Monthly Archives: March 2015

Addax

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Addax (Addax nasomaculatus)

  • Antelope that lives in the Sahara Desert
  • Stands just over 3 feet tall (91 cm) and weigh around 200 pounds (91 kg)
  • Long horns have up to 3 twists
  • Moves through desert in herds of 5-20
  • Greyish-brown coat in winter months, changing to mostly white or sandy blonde in summer
  • Feeds on grasses and leaves
  • Conservation Status (IUCN): Critically Endangered

 

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Black-Tailed Prairie Dog

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Black-Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys lucovicianus)

  • Social rodent native to the western area of North America
  • Measure about 15 inches (38 cm) in length and weigh about 3 pounds (1.4 kg)
  • Live in communities with other prairie dogs
  • Use a sophisticated system of vocal communication to warn of specific predators
  • Do not hibernate and are diurnal
  • Diet consists of green vegetation and occasional insects
  • Homes are deep burrows which are bedded with leaves and grass
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern

 

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Aldabra Tortoise

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Aldabra Tortoise (Geochelone gigantea)

  • Native to the Aldabra Atoll islands in the Indian Ocean
  • The second largest tortoise in the world
  • Male tortoise averages 550 lb (250 kg) and is 4 feet (120 cm) in length
  • Female tortoise averages 330 lb (150 kg) and 3 feet (90 cm) in length
  • Eat grasses, leaves, and vegetables
  • Has an average lifespan of 80 years, but some have lived 200 years
  • Conservation Status (IUCN): Vulnerable

 

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Reticulated Giraffe

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Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata)

  • The tallest of all land animals – males can grow as tall as 18 feet (5.5 meters)
  • Can weigh up to 3000 pounds (1360 kg)
  • Can run at speeds of up to 35 miles (56 km) per hour
  • Native to Eastern Africa
  • Have excellent eyesight and hearing
  • Feeds off treetops – eating fruits, leaves, seedpods and pine-like needles
  • Tongues can be as long as 18 inches (46 cm)
  • Conservation Status (IUCN): Endangered

 

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