Exotic Animal Newsflash:

Flag of Papua New Guinea

Scientists from the United States, Great Britain and Papua New Guinea stumbled upon one of the greatest wildlife discoveries ever.

They identified 40 new species of animal never before scientifically recorded in a 1 km deep volcanic crater on Mt. Bosavi in Papua New Guinea.

Among these amazing finds were a species of fanged frog, possibly the largest rat species in the world (Bosavi woolly rat) that had absolutely no fear of humans, the Henamo grunter (a grunting fish that makes noises from it’s swim bladder), a new bat, 2 other fish species, and 15 other frog species.

Animals of the world’s rain forests are proving to be extremely diverse and unique, especially ones that have been in any type of isolation. In this particular area, this crater is 4 km wide and 1 km deep with a volcano that hasn’t erupted 200,000 years ago.

In this “Lost World” there are no big cats or monkeys as the top predators. Instead, at the top of the food chain are giant monitor lizards.

Kangaroos have adapted to living in the trees. Another new species, the Bosavi silky cuscus is a marsupial creature that lives up trees and eats fruits and leaves, had no fear of humans either and came right down to sit on one of the scientists shoulders.

Currently, the rainforest of Papua New Guinea is being destroyed at an alarming rate of 3.5% per year! It’s truly time to stop this destruction to save such endangered species that are not found anywhere else on Earth.

* For more information on this scientific discovery, check out: Lost world of fanged frogs and giant rats discovered in Papua New Guinea

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I hope you enjoyed this Indonesian Animal post on Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. For more information on the amazing scenery and wildlife of Papua New Guinea, check this out:

Lonely Planet Bushwalking in Papua New Guinea (Lonely Planet Bushwalking in Papua New Guinea) Lonely Planet Bushwalking in Papua New Guinea (Lonely Planet Bushwalking in Papua New Guinea)

Technorati Tags: fanged frog, Papua New Guinea, bushwalking, Mt. Bosavi, Bosavi Crater, woolly rat, grunting fish, Henamo grunter, rainforest, rainforest animals, new species, scientific discovery

News of a Fanged Frog and Other New Species in Papua New Guinea is a post from: Exotic Animal Lover

Many of the world’s most endangered animals also hail from the Amazon…

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Amazon Rainforest Animals by Lucien Oliveira

Most of the world’s rainforests are located in Central and South America, West and Central Africa, and Southeast Asia. They are very wet areas near the equator that give true meaning to the expression “world of abundance”, an expression that reflects on the variety of rainforest animals. Brazil holds 30% of all tropical rainforests that remain on Earth, and they are represented by Amazonia.

The Amazon rainforest animals are part of a big ecosystem sustained by an incredible amount of trees and other plants. Almost every inch is covered with vegetation. Amazonia has 427 species of mammals, 1294 species of birds, 378 of reptiles, 427 amphibians, and 3,000 fish. Among the mammals we can find the jaguar, an incredibly agile animal with a powerful bite, giant otters, the pink dolphin, also called “boto” by the natives, which is one of the three species of dolphins on Earth that live on freshwater, sloths (large and slow moving animals), armadillos, the peculiar tamandua, or anteater, tapirs, which are active mostly at night, manatees – the Amazon species is exclusively vegetarian and also one of the three manatee species in the world, etc. However, the majority of mammals are rodents and bats.

Among the birds, there is the harpy eagle, a great hunter that eats practically all species of mammals found in the Amazon rainforest, even monkeys. Other examples are the toucan, a colorful bird that is the symbol of Amazonia, the hoatzin, a unique bird with a small head and a long neck, hummingbirds, which are quite small and very hyperactive, and many other colorful, pretty birds. Among the reptiles, we can find the famous boa, which has a unique way of killing their prey: they wrap around the prey suffocating it and crashing its bones in order to be able to swallow it as a whole. Crocodiles, alligators, and turtles are also present in the rainforest.

The amphibians are mainly toads, frogs, and tree frogs. For example, the dart poison frog and the giant cane toad, which has got a strong poison that is enough to kill small animals. Among the fish, there is the famous red piranha, a carnivore fish that is known for its voracious appetite, the feared electric eel, and the Pirarucu, which is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. This amazing fish can weigh up to 150 kg.

These are the most famous rainforest animals in Amazonia, but, crawling around, there are an immense amount of insects. You can find cockroaches as big as the palm of your hand, Rhinoceros beetles and their peculiar horn, Morpho butterflies with their astonishing deep blue wings, and also termites and ants, such as the leaf-cutter ant with its massive, strong jaw. No matter where you look, you will find enchanting and interesting species. After all, that is what rainforests represent: a universe of blooming life.

Lucien Oliveira is a freelance writer with strong interest nature, wildlife and animals. You can find more about wildlife, animals and geographic national. Read more about wildlife portraits.

Article Directory: Article Dashboard

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I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards ;D

P.S. To learn more about the Amazonian Rain Forest, check out this informative book:

Discovering the Amazon Rain Forest Discovering the Amazon Rainforest

Technorati Tags: geographic national, wildlife portraits, endangered animals, animal endangered, rainforest animals, jaguar, harpy eagle, rhinoceros beetle, poison dart frog

Majestic Animals of the Amazonian Rainforest is a post from: Exotic Animal Lover

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Amphibia

Photo above: Green Tree Frog

Some of the orders and subclasses of Amphibians are:
Order Temnospondyli – extinct
Subclass Lepospondyli – extinct
Subclass Lissamphibia
Order Anura
Order Caudata
Order Gymnophiona

* Neat Fact: Most interesting is the fact that amphibians breath through their skin!

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Tips on Buying an Amphibian for a Pet
By Katie Gee

So you are in the market for a pet frog, toad or salamander and you are wondering what your first step should be? We can spell it out in one word: RESEARCH. Because there are literally thousands of amphibians to chose from, before purchasing one you need decide which one is going to work best for you.

Photo right: Spotted Salamander

If you are thinking that an amphibian would make a great pet because they are low maintenance, think again. Some require specific temperatures, amounts of light, water among other things. So, you need to be sure that you are going to be able to give your new pet everything they need to be healthy and happy. Many require fresh food daily, so you can’t just throw in some insects for them to eat and go away for a three day weekend. You need to make sure that someone will be able to look after their dietary needs while you are gone.

We suggest that you begin to look at pictures of toads, frogs and amphibians on line, pick the ones that catch your interest and then begin doing research on them. This way you are getting one that is pleasing to your eye and fits into your lifestyle.

After you have chosen the amphibian you like, begin to research stores where they are sold. First, you want to make sure that it is legal to have the amphibian you want. It is actually against the law to own or sell certain types of amphibians. You want to make sure that you are buying from a reputable seller.

While we don’t discourage from buying online as there are many reputable sellers online, we do encourage you to check out local pet stores as well. If you have any problems, need additional information or supplies for you new pet, they are close by and you can get supplies when you need them instead of having to wait for delivery.

Photo left: Adult Painted Toad

We also suggest you your plans for your new pet by a local Veterinarian. The Vet might have some helpful suggestions as to where to you can buy your pet and what will keep him healthy. Some cities have Veterinarian offices that specialize in amphibians and reptiles, which would be a great resource for you.

Now that you have these tips to get you started, it’s time for you to start researching your pet amphibian possibilities. With so many to choose from, you should have to problem finding the right pet for you. What are you waiting for? Start your research today.

For more information on Anphibians visit our site at http://www.myanphibians.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katie_Gee
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-on-Buying-an-Amphibian-for-a-Pet&id=150603

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I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Looking for a good suggestion as to what Amphibious or Reptilian pet is for you? Well, here is a fantastic book outlining just that! Only $7.57…Check it out here:

The 25 Best Reptile & Amphibian Pets Looking for some great advice and ideas on your next amphibian or reptile pet?

Technorati Tags: pet, amphibian pet, reptile, scaly pet, exotic pet, exotic animal, toad, salamander, frog, unusual pets, amphibious

Which Amphibian Is Best For You To Adopt? is a post from: Exotic Animal Lover

Utah officials are alerted to the fact that there are bullfrogs inhabiting a pond on a golf course in Roosevelt, Utah and are really in a hurried state.

Native to the Eastern United States, bullfrogs have contributed to the decline of native species in the Western United States, and it has been deemed illegal to transport or possess a bullfrog in Utah.

Tipped by a golfer, biologists determined that the species was, in fact, populating the pond.

Bullfrogs are ruthless predators, making prey of snakes, lizards, frogs, toads, crustaceans, worms, salamanders, insects…even small mammals. They could very well eat Utah right out of their endangered native populations, and cause other species to become threatened.

Living as long as 9 yrs in the wild, they have contributed to the decline of Arizona’s leopard frog among other frogs, toads and salamanders in California.

Not only were they found at this golf course, but a biologist spotted one in the Uinta Mountains. Not a good sign for native populations of American bullfrog prey! (Photo right: Southern Leopard Frog)

To read more on this story: Utah officials alarmed over bullfrogs

Bullfrogs can grow up to be 8″ wide and up to 1.5 lbs, and can eat

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Ranidae
Genus: Lithobates
Species: L. catesbeianus

With regards to their Conservation Status, they are considered to be a species of Least Concern.

I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Exotic Animal Lover. Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Here is a great, Free Frog Screensaver I found for your computer! Check it out here:

Frogs – eNature We all love them, eNature loves them even more. Get your amphibians in rotation with this parade of tailless, web-footed cuties.

Technorati Tags: frog, American bullfrog, bullfrog, frog screensaver, animal news, Utah, leopard frog, Uinta Mountains, unusual pet, amphibian, North American animal

Bullfrogs Bullying Their Way Around Utah is a post from: Exotic Animal Lover