Tag:Margaret Weiss

Howler Monkey Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Howler Monkey 

In Costa Rica’s lush and dense rainforests, amidst the vibrant tapestry of biodiversity, one creature stands out with its unmistakable roar that echoes through the canopy—Costa Rica’s Howler Monkey. These charismatic primates, with their impressive vocalisations and unique social structures, are not just inhabitants of the rainforest. They are its guardians, playing a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of this rich ecosystem. Habitat and Distribution Costa Rica’s howler monkeys are rainforest dwellers. They primarily inhabit the dense upper […]

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The Falkland Island Sea Lion Sea Lion Guardian of the sea

Falkland Islands Sea Lions: Guardians of the Southern Ocean

The Falkland Islands are home to a stunning array of wildlife. Among its most charismatic inhabitants are the sea lions. With their playful nature and graceful movements, these agile marine mammals are vital to the Southern Ocean’s ecosystem. The Falkland Islands provide one of the most important breeding grounds for South American sea lions, making the region critical for their conservation. South American Sea Lion The South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens), also known as the Patagonian sea lion, is […]

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The Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth: A Journey Through the Masai Mara

The Masai Mara, located in southwestern Kenya, is home to one of Earth’s most spectacular wildlife events—the Great Migration. If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing nature at its rawest, this is it!  The greatest wildlife show on earth is the journey through the Masai Mara. Imagine millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles crossing the plains in search of fresh grass, facing predators and obstacles. This epic journey is not just a once-in-a-lifetime experience; it’s an annual natural wonder that attracts visitors […]

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White-faced capuchin monkey

White-faced Capuchin Monkeys: The Clever, Playful, and Curious Primates of the Jungle

The White-faced Capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) are also known as white-headed monkeys. They are a New World Monkey, mainly in Central and South America. There are several species of capuchins, but they all share similar characteristics: a tuft of hair on their heads that resembles the hoods worn by Capuchin friars (hence the name), expressive faces, and a keen sense of curiosity. These monkeys are highly adaptable, and you can find them in various habitats, from dense rainforests to drier, open woodlands.  As […]

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Squirrel Monkey

Squirrel Monkeys: Tiny Treasures of the Jungle

Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri) are small primates native to the forests of Central and South America. They are among the most energetic and social monkey species. They are easily recognised by their bright, expressive faces and agile movements. Despite their small size, squirrel monkeys are packed with personality, making them fascinating subjects for scientists and nature enthusiasts.  Habitat and Distribution Squirrel monkeys are native to the tropical rainforest of  Central and South America, extending from the southern part of Costa Rica to […]

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Lake Eyre, Kati Thanda, outback Australia, William Creek, Oodnatta Track, William Creek Hotel, WrightsAir

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre: Australia’s Largest Salt Lake

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is Australia’s largest Salt Lake and a fascinating natural phenomenon that captivates scientists, tourists, and locals. It is located in one of the driest regions on Earth, in South Australia’s Outback. Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is a spectacular basin that epitomises the Australian landscape’s stark beauty and extreme contradictions. Geography and Formation Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is part of the Lake Eyre Basin, a vast basin covering approximately 1.2 million square kilometres, which equates to nearly one-sixth of the […]

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The Unique Beauty of the New Zealand Pied Shag

New Zealand is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and unique wildlife. Among the many avian inhabitants that grace the shores of this island nation, the New Zealand Pied Shag (kāruhiruhi), also known as a cormorant, stands out as a remarkable and enigmatic species. There are about 36 species of shags worldwide. There are twelve species of Pied Shags found in New Zealand. Eight of these species are endemic to New Zealand. Size The Plumage of New Zealand Pied […]

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Penguins ~ How They Thrive Without Flight, and Their Aquatic Adaptations

Penguins are one of the most fascinating and unique species in the world. They are known for their adorable waddling walk and ability to swim gracefully through the icy waters of the Antarctic and the Southern Hemisphere. However, many people are unaware of the penguin’s aquatic adaptations and don’t know that penguins were once capable of flying at one point in their evolutionary history. The Evolution The evolution of penguins can be traced back around 60 million years ago, during […]

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Majestic Giants of the Southern Seas: Southern Elephant Seals

Southern Elephant Seals (Mirounga leonina) are an extraordinary marine mammal that captivates scientists and nature enthusiasts. Hence, with their enormous size, distinct features, and unique behaviours, these seals are true giants of the oceans. Found primarily in the Southern Hemisphere, these seals are the largest seals on Earth. In addition, they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.  Appearance Southern Elephant Seals are the largest seals on Earth.  Adult males reach lengths of up to 6 metres and […]

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Fortuna Bay: A Wildlife Wonderland at the Edge of the World

Nestled on the rugged and remote island of South Georgia, Fortuna Bay is a testament to the untamed beauty of the Antarctic region. Towering peaks and glaciers surround this pristine bay. Moreover, it has become a destination for intrepid adventurers seeking unique and awe-inspiring experiences. South Georgia Island is only accessible by sea. The journey from the Falkland Islands takes approximately four days and nights across the tumultuous Southern Ocean on a ship. Furthermore, visiting South Georgia is not for […]

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Stromness  Harbour ~ the whaling station that saved Shackleton and his men.

Stromness Harbour’s history is intertwined with the remarkable expeditions of the early 20th century. It was established as a whaling station in 1912. In addition, the settlement was a vital hub for the British Antarctic Expedition led by Sir Ernest Shackleton. After an arduous journey across the treacherous Southern Ocean, Shackleton arrived at Stromness in 1916. Furthermore, the local people at the Stromness Harbour whaling station saved Shackleton and his men. This marked the end of Shackleton and his men’s […]

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Grytviken: The Charming Capital of South Georgia Islands

Grytviken, South Georgia is a testament to human perseverance and the relentless pursuit of resources in one of the world’s most unforgiving environments. Given that it was once a thriving whaling station, Grytviken has transformed into a unique blend of history, wildlife, and natural beauty.  Location Grytviken is located on the sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia. South Georgia is a remote island in the southern Atlantic Ocean, about 1,400 kilometres east-southeast of the Falkland Islands. In addition, the island is […]

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(c) Margaret Weiss 2020