Scientific name : Condylura cristata Family : Talpidae Native to : Canada and the United States Interesting fact : They weigh about 55 grams, and have 44 teeth. Conservation status : Least Concern The star-nosed mole is covered in thick, blackish-brown, water-repellent fur, and has large, scaled feet and a long, thick tail, along with […]
Common name : Canadian hairless cat Scientific name : Felis catus Native to : Philippines Interesting fact : The first hairless cat was born in 1966. Conservation status : Domesticated It is a hairless breed of cat, although it does have slight fur. They need constant oiling and moisturizing. Many people are fascinated by the
Common name : Andean bear or Andean short-faced bear, Jukumari Scientific name : Tremarctos ornatus Family : Ursidae Native to : South America Interesting fact : Their gall bladder is valued in traditional Chinese medicine. Conservation status : Threatened Overall, its fur is blackish in colour, though it may vary from jet black to dark
Common name : Indian muntjac, Barking deer, Kakar Scientific name : Muntiacus muntjak Family : Cervidae Native to : South Asia Interesting fact : Alarm call resembles a ‘bark’. Conservation status : Least Concern These deer can bark for almost an hour. In the Nilgiri, where they are found, they have been known to feed
Scientific name : Solenodon paradoxus Family : Solenodontidae Native to : North and South America Interesting fact : Its bite is poisonous and can cause paralysis or fits. Conservation status : Endangered Solenodons are venomous mammals. They resemble very large shrews, have extremely elongated snouts, long, naked, scaly tails, hairless feet, and small eyes. Their
Common name : Varying hare or Snowshoe rabbit Scientific name : Lepus americanus Family : Leporidae Native to : North America Interesting fact : Unlike rabbits, they live above the ground. Conservation status : Least Concern It has the name ‘snowshoe’ because of the large size of its hind feet and the marks its tail
Scientific name : Panthera uncia Family : Felidae Native to : The mountain ranges of Central and South Asia Interesting fact : Snow leopards cannot roar. Conservation status : Endangered Snow leopards have long, thick, smoky grey to yellowish tan fur with whitish underparts. They have dark grey to black open rosettes on their bodies,
Scientific name : Bradypus torquatus Family : Bradypodidae Native to : Central and South America Interesting fact : They move two metres per minute. Conservation status : Vulnerable Sloths are medium-sized mammals, native to Central and South America. Sloths are known for being slow-moving, and only move when necessary. Depending on the species, its coat
Common name : Forest baby Scientific name : Loris tardigradus malabaricus, Loris lydekkerianus Family : Lorisidae Native to : India and Sri Lanka Interesting fact : The slender loris rubs urine over its hands, feet and face. This is thought to protect it against the sting of toxic insects. Conservation status : Endangered It is
Scientific name : Mephitis mephitis Family : Mephitidae Native to : America Interesting fact : They love to eat honeybees. Conservation status : Least Concern They have moderately elongated bodies with relatively short, well-muscled legs and long front claws for digging. Although the most common fur colour is black and white yet some skunks are
Common name : Amur tiger, Ussuri tiger Scientific name : Panthera tigris altaica Family : Felidae Native to : The mountainous region of Russia Interesting fact : Largest tiger in the world Conservation status : Endangered The Siberian tiger is reddish-rusty, or rusty-yellow in colour which turns very pale during winter, with narrow dark-brown transverse
Mudras are ritualistic and symbolic gestures found in Hinduism and Buddhism. Do you know: The word ‘Mudra’ originates from a Sanskrit word, meaning ‘seal’ or ‘gesture’. Most Mudras are performed using the fingers or hands, while some may require the use of the entire body. A Mudra is considered a spiritual movement or act, an
Henna Tattoos are a rich wedding custom of many cultures including the Arabic, African and Indian communities. Do you know: Most of these cultures, the women conceal the initials of their to-be husbands in their intricate henna designs. As a part of the wedding rituals, women apply detailed and intricate designs using henna, on their
Bayanihan is a custom practised in the Philippines. Do you know: The word ‘Bayanihan’ means being a ‘bayan’ which means town or community. The concept of Bayanihan helps the Filipinos as a community accomplishes incredible feats. The custom is more prevalent in rural areas where houses are made of bamboo and palm wood. According to
Pagmamano is a Filipino custom that has withstood foreign influences. Do you know: The custom requires one to actually say, ‘Mano Po’, meaning your hands please, to an elder. Pagmamano is a custom where a younger person greets someone elder to him/her, usually his parent, grandparent, relative, etc. by asking for his hand. Then he