Deer Mouse Species Poster.

Kiang:

This is a complete new one for me, I never heard of this animal before. It is the largest of the wild asses and it used to be counted as a subspecies of the Onager. However, further studies demonstrated that is a different species. It can be also named as Tibetan Wild Ass, Khyang, or Gorkhar.

There is a different approach to the association of this animal compared to the other asses and is the way that is seen by the people who coexists with them. Never been tamed, this ass is not seen as a stupid animal like other in cultures tend to portray asses. Instead, it is seen as an imposing and graceful animal more likely as a horse, that pasturing gracefully on the Tibetan Plateau. Some travelers even say that the Kiang served as an inspiration for the mythical unicorn.

It can be crossbreed with horses, other asses, donkeys and even zebras, but its offspring will be sterile as mules.

They move in small herds and males are usually solitaries. Sometimes they can group in herds of a several hundreds individuals. This herds don’t last longer and are basically consisting in young males, females and theirs calfs. The only enemy, besides humans, might be the Himalayan Wolf who dare to attack Kiangs if are found alone.

Eastern Kiang: It is the largest of the three subspecies. Inhabits in Qinghai, southeastern Xinjiang,

Southern Kiang: It is the smallest

Western Kiang: It has a darker coat and is slightly smaller than the Eastern Kiang.

There is still missing information to validate the existence of the three subspecies.

PD. My next family will be the camelidae, so if you know about this family or have good pictures of them, you are very welcome to help me with this investigation.

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This one was a total challenge. This tiger got extinct in the 70s, and there are not so many photographs of it, making it hard to draw. Actually, the one I based the pose on was a not-so-common and pixelated photograph of a dissected tiger in a museum that I found on the internet. I had to use various different pictures of tigers for the head, legs, tail, etc., keeping an eye on the characteristic features of the actual Caspian Tiger. Caspian Tiger This tiger was found in the middle east. From Ukraine to Western China. Its extinction began with the colonization of Russia by Turkestan in the late 19th century. Tigers were hunted by sportsmen and military personnel, their habitat was replaced by extensive croplands, and their nature was already vulnerable because of the abrupt of their environment. Until the 20th century, the Russian army cleared predators around settlements or potential agricultural lands. Also, deer and wild pigs (Tiger's prey) in the area was decimated by the increasing human population in the area. There are allegedly some sights of the animal but nothing has been confirmed. I think this is a clear example that every action that we make has an impact on nature. I hope one day we finally learn to live in harmony with what surrounds us. We lost a loved one but imagine how many unknown animals we have lost. Store Instagram ____________________________________________

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The last list of wild boar subspecies. As I mentioned in previous post, this is a large subspecies with 16 validated. Although, there are some debates since some other studies recognise up to 32 subspecies.

Ussuri boar, Korean Boar, Amur Boar, Manchurian Boar It is the largest subspecies of all. Can be found in Eastern China, Ussuri and Amur bay.

Formosan Wild boar, Taiwan Wild Boar When winter comes the Formosan wild boar migrates into lower elevetaion areas. They don’t posses sweat glands therefore roll themselves into muddy wetlands to keep them cool and get rid of parasites. It’s population remain stable.

Trans-Baikal boar, Siberian Wild Boar Can be found in the Lake Baikal region, Transbaikalia, northern and northeastern Mongolia.

Ryukyu boar Can be found in the Ryukyu Islands, in Japan.

Northern Chinese boar, Chinese boar It’s have been found significant variations within this subspecies, which make possible that there are actually four subspecies involved: 

- North Vietnamese wild pigs are raised in Ba Vi , Hanoi - Phu Yen boar is raised at the rare animal farm in Hoa Khanh and Khanh Hoa - Cat Tien  boars are raised on farms in Can Giuoc , Long An and Dong Nai - Binh Phuoc wild boar in the Southeast region

Banded Pig, Indonesian Wild Boar It is the most basal subspecies having the smallest relative brain size, more primitive dentition, and unspecialised cranial structure.Recently, in the context of the taxonomic revision of the Sus scrofa species , some scholars have questioned its alleged close relationship with the wild boar, to the point of considering its classification as a separate species within the genus Sus ( Sus vittatus ) more correct.

Japanese Boar, White-moustached Pig, Inoshishi, Yama Kujira In Japanese culture it is widely seen as a fearsome and reckless animal. Several words in Japanese referring to recklessness include references to boars. Among hunters in Japan, the boar is a source of admiration, and rural people commonly name their sons after the animal.

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Now it’s the time for the less glamorous horse’s cousins, the Ass. An animal that shockingly is doing way worst than horses in terms of conservation and yet this really have had to do the dirty job. While the horse is exhibit proudly as a man companion and sometimes an extension of human’s soul, the Ass, on the other hand is like the one that is better not to be shown and the one in charge of the hardest and dirtiest jobs. Incredibly this obvious disparagement is reflected as well in its quantity due that from the four subspecies that exist, one is extinct and the other two are close to suffer the same fate.

Nonetheless, ass as regarded as stupid animals and are usually portrayed as such, nonetheless is an animal that is close in intelligence to the horse, if not the same. Besides, they are excellent mothers and can defend their offspring furiously. An animal to keep an eye on, to care and value as another really important animal that was crucial in the evolution of humanity. More love for this misunderstood animals, please.

Nubian Wild Ass: Believed extinct in the wild, some estudies of DNA were done to a feral population living in the Caribbean island of Bonaire (Keep in mind that this animal is from Africa) The DNA results were positive as a nearly pure DNA of the believed extinct Actual Nubian Wild Ass. Although further studies need to be done, give a little of hope to the survival of this animal. Somali Wild Ass: The fate of this animal was saved by a project in the Zoo of Basel in Switzerland, that has been able to keep the captive animals in a robust number.

Atlas Wild Ass: Extinct in 300 AD, this animal was used in the roman circus and hunting. It is estrange that many animals with the name “Atlas” on it, has been extinct as we will see further.

Donkey: A new friend to take care of and be grateful.

PD. My next family will be the camelidae, so if you know about this family or have good pictures of them, you are very welcome to help me with this investigation. Thanks! Also, happy new year, more posters in my store: Here 
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Baja California Pronghorn, Peninsular Pronghorn

Pronghorn are very special animals. They are the only animals that have a mixture between antlers and horns. Horns are made of keratin mostly and have only one point. Antlers, on the other hand, are made of bone and shed every year. The horns of the pronghorn are made of both keratin and bone that are shed as antlers, every year.

During the colonization, pronghorns were even more numerous than bison. It is said that their herds get lost on the horizon, they were as vast as the sight could see. It was estimated that more than 100 million pronghorns inhabited North America. However, by 1920 their numbers dropped to 13.000. Today, all five subspecies are endangered and the number of Baja California Pronghorn is estimated at about 150.

I never put much attention to this animal. Somehow, I never found it attractive. Since I am reading about them I think they are amazing. Along with the bison, the pronghorn shaped the evolution of humans in North America, providing food and shelter.

References:

Wikiwand Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens. San Diego Wildlife Alliance

*Photo Reference Credits: Klaus Rudloff

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Long-finned Pilot Whale Globicephala melas melas Family: Delphinidae Genus: Globicephala Conservation Status: Least Concern This whale is not a whale but a large dolphin. Despite the minimal differences between the Short-finned Pilot Whale and this species, they are indeed two distinct species. If that is not perplexing enough, this dolphin also possesses one subspecies—actually two, although one became extinct long ago along the coasts of Japan. In fact, scientists aren't sure that was a subspecies but almost sure. Let's say %93,2 sure. You see, science is consistently regarded as an exact discipline. Consider joining the club here. No money? No problem. Follows, likes and shares will help too. Hasta la vista.

Limited edition mini prints of Panthera species are now available! These 6x9 prints are crafted on ultra-thick, 32pt textured paper—sturdy like a credit card, yet beautifully natural to the touch. A sleek black seam runs through the core, making these prints as bold and powerful as the big cats.

Worldwide shipping¡ Link here

Atlantic White-Sided Dolphin. (Lagenorhynchus acutus) Least Concern. As always, I have enjoyed working with this family. Working with cetaceans is always enjoyable. The most amusing aspect is getting to know them. I must confess that my knowledge about cetaceans was quite limited, extending only to the commonly known dolphins and whales. However, compiling this information has opened my eyes, allowing me to marvel at the hidden wonders of the sea and emphasizing the importance of protecting it. _____________________ Thank you all for your support. If you want to know more about mammals consider joining my club. I post more animals there than the ones I post here, showing the full-body illustration of each animal, explaining the infographic and the illustration process, and how the family is being completed, apart from many other nice stuff. Here is the link: CLUB Another way of supporting me is spreading the word. A like, a follow, or a reblog are very much appreciated. See you next week and thank you.

A new animal was unveiled: the Javan Tiger. This is great news. The Javan Tiger was declared extinct in 2008, and there has been no sight of the animal since 1975. However, a single hair found near a plantation in Java matches 96% with a pelt of a Javan Tiger held in a museum, giving us hope that this population might not be extinct.

More here

Onager is the ass of Asia. However, the biggest difference from the African Wild Ass is that the Asian Ass could never be tamed. They are considerable bigger that its African cousins at about 290 kilos in weight. They are also among the fastest mammals on planet, being able to reach up to 70 Km/h.

The two species, (African and Asian Ass) shared the same ancestor: The Kiang, which will be described later, and which was considered a subspecies of the Onager. Nonetheless, further studies acknowledge as a distinct species.

Five subspecies are recognized. Two of them are close to extinction, other two are threatened and one, unfortunately, is extinct. There is the possibility of another subspecies, The Gobi Khulan but there is still debate on it.

Mongolian Wild Ass: It is the most widespread from all subspecies but has lost about %50 of its former distribution range in just 70 years. It’s main threat is poaching and competition for grassland with livestock.

Turkmenian Kulan: Also called Transcaspian Wild Ass or simply Kulan, the animal has slowly decline in former distribution ranges but its population has increase where it’s been re-introduced such as in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine where they used to inhabit. Also in Israel where th subspecies is making hybrids with Persian wild Onagers.

Persian Onager: Also called the Persian Zebra or Gur, The Persian Onager has been close to extinction. It is highly protected and hunting it is strictly forbidden. Breeding programs in different zoos associations in Europe and North America are keeping hope on this animal. That various spring born in captivity has been returned to its natural environment. Some other new borns in Khar Turan National Park, in Iran (it’s native environment) has been reported.

Indian Wild Ass: Also called Ghudkhur, Khur or Indian Onager. Form barely 300 animals in 1960, strong seizures of protection and adding better resources to its environment such as water holes, by 2004 its population increased to almost 4000. The most recent census in 2015 stated that its population is close to 5000. When you want you can.

Syrian Wild Ass: Known also as Hemippe, Achdari or the Mesopotamian Onager, he couldn’t make it to today. Huge herds used to be seen in the 15th and 16th centuries but its number began to drop precipitously during the next centuries due to overhunting by Europeans. Its existence became uncertain during the World War I (Nothing god from wars) and its last specimen was fatally shot in 1927 near Azraq Oasis in Jordan. The last specimen died the same year, in Vienna.

I had a nice discussion a few day back about subspecies. My friend was arguing that subspecies is silly because some of the differences are just molecular, dental, and barely hard to see. Me, on the other hand, I think subspecies is the first step for a new species to come. The subspecies of one species are found in environments that usually has small variables in between but somehow force the animal to change in order to survive.

These adaptations are what make the animal a subspecies, small changes. However, we all know that the environment is not still and it will eventually change, probably a lot. And if the animal wants to survive that environment, it also has to change, a lot as well. To the point that it might become a new species. So I think subspecies is something very subtle but can be the beginning of a new animal. Interesting isn’t it? Anyway, is just my thoughts from the little I know about the subject. If someone have another approach I’d love to hear it.

PD. My next family will be the camelidae, so if you know about this family or have good pictures of them, you are very welcome to help me with this investigation. 

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