Category Zoology

          As its name suggests, the pygmy chimpanzees is not as big as the common chimpanzee. As is the common feature among all primates, the adult female bonobo is somewhat smaller than the adult male. While the male is about 35 to 60 kilograms, the female is only 30 kilograms. The length of a bonobo from nose to rump when it is on all fours is 70 to 85 cm. However, when standing upright, these animals can reach a height of about 115 cm. The head of a bonobo is relatively smaller than that of the common chimpanzee. This is mainly due to the less prominent ridges it has over its eyes.

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        Bonobo are an endangered species. Due to their size, they are also known as the pygmy chimpanzees, dwarf or gracile chimpanzees. Once, scientists thought that they were a sub-species of chimpanzees. However, today, we know that they are a distinct species. Very often, both bonobos and common chimpanzees are collectively known by the generalized term chimpanzees.

        Bonobo have distinct physical features. They have relatively long legs, pink lips, and a dark face and tail-tufts as they reach their adulthood.

        These apes have parted long hair on their heads. When it comes to similarities with humans, the bonobos are as close as the chimpanzees!

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      Have you observed your pet cat? Cats are generally smart animals; the smartest among them is the leopard.

      In comparison with the tiger and the lion, the leopard is smaller and less fierce. However, they have the ability to adapt to the conditions in the wild better than other cats. Leopards are found in varied locations from the deserts of southern Africa, to the boreal forests of Russia, and even the busting suburbs of Mumbai.

      Leopards are known for their agility. They can climb trees with skill and grace. The langur monkey is a favourite food for the Indian leopard. In Africa, leopards face the threat of lions, who are lazy to hunt, and therefore, steal the food of the leopards,

      Although leopards are smaller than the tiger or the lion, they are brighter than both of them, and are gracefully proportioned. These cats have beautiful rosettes of black spots on their yellowish fur coat. Another characteristic feature of the animal is its cylindrical tail.

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      Expect that they both belong to the same family, and that they both are called leopards, there is hardly any resemblance and close relation between a snow leopard and a clouded leopard.

      While both of them are found in parts of Asia, they live in diverse conditions. Mountains areas are the natural habitat of snow leopards. In order to fight the extreme cold, snow leopards grow long fur. Their fur is dark silver in colour with black markings. They move to the lower ground in order to keep warm. In summer, they rest in the shade. They have flat paws, which are designed to carry the weight of their bodies. This helps the leopard to stay steady while walking on snow.

      On the other hand, clouded leopards are mid-sized. They have very long canine teeth, which are only slightly smaller than a lion’s.

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      Unlike other members of the feline family, snow leopards live as their name suggests, in the snow. They can with stand extreme conditions in the cold, barren mountains of Central and South Asia.

      Snow leopards are found in the entire Himalayan mountain system, as well as areas in Bhutan, Nepal and the Siberian region of Russia. No other cats can live in such heights.

      A snow leopard has the longest tail among the big cats. It reaches up to one metre in length. It helps them to balance when they chase their prey. Another interesting fact about their tail is that they wrap it around their necks like a scarf while they are resting in the extreme cold weather. Since they have to roam about in barren, snow-laden lands where food is scarce, they are sometimes referred to as the ‘ghosts of the mountains’.

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      Jaguars and leopards have differing styles and body language when it comes to finding their meal, or protecting themselves. A jaguar will bravely defend itself if it is confronted by another, bigger, attacking animal.

      However, a leopard tends to be shy and will try avoiding confrontation. If a lion or hyena comes in its way, jaguars, in all probability, will stand their ground. They will attack even if the opponent is an anaconda or a large caiman. Jaguars are good swimmers too. They will spend a lot of time in water, if they find a convenient water body.

      Leopards, on the other hand, are more athletic. They can swiftly climb up to tree, and get hold of an impala for a meal. While jaguars love water, leopards will try to avoid it, although they can swim well.

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