Many of us have seen monkeys up close, mostly in zoos, rarely out in the wild, unless you have been fortunate enough to travel to parts of the world where monkeys and humans meet. This often occurs in temples in India, China and Japan, for example, where the monkeys are often revered and allowed to take residence in this special places.
Even less of us have had the opportunity to see monkeys out in the wild, where humans have yet to make their real mark, in the forests and other monkey habitats throughout the world. Below are just a few images of monkeys taken in the wild - in the forests of Costa Rico.
28 February 2013
27 February 2013
Lion Shield
Lions are popular in the use of heraldry and symbolize royalty, bravery and strength and have a long history of being used in this way, through to ancient history. Many coats of arms around the world, use the lion - including England, Scotland, Spain, Finland and many many more. It is no surprise that the coat of arms for each of the countries belonging to the United Kingdom have the lion, as it is considered the national symbol for British people.
26 February 2013
Lemurs
Lemurs belong to the primate order and are native to Madagascar and there are nearly 100 species of lemurs today. Prior to humans arriving on Madagascar approximately 2000 years ago, there were many more species of lemurs. Even today, many of the species of lemurs are threatened with extinction as they have to adapt to the loss of their habitat (they now only have 10% of the area to live in they once had) and they are also hunted, which has had a significant impact on their survival in Madagascar.
There is great variety and diversity across the species of lemurs. The world's smallest primate, Madame Berthe's mouse lemur, is a lemur and at one time in recent history one of the largest primate was also a lemur, although now extinct. They share many traits of the ancestral primates but they evolved independently on Madagascar.
There is great variety and diversity across the species of lemurs. The world's smallest primate, Madame Berthe's mouse lemur, is a lemur and at one time in recent history one of the largest primate was also a lemur, although now extinct. They share many traits of the ancestral primates but they evolved independently on Madagascar.
25 February 2013
Lovely Llamas
Llamas are a species of camelids which are found as domesticated animals in South America and they belong to the same family as the camels. Llamas have been domesticated for their meat, wool and used for transporting materials for a long time in South American history.
Llamas have a long history in many Andean cultures. The Moche people, who were in the area prior to the Incas, used llamas in the burials of distinguished people in their society. They would use whole llamas or parts of llamas in these burials as offerings. Ceramics from the period of the Moche culture, clearly depict llamas at that time.
Llamas also played an important role in the Incan culture. Llama figures were often buried with Incan nobility, similarly to the use in burials with the Moche people. They were used as beasts of burden to carry goods and belongings. The fibers and meat of the llama was also used by the Incans.
Llamas have a long history in many Andean cultures. The Moche people, who were in the area prior to the Incas, used llamas in the burials of distinguished people in their society. They would use whole llamas or parts of llamas in these burials as offerings. Ceramics from the period of the Moche culture, clearly depict llamas at that time.
Llamas also played an important role in the Incan culture. Llama figures were often buried with Incan nobility, similarly to the use in burials with the Moche people. They were used as beasts of burden to carry goods and belongings. The fibers and meat of the llama was also used by the Incans.
24 February 2013
Lizards Everywhere
Lizards belong to the reptilia class and there are over 5600 species. They can be found on all continents except Antartica so they are a widespread group of the animal kingdom.
Lizards come in all shapes and sizes but one thing they generally have in common is that they have external ears and legs. I know that I was always taught that this is one way of distinguishing a lizard from a snake, but there are legless lizards, so this is not always accurate. Lizards, such as geckos, can be only a few centimenters long whereas large lizards, like the Komodo dragon can grow to be almost 3 meters long.
Lizards come in all shapes and sizes but one thing they generally have in common is that they have external ears and legs. I know that I was always taught that this is one way of distinguishing a lizard from a snake, but there are legless lizards, so this is not always accurate. Lizards, such as geckos, can be only a few centimenters long whereas large lizards, like the Komodo dragon can grow to be almost 3 meters long.
23 February 2013
Delicious Lobsters
Think of lobsters and I think of summer - luxurious summer seafood salads with lobster, prawns, crab and much more. Growing up, lobsters were one of those things you only ever had on special occasions and at restaurants, it would often be one of the most expensive meals you could choose from. But lobsters have not always been the food of choice for people with a few extra pennies in their pocket. Did you know that prior to the 20th century, lobsters in parts of North American society were seen as the food for people living in poverty? In some areas of North America, servants were made to sign an agreement that they wouldn't eat lobster more than twice a week, so much was the disdain for the lobster by the wealthier classes.
Vintage Marine Ocean Life Crustacean, Lobster Posters by YesterdayCafe
Browse Seafood Posters online at Zazzle.com
Vintage Marine Ocean Life Crustacean, Lobster Posters by YesterdayCafe
Browse Seafood Posters online at Zazzle.com
22 February 2013
Leopards and Their Spots
Leopards are one of the four big cats along with lions, tigers and jaguars and is the smallest cat within this group. Leopards are known for their agility and strength, including the ability to climb trees even when they are carrying the carcass of their latest kill. Leopards are incredibly fast animals and can reach speeds of almost 60 kilometers and hour.
The leopard print is quite distinctive and has rosettes (rather than spots as they are most commonly called). There are variations in the color of the coats and the shape of the rosettes depending on the habitat of the leopard.
The leopard print is quite distinctive and has rosettes (rather than spots as they are most commonly called). There are variations in the color of the coats and the shape of the rosettes depending on the habitat of the leopard.
21 February 2013
Leo Lion
The lion is the symbol for the Leo astrology sign which is the zodiac for those individuals born between 22 July and the 22 August. The lion makes the perfect symbol for Leos, representing strength and power. Throughout history, lions have been considered a symbol of royalty and this also goes hand in hand with the Leo tendency to believe they are the royalty of the zodiac world.
20 February 2013
Not Just a Loyal Labrador
Loyal is one word that can be used to describe Labradors (also called Labrador Retrievers , but surely that is not the only reason that Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds around the world.
Perhaps it is also because they are friendly, loving and faithful companions, as well as being incredibly intelligent and obedient. They make great family dogs as they are patient and affectionate and are great with children and other dogs.
Labradors can be trained easily, which is why they are often used as service dogs, including guide dogs for people with visual impairments, service dogs for people with disabilities as well as police dogs and customs dogs.
Perhaps it is also because they are friendly, loving and faithful companions, as well as being incredibly intelligent and obedient. They make great family dogs as they are patient and affectionate and are great with children and other dogs.
Labradors can be trained easily, which is why they are often used as service dogs, including guide dogs for people with visual impairments, service dogs for people with disabilities as well as police dogs and customs dogs.
19 February 2013
The Lovely Lynx
There are four species of true lynxes - the Eurasian lynx, the Canadian lynx, the Iberian lynx and the bobcat. The Eurasian lynx and the Iberian lynx can be found in Europe and the Canadian Lynx and bobcat are found in North America. Unfortunately the Iberian lynx is the most endangered cat species in the world!
The lynx is distinguishable by the tufts of black hair on the end of the ears and an almost beard like ruff of fur under their neck. They have short tails and long whiskers.
The lynx is distinguishable by the tufts of black hair on the end of the ears and an almost beard like ruff of fur under their neck. They have short tails and long whiskers.
18 February 2013
Little Ladybugs
Ladybirds (also known as ladybugs) are one of the cutest bugs around and are a family of beetles. In fact ladybirds have quite a few names - entomologists prefer to call them ladybird beetles or lady beetles, but other more unusual names are ladyclock, lady cow, God's cow and lady fly.
Below are a few beautiful examples of capturing ladybugs with photography. Their shiny domed bodies showing brilliantly against the plants they are resting on.
Ladybirds even have their own nursery rhyme, which is believed to originate in England and was first published in the mid 18th century. If a ladybug landed on you, you would recite the verse to make them fly away. The rhyme stemmed from a superstition that it was unlucky to kill ladybirds.
Ladybugs are ultra sweet and cute and ladybird designs and illustrations are very popular all over the world for young and old. Below are just a few very sweet ladybird designs and ladybug gifts.
Below are a few beautiful examples of capturing ladybugs with photography. Their shiny domed bodies showing brilliantly against the plants they are resting on.
Ladybirds even have their own nursery rhyme, which is believed to originate in England and was first published in the mid 18th century. If a ladybug landed on you, you would recite the verse to make them fly away. The rhyme stemmed from a superstition that it was unlucky to kill ladybirds.
Ladybugs are ultra sweet and cute and ladybird designs and illustrations are very popular all over the world for young and old. Below are just a few very sweet ladybird designs and ladybug gifts.
17 February 2013
L is for Lots of Lions
The lion - the majestic king of the jungle - to be admired and revered. A symbol of strength and bravery and has been a popular symbol for royalty throughout human history.
Lions are one of the most iconic animals, found in both Africa and Asia. Male lions have their distinctive manes, which give them their majestic appearance. Generally, the healthier the lion, the darker and denser the mane and research shows that the lioness will choose a mate with the darkest and thickest mane.
Lions are very social creatures and generally live in prides - which consists of approximately 5 or 6 related females and their cubs with one or two males. The male cubs must leave the maternal pride once they reach puberty and become nomads. They may remain nomads or may join another pride. Males may sway between being a member of a pride or a nomad a number of times.
Lions are one of the favorite animals for children and adults - Lions have been depicted in artwork through hundreds, and even thousands, of years. Even now, they are part of our popular culture in cartoons and animations. They really are so cute!
Lions are one of the most iconic animals, found in both Africa and Asia. Male lions have their distinctive manes, which give them their majestic appearance. Generally, the healthier the lion, the darker and denser the mane and research shows that the lioness will choose a mate with the darkest and thickest mane.
Lions are very social creatures and generally live in prides - which consists of approximately 5 or 6 related females and their cubs with one or two males. The male cubs must leave the maternal pride once they reach puberty and become nomads. They may remain nomads or may join another pride. Males may sway between being a member of a pride or a nomad a number of times.
Lions are one of the favorite animals for children and adults - Lions have been depicted in artwork through hundreds, and even thousands, of years. Even now, they are part of our popular culture in cartoons and animations. They really are so cute!
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