What an INCREDIBLE picture of bees at rest.
Did you know...

As they are cold-blooded, bees gain energy from the sun's heat so have to rest during the night and in cooler weather. Holding tight to the stems with their strong, jaw-like mandibles, they gradually relax – their bodies lower, their wings rest and their antennae droop – until they fall asleep, waiting for the morning to come.
Remarkably detailed image, ‘Bee line’, taken by Frank Deschandol Wildlife Photographer
Wildlife Photographer of the Year Words are like bees!!!some create honey and others leave a sting.
.
.
.
.
.
#bee #nature #bees #honey #macro #savethebees #flowers #beekeeping #naturephotography #beekeeper #honeybee #insects #photography

#Information.. Birds use fire to hunt

In a unique and surprising phenomenon, scientists have discovered that some birds of prey in #Australia, such as hawks and kites, use fire as an innovative means of hunting!

These birds are seen picking up burning branches from #forest fires, then throwing them in new areas to ignite fires.

The goal? To bring rodents and small insects out of their hiding places, to become easy prey to pounce on.

This unique behavior shows extraordinary intelligence in these #birds, and opens the door to questions about the ability of animals to use tools in nature.

However, this phenomenon has sparked great controversy, as it is considered one of the reasons for the spread of fires in some areas.

Researchers continue to study these amazing birds, which do not just fly in the sky, but also master the arts of fire and hunting at the same time. A phenomenon worth contemplating!

This is Ocho. Ocho lives in my bathroom and hangs out on my orchid plant. Every day I soak a Q-Tip in water and put it down for him wherever he is (on the plant or behind the toilet or on the vanity) and he comes running over and gets a drink. Was my first reaction to smash him? Nope. To flush him down the toilet? Nope. To “burn it to the ground”? Nope. He’s literally a fraction of my size. I could easily kill him, but I choose to be kind. He deserves to be on this earth as much as I do. In fact, he contributes way more to the natural order of life on earth than I do. It’s so easy to choose kindness. I encourage everyone to take a moment and make sure the language you use when it comes to spiders, insects, rodents, etc. is kind and not fearful or disgusted. None of these beings are pests or threatening. Let them be. Help them if you can. Be kind. It’s so simple.
credit goes to the respective owner.

Differences between Warthog and Wild Boar

The warthog and wild boar are both members of the pig family (Suidae) but are different species with distinct characteristics. Here's a breakdown of their differences:

1. Species & Habitat:

Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus): Found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, warthogs live in savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. They are adapted to survive in the African environment.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa): Native to Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa, wild boars have a much broader distribution and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even temperate zones.

2. Physical Appearance:

Warthog:
Facial Warts: One of the most notable features of a warthog is its large, fleshy warts on the sides of its face. These "warts" are actually thick skin and help protect the animal during fights.
Tusks: The warthog’s upper tusks curve outward and are visible when its mouth is closed. The lower tusks are also prominent and can be sharp.
Body: Warthogs have a lean, muscular body with a short mane running down their backs.

Wild Boar:
Snout & Tusks: Wild boars have a broad, flat snout used for digging, with long, sharp tusks that are more pronounced and grow continuously.
Body: Wild boars have a more robust, stocky body compared to warthogs, with coarse hair and a dense coat.

3. Behavior:

Warthog: Known for their digging behavior, warthogs typically seek shelter in burrows or holes created by other animals. They are also known to run on all fours but will often enter a burrow headfirst, backing out when they need to escape.

Wild Boar: Wild boars are often more aggressive and solitary, though they can form small family groups. They are typically more adaptable in their foraging habits and can be seen rooting around in the earth looking for food like roots, nuts, and small animals.

4. Diet:

Warthog: Primarily herbivores, warthogs graze on grass, fruits, and roots but may occasionally eat small insects or carrion.

Wild Boar: Omnivorous, wild boars will eat a wide range of food, including plants, berries, roots, insects, small mammals, and even carrion. They are opportunistic feeders.

5. Social Structure:

Warthog: They live in small family groups consisting of a mother and her offspring. Males tend to be solitary except during mating seasons.

Wild Boar: Wild boars can form larger groups, particularly when there are plenty of resources. These groups are often led by dominant females.

6. Size:

Warthog: Smaller than wild boars, warthogs typically weigh between 120-250 pounds (54-113 kg).

Wild Boar: Wild boars are larger, typically weighing 150-400 pounds (68-181 kg), with some individuals reaching even higher weights.

7. Tusks & Fighting:

Warthog: Their tusks are used for defense, but they are typically not as large or as menacing as those of wild boars. Warthogs often use their tusks in combat with other warthogs, especially during mating disputes.

Wild Boar: Wild boars have much more impressive tusks used for defense, combat, and foraging. Male wild boars are known to use their tusks aggressively in territorial battles or to defend themselves.

Fascinating Facts About Elephants
Elephants, the largest land mammals on Earth, are magnificent creatures that have captivated human imagination for centuries. Their immense size, unique features, complex social structures, and remarkable intelligence make them a subject of endless fascination. This extensive collection of facts delves into various aspects of elephant biology, behavior, and their crucial role in the ecosystem.  

Physical Characteristics:

Size and Weight: African elephants are the largest, with males (bulls) reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 6,000 kg (6.6 tons). Asian elephants are slightly smaller.  
Trunk: The elephant's trunk is a remarkable adaptation, formed by the fusion of the nose and upper lip. It contains over 40,000 muscles and is used for breathing, smelling, touching, grasping, and producing sounds.  
Tusks: Tusks are elongated incisors made of ivory. They are used for defense, digging, foraging, and attracting mates. Both male and female African elephants have tusks, while only some male Asian elephants have them.  
Ears: Elephants have large ears that help regulate body temperature. The extensive network of blood vessels in the ears allows them to dissipate heat in hot climates. They also use their ears for communication and expressing emotions.  
Skin: Elephant skin is thick and wrinkled, helping to retain moisture. They often take mud baths to protect their skin from the sun and insects.  
Legs and Feet: Elephants have strong, pillar-like legs and large, flat feet with thick pads. This helps distribute their weight and provides stability.  
Teeth: Elephants are herbivores and have large molars for grinding plant matter. They have a unique tooth replacement system, growing up to six sets of molars throughout their lifetime.  

Behavior and Social Structure:

Social Animals: Elephants are highly social animals and live in complex family groups called herds.  
Matriarchal Society: Herds are led by an experienced female called a matriarch. She guides the herd, makes decisions, and passes on knowledge to younger generations.  
Family Bonds: Elephants have strong family bonds and maintain close relationships throughout their lives. They show affection through touching, caressing, and vocalizations.  
Communication: Elephants communicate in various ways, including vocalizations (trumpeting, rumbling), body language, touch, and seismic vibrations. They can detect vibrations through their feet and use them to communicate over long distances.  
Intelligence: Elephants are considered one of the most intelligent animals on Earth. They have a large brain with complex neural structures, demonstrating self-awareness, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence.  
Memory: Elephants have an excellent memory, which is crucial for finding food and water sources, navigating their environment, and maintaining social bonds.  
Empathy and Compassion: Elephants exhibit empathy and compassion towards other members of their herd. They show concern for sick or injured individuals and mourn their dead.  
Playful Behavior: Elephants engage in playful behavior, especially young ones. They enjoy playing in water, mud, and with objects like sticks and rocks.  

Life Cycle and Reproduction:

Long Gestation Period: Elephants have the longest gestation period of any mammal, lasting about 22 months.  
Single Calf: Typically, a female elephant gives birth to a single calf.
Calf Development: Newborn calves weigh around 100 kg (220 lbs) and are dependent on their mothers for several years. They learn essential skills and behaviors from their mothers and other herd members.  
Lifespan: Elephants have a long lifespan, living up to 70 years in the wild.  

Diet and Habitat:

Herbivores: Elephants are herbivores and consume a large amount of plant matter, including grasses, leaves, bark, fruits, and roots.  
Water Dependence: Elephants need access to fresh water and can drink up to 200 liters (53 gallons) per day.
Habitat Diversity: Elephants inhabit a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, forests, and deserts.
Ecological Role:

Ecosystem Engineers: Elephants play a crucial role in shaping their environment. They create pathways through vegetation, disperse seeds, and create waterholes that benefit other animals.  
Seed Dispersal: By consuming fruits and vegetation, elephants disperse seeds through their dung, contributing to forest regeneration and plant diversity.  
Habitat Modification: Elephant activity can create open areas in forests and grasslands, promoting biodiversity and creating habitats for other species.  

Threats and Conservation:

Poaching: Poaching for ivory is a major threat to elephants, particularly African elephants.  
Habitat Loss: Habitat loss due to deforestation, agriculture, and human development is another significant threat.  
Human-Elephant Conflict: As human populations expand, conflicts between humans and elephants increase, leading to crop raiding and retaliatory killings.  
Conservation Efforts: Various conservation efforts are underway to protect elephants, including anti-poaching patrols, habitat preservation, and community engagement.  
CITES Protection: Elephants are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which regulates the international trade in ivory.  

Additional Interesting Facts:

Unique Trunk Prints: Like human fingerprints, elephants have unique trunk prints that can be used for identification.
Foot Communication: Elephants can detect seismic vibrations through their feet, allowing them to communicate over long distances and detect approaching predators.  
Sun Protection: Elephants use mud and dust to protect their skin from the sun's harmful rays.  
Swimming Ability: Elephants are excellent swimmers and can use their trunks as snorkels.  
Emotional Range: Elephants exhibit a wide range of emotions, including joy, grief, anger, and fear.  
Self-Awareness: Elephants are one of the few animals that have demonstrated self-awareness in mirror tests.  
Cultural Significance: Elephants hold cultural significance in many African and Asian societies, often symbolizing wisdom, strength, and good fortune.  
Elephants are truly remarkable creatures that play a vital role in their ecosystems. Protecting these gentle giants and their habitats is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring their survival for generations to come.