The Gopher Tortoise

I was recently biking with my family, and happened upon a Gopher Tortoise, who was sunning himself (or herself, as the case may be) in the grass beside the path.

The Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a rare species that is on the endangered list in every US state except FL, though it is on the species watch list in Florida. This species is at risk because of habitat loss.

Gopher Tortoises are herbivores; that means they eat plants only, like mushrooms, berries, and certain types of grasses. These tortoises also eat what is called a gopher apple.

Gopher Tortoises live in burrows that they dig in the ground. These animals are known for their amazing digging ability. When a tortoise is ready to lay her eggs (of which there are about 3-14), they are put in a mound near the opening of the burrow.

These are definitely amazing animals!


Sources: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw048 and
http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/Gopher_polyph.htm

The Cannonball Jellyfish

We recently were on the beach in FL, and I noticed that there were a lot of jellyfish washed up on the shore.
I've identified one as a Cannonball jellyfish. Here's some info about it:


Stomolophus meleagris, the Cannonball Jellyfish.

Cannonballs live in warm waters like the Pacific Ocean and mid-west Atlantic, though they have been mainly found in the southern coast of the USA, like the Gulf Coast.

Cannonballs eat mainly zooplankton, like veligers and all forms of red drum larvae.

Of course, since they are jelly fish, Cannonballs have a toxin that, when disrupted, they secrete through nemotocysts in their tentacles to sting whatever unlucky creature happened to be in range. Though Cannonballs rarely sting humans, they have been known to cause cardiac damage when they do sting.

So remember: whether it's a Cannonball jellyfish, or any other type, do not touch it!! Even a jellyfish washed up on shore can still sting you. Be careful!


"What do sharks like for lunch?"

"I dunno. What do they like?"

"Peanut butter and jellyfish sandwiches!"

"Groan."


Source: Wikipedia

Book Review: Taggerung by Brian Jacques

Published in 2001 by Philomel Books, this rousing story from the Redwall series is about a young otter named Deyna.
Born in Redwall Abbey, Deyna is captured as a baby by a ferret named Sawney Rath: the ruthless, cruel, savage leader of a vermin horde called the Juskarath. The Juskarath believe Deyna will grow to be one of the legendary Taggerungs; great warriors, who go undefeated into battle. They call the cub they have captured "Tagg", and train him to be a warrior.
But Tagg is not the cruel, heartless creature the Juskarath want him to be. True, he is a wonderful fighter, none can best him in a battle. But unlike the Juskarath vermin, Tagg will not kill without reason, and this creates a split in the clan. Tagg runs away to create a new life for himself, and in doing so, meets many wonderful friends. But Sawney Rath, and others from the Juskarath track Tagg, in order to kill him for deserting their clan.
This brings Vallug Bowbeast, Eefera, and other Juskarath vermin right to the gates of that sandstone building, Redwall Abbey.
And now, only the Taggerung can save the place of his birth.

Full of rousing action, comedy, and a little mystery, Taggerung is an amazing book for kids of all ages.

Wildlife Pictures

Here are some pictures of wildlife that my family and I took on various vacations south:








An alligator sunning itself.









An egret roaming the marshes for food.









A peacock in an FL State Park.









An armadillo we saw while biking.

Welcome to FFPandC

Hey there, I'm Anna. Welcome to the all animal blog, Fur, Feathers, Paws, and Claws!