June 26/2024

 

Rhesus Macaque Monkey Facts, Pictures & Interesting Information

by Active Wild Admin

activewild.com

6/ 26/ 2023

The Rhesus macaque is a primate belonging to the Old World monkey family. Found in Asia, this common & wide-ranging species inhabits a larger area than any other non-human primate.

Rhesus Macaque Key Facts

Other name(s): Rhesus monkey

Scientific Name: Macaca mulatta

Order: Primates

Family: Cercopithecidae

Height: Approximately 0.5 meters (1.64 feet) tall when fully grown & standing

Weight: Males typically weigh between 7.7-11.7 kg (17-26 lb), while females typically weigh between 5.3-9.1 kg (12-20 lb)

Where Found: native to South, Central, & Southeast Asia.

Habitat: occupies a great diversity of altitudes & habitats, from grasslands to arid & forested areas, as well as human towns and cities.

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Rhesus Monkey Fun Facts

The rhesus macaque is found across a wider area than any other nonhuman primate.

A rhesus macaque named Sam was sent to the edge of space in NASA’s Little Joe 2 spacecraft. After reaching an altitude of 55 miles, Sam returned to Earth & was recovered unharmed. He was one of several rhesus macaques to have been used in space flight research.

The Rhesus factor, or Rh factor, of human blood is named after the rhesus macaque. Humans who have a particular antigen are referred to as Rh or rhesus positive, while those who lack it are Rh or rhesus negative. In the 1930s & 1940s, experiments conducted on rhesus monkeys led to the discovery of the Rhesus factor.

Rhesus Macaque

The Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) is a primate in the Old World monkey family, Cercopithecidae. It inhabits a broad range crossing South, Central, & Southeast Asia, making it the (nonhuman) primate with the widest geographic spread.

This adaptable species is able to thrive in a diverse range of habitats, including grasslands, forests, & arid regions.

The rhesus macaque is also often commonly found in towns & cities, including the Indian cities of Delhi, Jaipur, & Varanasi.

The rhesus macaque is highly social, living in groups with a clear hierarchical structure, & communication between individuals is complex & involves both vocalizations & physical gestures. The species is diurnal (active during the day), & spends time both on the ground & in trees.

The Rhesus Macaque often comes into conflict with humans due to its tendency to raid crops & inhabit urban areas. In some areas it is considered a pest due to its crop-raiding behavior, & in cities it can occasionally be aggressive towards humans.

Rhesus Macaques are often used as model organisms (organisms used in place of other organisms) in research, given their physiological & genetic similarity to humans. A number of crucial discoveries in medicine & psychology have been made as a result of studying the species.

Physical Description

The Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta), also known as the rhesus monkey, is a medium-sized primate with a robust & agile body. It exhibits significant sexual dimorphism (difference between male & female) in its size, with males generally being larger & heavier than females.

On average, an adult male measures about 53 cm in length & weighs between 7.7-11.7 kg, while an adult female measures around 47 cm & weighs between 5.3-9.1 kg.

The color of the Rhesus Macaque's fur varies from light brown to grey, with a pink or light-brown face that is typically bereft of fur. The face is characterized by close-set, round eyes & a prominent muzzle. The arms & legs are of about equal length. The tail is medium in length & while not prehensile (able to grip) is often used for balance.

The Rhesus Macaque has a very expressive face, which is an important aspect of the species’ complex social interactions. Like most Old World monkeys, it has a dental formula of 2:1:2:3.

Rhesus Macaque Family & Related Species

The Rhesus Macaque is a member of the order Primates, & is part of the family Cercopithecidae, also known as the Old World monkeys.

The Old World monkey family is the largest of the primate families, containing over 138 species divided into 19 genera.

In addition to the 23 currently-recognized macaque species, the family is home to species such as baboons, mandrills, & colobus monkeys.

Macaques

Macaques are a diverse & adaptable group of Old World monkeys that make up the genus Macaca. Currently, 23 species of macaque are recognized. They are spread across Asia, North Africa, & (in one instance) Gibraltar.

Macaques are known for their intelligence & complex social structures, often living in large groups with clear hierarchies. Notable for their high adaptability, they can be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from snow-covered mountains to dense rainforests, & often thrive near human settlements.

Examples of macaques include: the bonnet macaque, the crab-eating macaque (also known as the long-tailed macaque), Tibetan macaque (the largest macaque), the Japanese macaque (also known as the snow monkey) & the Barbary macaque (the only monkey found in the wild in Europe).

Where Is The Rhesus Macaque Found? Range & Habitat

The Rhesus Macaque inhabits a broad range in South, Central, & Southeast Asia. No other primate other than humans is found across a wider area.

The species’ natural habitats are diverse & include grasslands, high mountains, & forests that span Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Southeast Asia, & China.

The Rhesus Macaque is often seen in urban & suburban environments, living in close proximity to humans. In many Indian cities, for example, the monkey is a common sight in temples, parks, & even residential areas.

Indian cities in which the rhesus macaque is resident include Delhi, Jaipur, & Varanasi, among others.

The Rhesus Macaque has also been introduced to other parts of the world. A well-known colony resides in Silver Springs State Park in Florida, USA, after being introduced there in the 1930s. These monkeys have occasionally been sighted in the nearby urban areas.

What Does The Rhesus Monkey Eat? Diet & Foraging

Rhesus Macaques are omnivorous, possessing a flexible & diverse diet that allows them to thrive in a wide variety of habitats. They consume a range of foods including fruits, grass, leaves, roots, bark, & flowers, as well as insects, small animals & bird eggs.

The rhesus macaque has special cheek pouches in which it can store food for later consumption.

Soil eating (geophagy) is common among rhesus monkeys (source) – this may be to supplement the monkey’s mineral intake, or to aid digestion.

Researchers found that members of the introduced rhesus monkey colony in Florida’s Silver Springs State Park would consume eggs taken from bird nests. 

Is The Rhesus Macaque Endangered?

The Rhesus Macaque is not endangered. At the time of writing, the species’ IUCN conservation status is “Least Concern” (June 2023). This is due to the species' wide distribution, adaptability to a variety of habitats, & large population size.

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June 19/2024

 

How Long Can You Leave Your Cat Home Alone?

By Steve Milano, MSJ, CPRW

6/ 28/ 2021

Because no one has conducted an authoritative study on cat loneliness, no one knows the exact effects of leaving a cat alone for extended periods, according to Psychology Today. If you're considering taking a trip & wondering how long you can leave your pet alone, you must consider 2 factors: the physical & psychological issues that will arise.

Will you be having someone stop by each day, or every other day, to change your cat's water & food & make sure the home is at the right temperature? Will you be leaving the cat free to roam the house unattended for a week or more with no social contact or entertainment?

Using your cat's personality as a guide (is it a younger cat who prefers to spend time on the couch or bed with you, or an older cat who barely notices you?), you can decide if, how, & how long you should leave your cat unattended.

Your cat's needs

One perception people have about cats is that they're totally independent & that we need their companionship more than they need ours. While there may be no animal studies that provide information on cat loneliness, many experts, like Dr. Marci L. Koski, owner of Feline Behavior Solutions & a certified feline behavior consultant, agree that cats can come to miss their owners & interaction with other animals (human or otherwise) after extended periods.

Use your cat's regular greeting as an indication of how long you might be able to leave it alone. For example, if your cat runs to greet you each night you come home from work, it might miss you & want your attention & companionship. If you come home & have to go room to room yelling your cat's name before you find her, that's an indication that your cat is fine being left on its own.

Home alone cats

We know they like having us around, but how long can you leave a cat alone without stressing it too much? 3 months? One month? A few days? Again, it's all based on the opinions of animal experts, but without clinical research to pinpoint an answer. Is your cat clingy & sticks close to you? That could be a sign it won't do well when you're away more than a workday.

How are the physical surroundings? A new cat getting used to its home might have more difficulty getting used to grandfather clocks, AC units, & other recurring noises. Older cats will be more comfortable alone for longer periods than young pets. These are questions you must address when deciding if can you leave a cat alone for a week or other extended period of time.

The time of year can also play a role in how long you can leave your cat alone. If you live in a climate that requires you to use a heater in the winter & AC during other months, that can change the humidity in the house. Cats need to stay adequately hydrated in order to keep their fur & skin healthy.

Experiment with a humidifier during the winter months to see how your cat responds. Using a bubbling water bowl can encourage cats to drink more. These bowls circulate water, keeping it more attractive (dust doesn't collect on top of the water), & the gurgling noise reminds cats of the outdoors.

Be aware that if you've recently started working from home when you used to be gone all day, this can change your cat's perception of your relationship. If you're home all day, leaving only for a few hours at a time, your cat might get used to this pattern & believe it is the new normal for its home.

If you decide to take a 3-day weekend, or even just stay out overnight, this might send a signal to the cat that something's changed. If you're working from home now & need to be out for the day, check out how your cat greets you when you get home. If it suddenly runs to the door (when it normally doesn't do this), it might be a sign the cat was concerned. This might be a good indication that you'll want to have someone check in on your cat if you'll be out for a couple of days or more.

Cats can suffer separation anxiety

Dogs aren't the only ones that suffer from separation anxiety when they see you pull out your suitcase. This should come as no surprise to true feline aficionados since they know cats are creatures of habit & are easily thrown off by changes in their environments.

Other signs include excessive meowing, lack of appetite, & increased self-grooming. Spending a few days away won't harm your cat, but any longer & you should consider entrusting someone to go to your place to care for & interact with your cat on a daily basis until you get back.

Your cat probably won't acknowledge your presence when you do get back home, but rest assured, she missed you, too. Take into consideration how long you've had the cat & its age. Younger cats or recently adopted pets might be more anxious to see you than an older, long-term companion.

Look for patterns before you make any judgments. Just because a cat runs up to you immediately on your way home from work tonight doesn't mean this is regular behavior. Just because your cat doesn't greet you after you've been out for only a few hours doesn't mean it will be fine if you leave for a day or 2.

Finally, remember that any human companion, even that of a professional pet sitter or neighbor, can calm a cat. Your pet might not even come to greet the visitor or caretaker & might even run under the bed when a stranger comes over, but sensing that someone is changing its water & food & hearing its name called lets the cat know it hasn't been abandoned.

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June 12/2024

 

Types Of Dolphins: List Of All Dolphin Species, Pictures & Facts Part 2

by Active Wild Admin

6/29/2023 

Irrawaddy Dolphin

Scientific Name: Orcaella brevirostris

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 2.3 to 2.6 meters (7.5 to 8.5 feet)

Weight: 90 to 200 kg (198 to 440 lbs)

Where found: Shallow, near-shore tropical & subtropical marine waters of Southeast Asia, & in 3 large rivers: the Ayeyarwady in Myanmar, the Mahakam in Indonesian Borneo, & the Mekong.

Conservation status: Vulnerable

The Irrawaddy Dolphin has a rounded body with a high & rounded forehead, & lacks a beak. Its color is uniformly slate blue to slate gray. It is found in coastal areas, & will also enter freshwater habitats. Although sometimes called the Irrawaddy river dolphin, it belongs to the oceanic dolphin family, Delphinidae.

Killer Whale (Orca)

Scientific Name: Orcinus orca

Family: Delphinidae

Length: Up to 9.6 meters in males, up to 7 meters in females (31.5 feet in males, 23 feet in females)

Weight: Up to 6 tons in males, up to 4 tons in females (13,227 lbs in males, 8,818 lbs in females)

Where found: Distributed across global oceans, from Arctic & Antarctic regions to tropical seas

Conservation status: Data Deficient

Known for its distinctive black & white coloring, the killer whale, or orca, is the largest species of dolphin. It has a heavy & robust body & a large dorsal fin.

The killer whale is an apex predator with no predators of its own. It hunts fish & marine mammals. The species is highly social & often travels in family groups which can contain up to 4 generations.

Long-Finned Pilot Whale

Scientific Name: Globicephala melas

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 5.5 to 7.5 meters (18 to 25 feet)

Weight: 1,300 to 2,300 kg (2,866 to 5,070 lbs)

Where found: Both northern & southern hemispheres, in temperate & sub-polar areas

Conservation status: Least Concern

The long-finned pilot whale is a large dolphin species distinguished by its long, sickle-shaped pectoral fins & bulbous forehead. Its body is dark, usually black or very dark gray, with lighter patches on the throat & belly.

This species inhabits both open & coastal waters of the cooler regions of the Southern Hemisphere & the North Atlantic Ocean.

The long-finned pilot whale has been subject to mass strandings on beaches, the cause of which remains largely unknown. It also faces threats from hunting in some regions & incidental capture in fishing gear.

Melon-Headed Whale

Scientific Name: Peponocephala electra

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 2.5 to 2.75 meters (8.2 to 9.0 feet)

Weight: 200 to 300 kg (440 to 660 lbs)

Where found: Tropical oceans worldwide

Conservation status: Least Concern

Despite its name, the melon-headed whale is actually a dolphin. It has a somewhat conical, beak-less head (from which it gets its name) with a body that tapers to a narrow tail. It is typically dark gray with lighter undersides.

The melon-headed whale is highly social, forming pods that often contain several hundreds of individuals. The largest melon-headed whale pods contain up to 2,000 individuals.

Northern Right Whale Dolphin

Scientific Name: Lissodelphis borealis

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 2.1 to 3 meters (6.9 to 9.8 feet)

Weight: 100 to 150 kg (220 to 330 lbs)

Where found: North Pacific Ocean

Conservation status: Least Concern

The northern right whale dolphin is sleek & slender with a distinctive black & white pattern. It lacks a dorsal fin, which gives it a unique, smooth profile.

The species is often found in large groups. It is a fast swimmer that feeds on small fish & squid.

Pacific White-Sided Dolphin

Scientific Name: Lagenorhynchus obliquidens

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 1.9 to 2.5 meters (6.2 to 8.2 feet)

Weight: 150 to 200 kg (330 to 440 lbs)

Where found: North Pacific Ocean, from Japan to California

Conservation status: Least Concern

The Pacific white-sided dolphin has a dark gray body with a white underside & distinctive gray stripes on the sides. Its snout is short & its dorsal fin tall & hooked.

It lives in groups containing 10 to 100 individuals, & is known to take care of sick or injured members of its group.

Pantropical Spotted Dolphin

Scientific Name: Stenella attenuata

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 1.8 to 2.7 meters (5.9 to 8.9 feet)

Weight: 80 to 130 kg (176 to 286 lbs)

Where found: Warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, & Indian Oceans

Conservation status: Least Concern

Pantropical spotted dolphins have a slender body with a distinct dark dorsal cape, spots covering their light gray or white sides, & a dark eye ring. They are highly social &  often seen leaping & riding the bow waves of boats.

The pantropical spotted dolphin is one of the world’s most abundant dolphin species.

Peale's Dolphin

Scientific Name: Lagenorhynchus australis

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 2.1 to 2.5 meters (6.9 to 8.2 feet)

Weight: 115 to 130 kg (253 to 286 lbs)

Where found: Waters around the Falkland Islands & the southern tip of South America

Conservation status: Least Concern

Peale's dolphin has a robust body, a short beak, & is dark gray to black in color, with white patches around its flippers & on its tail. It is also known as the black-chinned dolphin.

Peale's dolphin lives in small pods & is occasionally seen with other dolphins, including Commerson's dolphin.

Pygmy Killer Whale

Scientific Name: Feresa attenuata

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 2.1 to 2.6 meters (6.9 to 8.5 feet)

Weight: 110 to 170 kg (243 to 375 lbs)

Where found: Tropical & subtropical oceans worldwide

Conservation status: Least Concern

The pygmy killer whale is a small, dark dolphin with a rounded head & no beak. It has a falcate (hooked or curved like a sickle) dorsal fin & long, pointed flippers. Despite its name, it is not closely related to the killer whale.

Risso's Dolphin

Scientific Name: Grampus griseus

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 2.6 to 4 meters (8.5 to 13.1 feet)

Weight: 300 to 500 kg (661 to 1,102 lbs)

Where found: Temperate & tropical oceans worldwide

Conservation status: Least Concern

Risso's Dolphins have a robust body with a unique creased forehead, a tall dorsal fin, & a dark gray body covered in extensive white scarring. They feed almost exclusively on squid & are known for their deep diving abilities.

Rough-Toothed Dolphin

Scientific Name: Steno bredanensis

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 2.1 to 2.9 meters (6.9 to 9.5 feet)

Weight: 100 to 150 kg (220 to 330 lbs)

Where found: Tropical & subtropical oceans worldwide

Conservation status: Least Concern

Rough-toothed Dolphins are named for the distinctive ridges on their teeth. They have a slim body, a long beak, a tall dorsal fin, & a dark gray color with lighter patches. They are typically found in deep offshore waters & feed on fish & squid.

Short-Finned Pilot Whale

Scientific Name: Globicephala macrorhynchus

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 3.6 to 6.7 meters (12 to 22 feet)

Weight: 1,000 to 3,000 kg (2,204 to 6,613 lbs)

Where found: Tropical & temperate oceans worldwide

Conservation status: Least Concern

Similar to the long-finned pilot whale but with shorter fins, shorter beak, & fewer teeth, the short-finned pilot whale has a round forehead, bulbous melon, & a dark gray to black body.

Like its long-finned cousin, the short-finned pilot whale is prone to mass stranding events.

Southern Right Whale Dolphin

Scientific Name: Lissodelphis peronii

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 2.2 to 3 meters (7.2 to 9.8 feet)

Weight: 100 to 150 kg (220 to 330 lbs)

Where found: Cold waters of the Southern Hemisphere

Conservation status: Least Concern

Similar in appearance to its northern counterpart, the southern right whale dolphin has a streamlined body, a small fluke, & lacks a dorsal fin. It is generally black with a white belly & throat, & is known to be a very active & fast swimmer.

Spinner Dolphin

Scientific Name: Stenella longirostris

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 1.2 to 2.3 meters (3.9 to 7.5 feet)

Weight: 55 to 75 kg (121 to 165 lbs)

Where found: Tropical oceans worldwide

Conservation status: Least Concern

Spinner Dolphins are known for their acrobatic displays, often leaping & spinning out of the water. This behavior may be a form of communication, or a means to remove parasites (or both). They have slim bodies, a long thin beak, & most have a distinctive tri-color pattern with a dark gray dorsal area, a light gray middle, & white or light gray undersides.

Striped Dolphin

Scientific Name: Stenella coeruleoalba

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 1.8 to 2.6 meters (5.9 to 8.5 feet)

Weight: 100 to 140 kg (220 to 308 lbs)

Where found: Tropical & warm temperate waters worldwide

Conservation status: Least Concern

Striped dolphins have a slender, streamlined body with a prominent beak & a dark bluish-gray color on their back, light gray on their sides, & a characteristic blue & white striped pattern along their flanks. The species lives in large groups that may contain thousands of individuals.

Tucuxi

Scientific Name: Sotalia fluviatilis

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 1.5 to 1.8 meters (4.9 to 5.9 feet)

Weight: 40 to 60 kg (88 to 132 lbs)

Where found: Coastal waters, estuaries, & rivers of the Amazon & Orinoco basins in South America

Conservation status: Endangered

The tucuxi is a small dolphin with a stocky body, a rounded head, & a prominent beak. It is dark gray to black in color with lighter undersides.

Despite being a member of the oceanic dolphin family, the tucuxi is only found in freshwater habitats. It inhabits the Amazon River Basin in South America.

The tucuxi is occasionally observed with the Amazon river dolphin, but the 2 species are unrelated.

White-Beaked Dolphin

Scientific Name: Lagenorhynchus albirostris

Family: Delphinidae

Length: 3.3 meters (10.8 feet)

Weight: 200 to 350 kg (440 to 770 lbs)

Where found: Cold-temperate waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, including the coasts of Iceland, Greenland, & parts of Europe

Conservation status: Least Concern

As its name suggests, the white-beaked dolphin typically has a white beak, although this is less noticeable in some individuals. It is found in cold northerly waters.

Amazon River Dolphin

Scientific Name: Inia geoffrensis

Family: Iniidae

Length: 1.5 to 2.5 meters (4.9 to 8.2 feet)

Weight: 85 to 160 kg (187 to 352 lbs)

Where found: Amazon River & its tributaries in South America

Conservation status: Endangered

The Amazon River dolphin, also known as the pink river dolphin or boto, has a unique appearance, with some individuals having an almost entirely pink-gray color.

The species’ neck vertebrae are unfused, allowing it to turn its head 90 degrees. This adaptation allows the dolphin to turn in tight circles, helping it to maneuver through flooded forests.

Baiji

Scientific Name: Lipotes vexillifer

Family: Lipotidae

Length: Up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet)

Weight: 110 to 170 kg (243 to 375 lbs)

Where found: Yangtze River in China

Conservation status: Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct)

The baiji, also known as the Yangtze River Dolphin, was a freshwater dolphin found in China’s Yangtze river system.

No confirmed sightings of the baiji have been made since 2002, & it is likely that the species is now extinct.

The baiji had a distinctive long, narrow beak & was light gray to bluish in color. Its vision was poor, & it relied on echolocation to navigate the murky waters of the Yangtze.

Franciscana

Scientific Name: Pontoporia blainvillei

Family: Pontoporiidae

Length: 1.4 to 1.7 meters (4.6 to 5.6 feet)

Weight: Up to 50 to 55 kg (110 to 121 lbs)

Where found: Coastal waters of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, particularly around Argentina, Brazil, & Uruguay

Conservation status: Vulnerable

The franciscana, also known as La Plata dolphin, has a slender body, a rounded head, & a long beak. It has a grayish back, fading to a lighter shade on the sides & belly. Although a river dolphin, it is typically found close to the shore in coastal waters, or in estuaries.

South Asian River Dolphin(s)

Scientific Name: Platanista gangetica

Family: Platanistidae

Length: 2 to 2.5 meters (6.6 to 8.2 feet)

Weight: 70 to 90 kg (154 to 198 lbs)

Where found: Rivers of the Indian subcontinent, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, & Indus River systems

Conservation status: Endangered

The South Asian river dolphin has a long, slender body & a long beak with sharp teeth. It is grayish-brown in color with a lighter underside.

Having evolved in murky river water, the South Asian river dolphin has no use for acute eyesight. As a result, its eyes are undeveloped & it is virtually blind. It navigates & hunts instead using its highly-developed sonar system.

Research carried out in 2021 suggests that the Ganges river dolphin & the Indus river dolphin, previously believed to be subspecies of the South Asian river dolphin, are separate species.

Many authorities now recognize this change, with the Ganges river dolphin taking the scientific name Platanista gangetica, & the Indus river dolphin having the scientific name Platanista minor. Both of the newly-recognized species are endangered.

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