Sudipto Chakrabarti, Author at Coniferous Forest

Pine Snake

Sudipto Chakrabarti — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 09:15:32 +0000

Pine snakes are heavily-built, non-venomous, colubrid snake found near Southeastern US. Although not poisonous, bites from a pine snake are sure to hurt.

Pine Snake

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Reptilia
Order	Squamata
Suborder	Serpentes
Family	Colubridae
Genus	Pituophis
Scientific Name	Pituophis melanoleucus

Pine Snake Images

Photo of Pine Snake

Quick Information

Also known as	Pinesnake, Common pine snake, Black and white snake, Bullsnake, Chicken snake, North American pine snake, Pilot snake, White gopher snake
Description	Size: 48-100 in (120-250 cm) in length Weight: 4-8 lb (1.8-3.6 kg) Color: A light background color blotched with brown, black, or brownish-red Sexual Dimorphism: None
Distribution & Subspecies	There are three recognized subspecies of the pine snake: Northern pine snake (P. m. melanoleucus) Black pine snake (P. m. lodingi) Florida pine snake (P. m. mugitus) They can be found in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Jersey, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Delaware
Habitat	Prairies, pine-oak woodlands, pine flatwoods, cultivated fields, rocky deserts, and chaparrals
Sounds & Calls	Hisses; when confronted they emit a warning sounding by vibrating its epiglottis simultaneously vibrating its tail, thus mimicking a rattlesnake; they also make a loud bellow to appear intimidating
Lifespan	The life expectancy in the wild is unknown, but in captivity, they can live for up to 22½ years
Diet	Mice, rats, moles, and eggs
Adaptations	The snout is pointed, and the rostral scale is enlarged to help them burrow underground They have evolved to mimic the venomous and feared rattlesnake to evade predators Hatchlings can pick up chemical traces of king snakes and avoid those areas
Predators	Shrews, raccoons, skunks, red foxes, domestic cats and dogs
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Northern Pine Snake

Pine Snake Pictures

Behavior

Pine snakes are diurnal, being active during the day. Some subspecies, however, exhibit nocturnal habits.
They are most active between March-April and October-November, spending the rest of the year hibernating through the colder the months.
They are largely terrestrial but may climb on to trees and small bushes.
They are foragers and kill their prey by constriction.
They regulate their body temperature by basking in the sun.
Females show loyalty to their nesting sites, returning every year.

Pine Snakes

Picture of Pine Snake

Mating & Reproduction

These snakes breed once every year. Female breeding cycles occur between April and May. Clutches consisting of 3-24 eggs are laid around June to August. The female lays her eggs under large rocks and sandy burrows. There is no parental care once the eggs are laid. The incubation period lasts for 64-79 days.

Life-cycle

Hatchlings are 13-18 in (33-45 cm). They reach sexual maturity at around 3 years of age.

Pine Snake Baby

Pine Snake Eggs

Interesting Fact

There are escaped and released pet pine snakes that have established a population in Holland in the forest near Wassenaar.

References:

The post Pine Snake appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Hick’s Yew

Sudipto Chakrabarti — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 04:59:59 +0000

The Hick’s yew is a cultivar of the Anglojap yew, is a hybrid yew plant believed to be created by T.D. Hatfield, a Massachusetts based horticulturist. It is the result of the hybridization of the English yew and the Japanese Yew.

Hick’s Yew

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Taxaceae
Genus	Taxus
Scientific Name	Taxus × media

Hicks Yew Pictures

Hicks Yew Pruning

Quick Information

Also known As	Anglojap
Tree Type	Evergreen
Identification	Size: 2-20ft in height Spread: 3-4 ft Bark: Brown with scales Needles: Green in color Cones: Berries instead of cones, red colored
Hardiness Zones	3-7
Growth Rate	Slow
Lifespan	At least 20 years
Growing Conditions	Sun: Partial shade to full sun Water: Weekly; more frequently if heat is extreme Soil: Moist, sandy, loamy soils with good drainage
Diseases & Pests	Vulnerable to winter-burn; twig blight, needle blight; root rot in water-logged soils; scales, weevils, and mealybugs
Reproductive System	Dioecious
Propagation	By seeds and semi-ripe cuttings
Seedling Development	Should be plated in spring or summer
Companion Plants	Lilac, Periwinkle, Potentilla
Wildlife Value	All parts of this plant are toxic to animals and humans
Uses	Ornamental; used as a hedge plant; also popular in bonsai

Pictures of Hicks Yew

Hicks Yew Bonsai

Interesting Fact

In England, this plant is restricted to be planted around churches to ensure that animals don’t graze on it and die. Interestingly, deer may feed on parts of the plant and survive.

Hicks Yew Tree

Hicks Yew Plant

References:

The post Hick’s Yew appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Boreal Owl

Sudipto Chakrabarti — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 11:44:25 +0000

Boreal owls are small owls found throughout the Holarctic region. They are members of the typical owls group, as opposed to the barn owl grouping.

Boreal Owl

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Strigiformes
Family	Strigidae
Genus	Aegolius
Scientific Name	Aegolius funereus

Quick Information

Also known as	Tengmalm’s owl, Richardson’s owl
Description	Size: 8.7-10.6 in (22-27 cm) in length Weight: 3.3-7.6 oz (93-215 g) Wingspan: 20-24 in (50-62 cm) Color: Brown on the top with white spots on the shoulders; the underparts are whitish with streaks of rust; the eyes are yellow and the beak is light yellow; juveniles are chocolate brown Sexual Dimorphism: Females much larger than males
Distribution & Subspecies	A.f funereus – Found from Scandinavia to Pyrenees in the south and the Urals to the east A.f. richardsoni – From Alaska through the Rocky Mountains to Southeastern Canada and Northeast United States A.f. pallens – From Tien Shan in China to Southeastern Siberia A.f. caucasicus – Found in the Caucasus Mountains A.f. magnus – Eastern Siberia to the Kamchatka Peninsula A.f. sibiricus – Found throughout Siberia A.f. beickianus – Northwestern India to Western China
Habitat	Lives in the taiga forests
Sounds & Calls	A short ‘kew’ or ‘kip’
Lifespan	7-8 years
Diet	Voles, mice, squirrels, pocket gophers, shrews, small birds, and insects
Adaptations	Both of the eyes face forward (a trait shared with other owls) giving them depth of vision in the night. The forward facing eyes also necessitates flexibility of the neck which they can turn either way up to 270° One of the ear holes is placed a little higher than the other, helping them in better identifying the source of a sound
Predators	Pine martens, larger owls and other raptors
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Boreal Owl Baby

Boreal Owl Flying

Behavior

These birds are not social and spend their time by themselves even during the breeding season.
They are nocturnal, being active during the night.
They are not known to migrate, but sometimes do move south during fall.
Boreal owls make their nests in tree cavities made by woodpeckers.
When hunting, they perch on low branches locating prey; once located, they glide down to the ground and catch the prey with their talons.

Mating & Reproduction

Males start to sing to attract females around late winter and the beginning of spring. Courtship involves the male bringing food for the female. Clutches consist of 3-6 eggs which are incubated for 26-32 days.

Boreal Owl Images

Boreal Owls

Life-cycle

Hatchlings are blind and covered in down. The female stays with them while the male brings them food. The juveniles become able to leave the nest around a month after hatching. They reach sexual maturity after about 9 months of age.

Boreal Owl Size

Boreal Owl Pictures

Interesting Facts

These are one of the most elusive and secretive birds.
The genus name, Aegolius, means bad omen while the binomial name funereus means ‘funeral’.

References:

The post Boreal Owl appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Kermode Bear

Sudipto Chakrabarti — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 11:21:48 +0000

Kermode bears are a subspecies of the American black bear found in coastal British Columbia. They are named after Frank Kermode, a Royal B.C. Museum former director.

Kermode Bear

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Mammalia
Order	Carnivora
Family	Ursidae
Genus	Ursus
Species	U. americanus
Scientific Name	Ursus americanus kermodei

Quick Information

Also known as	Spirit bear, Ghost bear
Description	Size: 3.3-3.9 ft (100-120 cm) at the shoulders Weight: Females are 155 lb (70 kg) on average while males are around 300 lb (135 kg); they can, however, weigh as much as 640 lb (290 kg) Color: Being a subspecies of the American black bear, most individuals are that color, but there are between 100 and 500 individuals that are entirely white
Distribution	Central and northern coastal areas of British Columbia
Habitat	Coastal rainforests
Sounds & Communication	Grunting and tongue-clicking; they also communicate through touch, smell, and visual cues
Lifespan	25 years in the wild but usually only survives for around 10 years
Diet	Plant material, berries, and salmon
Adaptations	The thick fur helps them survive the cold weather their habitat offers
Predators	Cubs are vulnerable to cougars and wolves
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Behavior

They have a crepuscular lifestyle, being active around twilight.
They are solitary animals, except for females with her cubs, groups at feeding sites, and mating pairs.
Kermode bears are territorial.
They hibernate through the winter months by lowering the metabolism that allows them to survive for months without eating, drinking, defecating or urinating.

The Kermode Bear

Kermode Bears

Mating & Reproduction

The mating season peaks between June and August. The gestation period is around 8 months. Litters may consist of up to 6 cubs but usually has 2-3.

Life-cycle

Cubs start to walk at around 5 weeks of age. They are nursed for up to 30 weeks and eventually disperse at around 16-18 months old. They become sexually mature by 3 years.

Kermode Bear Habitat

Kermode Bear Cub

Interesting Facts

Kermode bears are the provincial mammal of British Columbia.
Studies have shown that black Kermode bears mate mostly with bears with the same color as them, while white ones mate with white Kermode bears.

Kermode Bear Images

White Kermode Bear

References:

The post Kermode Bear appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Japanese Plum Yew

Sudipto Chakrabarti — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 08:16:27 +0000

The Japanese plum yew is a deer-resistant small tree belonging to the plum-yew family. Its scientific name is in honor of the Earl of Harrington, who was the first plant this tree in a Europe.

This unique tree has long been valued not only for its ornamental qualities, but also for its medicinal properties. The plant has even shown potential in traditional medicine as an aid in treating certain diseases, including leukemia.

Japanese Plum Yew

The plant’s medicinal applications come from compounds found in its bark, needles, and stems, which have been studied for their ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. One of the compounds of interest is cephalotaxine, which has shown cytotoxic effects, meaning it can potentially kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Studies have suggested that cephalotaxine and related compounds may have promising applications in the treatment of leukemia and other types of cancer. However, it’s important to note that while these compounds have demonstrated potential in laboratory settings, further research and clinical studies are needed to fully understand their efficacy and safety.

Omacetaxine mepesuccinate: is another alkaloid compound derived from the leaves, and is being developed as a drug for the treatment of hematological cancers, including leukemia.
Anti-leukemia properties: Studies have shown that Omacetaxine mepesuccinate has benefits in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Patients with solid tumors did not show any benefit so far.

In traditional Chinese medicine, plants in the Cephalotaxus genus have been used as a remedy to improve overall health and vitality, and their extracts have been explored as a supplementary treatment alongside more conventional therapies. Although the medicinal use of the Japanese Plum Yew is still under investigation, it remains an area of interest for botanists and pharmacologists alike.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Anyone interested in exploring these potential health benefits should consult with a healthcare professional before considering the use of plant-based remedies, especially for serious conditions like leukemia.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Cephalotaxaceae
Genus	Cephalotaxus
Scientific Name	Cephalotaxus harringtonii

Images of Japanese Plum Yew

Japanese Plum Yew Dwarf

Prostrate Japanese Plum Yew

Japanese Plum Yew Duke Gardens

Quick Information

Other Names	Korean plum yew, cowtail pine, Harrington’s cephalotaxus, Assam plum yew, plum fruit yew, spreading plum yew
Type	Evergreen shrub
Identification	Size: 5-10 ft (1.5-3 m) tall and 5-14 ft (1.5-4.3 m) wide Trunk Diameter: 4 ft (1.2 m) Needles (Leaves): Linear, 2 in (5 cm) long, 0.12 in (0.30 cm) wide, leathery, dark-green above and lighter green below, arranged on either side of the shoot Bark: Grey-colored Flowers: Males are pale cream-colored, becoming brown as they age, globular-shaped; females are spherical, can be found at the base of shoots Cones: Smooth, pale green with darker green stripes, ovoid-shaped, 1 inch long, 0.6 inch wide
Distribution	They are native to Japan and Korea
Habitat	Woodlands of deciduous forests at heights of 1,970-3,280 ft (600-1,000 m)
Hardiness Zones	6-9
Growth Rate	Slow
Lifespan	50-150 years
Growing Conditions	Summer: Part shade during hot summers, full sun during cooler ones Winter: First year of winter should be in cover Water: Moderate Light Requirement: Full sun to full shade Soil: Sand, loam, clay
Diseases & Pests	None
Reproduction System	Dioecious
Propagation	By cuttings and seeds
Seedling Development	Germination may take more than a year and half
Cutivars	Fastigiata (Upright) Prostrata Nana Hedgehog Drupacea Fritz Huber Korean Gold Gold splash Spreading
Uses	Ornamental; a substance known as omacetaxine, extracted from the leaves is used in treatment of leukemia
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Picture of Japanese Plum Yew

Spreading Japanese Plum Yew

Upright Japanese Plum Yew

Japanese Plum Yew Bonsai

Interesting Facts

Oil derived from the fruits of the Japanese plum yew is edible, as are the seeds.
This plant is sometimes confused with the similar sounding Japanese yew.

References:

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Arctic Shrew

Sudipto Chakrabarti — Thu, 31 May 2018 12:31:59 +0000

Arctic shrews can be found in the northern US and through most of Canada. Their populations are abundant through most of their range, thus negating the risk of extinction.

Arctic Shrew

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Mammalia
Order	Eulipotyphla
Family	Soricidae
Genus	Sorex
Scientific Name	Sorex arcticus

Quick Information

Also known as	Blackback shrew, Saddlebacked shrew, musaraigne arctique (French)
Description	Size: 3.94-4.92 in (100-125 mm) Weight: 0.19-0.48 oz (5.3-13.5 g) Color: They have tri-colored fur, most visible during winter; dark brown on the dorsal side from the head to the tail, light brown on the sides, and the belly is graying brown; the tail is dark brown dorsally while the ventral side is light brown; they molt twice a year, the winter pelage is brighter and denser, while in summer it is pale and loosely packed
Subspecies	Sorex arcticus arcticus Sorex arcticus laricorum
Distribution	From the Arctic Circle in the north to the Northern United States
Habitat	Mostly found near water bodies like streams, marshes, lakes, wetlands, and swamps; can also be seen in tamarack and spruce swamps, boreal forests, mixed conifer swamps, old or dry fields, mixed grasses, alder thickets, forbs, sedge hammocks, willow, and cattail shrubs
Sounds & Communication	Mostly through touch, smell, and sounds; they can make and hear high pitched sounds
Lifespan	Around 18 months in the wild
Diet	Insects and invertebrates; larch sawflies are a major portion of their diet
Adaptations	Their fur coloration helps them stay camouflaged and hidden from predators; a common defense mechanism for shrews (including this species) is the secretion of a musky odor from its sides
Predators	Great-horned owls
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Behavior

Arctic shrews lead a solitary lifestyle.
They are active both during the day and the night. When they rest they lie on the ground either on a side or their ventral surface on the ground, rolling their body up with the head tucked into it.
They become territorial when they attain adulthood.

Mating & Reproduction

Despite limited information on the mating habits of Arctic shrews, it can be safely inferred that theirs’ is similar to that of other shrew species. Females have 1 or 2 litter each year, each consisting of 4-10 offspring. The gestation period ranges between 13 and 21 days.

Arctic Shrew Baby

Arctic Shrew Pictures

Life-cycle

The young are nursed until they are around 20-24 days old. They reach sexual maturity after one year.

Interesting Facts

They are voracious eaters, having to eat constantly because of their quick metabolism.
The maritime shrew and the tundra shrew were both considered subspecies of the Arctic shrew, but each has been assigned their individual species since.
An anthropomorphic Arctic shrew can be seen in the 2016 Walt Disney animated film, Zootopia. Its name is Mr. Big in the movie.

References:

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Abert’s Squirrel

Sudipto Chakrabarti — Thu, 24 May 2018 06:28:13 +0000

Abert’s squirrels are found sporadically throughout the Rocky Mountains, from Arizona to Mexico. They are named in honor of Col. John James Abert, an American soldier, and naturalist.

Abert’s Squirrel

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Mammalia
Order	Rodentia
Family	Sciuridae
Genus	Sciurus
Subgenus	Otosciurus
Scientific Name	Sciurus aberti

Quick Information

Also known as	Tassel-eared squirrel
Description	Size: They reach a total length of around 17.8-22.8 in (45-58 cm), the tail adds another 7.5-9.8 in (19-25 m) Weight: Their average weight is usually 21.9 oz (620 g) Color: Varies between subspecies; usually a grey fur with a white ventral side and a conspicuous rust colored stripe on their back; some subspecies are entirely black
Distribution & Subspecies	Sciurus aberti aberti: Northern Arizona S. a. chuscensis: Arizona-New Mexico border S. a. kaibabensis: Kaibab Platue in Arizona S. a. mimus: New Mexico-Colorado border S. a. ferreus: The Rocky Mountains in Central Colorado S. a. navajo: Southeastern Utah S. a. barberi: Northwestern Chihuahua S. a. durangi: Durango S. a. phaeurus: Southern Chihuahua and Durango
Habitat	Most abundant in ponderosa pine forests, but may also be seen in mixed forests, especially in New Mexico and Mexico
Sounds & Communication	They use a variety of sounds like squeals, screeches, clucks, barks; also communicate through visual means and touch
Lifespan	Data regarding life-expectancy in the wild is deficient; a captive individual lived for seven years
Diet	Feeds on ponderosa pine tree parts like seeds, cones, buds, fungi, and the inner bark; in areas where this tree is not available, they exhibit similar feeding habits but from different trees
Adaptations	Since they spend most of their time on trees, they have a light and agile frame that helps them climb and leap from one branch to another; they shed their thick coat and tasseled ears during summer to keep up with the changing climate
Predators	Coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, and northern goshawks prey on these rodents
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Abert’s Squirrel Images

Abert’s Squirrels

Behavior

These squirrels are diurnal, becoming active a little before sunrise, and returning to their nest before sunset, foraging at intervals throughout the day. They build these shelters or nests on dwarf-mistletoe infected twigs in ponderosa pine trees. They are not territorial but remain solitary from late spring to autumn.

Mating & Reproduction

During mating season, which occurs between February and June, male Abert’s squirrels led by a dominant individual ‘chase’ after a female through the forest for hours. Females are promiscuous and copulate with multiple partners. The gestation period is around 43 days, ending with a litter of one to five newborns.

Life-cycle

The babies are about 0.43 oz (12 g) at birth. They are weaned after around 70-76 days and weigh 12.5 oz (355 g) by this time. They reach sexual maturity when they are around 327 days old.

Abert’s Squirrel

Abert Squirrel

Interesting Facts

The mule deer takes advantage of the Abert’s squirrel’s arboreal feeding habits; as soon as the latter drops something from high up in the tree, the mule deer waiting at the bottom eats it up.
Ponderosa pines produce a pungent chemical called terpene to dissuade these rodents from feeding on its parts.

Abert Squirrels

Abert Squirrel Pictures

References:

The post Abert’s Squirrel appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

American Wigeon

Sudipto Chakrabarti — Fri, 18 May 2018 09:39:36 +0000

American wigeons are dabbling ducks found in the Americas. They belong to the same family as the gadwall, falcated teal, Chiloe wigeon, and Eurasian wigeon.

American Wigeon

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Mareca
Scientific Name	Mareca Americana

Quick Information

Also known as	Baldpate
Description	Size: These ducks are 17-23 in (42-59 cm) long Wingspan: Their unfurled wings measure at around 30-36 in (76-91 cm) from tip to tip Weight: They weigh 1.1-3 lb (0.5-1.33 kg) Color: Breeding males have a white cap, a grayish brown head, and a wide green patch behind the eyes, their bellies are white, females have brown and grey plumage; non-breeding males look like the females; the bills of both genders are pale blue; there is a grey-colored wing patch behind the speculum
Distribution	Northwestern to central North America as far south as northeastern California and northern Colorado; migrates to northern South America, Hawaii, and the West Indies; vagrant populations have been seen in western Europe
Habitat	They inhabit freshwater lakes, wetlands, estuaries, marshes, slow-moving rivers, flooded fields, and reservoirs
Sounds & Communication	Males (drakes) have a high-pitched, squeaky toy-like three-note call (whoee-whoe-whoe), while hens produce rough quacks and grunts (qua-ack)
Lifespan	They live for around 2 years in the wild
Diet	The main diet for these birds is plant material, both terrestrial and aquatic; may also feed on crustaceans, mollusks, and insects
Adaptations	The short, stout bill helps it to pull off leaves and stems from plants more easily
Predators	They may be preyed on by American crows, northern harriers, California gulls, red foxes, striped skunks, Franklin’s ground squirrels, short-tailed weasels, and American badgers
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

American Wigeon Drake

American Wigeon Flying

Behavior

These birds are sometimes called robber or poacher ducks as they snatch food from diving birds like coots, canvasbacks, and redheads, as they bring plant material up to the surface of the water.
They are highly social and stay in large flocks at all times except the breeding season, during which they tend to become territorial.
American wigeons are as comfortable on land as they are on the water.
They are a cautious bird, known to take to the skies in an erratic flight at the slightest hint of trouble.

American Wigeon Wing

American Wigeon Images

Mating & Reproduction

The breeding season for these ducks is in spring. Males compete for females by putting on displays and posturing threateningly to rivals. Pairs form in the wintering grounds. The female makes a nest on the ground in the vicinity of water bodies. A clutch of 3-13 eggs is laid and incubated only by the female for around 23-25 days.

Life-cycle

The young are relatively mature at hatching, being able to leave the nest and feed themselves in a short amount of time. They become capable of flying after around 45-63 days. Both males and females become sexually mature at approximately 1 year of age.

American Wigeon Male and Female

American Wigeon Female

Interesting Facts

The oldest recorded American wigeon lived for 21 years and 4 months.
Their alternative name, ‘baldpate,’ comes from the white patch of skin that the male has during the breeding season.

American Wigeon Duck

American Wigeons

References:

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North American Beaver

Sudipto Chakrabarti — Tue, 15 May 2018 10:49:16 +0000

North American beavers are the second largest rodents in the world (after the capybara) and the largest in North America. It is one of the two extant beaver species, the other being the Eurasian beaver. Neither of these two species is closely related to the mountain beaver, also found in North America.

North American Beaver

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Mammalia
Order	Rodentia
Family	Castoridae
Genus	Castor
Scientific Name	Castor canadensis

Quick Information

Also known as	Beaver, American beaver, Canadian beaver
Description	Size: Head-body length is around 29-35 in (74-90 cm), with the tail being adding 7.9-13.8 in (20-35 cm) Weight: They weigh about 35-69.5 lbs (16-31.5 kg) Color: They have two layers of fur, the outer layer ranges from chestnut to an almost black, while the inner layer is a dark grey
Distribution/Range	Throughout North America with exceptions in the Arctic tundra, peninsular Florida, and the deserts of the southwest; also introduced to Patagonia (Argentina and Chile) as well as in European nations like Finland
Habitat	Present near ponds, lakes, and streams
Sounds & Communication	Makes a low-pitched groaning sound; it slaps its flat tail in the water to signal danger; mark its territories with a musk-like substance called castoreum, which is secreted from anal scent glands known as castors
Lifespan	10-20 years in the wild
Diet	Cambium and barks of maple, willow, alder, birch, beech, poplar, and aspen trees, in addition to this, they also feed on roots, buds, and aquatic vegetation; they even eat cellulose, a substance that no other mammal can digest
Adaptations	They have certain microorganism in a sac (cecum) between their small and large intestines that help in digesting cellulose; their bodies are shaped for an aquatic lifestyle, with webbed hind feet that help in swimming, and a scaly, flat tail aiding in propulsion and steering; the two layers of fur plus a thick fatty layer under the skin gives them insulation in freezing waters; closeable flaps prevent water from getting inside the ear and nose; a nictitating membrane forms a transparent eyelid to ensure uninterrupted vision underwater; the castoreum is used to waterproof its fur; their large skull and teeth help to cut through hard woods like those of oak and maple; large claws help them to dig, as well handle food with ease
Predators	Juveniles are vulnerable to wolves, wolverines, bears, otters, lynxes, and fisher; adults are not regularly preyed upon because of their size
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

North American Beaver Pictures

North American Beaver Food Web

Behavior

North American beavers are nocturnal, being active mostly during the night. They are social animals, living in family groups of up to 8 individuals. They are territorial and do not allow other families to encroach upon their territory. Their homes or ‘lodges’ are made out of twigs, rocks, mud, and sticks in streams and lakes. The lodges may touch land or be surrounded with water. They build dams and make their lodges in the resulting artificial ponds. The primary purpose of a dam is to create a haven to stay safe from predators. They are monogamous.

Mating & Reproduction

The mating season for the northern population of North American beavers is between January and March, while that for the southern population is between November and December. A litter of 1 to 4 young beavers, called kits, are born after a gestation period of 105-107 days. Kits are born with full fur, and with their eyes open. They can start swimming after only 24 hours of their birth.

The North American Beaver

North American Beavers

Life-cycle

The kits are expelled from their natal colony at around 2 years of age. It is around this time that they make colonies of their own. Both genders reach sexual maturity at approximately 3 years of age.

North American Beaver Tail

North American Beaver Size

Interesting Facts

These rodents are the state mammal of Oregon. They are also one of the national animals of Canada, sharing the status with the Canadian horse.
This species is an example of Bergmann’s rule, with northern populations being larger than their southern counterparts.

References:

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Red Spruce

Sudipto Chakrabarti — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 04:39:34 +0000

Red spruce trees inhabit eastern North America. Perhaps it’s most well-known use is its effectiveness as a tonewood, which makes it a perfect choice for making guitars and violins. The tree is, however, susceptible to windthrow and acid rain, both of which can damage it rather easily.

Red Spruce

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Pinaceae
Genus	Picea
Scientific Name	Picea rubens

Red Spruce Cones

Red Spruce Needles

Red Spruce Tree

Red Spruce Trees

Quick Information

Other Names	Eastern spruce, yellow spruce, West Virginia spruce, he-balsam
Tree Type	Evergreen
Identification	Size: 59-131 ft (18-40 m) Trunk Diameter: 2 ft (60 cm) Needles (Leaves): ¹⁵⁄₃₂–¹⁹⁄₃₂ in (12-15 mm) in length, curved, yellow-green Bark: Grey-brown, red-brown underneath Cones: Ovoid, chestnut-brown, 1.25-2 in (3-5 cm) long with tough scales, hangs from the branches
Distribution	Quebec, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick in Canada, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, and North Carolina in the United States, and St. Pierre and Miquelon in France
Habitat	Mixed and pure forests, upper montane and subalpine altitudes of 0-6500 ft (2000 m)
Hardiness Zones	3
Growth Rate	Slow to moderate
Lifespan	250-450 years, sometimes more
Growing Conditions	Summer Conditions: Requires cool, moist summers Winter Conditions: Cold temperatures Rainfall: Precipitation of around 36-52 inches Soil: Sandy loam, well-drained Light Requirements: Full sun
Diseases & Pests	Pests: Spruce budworm, eastern spruce beetle, European spruce sawfly and the yellow-headed spruce sawfly Diseases: Insignificant
Reproduction System	Monoecious
Propagation	By seeds
Seedling Development	Seeds germinate in the spring
Wildlife Value	Spruce grouse, mice, voles, crossbills, grosbeaks, bears, porcupines, deer, snowshoe hares, and red squirrels feed on various parts of the tree
Uses	Used to make paper pulp, acoustic guitars, violins, spruce gum, construction lumber; decoratively used as Christmas tree; twigs are boiled to make spruce beer, and also spruce pudding
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Red Spruce Seedlings

Red Needles on Spruce Trees

Red Spruce Needles

Red Spruce Pictures

Interesting Facts

The red spruce is the provincial tree of the Canadian maritime province of Nova Scotia.
It is very similar to the red spruce, and the two species often end up hybridizing when they share a forest.

References:

The post Red Spruce appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Black-tailed Deer

Sudipto Chakrabarti — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 10:36:58 +0000

Black-tailed deer are a member of the mule deer family and found across the Pacific Northwest of North America.

Black Tailed Deer

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Mammalia
Order	Artiodactyla
Family	Cervidae
Subfamily	Capreolinae
Genus	Odocoileus
Species	O. hemionus
Scientific Name	Odocoileus hemionus columbianus

Quick Information

Also known as	Blacktail deer, Columbian black-tailed deer
Description	Weight: Adult males, called bucks, weigh around 200 lbs (91 kg), while does, adult females, weigh around 130 lbs (59 kg) Color: Their pelage ranges from reddish to brown, light or dark ash-gray, to even a dark brownish gray Size: Large males stand up to 3 ft (1 m) at the shoulder
Distribution	Common in the states of California, western Oregon, Washington, near the coasts and interiors of British Columbia and northwards near Alaska
Habitat	Forest edges with sufficient shelter and abundant meadows
Sounds & Communication	Through touch, vision, sounds; they also communicate through scent and pheromones secreted from glands on the lower part of their legs; does use bleats to communicate with each other
Lifespan	9-10 years in the wild; 17-20 years in captivity
Diet	Douglas fir, red huckleberry, western red cedar, deer fern, salal, and lichen during the winter; grass, apples, firewood, forbs, salmonberry, and maple during the spring
Adaptations	The ears are large and can move independently, giving them an excellent sense of hearing; males have a good sight as well and can see other animals at a distance of up to 2,000 ft (600 m)
Predators	Coyotes, pumas, and domestic dogs
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Black Tail Deer

Black Tailed Deer Size

Behavior

Black-tailed deer are active at dusk and dawn. During the day they rest in thickets near streams of water. They migrate from higher altitudes where they spend the summer to lower elevations during the winter. These ungulates are browsers and can be seen browsing around forests on the roadside.

Mating & Reproduction

The mating season, also called the rutting season takes place during November and December during which time bucks chase after does, sometimes back and forth across roads. The gestation period lasts between 6 and 7 months after which the doe usually gives birth to two fawns, although three babies have also been seen. Younger does usually give birth to only one fawn.

Life-cycle

Fawns are born with a weight of around 6-8.8 lb (2.7-4 kg). They are left alone by themselves while the mother goes off to browse, as she has to feed sufficiently to produce enough milk for the fawns. Females reach sexual maturity at around 16 months old while males attain gusto at 16½ months of age.

Columbian Black Tailed Deer

Black Tailed Deer Pictures

Interesting Facts

There is a considerable argument among scientists regarding whether to consider the black-tailed deer a species on its own, or whether to keep it as a subspecies of the mule deer.
The black-tailed deer is a popular game animal for hunters.
They shed their antlers between January and March, but these grow back between April and August.

Pictures of Black Tailed Deer

Deer with Black Tail

References:

The post Black-tailed Deer appeared first on Coniferous Forest.

Dusky Grouse

Sudipto Chakrabarti — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 05:38:08 +0000

Dusky grouse is the second largest grouse in the US after the sage grouse. They have a wide distribution, and their population numbers are holding their own for the last few decades.

Dusky Grouse

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Galliformes
Family	Phasianidae
Subfamily	Tetraoninae
Genus	Dendragapus
Scientific Name	Dendragapus obscurus

Quick Information

Also Known As	Blue grouse, Gallo azul (Spanish), Tétras somber (French)
Description	Size: 12-15 in (38-61 cm) Weight: 26.5-45.9 oz (750-1,300 g) Wingspan: 2.07-2.23 ft (63-68 cm) Color: Males – As the name suggests, they are dark with a purple air sac in the throat which has white borders, during mating display they develop a yellow to red fleshy lobe over the eyes; Females: Mostly mottled brown with white and brown markings around the belly
Distribution	Western North America from Alaska and Yukon down to New Mexico
Habitat	Breeds on edges of mixed and coniferous forests in mountainous areas
Sounds & Communication	Through peeps and chirps; males use hoots during the breeding season
Lifespan	3 years on average
Diet	Cones and needles from conifer trees, they also eat grasshoppers and other insects
Adaptations	Their body color aids them in blending in with their environment, thus providing defense against predators
Predators	Mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, red foxes, grizzly and black bears, pine martens, and birds of prey like hawks, golden and bald eagles
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Dusky Grouse Images

Dusky Grouse Pictures

Behavior

These birds move to denser forests during the winter season. They also have the peculiar habit of moving to higher elevations during the cold. During the winter they also form large flocks which disperse into smaller groups in summer.

Mating & Reproduction

The mating season falls between spring and mid-summer. Males demarcate a territory which they defend by fanning their tail, clapping their wings and hopping around. Females lay a clutch of 7-9 eggs which are then incubated for 18-21 days.

Life-cycle

After hatching the chicks are taken care of by just their mothers. After an age of 10-28 days, the chicks and the mother go their separate ways while foraging. Soon after, around the beginning of autumn, the babies become independent and join adult groups.

Dusky Grouse Female

Dusky Blue Grouse

Interesting Facts

Till very recently, the dusky grouse and sooty grouse were considered subspecies of the blue grouse. This has ceased to be the case, and each is a separate species. Both continue to be collectively called blue grouse.
Dusky grouse are game birds across their range and are hunted for their meat.

References:

The post Dusky Grouse appeared first on Coniferous Forest.