Sharks

Shark off the waters of Belize.

The earliest shark ancestor so far discovered can be traced to the Ordovician Period over 450 million years ago. During this time, there was a vast marine diversity, but little diversity on land. While different from modern sharks, the ancestor was still a high-speed predator with sharp teeth.

Fossilized Shark Tooth

As one of the fiercest marine predators, sharks also harbor a disproportionate amount of fear. Of the number of total confirmed shark attacks recorded for centuries, less than a fifth have been fatal. There are greater dangers in the seas such as rip currents and jellyfish, and while jellyfish are deadly, the number of deaths they cause have likely been seriously underestimated due to lack of confirmed deaths. Still, it is far easier to fear a large, sharp-toothed predator rather than a tiny insect no matter the fatality rate.


This post is in response to the recent culling of sharks off the Western Australia coast. The policy states that it is to reduce the risk of shark bites and fatalities. Unfortunately, all this will create are unstable populations in species, which could easily led to a sudden collapse and extinction as was seen in passenger pigeons a century ago. All have their place in their world including large carnivores such as sharks. They help keep populations in check, and if removed, the effects ripple down the food chain until the whole system becomes unbalanced. As with everything else, they have a place and purpose in our environment.

The Google+ post I did mentioning sharks, but with different wording is here.

Jimbacrinus

Crinoid, Jimbacrinus bostocki

Jimbacrinus, nicknamed feather star, belong to the order Cladida, long since extinct. These marine creatures were a type of crinoid, a class that is characterized by a fivefold symmetry and often confused for plants. While few crinoids exist in the present-day, they were once found found in larger numbers during the Paleozoic Era, particularly during the Permian Period. An abundance of fossils of Jimbacrinus are found in Western Australia where some species once grew up to 25 cm (10 in) tall. This specific genus lived solely in what is now Australia, but other fossils from the extinct family Calceolispongiidae have also been found in the United States and India in addition to Australia.

From the newest fossil collection at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tawny Frogmouth

Tawny Frogmouth, Podargus strigoides

The Tawny Frogmouth is often confused for an owl, but truly belongs to the Caprimulgiformes order which includes nightjars, nighthawks, and potoos. A nocturnal insectivore, the tawny frogmouth can be found throughout most of Australia down through Tasmania. They live in almost any habitat with the exception of dense rainforests and treeless deserts. The common name frogmouth comes from their wide, frog-like mouth which is triangular and hooked. Although they average a length of 44 cm (17.3 in), like many of the smaller caprimulgiform birds, they do enter a shallow state of torpor in winter during the coldest part of the night. While quite abundant, the tawny frogmouth is often a victim of car accidents as it chases insects drawn to the beam of headlights.

Great Barrier Reef

Eddy Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

With global temperatures estimated to rise at minimum 2°C, the impacts of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef are high. Global warming and ocean acidification will add stress to the reefs resulting in coral bleaching, coral morality, a decline in water quality, overexploitation of key species, and stronger cyclonic activity to name a few.

Mass coral bleaching is not new, but the increased frequency of occurrence leaves less time for recovery and more stress in the long-term. As it is a patchy event and affects various reefs differently, one focus of research is on the reason why and whether this can be used to help other reefs. Coral calcification is also declining and correlates with the rise of global temperatures. Unseen in over 400 years, coral calcification is what provides structural complexity to the reefs. Tens of thousands of species found within reefs depend on calcareous coral skeletons. Without intervention, some predict that by 2030 the Great Barrier Reef will be transformed to a non-coral dominate state.

Great Barrier Reef

Eddy Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Situated along the northeast coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the most diverse collection of coral reef. Along with over 1500 species of fish and 4000 types of mollusc, the reef is also home to over 100 species of sharks and rays in addition to both the threatened dugong and large green turtle. A World Heritage site since 1981, the Great Barrier Reef covers 340,000 km² and can be divided into the inner reef and outer reef. As a home for a large number of species, the real threat of climate change on the reef has been a main focal point of research and conservation efforts.

If visiting a reef, I would not suggest a disposable underwater camera.

Mistletoebird

♀ Mistletoebird, Dicaeum hirundinaceum

Named for its food preference, the Mistletoebird can be found throughout mainland Australia and parts of Papua New Guinea and eastern Indonesia. This bird is the only member of the Dicaeidae family, the flowerpeckers, found in Australia and may therefore be also referred to as the Australian Flowerpecker. The digestive system of the Mistletoebird is simple allowing berries to pass through quickly. The sticky seed is then excreted onto branches allowing the parasitic plant to spread and grow.

Estivation

Bearded Dragon, Pogona vitticeps

Another major form of dormancy, estivation is similar to the metabolic and temporal reduction of hibernation, but used by species found in dry, hot environments. It is a state of aerobic hypometabolism where those species retreat to estivate in sheltered sites. They are active for a set period of time during the year, sometimes only a few weeks, to feed and breed. One characteristic factor of estivation is the methods of water retention both physically and metabolically. Balancing water retention could be a change of concentration in the urine, it could be the burrow construction, or it could be taking advantage of the environment to prevent dehydration.

Strangler Fig

Strangler Fig, Ficus

Many species of tropical strangler vines are of the fig family and thus are referred to as strangler figs. The common names comes from the pattern of growth of these vines upon a host tree which eventually leads to the death of the tree. As strangler figs may live for hundreds of years, the host death is not always a result of the vine, but rather age of the host. By this time, the strangler has establish itself enough that it still flourishes and lives without its host. These strangler figs are commonly covered with other vines that may not be strangers, and is often a source of food and shelter for epiphytic plants, and animals including various birds, mammals, reptiles, and bats.

Australian Brush Turkey

Australian Brush-turkey, Alectura lathami

The Australian Brush Turkey can be spotted along the eastern and northeastern coast of Australia. This species has a large variety of habitats it can be found in from rainforests to drier scrubs, from mountains to lowland regions. The family Megapodiidae of which the brush turkey belongs are often referred to as mound builders. They passively incubate the eggs, burying them under mounds of decaying matter which the chicks must then dig out of. For the Australian Brush Turkey, the males maintain the mound which several females lay their eggs in. The bill of the bird is used to assess temperature. Matter is added or removed as needed, and holes are dug for ventilation when the necessity arises. Hatchlings are fully feathered once they emerge from the mound and are given no additional parental care. This species is often referred to as a nuisance as it commonly damages gardens while searching for food. Unlike it's cousin of the Galliformes order, the Wild Turkey, the Australian Brush Turkey is known for its bad taste and is therefore not hunted.

Rainbow Lorikeet

Rainbow Lorikeet, Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus

The Rainbow Lorikeet is arguably the most identifiable bird of Australia with both males and females wearing the same bright plumage. They can be found mainly along the eastern and northern coasts of Australia, but can also be found in parts of coastal western Australia, and the southeast mainland coastline into Tasmania. Part of this large range is due to their success in the suburban and urban setting.

Rainbow Lorikeet feeding on nectar.

A fast-moving flocking bird, this parrot feeds mostly on nectar and pollen, but also fruits, seeds, and a few insects. The loud chattering and screeching is heard during communal roosts at dusk, and during feeding periods. While largely not migratory, the lorikeet may move in response to seasonal flowering.

Great Bowerbird

Great Bowerbird, Chlamydera nuchalis

The Great Bowerbird can be found along the tropical northeastern coast of Australia. The bowerbirds, Ptilonorhynchidae, are unique in their approach to male-male interactions. While some species, such as the Great Bowerbird, have some vivid feathering seen during mating season, they are best known for creating wondrous bachelor pad-like nests. These nests serve no other purpose than to attract a female for mating. Using any colorful item available, readily including litter, they spend the majority of their time rearranging and decorating the area. Decorations are often stolen by other males competing in the same area and may be used as indications of the social status. The number of decorations, and therefore male fitness, are useful for females in mating decisions. While each species of bowerbird varies in nest construction and decoration color preference, the goal is the same for all.

The Great Bowerbird prefers reds and greens. I never found out if this one was banded with the same colors as a joke, or for a purpose.

Scarlet Honeyeater

♂ Scarlet Honeyeater, Myzolema sanguinolenta

The Scarlet Honeyeater, or Blood bird, can be found all along the east coast of Australia, but is a summer migrant only south of Sydney. This species lives mainly in woodlands and open forest, especially near wetlands, but can also be found in rainforests and urban areas. The name honeyeater comes from its diet of nectar, fruit, and the occasional insect. Scarlet Honeyeaters exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism, similar to Painted Buntings, with vivid red and black males versus dull brown and white females. While both genders call, only the males have the distinct silvery tinkling song. As with other honeyeaters, the Scarlet Honeyeater plays an important role in pollination.

It has been awhile since I last wrote on Australia so this week I'll be focusing on three different bird species.

White's Tree Frog

White's Tree Frog, Litoria caerulea

White's Tree Frog, also known as Dumpy Tree Frog, or Australian Green Tree Frog, has a range from Australia into Papua New Guinea to Indonesia. The nickname dumpy comes from fat layers that grow on the top of the head when overfed. As with other tree frogs, this species has large adhesive pads on their fingers and toes making them excellent climbers. While a tropical species, the Australian Green Tree Frog can live in  arid areas. This is in part due to the waxy cuticle skin of the frog preventing water evaporation.

This species is a common sight in zoos, aquariums, and other similar institutions due to the ease of care and the education value. While this particular frog lives in Texas, the species as a whole is from Australia.

Wildfires

Remains after controlled burning in Australia.

As mentioned before, wildfires are vital to the health of many different ecosystems. They provide control, allowing the adaptive species a higher chance to flourish. They also promote the composition of the forest and encourage biodiversity in various ways. The media will likely always focus on the destruction of these fires, but while human influence has changed this once natural phenomena, wildfires do still have an important purpose.

I know I've probably already exhausted this topic, but as wildfires are in the news again, a reminder seems like it wouldn't hurt. Besides, I really wanted to share this photo as it is one of my particular favorites of all my fire-related shots.

Jupiter and its Moons

Jupiter with Ganymede and Europa minutes after Io is eclipsed.

Jupiter, the most massive planet in our solar system, contains a current count of 50 "permanent" moons. Of these many moons, the four largest are Callisto, Europa, Ganymede, and Io. These four are known as Galilean satellites, having first been observed and recorded in 1610 by Galileo Galilei. Europa is thought to have a liquid ocean under its frozen crust, but the possibility may also lie with Callisto and Ganymede. Ganymede is also the largest planetary moon and the only moon with its own magnetic field. Io, on the other hand, is the most volcanically active body in the solar system.

Another capture of Jupiter, Ganymede, and Europa.

The Great Red Spot is not the only interesting feature of Jupiter. The rings of Jupiter were first discovered in 1979 by NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft. These are a flattened main ring, an inner cloud-like "halo" ring, and a third gossamer ring. The gossamer ring, call such due to its transparency, is actually three rings of microscopic debris. That debris came from the three small moons Amalthea, Thebe, and Adrastea. Perhaps the most interesting fact of Jupiter is that is can technically be called a failed star. It lacks the mass needed to graduate to a brown dwarf and has cooled below the threshold for fusion; however, enough heat, mass, and pressure remain to cram together atoms resulting in new behaviors. With this limbo state of chemical and nuclear reaction, oddities such as liquid metallic hydrogen are possible. It is with the launch of and arrival of Juno to Jupiter that we may finally see below the clouds of Jupiter.

As a celebration for the successful landing of Curiosity, I decided today was a good day to share what may be my favorite photo I've ever taken. It was with the aid of a wonderful astronomer and telescope during an amateur astronomy night in Australia that I had this opportunity, and success.

Black Kite

Black Kite, Milvus migrans scouring a bushfire.

Widespread from Australia to Europe, but lacking in the New World, the Black Kite is argued to be the most numerous raptor species in the world. While most often seen in small groups or isolated pairs, events such as bushfires and plagues of grasshoppers brings flocks. A raging fire will attract Black Kites from a number of miles away as it provides a temporary abundance of food as prey flees the flames, although they will also feast on carrion. From a distance, the plumage looks almost black, but in reality is a dark brown.

Fire and the Outback

Very recent burning in a volatile Eucalyptus Forest

Australia is no stranger of fires, from the western desert, to the tropics and bushland, to the savannas and eucalyptus forests. As with other environments, these fire adapt places rely on fire to promote a strong ecosystem from the ground to the surrounding life; however, Australia provides a unique insight not with just fire alone, but the relationship of the Aboriginal people with fire. For the Wik Monkan of Northern Queensland, burning off country was often started at the end of the wet season, ontjin, particularly during the start of the dry season, kaiyam, and sometime continued to the beginning of the wet season, turrpak. A great portion of the clan estates was burned each year. The burn pattern used for most areas is referred to as mosaic burning resulting from a combination of burning grass as it cures and the movement around the estates. Land management of Aboriginal country often was focused on resource management and social values, not necessarily for the promotion of biodiversity. One of the major reasons for the burning regimes was to aid in the hunt of anything from macropods to burrowed prey. The Martu Aboriginal of the Western Desert have used fire for the purposes of hunting to great effect.

Controlled burns by the university for human protection. 

As with most other ecosystems, there has been fire repression especially along populated areas, and land management under the guidance of the Aboriginal has been declining. As dry season starts, controlled burns are conducted near towns and around the perimeter of populated places such as universities as a precaution and for protection. With the continual concerns of global warming, recent research has looked at the relationship of wildfires to carbon output. There is strong support for the relationship between the net emissions and net sinks of areas with fire repression, and areas with annual burning.

Noisy Pitta

Noisy Pitta, Pitta versicolor

Found foraging for worms, berries, and snails among the leaf litter of tropical and subtropical rainforest, the Noisy Pitta has a classic rainforest call. The loud sound is one of the main sounds heard within the forests leading to the common name of noisy. These birds do not walk, but hop on the ground often accompanying the movement with a bob of the head or flick of the tail. Much like the North American Vireonidae family, these birds are much more often heard than seen.

Bush Stone-curlew

Bush Stone-curlew, Burhinus grallarius

The Bush Stone-curlew, sometimes called the Bush Thick-knee, is certainly one of the oddest and most unique birds of Australia. They can stand up to 60cm tall on gangly legs and knobbly knees, with large yellow eyes and facial feathering that seems to give them a permanent look of sadness. With a nocturnal call comparable to a screaming baby or women, it is understandable why the Australian Aboriginal cultures weave many stories around these birds, and often associate it with death. Foraging occurs during the evening and night time hours, feeding on a host of motley items from insects to seeds, molluscs to small animals. The range extends throughout most of Australia, but the conservation status varies from vulnerable to endangered. Some states have conservation efforts currently active before the population declines more, encouraging landholders to control predators better specifically feral cats and foxes. When threatened or disturbed, the bush stone-curlew will either freeze, crouch down, or both.

The campus had plenty of these around, and unlike many places they were not hard to observe during the day. The call certainly takes awhile to get use to, and caused me to wake up multiple times. I even watch one walk right up and under the balcony, call for a minute, then walk off hunting for food as if nothing happened. Definitely one of my favorite birds even if it was a love-hate relationship.

Golden Orb Weaver

♀ Golden Orb Weaver, Nephila philipes

The golden orb weavers are one of the larger spiders of Australia with a very distinct difference in size between the males and females. The red fangs and yellow leg spots are two distinct features of the Nephila philipes species. Predators of this spider include various birds and some wasps within the family Sphecidae. They are considered "non-venomous" and like many spiders, they are reluctant to bite. The biggest risk, if bitten, actually comes from infection due to the amount of bacteria found on the fangs. Their webs are semi-permanent placements and so will stay, say on the ceiling by the lights, if the prey amount is good.