Natural History Notes

A leafbird is difficult to spot in the forest canopy True to its name, the leafbirds' plumage closely matches the green foliage of the rainforest trees. This is a female of one of several species found in the forest of Southeast Asia. Unlike the females, the males typically have distinct markings on throat and head.

Coral Swirl ( Wrigthia antidysenterica )

Mushrooms are actually fruiting bodies of fungi. It serves to produce spores and enable them to be dispersed by wind. The vegetative bodies or the nutritionally active bodies of fungi are usually not obvious because it consist of a great number and minute thread-like structure known a hyphae. These hyphae can form a mat known as mycelium that can spread far and wide to absorb nutrients in the soil or in association with plant roots.

The diverse microhabitats that exist in the tropical forest have provided many species of plants with different form and structure to flourish. Among them is the Bird’s Nest fern ( Asplenium sp.) which typically lives as epiphyte, but it grows on the ground as well. It is unmistakable in appearance, with many long, lanceoate leaves that spring from the short rhizomes. The leaves of the Bird's Nest Fern are almost stalkless, thick, glossy green with a dark midrib and arranged in a rosette which resemble the shuttlecock. Bird's Nest Fern is an epiphyte Such leaves arrangement has important survival implication, for it traps fallen leaves and other organic materials from the canopy. Then, in due time, those material with decompose and provide a rich source of food for the plants. Water is absorbed by the mass of roots, which soaked rain water as it run down along the branches and trunk.   A huge Bird's Nest Fern on a tall rainforest tree. Some local tribes consume ...

The Cinnamon Bittern ( Ixobrychus cinnamomeus ) is a widespread species in damp places like ponds and marshes. However, it is a skulker and retiring species especially in broad daylight render it not easily observed. Usually the Cinnamon Bittern is seen sitting on top of reed late in the day especially after rain. Sometimes it can be quite vocal, uttering a series of kup, kup, kup.. notes that rings across the marsh. Like most bittern it has a hunched appearance, but when the neck is fully extended it is rather long for a bird of its size. The colour is fantastic, being cinnamon above, buff below with a darker streaks. A lucky observer might see it stands motionless within the damp reed, or walk stealthily in search of small prey.

Otter are mammal that belongs to the same group as the weasel (family Mustelidae). They have slender body with relatively long and muscular tail thar helps them swim in the water. The feet consist of five toes, and they are webbed which help them swim more efficiently. But they are also strong enough to enable the otter to move on land as well. The toes are generally equipped with long claws, and they are use with great dexterity to manipulate their prey. Otters are excellent swimmer Otters have small ear and rounded eyes with somewhat triangular shaped nose. The whiskers are quite long, and they are useful to detect prey via vibration. This is especially so in low light condition such as in murky waters. All otters have 32 teeth. A large portion of the teeth are molars that are use to grind their prey which includes crustaceans and fishes. They also have incisors. Otters come in different sizes. The largest is the Giant Otter which grow up to 1.8 m in length. The smallest...

Preening is one of the most frequent observed birds’ behaviour for it is a crucial for them to take care of their feathers. Preening realign feathers in their right position so it can perform its function optimally in flight, and as insulator and waterproofing. By removing parasites during preening, birds can avoid being infected by diseases that can negatively affect their survival. In addition, preening is also known to play a part in pair bonding. A bird will rub its beak onto a gland, uropygial gland that secretes an oily substance that is then transferred to the feather as the bird nibbles and strokes their feathers. In addition, the oily substance from the gland contains precursor for vitamin D. When it is exposed to the sunlight, it will convert to vitamin D which will be consumed by the bird while preening.