating creatures. In comparison with North America, many creatures such as these wasps seem more formidable and more dangerous. We are only beginning to understand the world around us.
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Full bellied Komodo Dragon drools after consuming turtle carcass
This Komodo dragon makes his home on Komodo Island in Indonesia along with over 1700 other dragons. They are the largest lizards on earth and they are ferocious hunters. Capable of taking down huge prey, they are the top predators in their domain. They can dislocate their jaws to swallow animals whole as well.
Komodo dragons are known for their highly toxic saliva. Laced with venom and bacteria, their saliva can incapacitate their prey. Animals they bite will suffer from infection and internal bleeding that can kill them within a day or two, even if they survive the initial attack.
These dragons are also opportunistic feeders that will eat freshly killed animals. They have a keen sense of smell that helps them track dying animals or locate carrion. This dragon found a large sea turtle washed up on the beach and he claimed it as his own. He carried it up on the beach and swallowed it, shell and all. This footage was captured a few minutes after the sea turtle was consumed. The Komodo dragon's belly bulges obscenely as he waddles into the trees to rest and digest his meal.
The dragon's drool hangs from his jaws as he saunters along. It's a foul mix of bacteria that that would be enough to make anything that touched it ill. And if the dragon was not already full and slow moving, the people capturing pictures and videos would not be so wise to venture so close. Guides are present and always vigilant, willing to step in with large sticks to dissuade an aggressive animal. These dragons are fascinating and terrifying at the same time. Reaching a weight of nearly 130kg (300lbs), they are huge creatures with a reputation for violence that is well deserved.
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Man experiences uncanny deja vu of flying dream
Drones have been used for filming and for looking down at the earth from above for a few years. As technology advances, they become better at providing a view that was once impossible without great expense. The world is beautiful when seen from above and amateur videographers are now able to explore and record almost everything.
A recent advance is shown here with footage from a DJI Avata. It's a small and affordable quad copter that flies like an airplane, hovers like a helicopter, and records in ultra high definition. What's even more amazing is that the operator wears virtual reality goggles that show a crystal clear display of everything the drone sees as it flies.
The Avata tilts, dives, climbs, and zooms over the terrain, giving the pilot the sensation that they are in full flight instead of merely watching a screen. The experience is so real that the operator often needs to sit down to avoid falling over during the flight.
The motion controller on this drone is held like a joystick and tilted to make the drone bank, climb, or dive. A trigger throttle controls the speed of the drone which reaches exhilarating 55km/h (34mph). The drone is so responsive that it can be flown inches from the ground and through tight spaces.
As this drone owner took his first flight with the tiny machine, he started out slowly over a very quiet road near his home. What he didn't realize is that he was about to have an extreme deja-vu experience. For years, he had dreamed of flight, a very common dream for many people. But the surprising part is that he accidentally began his test flight in a setting that was much like his recurring dream. And the experience as he began to lift the drone into the air was eerily similar to the way the dream unfolded. And it was as close to the feeling of true flight as anyone can experience while their feet are still on the ground.
Footage of flights in the days that followed give us the same chance to see what the operator sees as they fly this drone. This is how the world would look if you could fly like a bird.
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Incredible disco clam gives pulsating light show to deter predators
The disco clam is an aptly named creature that appears to be generating electricity in pulsating waves. It gives off the appearance of a light show that is mesmerizing and fascinating to watch. The light comes from thin bands along the outer surface of the clam when it is open.
But the truth is that the clam does not generate electricity, and it does not even generate light. This is not an example of bioluminescence. The thin bands are reflective tissue that are merely reflecting the light that is already present. The clam is able to expose and hide the thin band of reflective tissue very quickly. These tissues consist of nano-spheres made of silica. The appearance that this presents is reflection of light, alternating with red tissue in a rapid fashion. To the human eye, or the eye of a predator, this appears to be flashing light or even electricity that warns the predator to stay away and avoid contact.
The clam is able to reflect sunlight, or lights from a scuba diver's camera. This is an incredible and unique adaptation that is very effective as a survival tool. Nature provides many creatures of the ocean with the tools to create a defence. The variations of these mechanisms inspire awe and wonder. There are more mysteries in the ocean than we have answers for. We are only beginning to understand the complexity of life under the waves.
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Rare black giant manta ray drifts casually past scuba divers in Indonesia
Scuba divers in Indonesia were thrilled to see a school of giant manta rays drifting casually past them. But even more amazing was the fact that one of them was entirely black, except for a few white spots on its underbelly. These mantas typically have white underbellies and white markings on their backs. Referred to as melanism, it is highly unusual in marine species. In terrestrial animals, it is much more common. AN example is black panthers, which are actually jaguars with a colour differentiation. Although this phenomenon has been occurring more frequently in recent years, it is specific to manta rays. No other shark or ray species exhibits this melanism.
Scientists are fascinated with this development. Recent studies have revealed that there is a significant population of black mantas in Raja Ampat, Indonesia as well as Ecuador. The confusing part for researchers is that these two populations have shown up despite the great geographical distance between the two regions. This has produced more questions than answers.
Scientists have explored whether this colouration affects survival rates. There has been no evidence to suggest that predators are more or less likely to target black mantas.
Understanding melaism among manta rays will help scientists understand the migration and breeding habits of mantas as they explore the possibility that this trait has been spread because different manta ray populations are connected.
As we learn more about animals and about the world around us, we also learn how much we don't yet know.
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The unseen story behind rice, the world's most important food
Rice is the most commonly eaten food for half of the humans in the world, making up more than 20% of all calories consumed. It is eaten by almost all people of all cultures to some extent, and for many countries, it is a staple food that is relied upon for survival.
Affordable and easily stored, it is a popular food among those with less income. Ironically, it is also produced almost exclusively by workers who have less income as well. Indonesia is one of the top producers of the world's rice. Most of the rice consumed by North Americans comes from Indonesia, China, and India. Many of us eat it almost daily, yet we don't give much thought to the way it is grown and harvested.
This rice paddy in Bali is strikingly beautiful, especially when seen from the air. Terraces have been constructed on the hillside by making low walls to retain water. The terraces are flooded after the rice shoots are planted. Many people believe that rice needs this flooding to grow, but rice would grow just as well with wet soil that was not submerged. The flooding is done to control pests and prevent weeds from growing among the rice.
Workers harvest the rice by hand, working long hours, toiling in the hot sun. It is a labour intensive job and the pay is meager. The workers in Indonesia are usually not paid for their efforts. Instead, they are given a portion of the harvest. This means that they will have a considerable food supply, but they will also need to work elsewhere to earn an income. We pay only pennies per serving for our rice, creating a market that prevents workers receiving much compensation.
Rice is an excellent food source, but the plants absorb and retain a high concentration of arsenic in comparison with other crops. North America and many other countries regulate rice imports to limit concentrations to 100 parts per billion. China allows up to 150ppb, a much higher concentration of the carcinogen.
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Lion's breath is visible in the air as he roars his dominance
The lion is referred to as the king of beasts. On the African plain, he's the undisputed top carnivore. It can reach a weight of 143kg (315lbs) and is rivaled only by the tiger in terms of size. But tigers don't inhabit the plains and shrublands here in Africa and this lion is the apex predator. Muscular and shockingly powerful, this big cat can take down animals much larger than itself. Capable hunters, these animals primarily eat food that they have killed themselves, but they are also occasionally known to be scavengers, taking the kill of other animals.
Lions are social creatures, organized in groups called prides. A few males, along with several females form hunting packs and offer protection from other animals such as hyenas that will challenge lions who are found on their own. There is always one dominant, alpha male, usually the largest and strongest of the males in the pride.
This lion bellows out his claim for dominance as he walks along the edge of the grassland on a clear morning His breath hangs in the air as he roars and snorts, telling other lions in the area that he is there and that he will compete for the breeding and hunting rights in that area.
Culturally, the lion has been a symbol of strength and bravery, as this lion so adequately represents. As they stroll through their pride land, they have little to fear. This lion inspires awe as he makes his way through the grass.
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Variable fire urchin is a beautiful and venomous animal
This variable fire sea urchin is beautiful and colourful. It appears to be soft and feathery as it undulates across the coral or sandy bottom on which it lives, but touching it will pack a punch. Its spines are venomous on the tips and the result of touching this creature would be a painful, burning sensation. Contact can even result in nausea and illness.
Sea urchins are animals, even though they don't possess eyes or limbs like most animals. They are spherical and divided into 5 segments, much like a starfish. They wander over the bottom of the ocean, eating algae and small crustaceans.
These fire urchins were filmed in the waters of Komodo Island in Indonesia during a night dive The urchins are active at night and their movement and colour are mesmerizing. Roughly the size of a small dinner or side plate, these are among the larger sea urchins.
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Incredible footage of leopard caching his dinner from other predators
Leopards are among the top predators in Africa. But when they catch prey, like this deer, they still need to be careful. Lions, hyenas, and wild dogs will smell the kill and gather around, hoping to steal some of the food from the successful hunter.
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Drone films aftermath of party truck rollover in the ditch
This truck is a veritable party on wheels, delivering party supplies, casino games, inflatable play equipment, and other entertainment, the truck was on its way to an event near Toronto, Canada. But this party wagon isn't going to make it to the next party. The driver took an offramp from Highway 401, the longest and busiest highway in Canada. For no apparent reason, the truck entered the ditch on the right side and flipped over. The box cracked opened and some of the party supplies spilled out. The driver was pulled from the wreck and loaded on an ambulance, and then transported to the hospital. Police investigated and filed appropriate reports. Speculation at the scene was that the driver was inattentive due to distraction in the cab or that he fell asleep. Tire marks suggest that he realized there was a problem after leaving the road and that he tried a sudden and exaggerated correction, causing the truck to swing and flip. Injuries were not life threatening.
A drone that was launched to film a nearby property captured footage of the truck being flipped back onto its wheels and then towed from the ditch.
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Monkey Nonchalantly Saunters Across 4 Tourists' Laps In Indonesia
This monkey lives in a wonderful sanctuary known as the Monkey Forest in Ubud, on the Island of Bali in Indonesia. He's a brazen fellow who has become accustomed to the tourists here. The monkeys here are comfortable with tourists too and they enjoy a very good life. They are provided with food supplementation and veterinary care when needed. They have learned that the guides will give them a treat if they tug gently on the pants or shirts and then sit patiently.
But this cheeky monkey is so comfortable that he casually walks across the laps of four seated tourists to get to the other side of the wall on which they are seated.
The monkeys here will approach and move among the guests, delighting tourists and residents as they do so. You can tell by the reactions of these visitors that they are not sure exactly what to expect when this happens. They are charmed by the bold and saucy interaction and they laugh and joke at the monkey's nonchalance.
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Great Dane Puppy Trembles Over Duck Feather At Water's Edge
Raven is a big, brave Great Dane with a deep bark and big dog confidence, but when her humans took her for a hike in the woods, they watched her tremble at the sight of a feather floating at the edge of a pond. Raven runs free when they hike and she isn't afraid of much. She barks ferociously when she thinks something big is in the woods.
Dogs, even big ones like Raven can occasionally react with surprising fear at the oddest things. As she sniffed at the edge of this pond, her people watched curiously. They wondered if she smelled a beaver or a bear, but then they realized it was a few duck feathers floating on the surface of the water. Her hackles were up, her tail was tucked and she jumped as if startled.
It's hard not to laugh at a 160 pound scaredy cat like Raven. Once she figured out that there was no monster or ferocious beast lurking in the water, she relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the hike.
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Golden Retriever Puppy Discovers Her Love For Cranberry Picking
Golden retrievers are one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. Intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and fun-loving, these breeds capture the hearts of anyone who knows them. Aurora is a 6 month old puppy who is exploring at the cottage with her family. She has been left for the weekend with her "doggy grandparents" while her human Christian, is traveling. And spoiling puppies is the right of all doggy grandparents.
Aurora has been taken on hikes in the forest and for a boat ride to the family cottage. A tradition at this time of year is to pick cranberries from the flooded grassland at the side of the lake. Aurora has been invited along with Raven, the Great Dane.
Cranberry marshes are a delight for any water loving dog because they are shallow and perfect for bounding and splashing. The water is cold at this time of year, but the day is a surprisingly warm one for October and Aurora is thrilled to discover such a wonderful playground. Dave has a tub of berries and Aurora is adorably curious so he shows her what is in the tub. It shouldn't surprise him when Aurora snatches a few, but who would have guessed that a puppy would actually eat a tart cranberry? Aurora took an instant liking to them and she quickly learned that her family was picking them from the underwater shrubs. She stuck her nose in to get her share, as well as some that were floating on the surface. She munches happily and then bounds away to see what Raven is up to on the edge of the marsh.
Aurora is a beautiful soul with a loving personality. She delights her family as they share new experiences with her as often as they can.
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Monkey Politely Asks Guide For Food In Bali, Indonesia
This monkey lives in a wonderful sanctuary known as the Monkey Forest in Ubud, on the Island of Bali in Indonesia. He's a wise old soul who has become accustomed to the guides and the fact that they have food. Although the monkeys roam freely and wild, they are provided with food supplementation and veterinary care when needed. They have learned that the guides will give them a treat if they tug gently on the pants or shirts and then sit patiently.
As predicted, this guide reaches into his pocket and provides his little friend with a peanut. The monkey takes the peanut gently and then asks for another. The monkeys here will approach and move among the guests, delighting tourists and residents as they do so.
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This bizarre venomous fish actually walks more than it swims
This is the spiny devil fish. It is a bizarre fish in many ways. It can grow up to 25cm in length (10 inches) and although it is small in stature, it packs a serious wallop with its venomous spines.
Their colouration and texture closely matches the sea bed on which they are typically found. They are almost impossible to detect against the coral or rubble. In fact, the spiny devil fish has no known predators.
The most unusual aspect of this fish' behaviour is that it propels itself over the ocean floor using two rays on either side. These are part of the dorsal fins. The eyes, mouth and nostrils all project upwards, which is fitting since this animal rarely leaves the protection of the bottom. It is an ambush predator that will sit and wait until an unsuspecting meal swims with reach. It will quickly be inhaled as the devil fish lunges forward and gulps the fish in with lightning speed.
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World's largest lizard encountered in the wild on Komodo Island
Komodo dragons are the largest lizard in the world, growing to 3m in length (10 feet) and weighing up to 70kg (150lbs). They are powerful animals and capable hunters, possessing strong jaws, ferocious claws, and surprising strength and speed.
Although these dragons are rumoured to kill their prey with toxic saliva, the truth is that they attack with the intent to kill immediately. They do track prey if it escapes, but this is not their preferred means of hunting. Occasionally, animals die of blood loss or fatigue after injury and the Komodo dragon's keen sense allows it to track prey at a great distance. This contributes to the success of hunting following an attack, as well as to the myth of prey death due to sepsis.
A recent discovery on 2005 showed that the dragons do have mild venom which interferes with blood clotting. This would cause prey to die after otherwise non-lethal injuries. MRI examinations of Komodo dragons showed venom glands in the lower jaws of the animals. Toxic proteins in the glands not only inhibit blood clotting, but they also reduce blood pressure and cause muscle paralysis. Prey will suffer from hypothermia and shock as the result of a venomous bite.
Komodo dragons are fiercely competitive when it comes to mating rights, battling other males and pinning them to the ground. Even the female will fight to resist mating and the male struggles to restrain her to allow for successful intercourse. Mating pairs are often monogamous, which is very rare among lizards.
This Komodo dragon was observed wandering the woodlands of Komodo Island in Indonesia, one of the few islands in the world where these incredible lizards reside. This is a wild dragon that was resting under branches as he made his way through the forest. To witness a Komodo dragon in the wild is a rare and wonderful experience.
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Majestic wild giraffes spar for dominance in Africa
The African plain is home to some of the most majestic and beautiful animals in the world. These wild giraffes inhabit the grasslands of Kenya, a large country on the west side of Africa. Deep within the grasslands, a herd of giraffes grazes and wanders in the sunshine. Ever alert for predators, these animals are the tallest land dwellers and they have a vantage point that allows them to see lions and other big cats from that are a long way off. The giraffes spend their time contentedly roaming free.
But within the herd, there is a hierarchy that must be maintained. These young males, known as bulls, grow to nearly 6m (18 feet) in height and can weigh as much as 1500kg (3,600 lbs). They are giants and they are powerful. The bulls are constantly sizing each other up and reminding the others of who is in charge. When two mature males are present, the ensuing battle will often result on one of them leaving the herd.
These young bulls are just beginning to test each other. They swing their large heads and strike each other with their necks, or even their hooves. As they grow older and larger, the battles will become more serious. But, for now, this is no more than a minor scuffle with no injuries and little accomplished. These bouts will also help the giraffes to learn how to battle predators when the time comes.
Many herbivores rely on the safety of the herd and the ability to dissuade even the most determined lion. A strike with these antlers, or a well placed hoof could prove fatal for a cat. They will usually only attack a giraffe that seems exhausted or injured, or one who ventures too far from the others. A mother giraffe will ferociously defend her calf, often killing several lions, if needed.
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This ambush predator is a truly bizarre fish
Stargazers are aptly named for their fixed upward gaze, as if they are observing the constellations in the sky. In truth though, their eyes are fixed upward due to their method of hunting by lying burrowed into the sand, waiting for an unsuspecting fish to swim over their large mouths. The eyes of the stargazer are elevated in order to stick out of the sand as the fish hides the rest of its body.
Prey will eventually wander over the top of this larger fish, but the stargazer also has a small appendage in its mouth that acts as a lure to attract smaller fish close. The lure protrudes from the upturned mouth and wiggles like a worm or small eel. Unwary fish that come close for a snack will suddenly find that they, themselves are the snack.
Stargazers lunge forward with incredible speed and engulf their prey with their large mouths. Rows of razor sharp teeth can seize or sever a fish with ease. These same teeth are arranged in an interlocking fashion that prevents sand from entering the mouth of the stargazer as it breathes or lies still in the sand.
This stargazer moves over the ocean bottom, disguising itself in the loose sand with surprising quickness. A few wiggles are all it takes to create a burrow and a covering that looks like an undisturbed patch of sand. Except for the two motionless eyes, nothing is visible from above.
Aside from being capable ambush predators, the stargazer also has venomous spines and some species have the ability to deliver an electric shock. Used for hunting or for self defense, these traits provide the stargazer with a considerable chance of avoiding being eaten. It is often surprising what lurks in the ocean, unseen, and unnoticed. We are only beginning to understand the beautiful and bizarre creatures that call this their home.
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Monkey In Indonesia Pulls Hard On Tourist's Nose
This troop of monkeys lives in what is known as the Ubud Monkey Forest, situated in Pandangtegal, a village in Bali, Indonesia. This is a sanctuary where the monkeys live as they would in the wild. It is an important spiritual and conservation centre for the village. Thousands of tourists explore this forest each month, being given a chance to watch and possibly even interact with the monkeys on their own terms.
Kristy took a seat on a small brick wall and found that a few of the monkeys were as curious about her as she was about them. They began using her as a climbing toy to get a better vantage point to watch the tourists. One even pulled so hard on her nose that it appears he thought that it would come right off. Kristy was instructed by the guides to stand up at that point to end the interaction.
The tourism that occurs here supports maintenance and conservation of the sacred forest and sustains the village economically. Rare plants and animals thrive here, providing a sanctuary for more than just monkeys. The monkeys' food is supplemented, although much of their diet is obtained naturally within the forest.
The monkeys are long tailed macaques and they are generally friendly and playful animals that approach visitors curiously. They are still wild animals and should be treated respectfully, but there is no threat to people who do not try to handle them inappropriately.
For most people, a friendly encounter with such an adorable little primate is a dream come true. Perhaps the reason that we identify so well with monkeys is that they remind us of ourselves. With similar features and a similar social structure, they are a lot like we are.
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Zebras meet crocodile ambush as they cross river in Kenya
Crocodiles in Kenya are at the top of the food chain. They eat almost anything that they can catch, including large animals such as zebras and gazelles. Stealthy and cunning, they can remain motionless in water with only their eyes and nostrils above the surface. They patiently wait for animals to approach the water to drink, or to cross the river.
This herd of zebras was making their way across the plain, when they came to a river. They knew that they needed to cross, but most animals in Africa are wary of rivers, as they know that crocodiles lie in wait for any opportunity to snatch an animal from the banks. Even better if they can seize an animal in mid crossing. The first two zebras obviously see the crocs but they take their chances and the crocodiles seem unsure of what they should do. A zebra in the shallows is capable of delivering a powerful blow that could cause serious injury, even to a well armoured crocodile. Another zebra unbelievably survives after taking a path between two of the crocodiles. They make half-hearted lunges at the zebras but it doesn't seem that they get a proper bite.
One of the smaller zebras wades through deeper water and the advantage goes to the crocodiles in such a case, but he miraculously makes it past as well. It seems that the zebras benefit from a rapid crossing close on the heels of the zebra ahead. The water is murky and quick flowing, and the hooves of the zebra stir up the mud creating poor visibility. This makes it difficult for a crocodile to see the legs of its prey. Safety in numbers definitely seems to apply in this daring river crossing. All of the zebras lived through this incident.
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Gigantic manta rays pass right over thrilled scuba diver
Kristy has been scuba diving for 30 years, having dipped her fins in the waters of Belize, Mexico, Galapagos Islands, Cuba, Cayman Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. She is a seasoned diver who has met whale sharks, turtles, and many other creatures who call the ocean home. But until this moment, she had never had an encounter with a manta ray. It was on her bucket list to see these magnificent animals in the wild so she traveled to the island of Komodo in Indonesia.
Kristy drifted along with her camera, 20m (60 feet beneath the waves, watching white tipped reef sharks and sea turtles glide by. Suddenly, out of the blue, an enormous manta ray appeared and headed straight for her. It changed its course to meet her face on, as if curious about this clumsy human. Just before colliding with her, it slowly banked to the left and passed almost directly over here head. Kristy was given a close look at the underside of one of the world's most majestic animals. and to make things even better, the first manta ray was followed closely by a second. The trailing manta passed by almost as closely, leaving Kristy astonished and thrilled with the encounter.
Many scuba divers go their whole lives without seeing one of these rays. They are huge, sporting wingspans of up to 6m (18 feet). When fully grown, only large sharks and killer whales are a threat to these rays. They can swim very rapidly to escape predators. But manta rays have only one pup at a time, making it difficult for them to compensate for losses due to fishing. Unsubstantiated claims that their gill rakes have medicinal properties have made the manta a popular catch for the Chinese markets.
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Devoted Mother Monkey Uses Baby's Tail To Keep It Close To Her
This mother monkey keeps a close eye on her baby by hanging onto its tail. The troop lives in what is known as the Ubud Monkey Forest, situated in Pandangtegal, a village in Bali, Indonesia. This is a sanctuary where the monkeys live as they would in the wild. It is an important spiritual and conservation centre for the village. Thousands of tourists explore this forest each month, being given a chance to watch and possibly even interact with the monkeys on their own terms.
The tourism that occurs here supports maintenance and conservation of the sacred forest and sustains the village economically. Rare plants and animals thrive here, providing a sanctuary for more than just monkeys. The monkeys' food is supplemented, although much of their diet is obtained naturally within the forest.
These tourists were taking a break from the hike and a troop of curious monkeys came through where they were seated. The monkeys are long tailed macaques and they are generally friendly and playful animals that approach visitors curiously. They are still wild animals and should be treated respectfully, but there is no threat to people who do not try to handle them inappropriately.
This monkey climbs on Kristy and watches the guests as he explores her nose and face with his hands. He is as fascinated with the wide eyed people as they are with him. Eventually, a guide suggests that Kristy should stand up and walk away, ending the interaction with the monkey.
For most people, a friendly encounter with such an adorable little primate is a dream come true. Perhaps the reason that we identify so well with monkeys is that they remind us of ourselves. With similar features and a similar social structure, they are a lot like we are.
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Tiny Hummingbirds Trustingly Perch On Human Hand To Sip Nectar
Hummingbirds are among the smallest birds in the world. They are ornate and colourful, and truly beautiful to behold. They are tiny and frail with bones as thin as threads. They are among the smallest of the bird species. Their miniature bodies are fragile. And yet, these gorgeous little birds trustingly perch on the hand of this gigantic human to sip nectar from a tiny cup in his outstretched palm. Such a wonderful interaction with these birds is heart warming.
Hummingbirds are not only beautiful, they are also very fascinating. They have the highest metabolic rate of any warm blooded animal. They are able to enter a hibernation-like state during food scarcity or periods of rest to compensate for their lower caloric intake. During these times, their metabolism may be reduced to 1/15th its normal rate.
There are 360 species of hummingbird found throughout the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. All species eat insects, although their primary source of food is nectar which they sip from flowers with their specialized beaks and tongues.
Aptly named, hummingbirds make an audible humming sound as they hover, due to their rapid wingbeats. Some species flap their wings as many as 90 times per second. Swift flyers, they are also capable of reaching speeds up to 80km/h (50mph) during steep dives.
Interacting with nature and observing animals on their own terms is an unforgettable experience. Having such a tiny animal perch contentedly on your hand is something that warms the heart.
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Video reveals mysterious disappearing figure in background
While filming at the cottage for a "how to" video, this cameraman captured something unintentional and surprising. He was planning to create a short video about how to make a campfire treat (S'mores) on a Swedish stove. But when he looked thorough his video, he something in the background that caught his eye. What appears to be a person walking towards the beach can be seen. He's carrying something and all appears normal enough. Until the figure simply fades into nothing as quickly as he appeared.
There isn't an obvious explanation for this. This is a remote lake in Northern Ontario, but there have been stories and whispered tales for generations on this lake. People swear they have seen mysterious balls of lightning moving up the lake at just above the water level. Others claim to see canoes in the distance with figures that appear hazy before they fade into nothing. There have been many stories that connect these sightings with the fact that this lake was a popular area for nomadic indigenous people hundreds of years before.
Whatever the explanation, the appearance and disappearance of this person in the background will leave you guessing.
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Baby elephant adorably tries to eat leaves like his mother
This baby elephant lives free on the plains of Kenya, Africa. He's very young, and very small, compared with his mother and the other elephants in his herd. He follows them and watches so that he can learn from everything that they do. He cannot yet digest much of the food around him, but he tries to imitate his herd. In the end, he decides that the brush makes a great place to scratch. He will need the protection of the herd, as lions and hyenas also roam freely here, and either would consider such a young elephant to be an easy meal. But the grown elephants around him will not allow this to happen easily.
Baby elephants nurse milk from their mothers until they are old enough to graze and digest foliage. As adults, they eat only plants. African elephants are the largest land animals on earth. They grow rapidly to become massive and powerful, and formidable in their ability to defend themselves. But for now, this adorable little fellow will stick close and learn from his elders.
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