Philosophy

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Jasper National Park


Mountain Goat near Icefields Parkway,


Jasper National Park






I'm just a mountain goat
...
I can climb any mountain.








 Contrast the Rocky Mountain Goat with Goats Climbing a NEARLY Vertical Dam.  

THE DAM IS PROBABLY MORE HOSPITABLE FOR CLIMBING BECAUSE THE GOAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO ROCKS GIVING AWAY UNDERFOOT CAUSING FALLS AND AVALANCHES WHICH ARE BOTH DEADLY.

Alpine ibex:
They're climbing the Cingino Dam in Italy and licking the salt deposits in the rocks because their mostly vegetarian diets don't provide them with enough salt.














China's other National Treasure is a migratory, goat-antelope - Sichuan Takin


The SichuanTakin is a migratory, goat-antelope that lives in the mountainous bamboo forests of
China – the same habitat as the iconic giant pand

Takin depend upon an elevation gradient, migrating to the higher elevation alpine meadows in the summer months and descending to lower altitudes during winter.

Thus, it is believed that the takin may be a species highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Despite being large-sized mammals, there is remarkably little information on this species, including population size distribution and species habitats. The lack of data primarily is due to inaccessibility of the species in its rigorous mountainous habitat.


Conservation in Action

Much like the giant panda, the Sichuan takin is considered a national treasure in China and has been named a ‘First Order Priority Species,’ which gives it the highest level of legal protection.

Despite this status, there has been growing concern about the security of wild populations, largely due to significant habitat loss from a rapidly expanding human population and illegal hunting.

The Conservation Centers for Species Survival is filling this gap in two ways. Using a captive takin herd at the Wilds (one of the institutional members), C2S2 developed safe anesthesia and delivery systems that would have practical field application in China, as well as sturdy radio-collars that would withstand bouts of aggression.

The result has been significant new ecological information on takin all of which will be useful for developing science-based conservation plans.

Learn more about C2S2′s Takin Conservation Project.

Source:
http://www.conservationcenters.org/species-conservation-priorties/sichuan-takin/

Bhutan:Sichuan Takin Juvenile

 This animal is the national animal of Bhutan.
 


File:Sichuan Takin Juvenile 159.jpg - Wikimedia Commons


  http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/SanDiegoZooTakinDec2010.jpg/800px-SanDiegoZooTakinDec2010.jpg


Budorcas taxicolor tibetana

Class
Mammals

Order
Artiodactyla

Description

A large goat antelope, the Sichuan takin can reach four feet in height and weighs in at an average of 600 pounds. Both males and females have thick, curled horns that extend back above the head. The species' thick blonde coat is thought to have inspired the legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece.

 

Range The Sichuan takin is found in China and bordering mountainous regions.

Status Sichuan takin are classified as vulnerable. Hunting and habitat loss are among the factors that impact the species. Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the Sichuan Takin Species Survival Plan®, a shared conservation effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Habitat A strong climber, this herd species makes its home at elevations ranging from 4,000-14,000 feet. The terrain it inhabits can range from alpine forest to barren grasslands above the tree line.

Niche An herbivorous mammal, Sichuan takin live in herds that can range from 200 to 300 individuals. The species migrates to higher elevations during summer and returns to lower elevations as winter descends. Their diet includes shrubs, grasses and herbs.

Life History Sichuan takin mate during July and August, and females give birth after a gestation period of seven-eight months.

Special Adaptations The Sichuan takin's tough, flexible hoofs provide a good grip when the oxen climbs in its mountainous home.


Bonus Content

A male Sichuan takin at the Antelope & Zebra Area
Growing the Herd
A new Sichuan takin pair is getting to know one another at the Antelope & Zebra Area. Animal care staff hope the familiarity pays off during summer breeding season.



Lincoln Park Zoo Exhibit














Saturday, March 10, 2012

Wild Sheep Foundation

Wild Sheep Foundation


 http://www.wildsheepfoundation.org

About

"Our mission is to enhance wild sheep populations, promote professional wildlife management, educate the public about wild sheep and the conservation benefits of hunting, encourage fair chase hunting, and protect sportsmen's rights."
Mission
"Our mission is to enhance wild sheep populations, promote professional wildlife management, educate the public about wild sheep and the conservation benefits of hunting, encourage fair chase hunting, and protect sportsmen's rights." 
Company Overview
The Wild Sheep Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit conservation organization, dedicated to the conservation of wild sheep and goats and their habitat across the globe.

Location: 720 Allen Ave, Cody, WY 82414
Phone: 307-527-6261
Founded
1977

Wild Sheep Foundation

Wild Sheep Foundation

Wild Sheep Foundation

Wild Sheep Foundation

Bighorn sheep - mom and kid climbing - YouTube

Bighorn sheep - mom and kid climbing - YouTube




Bighorn sheep jumping across a ravine - YouTube

Bighorn sheep jumping across a ravine - YouTube