Understanding the Evolution of the Tiger

Wildlife enthusiasts planning on taking a Tiger safari may be interested to know a bit about the evolution of this awe-commanding creature. An apex predator, it is superbly adapted to the role, the descendent of a proud line that most biologists trace back to the prehistoric Sabre-Toothed cats. To understand its genetic history is to gain an enhanced appreciation of its place in nature and the importance of preserving it, so read on for a glimpse into the Tiger's mighty lineage.

Adaptations

The Tiger is such an impressive creature and effective hunter thanks to multiple adaptations. Many of the characteristics that people look out for while on Tiger safari are in fact part of the animal's toolkit for survival - including its most iconic feature, its striped coat. 

Top Tips When Watching the Enigmatic Jaguar

One of our planet's most revered animals, the Jaguar is still shrouded in an aura of mystery for many. While afforded deity status by ancient cultures, and associated with raw power and prowess in our modern world, they have behavioural patterns and social structures like any other animal, and are an important conservation species. For those thinking of going on a Jaguar tour, a journey of discovery awaits. Learning more about these magnificent creatures can help you to understand their habits and relationship with their habitat, which in turn can help to enhance the experience of sightings. Read on for a guide to the animal's behaviour, and to glean some pointers about what to look for while on your Jaguar tour.

Hunting Habits

Jaguars are such successful hunters in part because of their powerful physiques and strong jaws, but also because they use almost every aspect of their habitat. 

The Importance of Jaguar Conservation

As many nature-lovers taking a Jaguar tour will be aware, the Jaguar is a 'near threatened' species, with the possibility of becoming 'threatened' in the future. Factors contributing to this status include hunting for its skin, shooting by farmers to protect livestock, and deforestation. With the Jaguar preferring large territories - up to 40 square kilometres for females and up to twice as much for males - the loss or fragmentation of its habitat has a serious impact. Not only are individual animals affected by reduced habitat and hunting ground, but the population suffers from loss of connection between individual animal's ranges, reducing the breeding pool. Despite the problems it faces, the animal is a protected species in several countries, and sustained efforts are being made across the Americas in protecting habitat, re-connecting ranges and educating ranchers.

Why Protect the Jaguar? For the Planet...

Encountering the Wildlife of Cambodia

Many who have visited Cambodia - tours, solo holidays, or otherwise - will fondly recall the diverse, unique and interesting array of wildlife they encounter. The country's wildlife represents an important part of the animal kingdom, as many are recognized by the World Conservation Union as being endangered species. Due to such damaging occurrences as deforestation, the population of many of Cambodia's most beloved animals - such as elephants, tigers, bears and buffaloes - is sadly dwindling.

Mammals

There are about 212 species of mammal which are native to Cambodia. Tours of the country are provided by many destination specialists, and will allow you to glimpse some of these magnificent beasts in their natural habitat. These mammals include the Asian Elephant [which is the largest living land animal in Asia], the endangered Hog Deer, the Asian Black Bear [described by writer Rudyard Kipling as 'the most bizarre of the ursine species'], and the leopard, the smallest of the four big cats.

Red-Eyed Tree Frog: Amphibian or Reptile?

Some people mistakenly believe that reptiles and amphibians are one and the same or they simply do not know how to tell the difference. Amphibians are born as soft eggs in water and then hatch into tadpoles. Living out the start of their life in the water they then grow legs, lose their tails, and become frogs.

On the other hand reptiles are born as shelled eggs laid on land and hatch as a smaller version of what they will eventually become at maturity. Reptiles never morph into a new form as do amphibians. There is another way of telling the difference between an amphibian and a reptile: reptiles are capable of living in dry areas whereas amphibians cannot.

Belize has many tree dwellers with the Red-Eyed Tree Frog being unique and definitely the most interesting. This beautiful green frog has extremely large bright red eyes, hence its' name. Agalychnis callidryas is the scientific name for this fascinating little creature.